I almost passed this one by, when I saw the title I kinda thought ‘oh another one’ but never judge a book by a cover eh as it turned out to be a good read 
Yes there’s a Mistress ( obv’s ) and yes a wife and yes a narcissistic vile husband/lover but what actually happens to this unhappy threesome is taut, exciting and original
All 3 work in a School and I loved the realism of the ‘extra’s’ and the way they were portrayed and the acidic vibe of the staff room, much more a reality than what a lot of us imagine I bet
The Mistress’s utter adoration for her lover almost made me wince with a mixture of pain, sympathy and a tinge of ridicule for her but you could feel her devotion to this man and when he threw her aside her devastation was laid bare for us all to see
But you know the saying, ‘a woman scorned’....well this applies to the wife in this book, and I cant say anymore as will give it away.....
I guessed some of what was going to happen but that didn’t matter, if anything it built the book up and I was keen to see if I was right and how it would play out
And play out it did, a wonderful ending that brought together everything and left me, who reads a few 😁psychological thrillers satisfied, pleased I gave this book a chance and even more pleased it surpassed expectations
9/10
5 Stars

4.5 Stars!!

I was a little hesitant to pick this one up, as I wasn't a huge fan of "The First Wife", but The Mistress had me enthralled from page one!

The first half of this book is told from the perspective of the mistress, while the second half is told from the perspective of the wife. One night, Ralph, our philandering man, summons the mistress to his home to end things with her, once and for all.....and she accidentally kills him! While the mistress is beside herself, trying to figure out what to do, in walks Ralph's wife. WHAT?!?! 

This story is rich and well written and will have you turning the pages for more. It will also having you questioning yourself.....do you root for the mistress whose mental state is fleeting due to the guilt or the poor wife who dutifully loved her husband and cared for their child?

Do yourself a favor and pick up the juicy, drama filled fun read!

A special thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Jill Childs for providing me with an ARC.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

This is a new author to me
I absolutely loved this 

I loved how dark and twisty turny this was 

The ending left a little open  - I soooo hope there is a sequel in the works - it would work really well

A great page turner

I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Mistress’ by Jill Childs in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Laura is a quietly spoken drably-dressed schoolteacher and when handsome poetry-writing Ralph invites her for a drink she can’t believe that someone as charismatic as him would choose her to have an affair with.  She falls in love with him but as soon as he has her under his spell he tells her their affair has to end and invites her to his house for a final tryst while his wife’s out.  They argue, Laura accidently pushes him, he falls down a flight of stairs into the cellar and dies.  She didn’t intend killing him, but what can she do with his body?  

‘The Mistress’ is the compelling story of a man, his wife and his mistress, and the consequences of his cheating and lies.  The story is told in two parts, the first by Laura who falls for Ralph hook, line and sinker, and the second by his wife Helen who despite his lying will do anything to support her husband.  It’s a beautifully-written roller-coaster of a novel with a plot that I wasn’t anticipating and a conclusion that was completely unexpected.  This is a brilliant novel, gripping and unmissable, and well worth its five stars!

Laura found herself drawn into an affair. Rather plain, not very popular, but this schoolteacher found herself drawn to another teacher, Ralph. So, they have an affair, and everything goes wrong. Dangerous even. Ralph was a husband and a father, and in the blink of an eye, tragedy happens. How is it that Ralph asks Laura to go to is home, with his daughter Anna sleeping upstairs, and things could go so terribly wrong?

Well, this may seem like a spoiler, but what happens is very, very early in the book, so I am going to go ahead and say it. Ralph dies and next thing you know both Laura and Ralph's wife Helen are covering it up. This begs the question: why? How did Ralph die and why did the two women - who should be enemies - choose to cover it up?

If you go and read the blurb you might scratch your head as I did. But then, as I read the book it became very clear when it comes to assuming Ralph's character. There were things about him that will come up in the story, because even though he does not have a point of view in this story, it soon becomes easy to see what type of man he was.

As the story develops, it is told in first person by Laura. How the affair began and how the investigation into his death is relayed. All this is done in quite a dramatic fashion, proving that this book is an excellent domestic thriller with secrets and lies on more than one level.

