This is a psychological thriller. The main character is an unreliable narrator
The book is filled with tension. The writing feels a bit flat at times
The ending was a bit too convenient

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Thank you Little Brown Book Group and Netgalley, I was really not sure about this.
It seemed to throw everything possible at the storyline and just didn't gel for me. I tried twice to read this and on the 2nd attempt did finish, but something was just not right.

This book follows concerned mum Georgina whose young son Cody has started talking about 'New Granny' which scares her as after the loss of her mother, Cody has no living grandmothers. Her husband Bren tells her not to worry and that this imaginary friend will just be a coping mechanism for him but that doesn't explain the sweets from 'New Granny' or the strange calls to the house. Is Georgina losing her mind or is somebody actually talking to her son?

This story was so addictive I read it in two sittings. It has a very easy writing style and so much creepy goings on I was so hooked trying to figure out what was going on. I would highly recommend to thriller lovers.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a digital ARC in return for an honest review

𝙃𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙡 𝙍𝙮𝙖𝙣

This was one of those books that are just easy to read. Gripping, emotionally investing and a real page turner. I was so intrigued by the synopsis and it completely lived up to the creepy expectations I went into the book with. I’m not yet a parent but I think I can safely say having your child start telling you about a creepy old woman friend who nobody else can see, is everyone’s worst fear.

You can really feel the emotions in this book and I think that’s what made it such an enjoyable read for me. You experience the chilling goosebumps as Cody tells tales of his new friend, the terror of his mum and the despair she feels in not knowing how to deal with this, these emotions were all so well written, I found myself either jumping at every sound in the house or in tears- the ending scene was just overwhelming.

I spent my entire day reading this instead of sleeping for my night shift and for me that’s the sign of a great book. This also covers the really important topic of postpartum psychosis which I think is a lesser spoken about subject and I think this was depicted well to raise awareness and covered sensitively.

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (4/5)

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 + 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂!

Very strange story that literally threw every possible plot point into the mix which worked to create quite possibly the most bizarre book I've ever read. I'm still not sure if I even enjoyed it so its a 3 star review from me.

I devoured this book.
Wow
My boyfriend works nights and I often struggle to sleep when he is not there. I tend to read books in bed to try and make me tired and eventually drift off
This book achieved the complete opposite.
It made me stay up until the early hours of the morning as I had to finish it
It was utterly gripping.

Georgina was my favourite character in this book

The actual premise for this book is chilling. However; it ks also an emotional read.

The book was pacy and tense and an easy read

I was so excited to receive a copy of this Irish author's debut novel!

Georgina's 7 year old, Cody, has met a new friend at the park - exciting for Cody right? Wrong. His new friend is imaginary, and he calls her "New Granny". This would creep me out so much, especially as Cody's grandmother Rose, has not long passed. I would definitely be thinking that this is just too weird. His dad fobs this off, it is normal for little boys to have imaginary friends, maybe this is just his way of coping with grief.

We are thrown into a world of wonder - is someone following Georgina? Has someone been in their home? The suspense is real when reading this book. you won't know if you are coming or going! You won't know what to believe...

Thank you to Netgalley and to Little Brown Book Company for providing me with this ARC

Nothing is what it seems in this book. You start by thinking that the child is imagining things, but soon things start getting clear, but I still didn't expect the ending at all. It was a thrilling read, and is highly recommended.
TB

Cody, Georgina's seven-year-old son has a new friend that he met in the park whom he refers to as 'New Granny'. He has had imaginary friends in the past and Bren, Georgina's husband thinks that 'New Granny' is another one so he's unconcerned. Georgina, however, is not convinced and isn't sure what to believe. Her own mum, Rose, died only a few weeks ago so Cody could be trying to deal with his loss of Grandmother Rose, or could it be that someone is lurking in the shadows, watching?

The story follows Georgina as she goes about her busy life trying to fit into her days looking after Cody, her studying and her work as well as being a wife to Bren. One year away from qualifying as a teacher she works part-time in a bookshop. Bren works for a tech company and has a master's in psychology. As Georgina worries for Cody's safety, those around her begin to question her sanity, even Georgina herself. Rachel Ryan's character creation is very strong in this novel, the writing crisp and inciting. As the creative plot unfolds a deep sense of eeriness takes root and remains until the final pages. Hidden Lies is a compelling whodunit that flows well, with a surprising ending, all delightfully presented in a neat package. A promising début from Rachel Ryan.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Little, Brown Book Group UK/ Piatkus via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

I enjoyed this book. The storyline was well written & the characters developed well. The ending was a little odd. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read it.

