This was such an enjoyable read! I loveeeee when stories introduce us to stunning, almost otherworldly settings... especially when they hide dark secrets. MY FAVE. *insert evil laughter.* The Safe Place does just this, with its picturesque, isolated French estate. I love the premise -- Emily, out of work, hopeless, and too ashamed to ask her family for help, accepts a job with a strange set of stipulations. She'll receive a full salary along with free room and board in the guest house of a beautiful mansion. All she has to do is keep the family company and help with renovation tasks... and keep quiet about her job.
It was fun picturing what it would be like to sit in the sun eating fancy food and have an entire guest house to yourself... and just as fun anticipating what secrets the main house -- and its inhabitants -- could be hiding. I loved Anna Downes' writing style and ability to make the reader feel like they truly were in a beautiful villa on the coast.
The thriller plot-line itself was fairly predictable for me personally, but I found myself enjoying how it played out nonetheless. This was a solid debut novel and I'd love to read more from this author in the future! 3.5 stars.
Thank you Minotaur Books for providing an advanced e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
It was fun picturing what it would be like to sit in the sun eating fancy food and have an entire guest house to yourself... and just as fun anticipating what secrets the main house -- and its inhabitants -- could be hiding. I loved Anna Downes' writing style and ability to make the reader feel like they truly were in a beautiful villa on the coast.
The thriller plot-line itself was fairly predictable for me personally, but I found myself enjoying how it played out nonetheless. This was a solid debut novel and I'd love to read more from this author in the future! 3.5 stars.
Thank you Minotaur Books for providing an advanced e-galley in exchange for an honest review.