Superbly tense and oozing with atmosphere, Anna Downes’s debut, The Safe Place, is the perfect summer suspense, with the modern gothic feel of Ruth Ware and the morally complex family dynamics of Lisa Jewell.Welcome to paradise…will you ever be able to leave?Emily is a mess.Emily Proudman just lost her acting agent, her job, and her apartment in one miserable day.Emily is desperate.Scott Denny, … apartment in one miserable day.
Emily is desperate.
Scott Denny, a successful and charismatic CEO, has a problem that neither his business acumen nor vast wealth can fix. Until he meets Emily.
Emily is perfect.
Scott offers Emily a summer job as a housekeeper on his remote, beautiful French estate. Enchanted by his lovely wife Nina, and his eccentric young daughter, Aurelia, Emily falls headlong into this oasis of wine-soaked days by the pool. But soon Emily realizes that Scott and Nina are hiding dangerous secrets, and if she doesn’t play along, the consequences could be deadly.
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I’m a sucker for psychological thrillers, so when the opportunity arose to read The Safe Place by Anna Downes, I jumped at the chance! Luckily, I ended up loving this book!
Emily Proudman just can’t catch a break. After losing her job as well as her acting agent, things are looking grim. After being late on the rent again, she’s also facing eviction from her apartment. However, things start looking up when she runs into Scott Denny. Scott, a successful CEO of the company she’s just been fired from, feels like Emily would be perfect working for his wife, Nina, and living on their very remote property in France. Things seem perfect, but they are a little too perfect. When Emily finds out the truth behind Nina’s and Scott’s ideal life, she puts herself in grave danger and finds out how far some people will go to protect their secrets.
While the idea behind The Safe Place has been done before, Downes does a fantastic job of making it feel like it was her idea and hers alone. To me, The Safe Place felt like it was a slow burn as the action didn’t really take place until towards the end. I would say the first 85 percent of the book or so is just the backstory and build up to all the action which happens in the last few chapters. The pacing is a little slow throughout most of the book, but it isn’t so slow that I became bored – quite the contrary. While the pacing is fairly slow, I did enjoy what I read thanks to Downes’ brilliant way with words. There are a few plot twists although I found them fairly easy to figure out, but I think that’s only because I’ve read so many psychological thrillers before. Some of my guesses were wrong though, I admit. Even though there’s an epilogue, I would have liked to have known more about what happened with Denny family. I just need a little more closure when it came to that.
Downes did a fantastic job with all of her characters. It was easy to imagine every single character in The Safe Place as a real person. The main characters all had plenty of backstory (or just enough to keep them mysterious), and the minor characters were all described very well. I liked how Emily seemed to want to please those around her. While she didn’t feel like a pushover, it was nice to see her wanting to fit in with her new employer as well as Yves, the sometimes handyman. Nina was definitely an interesting character. I didn’t know what to make of her before Emily met her in the book, but once Emily met Nina, and I read more about her, I ended up liking her. (I kept trying to figure out why Scott didn’t want to be around her though.) Aurelia, the Denny’s daughter, was my favorite character. She seemed like such a sweet little girl who had been through so much. I found myself wishing I could meet Aurelia and give her a hug (only if she’d let me since she took a long time to warm up to people).
Trigger warnings for The Safe Place include profanity, mental illness, alcohol use, prescription pill abuse, self harm, violence, and attempted murder.
Overall, The Safe Place is a highly intriguing book that makes each and every word on the page come alive. With a great set of characters, beautiful descriptions of the scenery, and a highly intriguing plot, this is one book that’s sure to become a best seller. I would definitely recommend The Safe Place by Anna Downes to those aged 20+ who enjoy psychological thrillers and/or want to be instantly transported into a fantastic book!
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(A special thank you to Minotaur Books for sending me a paperback ARC of The Safe Place by Anna Downes. A review was not required but appreciated. This was my honest and unbiased review.)
The Safe Place is a psychological thriller. It hooked me from the beginning and kept my interest. An interesting and entertaining read with a somewhat predictable storyline. If you’re looking for a good distraction from the depressing things going on in the world, The Safe Place is a great choice.