Jill Childs has done a fabulous job with this book. I loved being misled by the blurb as well as the instant shock of Ralph's death early on. This gave me the opportunity to delve into it so that I could see the man behind the man when it came to Ralph, but also while learning about Laura. What is more is that whatever was going on inside of Ralph's home and family was explored. What is very interesting is that the point of view changes partway into the book, so that raised my interest in this book that much more.

For an excellent read, one that I certainly could not put down, even for a minute, I highly recommend The Mistress. This book showcases the excellent writing skills as well as character development by Childs. I love that the reveal happened early, while the book still had elements to keep me guessing.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Laura has an affair with Ralf Wilson wh is an English teacher. He's married to Helen. Laura is a teacher at the same school as Ralf. She was not aware that he was married. 

The first half of the book the pace is slow but it picks up in the second half. Its told from the wife, Helen and and the mistree, Laurs's points of view. The characters are well developed. Just when you think you've got it all worked out, something will happen to change your mind. The ending is unexpected. Ralf had tried to break his relationship with Laura but he also knows the right buttons to push. There were parts of this story that I found myself questioning. 

I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #JillChilds for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A dark, twisted portrayal of a relationship where one person loves more.

Naive Laura falls in love with Ralph before discovering he is married.  Then, she discovers a terrible secret.

The book begins with the death of Ralph and the fallout that ensues.  The story is told from the POV of Laura Dixon and Ralph’s wife, Helen.  It follows the two as they deal with the aftermath, while disclosing events of the past.  It reveals how easily one with a mental illness, even a minor one, can be manipulate.  It touches upon the cruelty of others.

The suspense carries to the last page, literally.  A sequel is hinted at here.  Throughout, I wanted to shake Laura, slap Helen and punch Ralph.  Such emotions were caused by these unlikable characters.


I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley.  This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book.  I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me the ARC!

Laura Dixon is a teacher at the elementary school and is having an affair with a fellow teacher, Ralph Wilson. However, Ralph Wilson is married with a child. Then one day, during a confrontation at Ralph's house, Laura accidentally pushes Ralph and he falls down the stairs and then dies. His wife, Helen witnessed the event and together, they wrap Ralph's body and dump in the lake behind a boathouse away from the house. Laura seems to be fidgety with the situation. Then the police starts investigating Ralph's missing case and Laura is feeling frightened and anxious and at the same, she feels that someone is stalking her and that Ralph seems to be haunting her around...

OK, the plotline was great! First part of the story begins with Laura's perceptive and the second part of the story, towards the middle is Helen, Ralph's wife's perspective. Both women recount how they met Ralph and in Laura's case, how her life changed when she started her affair with Ralph and in Helen how her life changed when she married Ralph. It's actually interesting to read from both women's point of view, so as a reader, we would know what the characters think. Laura is a very vulnerable and unreliable character and so as you read through her point of view, you would think if she is delusional or making things up in her mind about seeing a dead person around. Helen on the other hand suspects that besides her husband's affair with Laura, he was hiding something.  The police were only discreetly involved so I like how the story mainly focused on Laura and Helen. I do like thrillers where the police is only discreetly involved. The writing was great--the author did a good job of bringing out the story. There were so many unexpected twists and turns that the ending was so unexpected that I couldn't even believe it! In other words the ending was great! This book is fast paced as well, which is why I really enjoyed reading the book.

As the synopsis says, this book does seem to be similar to Big Little Lies and Gone Girl, for those who have read the books. An unputdownable thriller that will make you as a reader to want to know more, a roller coaster ride filled with twists and turns that you didn't want to miss! Truly enjoyed reading the book! This is the first book I have read from this author and in future I will look forward to read more of her books!

