Alice Snyder found a job as an au pair in Scotland. She grew close to the children, but the employers were strange.
She disappeared into thin air.
Her job was immediately advertized and Melanie, calling herself Donna Mackenzie, was employed. She immediately starts looking for Alice.
Why is she so interested in the former employee?

Slightly slow, but gets more interesting as "Donna" gets to know the Davidson family.
I liked her unselfish attitude, and her need to find Alice safe.
Told in two different points of view, Alice, an innocent unworldly girl, and "Donna" a woman who has had a hard life and changed her ways, and become a strong, responsible woman.

This book certainly should make more young people do some research on the families they work for.
I enjoyed the book, but as I say, it was a little slow to begin with.

Thanks to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for the opportunity to read this book.

The Au Pair" by Jane Renshaw is a chilling and atmospheric psychological thriller that masterfully blends suspense, mystery, and a sense of unrelenting dread. Set in the haunting backdrop of a remote Scottish lodge, the story follows Melanie, the new au pair for the Davidson family, as she unravels the disturbing mystery surrounding the disappearance of her predecessor, Alice Snyder.

Renshaw's storytelling is exceptional, capturing the reader's attention from the very first page. The eerie setting of the Scottish lodge is vividly described, creating an oppressive and claustrophobic atmosphere that serves as the perfect backdrop for the unfolding mystery. The sense of isolation and the stark, haunting landscape contribute significantly to the novel's tense and unsettling mood.

The Davidsons are intriguingly portrayed, with their odd behaviors and secretive nature adding layers of complexity to the story. Melanie's interactions with the family, particularly the unsettling Uncle Gray, are skillfully written, with a palpable sense of unease that permeates every encounter. The character of Melanie is well-developed; her curiosity, fear, and determination make her a relatable and compelling protagonist.

The plot of "The Au Pair" is tightly woven, with suspense building steadily as Melanie delves deeper into the mystery of Alice's disappearance. The inclusion of the strange comings and goings at the lodge, the creepy guests, and the mysterious scratch marks in the au pair's bedroom all contribute to a growing sense of paranoia and danger.

Renshaw excels in delivering a story that is both psychologically complex and thrilling. The twists and turns are unexpected and well-executed, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. The revelation of the lodge's horrifying secret and its connection to Alice's fate is both shocking and satisfying.

One of the standout aspects of the novel is its exploration of themes such as trust, deception, and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of normality. Renshaw navigates these themes with a deft hand, weaving them seamlessly into the narrative.

In conclusion, "The Au Pair" is a gripping and suspenseful read that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers. Jane Renshaw has crafted a novel that is not only thrilling but also thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on its readers. It's a perfect blend of atmosphere, character development, and masterful storytelling that makes for a truly unforgettable reading experience.

In "The Au Pair" by Jane Renshaw, I regretfully rate it 1 star with a DNF (Did Not Finish). Despite my attempt to engage with the story, I found the characters, especially Alice, to be unlikeable. The author's attempt to portray her innocence came across as cringey, with an excessive use of exclamation points that felt forced rather than quirky. Melanie, initially promising, also fell short of being a likable character. The inconsistent behavior of the mother resembled a pattern seen in another book, "Housemaid." Despite my initial efforts, nothing in the first 25% of the book captured my attention enough to continue the journey.

This book was very gripping, and I enjoyed it from the moment I read the first page! Looking forward to more great books by this author in the future.