This was such an interesting storyline, with quite a few twists and dead ends to keep us guessing!

Would love to read more in a series

This had me gripped. Told from the point of view of the main 2 female characters it builds into a very exciting story, with a very unexpected twist!

Loved this book. Well written thriller with a great plot. Lots of twists and turns and different premises for who the killer is. Didn't guess it for once so thank you. Look forward to more books like this.

Wow what a debut! Really great book which was brilliantly written. I felt so much empathy for Natalie at the position she was put in. To believe her husband or not. This was so good and kept me guessing right to the end. Oh and THAT ending!

Definitely recommend!

Thank you to the publisher for the early arc!

I really enjoyed this one, it kept me engaged from start to finish and had me holding my breath in numerous places throughout.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Gripping and Unpredictable Read!

Having read many books in this genre, I thought I had a solid grasp on where Believe by S.M. Govett was headed—but boy, was I wrong! Just when I thought I had the ending figured out, the story took a completely unexpected turn that left me stunned.

At the heart of Believe are its complex and deeply human characters. Natalie is grappling with her past trauma, loss, while DI Stratton struggles with her own demons and that of her elderly mother. Their journeys intertwine in a way that feels authentic, making them easy to root for even as their choices become more complicated.

The novel also paints a haunting picture of the unfortunate victims, each of whom carries a tragic past that adds layers of depth to the unfolding mystery. As the story progresses, it becomes clear how seemingly unrelated life events coalesce into something much bigger—and far more chilling—than I anticipated.

S.M. Govett masterfully builds tension, delivering a narrative that is both thought-provoking and deeply unsettling. The only reason I’m giving this four instead of five stars is that a few moments felt slightly drawn out, but in the grand scheme, this book delivers an unforgettable, jaw-dropping experience.

If you love psychological thrillers with twisted endings and richly developed characters, Believe is a must-read when it hits shelves on June 19, 2025. Don’t miss it!

BELIEVE BY S.M. GOVETT
Release date set for the 19th of June 2025.
I thought this whole story and story line was written brilliantly.
Victim of rape by her boss years ago and then her husband is accused of the same crime.
I really felt for the main character Natalie.
It's a page turner.
I really liked the author's writing style for this book aswel.

Really good read. It was well written and it made me ache for Natalie at the position she was put in. To believe het husband or not. Very good, kept me guessing right to the end. Definitely recommend!

Thanks to Michael Joseph and NetGalley for ARC.

When we first meet Natalie we hear that she is managing to keep functioning, by making her world very small and dividing each day into small, manageable tasks. We learn why over the course of this very twisty novel in which her husband is accused of a crime that he says he couldn't commit, and it becomes clear that her trauma is by no means in the past, and her paranoia is not merely based on her past trauma.
Meantime, Metropolitan Police Detective Inspector Stratton is trying to investigate, while juggling some pretty pressing personal issues and horrible past trauma of her own.
This impressive debut is probably more successful for me in the depiction of Stratton's milieu and relationships than Natalie's situation, but I suspect I may just be too old to remember her stage of life. The very twisty plot and climactic ending will delight many; I found it a little frustrating and the Golden Age detective set would perhaps find the denouement to edge into 'cheating', withholding some crucial information from the reader a wee bit too long.
Looking forward to seeing what this writer is imagining next.

*Believe* by S.M. Govett is an emotionally charged and captivating novel that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, love, and resilience. Set against a backdrop of complex relationships and personal struggles, the story delves into themes of faith, hope, and the power of believing in oneself.

The novel follows the protagonist, whose life has been marked by personal hardships, as she navigates the challenges of trusting others and finding strength in her own beliefs. S.M. Govett does a brilliant job of portraying the internal conflicts of the main character, showing her emotional vulnerabilities and the ways in which her past has shaped her worldview.

What stands out in *Believe* is the author’s deft handling of relationships. The dynamic between the protagonist and the people around her—friends, family, and romantic interests—is both realistic and raw. There’s an undercurrent of tension as the protagonist struggles to open up and trust, making the eventual moments of connection feel all the more impactful.

The writing is evocative, and Govett’s narrative style is both tender and powerful. The pacing of the story is deliberate, allowing for moments of introspection and growth while still maintaining a strong momentum toward the climax. While the plot may seem straightforward at times, it’s the emotional depth and the exploration of belief—whether it’s belief in others or in oneself—that drives the story forward.

*Believe* is a novel about the process of healing and the importance of not losing faith, no matter how difficult life may seem. The characters feel genuine, and the emotional stakes are high, making it a compelling read for anyone who enjoys stories that explore the human condition with sincerity.