If you enjoy a twisty thriller that focuses on friendship, infidelity and trust then this is a great choice.
School teacher Laura is a quiet unassuming young lady who lives a quiet life and enjoys her job. She meets and falls for fellow teacher, charismatic and very marries Ralph. 
The story is told by Laura initially and shows how she becomes infatuated with Ralph long after he seems to have become disinterested in her and the lengths that the obsession she has with him goes. Part one finishes with a meeting between Laura and Ralph’s wife, Helen which has disastrous consequences.
Helen tells of life without Ralph and the story unfolds as Laura’s life falls apart once Ralph has disappeared. 
The characters are well written but I felt no empathy for any of them and almost disgust at the behaviour of Ralph. They told the story well though and I enjoyed the private detective angle and the unexpected twist at the end.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. 3.5/4 stars 🌟

Wow absolutely loved this , couldn’t put it down. Full of suspense and couldn’t wait to find out if the husband was dead or not . Great that the action started right from the start , really threw you in the deep end . Unsuspecting twist at the end . I’ve read Jill Child’s books before and this one doesn’t disappoint either. 5 star

The Mistress by Jill Childs is a must read for fans of Gone Girl and Big Little Lies.

“Everything’s got a price. Even friendship. Don’t make that mistake.”

Laura is having a Romeo and Juliet affair with Ralph. When Ralph dies, Laura and Ralph’s wife, Helen covers it up. From school gossip and looking back at their relationship, Laura starts to wonder how well she actually knew Ralph. Laura is alone trying to figure out what is going on. She is trying to turn to the one person that understands.

Throughout the book everyone is discovering more about Ralph. Ralph is an awful person but such a wonderful character. Every time I thought I had Ralph figured out, more lies were uncovered. Most of the characters I felt that way about where I wanted to learn so much about them as characters, but everything I learned made me like them less. Laura is a grown woman, having an affair with a married man hoping and expecting him to leave his wife.  She is needy and clingy around Ralph. Helen is probably the most interesting character to me. It is unclear what her motivations are until farther in the book. Bea is a loyal friend and the only character I actually liked as a person other than the children.

I really enjoyed the mistress.  There are so many lies and deceptions.  Everyone is covering up so much. Nobody really knows who to trust and if their lies will be uncovered. Everyone has their own plans, secrets and purposes. The Mistress includes cheating, child abuse, stalking, manipulation and so many secrets.

The first part of the book is through Laura’s point of view. Laura is very confused and trying to figure out what is going on.  I was very concerned where I thought the story was leading near the end of this section and I am so glad I was wrong.  The second part of the book is through a different character’s perspective and explains a lot more about Ralph and his past.

Some of the smaller plot twists and revelations I figured out before they were revealed, but the main plot I didn’t figure out until Childs revealed it.  I thought the ending and all the twists fit perfectly with the story.

I recommend The Mistress to thriller fans.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for The Mistress.

Not sure of the publisher, but it was a book I requested on Netgalley. Thank you to them.

Lauren, an introverted teacher, of lower level grades, mostly kept to herself. Until Ralph, who taught upper levels, showed an interest in her. Even after she found out he was married and had a daughter, Lauren couldn’t dowse her feelings for him. So she became his mistress.

She was a clingy thing, always asking for more than he would give, and secretly hoping he would leave his wife. Instead he broke it off with Lauren.

The breakup didn’t go well. So, when he invited Lauren to his home, he knew she wouldn’t be able to turn him down.

That’s where the fun begins and the entanglements start. Childs spins you around with her dialogue and the changing roles her characters play. Who is sending those mysterious emails to Lauren? Who has been in her flat?

With each page, more terror plagues Lauren until she can’t take it anymore. 

This is one of those books you won’t soon forget. Is the ending a trick or fodder for a sequel?

BLOG TOUR REVIEW 

Review for 'The Mistress' by Jill Childs 

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous 

Publication date 14th September 2020

This is the first book that I have read by this author. 

I was originally drawn to this book by  its colourful cover and intriguing blurb. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture  that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of 55 chapters which are short in length so ideal to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case! 

This book is written in first person perspective and the protagonists are Laura in part one and Helen in part two. I enjoy books written in first person perspective as you get to know the person more and it feels like they are talking directly to you. In this case there are two protagonists which makes it even better as you can see things from both points of view. 

This book is based in in the UK. I love books set in the UK as I live in Wales, UK and sometimes I have been to the places so can picture them better. 

This book was very well written with a suspense filled storyline and in depth descriptions that really drew me in. I loved how it flitted from past to present to give the bigger picture while doing it smoothly without confusion. 

