“The perfect book for thriller readers and true-crime podcast addicts…a stunning literary thriller that artfully twists and turns until the very end.”–BustleOne of The Washington Post’s 10 Best Thrillers and Mysteries of the YearOne of Publishers Weekly’s Best Books of the YearOne of Real Simple’s Best Books of the YearOn a bright morning in the suburbs, a family moves into the house they’ve … Simple’s Best Books of the Year
On a bright morning in the suburbs, a family moves into the house they’ve just bought on Trinity Avenue. Nothing strange about that. Except it’s your house. And you didn’t sell it.
When Fiona Lawson arrives home to find strangers moving into her house, she is plunged into terror and confusion. She and her husband, Bram, have owned their home on Trinity Avenue for years; how can another family possibly think the house is theirs? And why has Bram disappeared–along with their two young children–when she needs him most?
As the nightmare takes hold, Fiona begins to untangle the lies that led to a devastating crime–and a betrayal so shocking it will teach her to keep her own secrets behind locked doors….
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Disclaimer in that I listened to this (audiobook-specific review at the end). This isn’t a deep, sticks-with-you novel by any means, but if you’re looking for a quick, twisty thriller, this is a good one. The story is mostly told in retrospective, so you know what has happened and you’re trying to figure out how it happens. I’m usually pretty good at calling twists, and there were at least 3 that I didn’t see coming, so if you like being surprised, this is a good go. I did sort of question the premise the entire time, but it’s less a suspension of disbelief so much as it is thinking that maybe I don’t know the law as well as I would like to think I do. (And it’s set in the UK, so it’s entirely possible the laws are different there!)
I actually quite liked this on audiobook (and I don’t like many things on audiobook!). The story is told from two perspectives (an estranged husband and wife), and there are two actors (one male, one female) reading the two different perspectives, which I really liked. A large chunk of the story is also supposed to be a narrative podcast, so I think the audiobook really brought this to life. If you’ve got a road trip coming and can burn 10ish hours, this might be a good one to pick up.
Louise Candlish knows how to keep you turning those pages. I could not put this book down. There are so many twists in this book that I could not wait to see what was going to happen next. Also, all of the characters were very interesting and I loved the style in which the book was written. I don’t want to give anything away, but “Our House” was an amazing read.
Liked the story but found the way the points of view were written distracting.
lots of twists and turns. I enjoyed.
This is one of the most original books I have read in a long time. I loved the unusual plot and all the twists and turns.
One of my favorite books of the year
One of THE best books I have ever read.
From the very first pages I was sucked into this gut tightening family story, and in every chapter, the situation went from bad to worse. I felt so involved with the characters; their motivations for doing seemingly horrible things was very clear and understandable, their predicaments so well written that I felt anxious and queasy until the very last page. I read this book in a near single sitting, as the twists and turns kept me reading and I also wanted to see the family through to the end, to the very sad end.
This is the best book I’ve read in a long time. Twists you won’t see coming up to the very end! Fast read.
Not your run of the mill psychological suspense. I couldnt put it down and the twist at the end was unexpected. Loved it.
This is the first book by Louise Candlish that I’ve read, and I absolutely loved it from start to finish.
Our House is largely marketed as a psychological thriller, but I would probably regard this book as suspenseful literary fiction. Those who love a fast-paced book would probably find this a little slow.
However, do not give it a miss because it’s slightly slower than your usual read, this is a topical and fascinating book that builds a sense of discomfort with each page. The situation just gets worse and worse for the main characters, until you can hardly bear to turn the page, but have to because you need to know what is going to happen next. It’s always believable, in fact, you feel as though you are reading an account of a true story. The characters jump off the page with their human flaws.
This book has the kind of ending that will stay with you for a while. There’s a chance you may feel bereft, hoping to be given even more, so that you can continue with Bram and Fi for a little while longer.
I don’t often read books that don’t have a murder in them, but this was such an unusual premise that I really enjoyed it. Easy to read and completely unpredictable.
At first I didn’t like the format of the back and forth between story tellers. As I got further along, it made perfect sense and I went with the flow. Some twists and turns led me on a fascinating journey through a complex relationship.
Just started this but no hesitation about recommending it already – gripping, and not just for those worried about their south London house prices 🙂
The premise of this book is very original, interesting and page turner. I enjoyed it very much!
Yikes!!!! Dishonesty never pays! Great read and shocking ending.
This was a great book with great characters & a real surprise ending. Loved it!
I thought the plot in this story was very clever. Loved the book, the ending…so…so. The most important thing for me in fiction is being able to keep my interest and this kept me interested through the whole book. Definitely would like to read more of this author.
I really ended up liking this book because of the ending. I did start losing interest towards the middle of the book. The story line seemed to drag and I was waiting and waiting for something to happen and then it did making it all worth the wait. I enjoyed the setting and the characters. Lies upon lies upon lies create a tangled web and what a tangled web it turned out to be. Just when you think all ends are tied up all neat it all comes falling down. Great book. 🙂
I found this book to be extremely well written. The characters were well developed and believable. The end was a surprising twist though. Because of the tragedies I have lived through, it was just a bit disturbing and too heavy for me. It left me in a sad, depressed state.