Very well written, with relatable characters and well-constructed dialogue resulting in a very disturbing — but also satisfying — storyline ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A rattling good tale with twists and turns aplenty.

In Her Place is Edel Coffey's second novel and I really enjoyed this one.

The book begins with Ann, who we meet when she is largely down on her luck. She has been caring for her mother who has recently died with very little help and assistance from her two more successful and richer sisters. Whilst away on a work assignment, she meets Justin and whilst she initially considers this to be a one-night arrangement, Justin is clearly keen to take things forward.

The problem I hear you ask? Justin is married....well that complicates matters somewhat. But rest assured, its not an issue as his wife is currently in a long-term coma and is not expected to live much longer. Ann then moves in with Justin and his daughter, pretending to be the nanny at first before being introduced more widely as his new partner.

Well, what do you know? Justin's wife, Deborah, has now undergone a major new medical trial which has miraculously shrunk her tumour and she has made a full recovery.....

Okay, so from the synopsis, there is definitely an element of suspending belief and taking things as you are told them. If you are able and willing to go along for the ride, then you will enjoy this sometimes dark, sometimes twisty novel where you end up rooting for absolutely no-one.....

Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK, Sphere for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was invited to review this novel and I delighted to say it’s a great read. I did guess the twist, but this doesn’t detract from the novel for me. It’s sad and scary at the same time!

Ann is at a loss of how to continue her life. Having spent the past 3 years caring for and nursing her beloved mother, the grief she now feels is all encompassing. Her career in journalism has ground to a halt, and she will be homeless if her two successful sisters get their way and sell the family home. Wandering around her home ground of Brooklyn, praying for some good luck, a call comes through, offering Ann a job writing a review of a play in Hudson, which she accepts. Whilst mulling over the awfulness of the play in a nearby bar later that evening, Ann meets Justin, and matters take a more positive turn. Or do they?

Having previously read Coffey’s Breaking Point (5*, absolutely amazing for a debut, would definitely recommend), I was really looking forward to this one.

Whilst the plot was good and there was a nice, if obvious, twist, this book fell short of my expectations. A slow burn with much repetition spoilt the flow, and the characters were all a little stereotypical. However, a short, easy read to while away a rainy afternoon.

A bit disappointing.

Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown.

Ann’s life and job prospects are in the doldrums after she takes on a carer role for her mother, who has recently died. She’s trying to re-establish her journalistic career and is offered a few hundred dollars to review a play which proves to be woefully bad. Later at the bar, she meets Justin Forster and the chemistry is instant. Not only that, he’s rich, seriously rich. However, it’s complicated, he has a six-year-old daughter Sophie and a wife Deborah, who has been in hospital for years and is not expected to survive for much longer. So, Anne is “in her place “and for once in her life, she is following her heart. Will it be a fairytale ending or something more grim?

This is a slow burner at the start, but it’s really captivating reading. Ann is interesting, she seems a good person, she’s quiet, low-key and it’s fascinating witnessing how she how she is with Justin when she feels comfortable and secure. However, those prickles of concerns start, and those grow exponentially. As she becomes more immersed in Justins world, the multiple plot layers emerge. There’s insight into relationships and in short but very pertinent sentences the author sums up situations up to perfection. There’s commentary on social hierarchy and how Ann is viewed in Justin’s social circle and in the wider community. From this point on the tension grows and there are times when it’s palpable, as there’s everything from suspicion to impossible choices. Equally enjoyable are the dynamics on display and there are several of those from within the Foster household to that with Ann’s sisters who bend with the wind. The characterisation is very good as the complex plot deepens I find I change my mind several times.

The last half of the book is especially strong as things changed dramatically for Anne, and her situation becomes vulnerable and very precarious. It becomes clear that things are not simple, that there are secrets and lies and big fat liars and characters are faced with unbearable situations . There are a couple of occasions that my jaw drops as I hadn’t seen THAT coming and it clearly demonstrates that life can change in the most unexpected ways. Perhaps it’s a case of the truth really will set you free?

Overall, another thought provoking and addictive read from the talented Edel Coffey.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to the publishers for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Post to Goodreads/X on 7/3/24

Post to Amazon and Waterstones on 21/3/24

I loved Breaking Point so was eager to read whatever Edel Coffey wrote next.

In Her Place starts in the classic Rebecca / Verity / The Wife Upstairs vein, a woman meets a rich man, who lives in a big house, in the shadow of his wife’s presence.

It all flows very nicely, and it changes up into something a bit different. It didn’t wow me like Breaking Point, it kept me reading and kept me entertained. If you particularly like the ‘shadow of the first wife’ trope you’ll probably enjoy it more.

Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK

I absolutely loved the author's previous novel Breaking Point so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read In Her Place.
Ann, a writer, is living in New York, she feels that she's been left behind as all her peers seem to be married to wealthy men, with children or with good careers. Ann put her life on hold to care for her mother and now, after her mother's death she faces homelessness as her sisters plan to sell her mother's house. While reviewing a play in Upstate New York she meets Justin, an older wealthy man with a 6 year old daughter. She is soon involved with Justin and moves into his house, despite the fact that he already has a wife Deborah, who is in a coma and on end of life care.
In Her Place was such a compelling read, the author writes effortlessly and completely drew me in to Ann's story. I found Ann to be an interesting character who makes so many bad choices in her relationship with Justin. The author excellently portrays the isolating and controlled life both Ann and Deborah live with Justin. At times I felt that the storyline was unbelievable and the ending was a little rushed but it was a thought provoking read that I raced through in 24 hours and would recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

Ann is a bit of a sorry character, single, financially struggling and recovering from her mother’s death. She meets Justin, older, rich, a father and in a difficult situation as his wife, Deborah, is near death. Until things change and the whole situation changes.
This was a really slow paced read for me then it gets to 40% and bang it speeds along as did I hooked! Really enjoyed it and recommend to any domestic thriller lovers. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for an honest review.