A easy read. An Interesting concept of taking an ancient mystery and updating it in modern Australia.A mother and her mid aged daughter move to a coastal town north of Sydney. A girl appears nearby claiming to have escaped from captivity. Not from a man but from a mid aged women who also has a dementia afflicted mother. Is it true? Lots of twists and turns and one cannot help but enjoy the character of Mary, the mother with Dementia.

An Accusation is the story of Ellie who accuses Suzannah of holding her against her will for a month. Suzannah is baffled as to why Ellie would accuse her of this. What reason could Suzannah have to hold a teenager in her basement?
I struggled with this book mostly because I did not feel any connection to the characters. I found myself skimming just to get to the end. The ending did redeem the book somewhat. Suzannah's mother Mary who has dementia added some comic relief too. Overall, not the book for me, but others have loved it so don't let my feelings stop you from reading this book.

Suzannah is the new caregiver for her mother, Mary who suffers from dementia as well as a drama teacher who is new to her area. At the same time a young girl, Ellie, goes missing and manages to escape her abductors - a middle-aged woman and her insane mother. Soon Suzannah is arrested due to the girl's accusations and a wealth of DNA evidence found on her property. Is she guilty of the unimaginable - kidnapping of a teenager?

While the storyline was different from any other I had read I still did not feel drawn to the characters or care about them. It was interesting to watch the path the author went down to cover the plot twist, I just didn't feel attached to the story and only finished it for the sake of finishing it.

An Accusation, the latest release by Wendy James, is a well-paced psychological mystery involving the disappearance of a teenage girl and the teacher accused of the holding her captive. Suzannah, a former child star now living a quiet life as a drama teacher, is shocked when local investigators accuse her in the disappearance of Ellie. Ellie is a foster child who has just aged out of the system; beautiful and fragile she becomes an overnight media sensation when she is discovered alive. Investigators and the media discover some interesting and possibly disturbing events form Suzannah's past which cause even those closest to her to start to doubt her innocence. By why would Ellie accuse Suzannah? You'll want to pick up this novel to find out the truth underneath it all.

This was my first Wendy James novel and will not be my last; the story is told from different timelines and perspectives and causes the reader to begin to doubt every character. James weaves the storyline together into a startling realization and conclusion. Based on a real-life case that the writer discusses at the end An Accusation is one you won't forget!

Ellie Canning was abducted, but she lived to tell the tale. And tell it she does, supported by local lawyer Honor. Ellie claims she was abducted by former TV star Suzannah, and she has proof of her harrowing ordeal. But Suzannah denies all the charges. What's the real truth behind this explosive accusation?

This book is based on the real-life Canning affair, and the premise is a solid one. Unfortunately, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that there are really only two possibilities for how things will turn out. This predictability knocked it down to a 3-star read for me.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for providing an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Suzannah was a TV star in the popular Australian soap opera Beachlife when in her early 20s. But now, in her 40s, those days are far behind her and she is the drama teacher in small community. She also has the unenviable job of taking care of her mother, now suffering from something akin to dementia. Even though her mother was largely absent from Suzannah's life (her mother purports to have been living an exciting life amidst famous musicians), Suzannah still devotes much of her life caring for her. But Suzannah's life in completely upended when a young woman, Ellie Canning, comes forward and alleges that she was kidnapped by Suzannah and held for weeks in her basement. And everyone believes her. AN ACCUSATION is a real page turner, with well developed characters and a plot that is completely captivating. Great read!

I have not heard of the Canning case before and found this to be an interesting book, with just enough twists to keep you turning the page. I enjoyed it thoroughly and found myself looking into the real life case afterwards. I would recommend this

This is based on facts from an 18th century incident. I enjoyed this one even though i had an idea how it would turn out,

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

I found "An Accusation" by Wendy James to be an intriguing, though sometimes confusing, book. The story, the mystery, the trying to figure out "what actually happened here" was very good and it kept my interest in the book. I did, however, find the back and forth between the past and the present to be a little confusing at times. I would not let that sway you from getting this book if you are interested though. It was a great thriller and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery.

There is no better way to say this - I simply loved The Accusation by Wendy James. While the words may seem clichéd and over-used, this was one mind-blowing page-turner.

The plot is set in Australia; 46-year old washed out actress and local school drama teacher Suzannah Wells and her mother Mary have been accused by 18 year old Ellie Canning of kidnapping her and keeping her locked in their basement for a month. Ellie's accusations, the alarming accuracy with which she describes Suzannah's basement and the DNA evidence found there makes no sense whatsoever to Suzannah as she is positive she has never seen Ellie in her life before. As Ellie becomes a nationwide symbol of empowerment for young girls, Suzannah struggles to prove her innocence or risk facing jail time.

The author's technique of jumping right into the case at the beginning of the story rather than drawing it out, was absolutely effective in keeping my attention riveted. The slow build in tension through the alternate POVs, flashes between the present and the past and the documentary transcripts kept the storyline taut with suspense. While the characters of Suzannah, Chip and Honor are well-written and Ellie is portrayed well as a survivor, it is the dementia-addled Mary who stands out. The fact that it is her innocent statement that brings a turnabout in the case is also a surprise. The story also throws light at the fact that in this age of Internet and social media nothing ever truly stays hidden.

This was a brilliant plot for which I would have gladly given more stars if it was possible. Highly recommend this book.

A big thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Imagine having an accusation leveled at you that is so preposterous and ridiculous that no one could possible believe it's true. Now imagine that the evidence of the the crime is irrefutable. Evidence found in your own home. How can this be?