This book was amazing! A brilliant twist on the ordinary theme of a child having imaginary friend. I loved the way that the story kept changing, so that the reader thinks they know what’s going to happen, but what happens is something completely different. The ending was another twist in the story too. Highly recommended and will look out for more from this author.

Rachel Ryan's debut is a psychological thriller set in Dublin that follows protagonist Georgina who is juggling a busy life and grieving for her mother who recently died. In the aftermath of her mother's death Georgina's son Cody mentions meetings with someone he calls 'new granny'. Is this an imaginary friend and Cody's way of coping with the death of his grandmother or are Georgina and her family being watched and stalked ? I raced through this short, gripping thriller in two sittings and really could not guess at the outcome. It is a promising and original debut which covers grief, mental health and issues from Ireland's recent history. I would highly recommend.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC

Normally I am huge fan of a psychological thriller, especially when the intimidating force is something we are left guessing at and eagerly anticipating a reveal of. This is a story of Georgina who is concerned about her son’s new imaginary friend, namely, “New Granny.” She begins to question whether this is manifested from grief over losing his grandmother, or if there is something sinister going on. Georgina begins to question Cody's safety, and the actions of those around her - despite reassurances from her husband, and father, she is still worried there is something untoward about the imaginary friend, chocolate gifts, and the telephone calls that her son simply says are part of a game.

Juggling family, work, college and grief, it was interesting to see Georgina deduce the events surrounding New Granny, but the complications in her marriage took precedent over the plot, which made it feel a little disjointed and unclear. At times the writing in this was a little gimmicky and predictable, and whilst the premise is intriguing there is not enough suspense or tension built in order to pack the desired punch. I was left underwhelmed by the neat ending too, and wanted something grittier and more concrete or devastating.

*Thanks to Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group for my review copy

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for the opportunity to read this book. It was definitely intense. Rachel Ryan has a skill for keeping the suspense throughout the book which made it a super quick read. It kept me on my toes throughout. It has well developed characters, creativity to the plot, it flows really well and a ‘whodunit’ but with so many possible outcomes. I can’t wait to see what else she does.

My kids have imaginary friends, don't all kids? What if you suspected that their imaginary friend was real?
The concept for this book was really good and quite original and I flew through it in a couple of days.
You're constantly wondering what's real and what is in Georgina's head. You want to trust her but with everyone else throwing doubt over her sanity you can't help but question her stability.
I far preferred the second half of the book to the first, I felt that the tension could have been higher in the first half., I never really felt a fear. I wanted chills down my spine and that didn't happen. However, the second half did definitely have a lot more tension and there were moments when I actually feared the worst.
For a first novel this was very good and I'll be interested to see what Rachel Ryan releases in the future.

Hidden lies
By Racheal Ryan
Pub date jan 14 2021
Well I was impressed this book scared me made me think about it such a gripping haunting read you hooked from the start till the end page it didn’t take me long two read like 2 and a bit days I loved it so much the story chapters were short so the story was fast paste I didn’t want it two end I didn’t expect that two happen. Every chapter there a new twist so every chapter there was a new secret new game that every chapter started on a new game and quest. I felt sorry for Georgina like her mind was playing tricks and Cody was teasing her with haunting games and the secrets she finds out with Bren and Georgina wants Bren two believe her and he trying hard two Georgina character was wounded full I felt sorry for her sometimes with different scenes in the book.Cody character was great he was just having fun with the games and Bren character had loads of dark secrets overall I loved it a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read from me the cover is beautiful. I hope I get two read more by this author I love her writing style. Rachael Ryan.

This was a good story but not one that I would describe as gripping. The ending wasn't what I expected but. worth a read

Hidden Lies, the debut novel by Rachel Ryan, was a surprise book that popped through my letterbox just before Christmas. I rarely read books in the thriller genre so it has to be really good and gripping to keep me reading. The cover had a brilliant recommendation from one of my favourite authors Liz Nugent so I had to give it a go. Boy, am I glad I did because this was insanely good. The short concise chapters and with it being less than 300 pages meant it was a quick read which I read in one sitting simply because I was hooked from the first word until the turn of the last page. The line on the cover says - what if your child’s imaginary friend was real?

