This was a really compelling read. It was written in such a way that I couldn't guess the ending so I really enjoyed getting to the end.

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher, in return for an honest review. This review is based entirely on my own thoughts and feelings.

Overall rating : 4*
Writing skill : 4*
Plot: 4*
Pace: 3*
Characters: 3*
Twist: 3*

Another book that’s sat on my shelf for far too long, that I devoured in just a few days.
This is a text book thriller, with a good plot and good writing style. It was all quite believable and the tension had me gripped throughout. The characters were good but somewhat forgettable after not too long. The twist was good but there were many bits I guessed. I really liked the ending it was a great full circle end not leaving anything unanswered. Recommended for thriller fans.

This is a psychological thriller. It is packed with tension and is a page turning. I wasn’t a huge fan of the writing. It felt repetitive. I felt like the ending was very convenient

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this great book.

I really enjoyed Hidden Lies by Rachel Ryan, I was a good easy read, which had you guessing who the "New Grandma" was throughout the majority of the book. I definitely didn't guess.

I would definitely recommend this book and I would love to read more of her books.

This was such a twisty chilling thriller and I really enjoyed it! I had no idea what was going to happen and couldn’t predict the end which is always a bonus!

An enjoyable read that kept you guessing right to the end ! The first I’ve read by this author and will be definitely be on the lookout for more !

This is the type of book that I gravitate towards. Full of suspense and mystery with twists and turns to keep you guessing. I couldn't help but just keep turning the page of this chilling novel.

Slow to start but then a page turner, loved the way Rachel Ryan wrote from the different perspectives.... A real rollercoaster of a read, I found it difficult to put down....my opinion and view of things changing often....extremely well written in the ability to keep the reader of the toes... Psychologically challenging, thrilling reading and true promise in this debut novel....Certainly a high bar set....Rachel Ryan will be one to keep a close eye in the future..
Many thanks to NetGalley for my ARC, this is my unbiased opinion

I really enjoyed this. It kept me guessing most of the way through and I really had no idea what was going on (In a good way). I really thought I had it sussed, but I was not on the right track at all. Would definitely read another by this author

Hidden Lies is an intriguing, chilling, gripping page-turner of a brilliantly written read with a plot that unfolds perfectly! Rachel Ryan got the mix spot on with this story with just enough intensity and emotion!

The main characters, Georgina, Bren and their son Cody are created and executed flawlessly. The central concept of Cody struggling with his grief as he tries to come to terms with the death of his Grandmother will resonate with many readers. I was able to draw on the times when my daughter had an imagery friend, which makes this even more of a relatable read for me. (Although the conclusion of this read was far, far away from my own experiences, I am pleased to say!)

The twists within this storyline kept me guessing until the last few chapters making the end unforeseen for me. This would make a great screen adaption, and as a debut, I can not wait to read more in the future by this author.

Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys dark and eerie emotional rollercoaster reads. A well deserved five star read and worth picking up.

Thank you, NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK, for a gifted copy of this book, in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book, but do feel pretty disappointed with the ending.
The later 30% of this book was a bit lack lustre for me. The start was strong, and I was definitely gripped, but the more the book went on, the less interested I became.
I liked Rachel Ryan's writing style, and would definitely read her books again as they were just easy reading - but unfortunately the plot of this one just didn't do it for me.

Hidden lies by Rachel Ryan.
What if your child's imaginary friend was real?All children have imaginary friends. It's perfectly normal.
A brilliant read. I loved the story. What a twist. 5*.

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.

If you like a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing then this is the book for you !!

Georgina’s young son, Cody, starts talking about a woman he saw in the park, his ‘New Granny’. Georgina’s mother died a few months ago, is this way of Cody coping with her loss ? An imaginary Granny ? Or did he really meet an older woman who wants to be his Granny ?

This is a great psychological thriller which is a real mystery as to what is happening. There are not loads of twists and turns but it does keep you guessing. Definitely one to read !!

Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book.

Great Psychological Suspense 👀

Gripped from the first page until the end... any mothers worse nightmare.

Following Georgina's story, her mothers intuition kicking in, sensing something is not right with her son Cody's New Granny, as so the story begins.... Skeletons coming out of the family closet, other difficult times fears resurfacing. Overall great read from start to finish, will have you hooked. Look forward to reading more from this author.

Hidden Lies is Rachel Ryan’s debut novel. From the synopsis I was expecting a psychological thriller and it didn’t disappoint. I like the characters and how they grilled together. The plot moved along at a fair pace and had some great twists towards the end. A great debut that deserves 4 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group and the author for the chance to review.

All children have imaginary friends. It's perfectly normal. But when Georgina's young son Cody tells her about his "New Granny", a mysterious friend from the park, the words send shivers down her spine. Georgina's beloved mother died only months ago. Her husband Bren is certain the woman is an invention, Cody's way of grieving for his grandmother, but there's something in the way Cody talks about his new friend that feels so real.

This is a book you can't say just one more chapter to as each chapter leaves you wanting to read more. There's twists, secrets and some very unreliable characters. I liked Cody, he was cute and funny. The pace is steady throughout. There's also a creepiness element to te book. Georgina and Bren think that Cody has invented an imaginary friend as a coping mechanism to deal with his grief caused by his grandmother's passing. This is a really good debut novel. My only criticism is that I thought the ending was a bit rushed.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #LittleBrownBookGroupUK and the author #RachelRyan for my ARC of #HiddenLies in exchange for an honest review.

In this Novel, Rachel Ryan brings us a domestic drama. When Georgina's son Cody emerges from a hiding place after playing in the park she is surprised that he is eating a lollypop, she's horrified after hearing him say he got it from his Granny as she died 6 months previously
Juggling many things in her life, her husband feels she's overthinking things and Cody has an imaginary friend, but when strange things start happening Georgina can't help but wonder if the imaginary "new granny" is something more sinister.
I enjoyed this book, I liked the writing style and the characters were relatable
Many thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for this advanced copy, I am under no obligation to leave my review

The characters in the story are really well written, they have lots of depth to them and are really well rounded. The story does have some promise however I thought that it was a little bit of a slow burner for me.

A good read although a bit slow for me I did enjoy the story line and all the characters who were well developed. It did keep me involved although not on the edge of my seat but a thoroughly good read which I can recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Little Brown Book Group for allowing me to read this book.