Written by Adele O’Neill
Her husband says it’s suicide. The police say it’s murder.
Liam Buckley was a married man with two teenage children when he moved out of the family home to start a new life with his lover. His wife Jennifer never forgave him, but now she needs him to come back: she’s been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and the kids can’t cope alone.
One day after Liam moves home, Jennifer is found dead. Liam thinks it’s suicide. But the police, led by DS Louise Kennedy, are convinced it’s murder.
Liam hires a retired detective to help prove his innocence, but it’s no easy task. The children are distraught, and Jennifer’s best friend, Sarah, is waging a campaign against Liam, determined to expose him for a liar and a cheat.
As secrets surface from the complex web of Buckley family life, DS Kennedy must decide. Did Jennifer Buckley end her own life, or did Liam take it from her? The answer, when it comes, will shock them all..
Not What I Expected 
I was disappointed in this one. According to the blurb I was reading a crime thriller, but this was more of a family drama and I struggled to get through it.
Jennifer Buckley had a terminal illness and it was no surprise to anyone that she intended to take her own life when things became too rough for her – she made no secret of that. Her husband, Liam, had moved out of the family home to be with his girlfriend but as her disease progressed he returned solely to take care of his dying wife and look after their son and daughter. However, less than two days later he finds Jennifer’s body, despite the fact that she would have needed assistance to end her life so soon; help that Liam denies giving her. So what happened?
Unfortunately, that’s not the burning question throughout this novel. From the off, I was uncomfortable with how things were progressing and found it hard to believe that things would unfold in such a way. Easy to read, but not suspenseful or gripping in any way; more of a ‘nice’ read with no surprises. It really doesn’t read like the thriller I expected and although I stuck with it, I really can’t give it any more than three stars.
My thanks to publisher Aria for my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
Tags: family drama
- Format: ebook
- Size: 368 pages
- Publisher: Aria
- Publication Date: 21 November 2019
- Purchase Links: Google Play
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Author Bio
Adele is a writer from Co. Wicklow who lives with her husband Alan and her two teenage daughters. Influenced by writers across all genres she has a particular fondness for fiction that is relatable and realistic. Her debut novel was awarded The Annie McHale Debut Novel Award for 2017 and is a character driven story of survival, dark family secrets and sibling loyalty, just like life. Her second novel Behind a Closed Door is another emotionally harrowing tale of impossible choices, loyalty and friendship. Adele writes overlooking the Irish Sea, which she credits for the tumultuous dynamics in the relationships and lives of her unsuspecting characters in her third novel, When the Time Comes, another dark tale that tests the lengths we go to protect the ones we love.
Social Media
Twitter: @adelesbooks
Facebook: @adeleoneillbooks
Grace J Reviewerlady 