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One Happy Family - Arianne Richmonde

 



Genre: Thriller | Psychological Thriller 

Release Date: Expected 18th October 2021

Publisher: Bookouture

CW: Sexual Content, Death, Stalking, References to sexual assault. 


Four Months Ago: It was love at first sight for Bradley. He saw Sara and her rescue dog Poppy across Central Park and knew she was it. She might not have been so sure at first, but his relentless positivity won her over. He's gorgeous, looks like he just stepped right out of a film noir movie and is hopelessly devoted to her.

Now: Sara is being questioned for the mysterious disappearance of her twin sister. They'd always been inexplicably linked in ways she couldn't ever fully explain, despite everything she'd done to her, despite all the secrets they were holding on to. Bradley didn't even know she had a sister, so when he starts following her very popular Instagram account and going quiet on her - she was worried. Something strange was happening, and now Sara can't stop replaying the last thing she ever said to her sister - I wish you were dead. 


"We thought as one, did as one. We were the ultimate double act. It never occurred to me that anything or anyone could come between us. Especially not myself."


You hear the phrase 'I didn't see it coming' used a lot when it comes to books, but Arianne Richmonde has once again proved herself to be a master manipulator. It's almost impossible to review her books at times because all I want to do is scream very loudly about the many, many times she seduced me into a false sense of security before tricking me all over again. You think you know exactly where this story is going, it seems obvious who the villain is right? It's never that simple.  

Starting off slow and sweet, this story was told through a 'then vs now' format, giving us just the right amount of information to keep us hooked. We watch Sara and Bradley as their new relationship forms, and try to fill in the gaps between then and now when something catastrophic has happened. Arianne has a slow-burning, aching writing style that might not leave you gasping in shock but instead with an unshakeable chill and the feeling you need to check the door is locked. 

Sara was crafted perfectly - I felt an immediate connection to her and Poppy, and Bradley left me feeling there had to be something else going on under the flashy suits and charm. Each character we meet has so many layers to be uncovered and you never know who to trust. I loved the relationships between the different people along the way, from Sara and her twin Cece with their complex and convoluted relationship to her beautiful caring relationship with her ageing neighbour.

From the first page till the very last, I was gripped - right until the very last, sudden turn that left me reeling. 


RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was gifted an advance copy of this title in return for an honest review. 



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