This is what happens to Suzanna Wells. One day she is a drama teacher at a small school, living with and caring for her elderly mother that suffers from dementia until the police come knocking.

Ellie Canning was found on the side of road not far from Suzanna's house. She was shivering, alone, and barely conscience when she was discovered. She claims she was held in the basement of a home by a woman and her mad mother for a month until she was finally able to escape.

Ellie becomes a media darling virtually overnight. Every news agency and media source wants a piece of her. She is a beautiful and smart young woman that grew up in foster care and has become a source of inspiration to people far and wide.

Suzanna's life, on the other hand, has ceased to be. She is let go from her teaching job and her friends and co-workers turn their back on her. The internet, such as it is, is a place of rage and vitriol all aimed at Suzanna and her mother. Unfavorable stories from her youth are spread far and wide though the internet making her look unhinged and guilty. Stunned, she can only sit back and wait for the trial.

Who is lying and who is telling the truth? You'll have to read this to find out.

What a page turner. I'll admit I did know the direction this book was heading in but that didn't take away from the story for me because I wanted to know all of it. The why and the how. I was not disappointed. This is a fictional account of a true story, The Canning Affair, from 1753 - which I just read up on after closing the final page of this book. A fascinating mystery to be sure but don't read about that until after you've read this. 4 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my digital ARC.

This book is based on the Canning Affair. It is an 18th century mystery that has not been solved per the authors note at the end of the book.

The story takes place is Australia and is about an 18 year old girl that is found after missing for a month. She accuses a woman and knows details only she and the woman would know. The problem is the woman denies any involvement.

The story is told from the accursed woman, Suzanne, her friend, Honor, and the victim, Ellie. I love books told from multiple POV’s because I have a much better sense of the story.

The ending of the book is the best part because it is completely unexpected. The rest of the book focuses mostly on Suzanne and Honor separately but outside of Ellie’s accusations. I felt the middle of the book could have been a separate book as the ending contained the most valuable storyline in my opinion.

This is a great rewrite of a true story that happened in the eighteenth century. This contemporary version has all the elements of a great suspense story. I like the different pov from the two main characters and there is a bit of a twist at the end. This is a solid read that I highly recommend.
Thanks to Net Galley for allowing me to read this arc for my honest review.

Wow...this book called The Accusation was actually based on a true case from 1753. I love books that are based on something that occurred in real life.

Ellie is just 18 years old when one day she's found stumbling and confused but claiming that she'd been help hostage by two women. Kind of unusual, but there was a deep dark secret about to unfold as the reader continues to the end.

I can't say that I'm easily shocked, so I don't like using that word but I was definitely taken aback by the end of the story. There was so much in this story, and it questionable whether or not Ellie was telling the truth, if the women accused really did it, and if not why would she accuse them?

Rather unique, definitely somewhat dark and twisted...I love it!

I'd like to thank Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for a free e-book in exchange for my honest opinion.

#AnAccusation #NetGalley

This one took me a little while to get into, but then it took off and I couldn't put it down! Told from several POV's, there are two sides, the supposed kidnapee and the supposed kidnapper in this twisty little tale. I enjoyed watching so many new clues popping out during the trial and didn't want to stop reading! The author did an excellent job of keeping me flipping back and forth on what to believe.! I guess it is based on The Canning Affair, which I had never heard of before, but quickly Googled! Very interesting! I would definitely read more from this author!
Thank you to NetGalley, Wendy James and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC!

"An Accusation" is a solid thriller with an intriguing plot, even if it is quite predictable in the end. Almost all of the characters are complex and interesting, with Suzannah's mother Mary definitely being the outstanding one. She stole every scene she was in and I thorougly enjoyed my time with her. I really liked the writing too. The book managed to get me hooked easily and I read it in a single sitting.
I did find the ending a little lacking, mostly because it felt like a new reveal and a new twist was thrown at the reader basically in every chapter. And some of the actions of the characters didn't make a lot of sense to me either.
But still, this is a solid read and clever pageturner!

It hooked me in the first few paragraphs and didn’t let me go until I had read the entire thing in one sitting. I will definitely read more of this author.
An interesting novel that takes a bit to get into and isn't super engaging but overall a good read. Was interesting that its based on an 18th century 'Canning Affair.

An eighteen year old girl is found on the side of the road with a bizarre tale of being kidnapped and imprisoned for several days. And when she identifies her abductor, a small community is rocked. The Accusation is an aptly named thriller that moves quickly along, with interesting characters and a likable protagonist. Told in alternating chapters from different POV, this is an entertaining read that’ll keep you guessing.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through @NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

ooh what a horribly twisty little mystery. I loved the underlying menace through the whole story. A young woman is found stumbling along country roads with a fantastical tale - she'd been abducted by two older women and held hostage.

The whole story is fast paced and a complete race. Of course, the person named as "who done it" is our main character. And the person to help the girl - our other Main character. Watching the two sides unfold and the evidence and testimony and trial - it was impossible to stop reading. Absolutely heart-pounding and unputdownable.

The author's note at the end, I'd never heard of the tale this is fashioned after and I spent no time pausing to look it up to see that one too. Well written, fast paced - I absolutely loved this one!

"An Accusation" is a fantastic and complex thriller!

Wendy James does a perfect job with the multiple narrative perspectives to this book - and she manages to keep the reader guessing right up until the end.

While I did find the ending a bit rushed, I still loved this book and will be checking out more of James' books soon!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to enjoy this one!