Published by HQ/Harper Collins
Publication Date: 14th June 2023 (ebook & audiobook), 2nd August 2023 paperback
Book Description:
Two couples. A fatal accident. And a decision that changes everything…
Kirsten and Nick are enjoying a weekend away until, on their drive home, they accidentally run over and kill a man. They should call for help – but they have too much to lose, and no one can know the real reason they’re here. Instead, they make a split-second decision to conceal the accident.
Amy and Greg have just celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary. Amy is expecting a baby, and they couldn’t be happier. So when Greg fails to come home from a dog walk one weekend, Amy knows the police are wrong to believe he left of his own accord. Someone must be behind Greg’s disappearance, and Amy won’t give up until she gets justice – or revenge.
If you had nothing left to lose, how far would you go to find the truth?
My Thoughts:
Kirsten and Nick are enjoying a weekend away from reality at a holiday let in Devon. Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and all too soon they are handing the keys back to the owner and beginning their journey home. And so begins their horror story: The Taylors, as they are known on this short break, can no longer exist. The secrets they have carried with them for so long are threatening to out the covert couple, and ruin families and their carefully curated reputations.
After an incident on a leafy country lane, Kirsten soon sees a different side of Nick, one that she's not sure that she either likes or trusts. He's far too cold and calculated - something she initially finds reassuring, until she starts to think more deeply into it. He seems to have a way of making things go away - which covers their tracks nicely for a while. But once the truth starts to unfold a few weeks later and the enormity of what they have done hits home, Kirsten is concerned that Nick would happily throw her under the bus in order to save his own skin. Neither of them are nice people, and I pretty much felt that they deserved each other for what they'd done and how they handled the situation.
Meanwhile, back in Devon the family whose lives have been decimated are coming to terms with what has happened to them - and it doesn't take long for the anger and resentment to turn their desire for justice into the need for revenge.
The story is told from both sides with chapters highlighting the course of events from each of those involved. Although this gives the reader great insight, there are still plenty of facts left for some jaw dropping reveals throughout. There are also letters dotted throughout the book from a character incarcerated in prison, initially whilst awaiting trial and then during the courtroom scenes - the great part is that we are not given many clues as to the identity of this mystery defendant, not even whether they are male or female. As I weighed up the possibilities it still was not obvious whose voice we were reading.
Overall I felt that the characters balanced each other so well - the nasty couple set on one side against such a lovely, wholesome couple on the other, and while life really was cruel to Amy and Greg I think the author gave them as fair an ending as was ever possible.
A great story that had me wondering how it would pan out - I definitely want to read more from this author in future.
About the Author:
Diane Jeffrey is a USA Today bestselling author.
She grew up in North Devon and Northern Ireland. She now lives in Lyon, France, with her husband and their three children, Labrador and cat.
Diane has written six psychological thrillers, all published by HQ / HarperCollins.
The Guilty Mother, Diane's third book, was a USA Today bestseller and her fourth novel, The Silent Friend, was a Karin Slaughter Killer Reads pick for ASDA. Her fifth psychological thriller, The Couple at Causeway Cottage has been shortlisted for an International Thriller Writers award.
The Other Couple is Diane's latest psychological thriller and will be released on 14th June 2023 in ebook and audiobook and on 2nd August 2023 in paperback.
Diane is an English teacher. When she's not working or writing, she likes swimming, running and reading. She loves chocolate, beer and holidays.
Above all, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Author website: www.dianejeffrey.com
Readers can also follow Diane on Instagram and Twitter @dianefjeffrey
or on Facebook.com/dianejeffreyauthor
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