The Safe Place: A Novel

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a free galley of The Safe Place in exchange for my honest review. The Safe Place kept me entertained and intrigued enough that I read it in one sitting on a rainy Sunday afternoon. I was drawn in by the idea of escaping the real world and staying in such a lovely remote place in the French countryside, yet thoroughly creeped out by the darkness that simmered beneath the surface. Emily Proudman is relatable and loveable because while she is incredibly capable, she is a hot mess who finds herself at a dead-end with not many options. When her employer, handsome and successful Scott Denny, offers her an opportunity to work as a housekeeper and serve as a companion and helper to his wife, Nina, and young daughter, Aurelia, on his isolated French estate, she quickly accepts the opportunity with not much thought to why he picked her or even why her presence is needed. When Emily arrives, she is startled to find she has no cell service, no wi-fi, and virtually no contact to the outside world, but this is soon forgotten as she bonds with Nina and Aurelia during wine-filled days lounging poolside. However, Emily soon discovers that Scott and Nina are hiding a dangerous secret that they will do anything to protect... even kill. The Safe Place is a superb debut by Anna Downes! My only criticism is that the ending felt a bit unfinished and left me with some questions. I won't go into details in order to avoid any spoilers, but I do wish we would have been told the outcomes of all the players, especially after being so invested in each of their stories as the book is written with multiple POVs.