A scary thought and one that our main character, Georgina, has to grapple with as her son Cody seems convinced that he has met his Granny in the park whilst playing with his friends. This seems innocent enough but the problem is, his Granny passed away several months before. Cody is convinced he met someone in the bushes in the park and that he had a conversation with this person. Georgina catches Cody on the phone to his Granny and her suspicions and fears are aroused even more. Is this just Cody’s way of dealing with his grief and the loss of a person who he loved so much and who was such an important figure in his life? For Georgina this just seems to be such a cruel and devastating blow. It’s like Cody, despite his young age, is trying to torment her when already she is struggling with her loss. It’s like being taunted in a way and even more horrible that Cody speaks as if this is all real. None of his friends saw this person he was speaking to and when Georgina tells her husband Bren, he is almost dismissive putting it down to a young boy just having some fun and dealing with his loss the only way he knows how.

Georgina is under enormous strain and the unusual activities surrounding Cody and the firm beliefs he seems not to want to waver from only adding to the pressure she is feeling. Since her decision to return to college to continue her degree, she feels she is jugging many balls and not all of them successful. Add to that she is not managing to cope that well since she lost her mother and she is just one ball of anxiety. She feels Bren is not very supportive and that their marriage is starting to falter. The closeness they once had is no longer present and she shies away from him with excuses whenever he tries to get close. Bren dipped a toe over the line and she is not quite sure whether he ventured further and if he did is she willing to embrace him once more?

I loved how the chapters were short in nature, sharp, concise and to the point. It meant we got straight to the heart of the story from page one and there were no filler pages or paragraphs thrown in for the sake of it. The pace was perfect, not too slow which allowed your mind to wander but yet there wasn’t endless information thrown at you and therefore you became confused and couldn’t keep track of what was going on. The reader is kept on their toes constantly guessing and mulling over whether this imaginary friend of Cody’s was real and if so who could it be and what were their motivations? It all really messed with Georgina’s head and she began to see things that possible weren’t there or feel as if someone was watching, waiting and observing in the shadows. As she is on such high alert she begins to read more into everyday situations which may or may not have a simple explanation. To this end the reader starts to do the same, there are so many red herrings thrown in. You think you have it all solved and have a reasonable explanation for the main premise of the story then bang the plot moves off in another direction and all your suspicions are wrong. I love to be proven incorrect and I really enjoyed seeing how all the twists and turns developed.

This quick read may have started off about Cody’s imaginary friend but there is so much more to it. A string of unsettling coincidences has Georgina questioning every aspect of her life. Is she losing her mind? What exactly is the state of her marriage? Does she wish to continue living the way she has been? Will her past help or hinder her now in the present? Hidden Lies is an eerie unsettling read that has that special something that takes a hold of you from the beginning and keeps pulling you rapidly through the pages. You are desperate to know is this real and if so what is the cause of it or is this all just a load of fiction? It’s psychological suspense at it’s very best. The plot took quite an unexpected and for me shocking turn, my heart was in my mouth and I was willing things to not be true and for things to turn out in a different way.

For a book I hadn’t heard anything about until it arrived unexpectedly in the post, it turned out to be superb read and I am so glad I didn’t leave it linger in my TBR pile until it reached a stage where it was forgotten about as can quite often happen. I honestly had to resist the temptation to look at the end to discover the truth. Something I would never normally do but that’s a sign how good this book really was. With an assured pace, rising tension and crafty twists, Hidden Lies had it all for me and I highly recommend it. I hope Rachel Ryan is hard at work writing book number two as I definitely can’t wait to see what more she has in store for us.

This was a good and enjoyable read, but didn't grab me completely and say "you can't put this down" unfortunately.
I thought the plot was well constructed, but I got a little tired of the 'granny gave it to me' and 'there's someone there' until it picked up and the story developed.
The characters were good, Cody was a funny, boisterous boy who reminded me of my own nephew when he was little.
I would recommend it for people who are just starting out reading thrillers.