The Housewarming: A completely unputdownable psychological thriller with a shocking twist

Everyone is going to the housewarming party.

All the same people who lived on the street the day Abi vanished...

Will her mother finally learn the truth?

Ava only left her daughter in the pushchair for five minutes. The buckle was fastened, and she was sure it was safe. But when she came downstairs, the door was open and Abi was gone - she walked down the road, past the Lovegoods' house, and was never seen again.

A year later, the Lovegoods are planning their long-anticipated housewarming party. Ava doesn't want to go. She can't bear to look down that end of the road, to see the place where Abi vanished, and she doesn't want to spend time with people who don't share her grief. Her husband Matt persuades her: he's worried about her. A night out might do her good.

But as her friends and neighbours chat, and the drink and gossip flows, Ava learns something new about the day she has re-lived a thousand times. A throwaway comment which could change everything.

Ava thought she knew every last detail of that day.

She's about to find out she was wrong...

Brilliantly dark and moving suspense fiction for fans of Gillian Flynn, Claire McGowan and Lisa Jewell, The Housewarming will have your pulse racing and your heart in your mouth from start to finish.

See what readers are saying about The Housewarming:

'My stomach is in knots!... Great writing, fantastic characters and a compelling and thought-provoking plot... The tension doesn't let up for a second. If I'd had the time to read it in one sitting, I wouldn't have put it down until the last word.' Motherhood for Slackers, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Fast paced all the way through... Keeps the reader hooked from one page to the next. Definitely not one to be missed!' NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Published Oct 23, 2020

326 pages

Average rating: 7.47

15 RATINGS

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Khan99

May 31, 2023

4/10 stars

The thrilling psychological thriller "The Housewarming" will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. This suspenseful book, which was written by an unknown author, sends readers on a wild voyage filled with secrets, suspense, and unexpected turns. Sarah and Mark, a young couple, are the central characters of the story. They are eagerly getting ready for their housewarming celebration in their recently purchased dream home. Odd things start to happen as they get used to their new existence. Sarah starts to experience lingering uneasiness as she senses that they are not the only ones in the house. Sarah grows more anxious and certain that someone is observing her every move as the tension rises. As she finds strange notes placed around, she begins to question her own sanity.

monidipadutta51

Feb 23, 2023

4/10 stars

While the premise of the novel is intriguing, the execution falls short in several areas. One of the main issues with the book is that the characters are largely unlikable and underdeveloped. They are often one-dimensional, with their actions and motivations feeling contrived and lacking depth. Additionally, the pacing of the novel is uneven, with long stretches of exposition and inner monologue punctuated by sudden, over-the-top events that feel forced and unrealistic. The plot twists are predictable and lack the necessary tension and suspense to keep the reader fully engaged. Another problem with the book is that it relies heavily on overused tropes and clichés of the psychological thriller genre, making it feel formulaic and unoriginal. The themes of motherhood and mental health, while important and potentially compelling, are not fully explored and feel like shallow attempts to add depth to an otherwise superficial story. Overall, "The Housewarming" is a disappointing read that fails to deliver on its promises. While the premise is intriguing, the underdeveloped characters, uneven pacing, and lack of originality make it difficult to fully engage with the story. While fans of the psychological thriller genre may find some value in this novel, it is not recommended for readers looking for a fully satisfying or impactful psychological thriller.

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