In conclusion, *Believe* is a heartfelt novel that blends themes of love, trust, and personal transformation. S.M. Govett’s writing resonates with readers on a deep level, offering both hope and a reminder that belief—whether in ourselves or others—has the power to change lives.

Ten years ago, Natalie was raped by her boss. But when it went to caught the verdict was not guilty. The aftermath of the ordeal leaves her with PTSD and blackouts after the traumatic event. She now works from home,
Her Husband Ryan, who is also her rock. Who is always there when she needs him is accused of raping his assistant Alice. But before she could officially report the ordeal Alice is find dead. Natalie doesn’t know if she can trust Ryan again after breaking their marriage vows and Ryal arrested for being a rapist. He says he didn’t do it, but does Natalie believe him?
Believe by S. M Govett is a fantastic page turner from start to finish. This is a gripping fast paced read that I couldn’t stop reading to the small hours of the morning. This writer is very accomplished and if you wasn’t aware that this was the authors first book. You would have they would have a couple of best sellers under their belt. This book is so good I can’t imagine what the author will write next I can’t wait. 5 stars

A brilliant read, very well written. This book is packed full of secrets and it’s hard to know who is telling the truth. I enjoyed every moment of this book from the characters, to how the plot unfolded and the ending. Highly recommended and will definitely be reading more books by this author.

What a great read!
Not only is the story well-crafted in plot and style, it is also gripping throughout.
The story builds drama and tension up to the very end.
And believe me when ai say you couldn't possibly have seen the end coming!
A fab psychological thriller that'll keep you turning the pages.
Great debut! Can't wait for this author's next book.

Thank you to Netgalley for my ARC.
I requested this book due to the plot.

Natalie loses time and she wakes up in a new location every time. But she has no recollection of what has happened.
This is a problem when her husband is accused of rape as she is not entirely sure what has happened that night.
All she knows is that she cannot support her husband when she was a victim of rape herself years before.

DI Stratton is investigating and she cannot work out if Natalie is the victim or the killer. Natalie gives her the creeps. She plays the victim well. But Stratton also has evidence that Natalie goes to the gym, so what is she really capable of?

It is a clever book, with many different plots and an outcome you won’t see coming.

I loved the various red herrings and I was completely convinced I’d worked out the truth but I was very wrong!

BOOK REVIEW 📖

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#Believe by @sarahgovett @michaeljbooks

➡️synopsis

Ahh this was such a great book and what a debut!!!

Gripping and intense, packed full of twists and turns, with a very emotionally hitting gripping narrative, unsure who or what to believe throughout, I just loved it.

With thanks to author #smgovett #michaeljbooks and @netgalley for allowing us to read this one early!

Publishing: June 19th

-EMILY

@the_book_girls_1

#the_book_girls_1 #debutnovel #thrillingreads #newbookalert #bookscommingsoon #newauthor

This book was great. Could not put it down. The story of being a rape victim while also dealing with your husband under suspicion for a different rape was very well done. The ending was not who I expected either! Great book!

This book is a real page-turner. I could imagine it getting turned into a film or a short series leaving you on a cliffhanger at the end of each episode. There are a lot of twists and turns along the way and I didn't see the ending coming. I'm not sure it's a book I'll remember much of in the future, but that didn't stop it being enjoyable and entertaining while I read it.

Natalie is getting on with life after her former boss is not charged for raping her, only for her husband to be accused of the same crime.

Natalie is written well, her entire life seems to be horror after horror. This was one of the things that meant the book was so gripping.

The book is predictable in parts, and certainly very similar to another novel I have read but it was a good, serious read.

Natalie was raped by her boss some years before but a jury finds him not guilty of the crime. Since then Natalie’s mental health has been precarious. She has episodes where she loses time and wakes up not knowing what has happened or how long she has been out of it.
Now her husband has been accused of the same crime and his accuser has since been found murdered. Can she trust her husband? Her world is turned upside down and she needs to know the truth
Recommended.

This story was very familiar and when discussing it with my wife she was sure that she had read the book as well. None the less a very good story with lots of twists and turns and as I couldn't remember the outcome I had to read on to the end. Natalie Campbell a slightly nervous solicitor suffers blackouts where she has no idea what she has done during these blackouts which are caused by her being raped. She believes the wife of the man convicted of her rape is seeking revenge, but all is not quite what it seems. Her husband Ryan who has a one night stand with a work colleague becomes entwined in a web of deceit that leads to a further murder and a suspected suicide. Well worth reading, a very well written book which i recommend.