I really enjoyed reading from both Helen and Laura's perspectives and seeing an affair from both sides of the story, well both females involved. Both characters were quite strong but Helen was definitely the strongest in character and personality. I actually felt sorry for Laura by the end which I would never have guessed I would at the beginning as I actively disliked her. This shows the talent the author has to get you to show empathy for both characters. 

The storyline is fast paced and kept me turning the pages until late at night. I thought I knew what was coming, in a way I suppose I wasn't surprised by a certain event but the finalé definitely was not what I was expecting! What a bang that ended on and I must say what a cliffhanger!!!! 

This would look amazing as a film if done right and I am definitely looking forward to reading more books by this very talented, now top 10 author!!! 

Overall a fantastic psychological thriller that will grip you in suspense from beginning to end!! 

Genres covered include Psychological Fiction, Mystery, Domestic Thriller. 

I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of 'Ginger Girl' and a good read in general. 

293 pages.

This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!! 

Rated 5 /5 (I loved it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook. 

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This is a very fresh story but very twisted and certainly takes revenge to an extreme. I raced my way through this, I wished I’d started it earlier in the day as I went to bed wondering how the story would progress. I found the start very unusual but it added to the psychological pressure and unfolded well.

Since I’ve finished this book I have had a chance to reflect and really think about how I felt about the book and I still can’t decide. 
I know I didn’t dislike it as whilst I was reading it I couldn’t put it down but, for me, it didn’t finish on a high.
I like book that I’m disappointed to finish or books that end with a twist but this book had none of that. I can’t work out if the ending was predictable or stupid. 

This book starts with the death of Laura’s boyfriend Ralph. The married man she had fallen in love with and the book is then told mainly from her point of view until the last 25% of the book where it’s told by Helen, Ralph’s wife. Both in real time and flashbacks. As the reader we set to find out how Ralph and Laura’s disfunctional, adulterous relationship started and progressed.
I think I found the book a bit a bit flat was because I didn’t particularly like any of the characters. Ralph was like any other senior school teacher we can all remember, a bit strange looking, dresses funny, always quoting poets or Shakespeare. Laura was an innocent, naive primary school teacher who was shown a bit of attention whilst she was reeling from a break up. Helen is the long suffering wife who goes to PTA meetings. I struggled to relate to any of them and I think that’s why this book fell short for me.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dark, twisty compulsive read that will leave you on the edge of your seat wanting to find out what is going to happen. I couldn't read fast enough. excellent!

Wow such a dark, twisty unpredictable read! Kept me on the edge of my seat with a totally unexpected ending!
The subject of infidelity is central to this read, a real domestic thriller with underlying deceit and danger added to the mix!
Ralph married to Helen but having an affair with timid quiet schoolteacher Laura is a complex conniving liar and cheat who schemes and plots with far reaching consequences! poor Laura is caught up in a tangled web and has to live her life wracked with guilt and remorse.Helen on the other hand isn’t the poor wronged downtrodden wife but complicent with Ralph and also working to her own agenda!
A really addictive, compulsive read that will keep you guessing!
Thank you net galley for this early read.

5* Paranoid Stars

From the first chapter you know that this is going to be a thrilling journey and I was hooked immediately struggling to put the book down. We are introduced to Laura, the softly spoken schoolteacher and mistress to the popular poet and schoolteacher Ralph where she has pushed him down the cellar stairs at his home and left him for dead. When his wife returns home earlier than expected and witnesses the scene, she takes control and together they dispose of the body to make it appear that he has gone “missing”. 

The story is split into 2 parts, the first is Laura’s POV and her journey to becoming Ralph’s mistress and what lead her to pushing him down the stairs. In the second part of the book we get Ralph’s wife Helens POV, how she met her husband and the feelings she has for him despite his infidelities.

The book was full of surprises and just when you thought you had everything figured out nothing is as it seems, the twists and turns will have you holding your breathe.

This was my first read by the author and it was a fantastic unputdownable read.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

2 stars

The plot of this story was very intriguing but I thought the execution was a bit off. The writing felt immature to me. Every character in this book was extremely unlikable and the ending left something to be desired. This was not a satisfying read for me.

The Mistress by Jill Childs is a fantastic domestic suspense thriller that had me engrossed from the very first page. It is told from two points of view which I really liked.   I loved the pace of the story and I highly recommend for fans of domestic thrillers.