I won this Advance Readers’ Edition and I must say, I’m glad I did. Anna Downes brings all the characters and settings to life. She brings the story together piece by piece with a twist that you are surprised at the roller coaster ending. Just remember, nothing is as perfect as it seems!
Publication Date: 07/14/20
I had no-way-out of this book of mystery and suspense. Anna Downes story “The Safe Place” takes you on a roller coaster journey. I felt so heartbroken one moment; heart-warmed the next. The scene is set so beautifully; I felt I could grab the mesmerizing horizon and bring it to my front door.
I was pulling for the main character, Emily, as she tried to find her path in life. Her struggles with her acting career and being adopted, had Emily question why it can’t be easier? She has a chance to escape it all when she is offered a summer job as a housekeeper. She was going to a secluded estate in France. Life seemed to be handing her a dream-come-true, but why is this dream turning into a nightmare?
Anna Downes is a talented, amazing author. I can’t believe this was her debut novel and hope it’s not the last we see of her! I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a exhilarating suspense but beware there is “no escape” once you start reading this book.
I’m so honored to receive an ARC from Goodreads and Minotaur Books in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Very sweet and innocence start to this psychological thriller, with a perfectly fitting ending! Highly recommended with a review! #TheSafePlace
BOOK REVIEW
The Safe Place by Anna Downes
On Sale: July 14, 2020
-DESCRIPTION-
We meet Emily, who isn’t having the best day ever. She’s an actress (not a very successful one) and has just been let go from her job for reasons unknown.
We meet Scott. Scott owns the company that has just let Emily go, we quickly learn that it’s because Scott wants Emily to join his family in France and be a lady-sitter for his wife & a babysitter for his daughter.
Emily excepts, and heads off to a beautiful estate. Secluded. No internet. Cut off. Odd child. Perfect wife.
-THOUGHTS-
Love when there are more than one points of view! Scott, Emily, and Nina’s past thoughts. I loved all of the build up of this book. Scott being so weird and having a very angry, very violent inner dialogue. I wanted to know more.
I could empathize with Emily and understand her need for change at this time in her life. I wanted to know more and more and more. Unfortunately, we just don’t get there. I have so many lingering questions that should have been answered in the book. I understand why people say it’s predictable, but there were so many other pieces of the puzzle that could have been these amazing twists and it fell short. Like the book ran out of steam. It was still a page turner. Unputdownable. Fast paced.
-RATING-
4/5 stars
I recommend this book!
-SIMILAR RECOMMENDED READS-
The Silent Patient
What Happens in Paradise
We Were Liars
Emily loses her job and apartment in one day. Along comes Scott who wants to hire her to come work for him as a housekeeper/babysitter on his very isolated island. Emily realizes that Scott and his wife Nina have huge secrets they are hiding and everything is not how it seems. I read this quickly as I needed to know what was going to happen! I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.
Emily is desperate and accepts a questionable job from her former employer. Scott think Emily is the perfect companion for his wife and daughter. How far will Scott and his wife go to keep their secret safe? How desperate for love and acceptance is Emily?
This is an amazing story that is extremely well written. I was so engrossed in the story and the fate of Emily that I read this book in a day and a half. There was just enough back story to give the reader a look into the characters emotional psyche. The written detail to setting and character development helped make this story an immersive experience. There were sections of this book that I kept finding myself on edge and squirming because of the suspenseful scene that was being drawn out.
It had me wanting more for sure! It’s a story about three peoples lives that come together with hidden past history. I could not put it down. I felt compassion for all three. But, than came the twist and turns ! It was a very good book!!!
Heart breaking, is the only way to describe this tale of twisted melancholy. The beautiful estate of “Querencia”, is a pearl of an oasis, but the sweet rot of deception, mental illness and twisted love, makes this a sad but exceptional read. The direction this story takes, makes this interesting and sad. This is not a light, happy read, my heart hurt for those involved by the end. Bittersweet.
Emily Proudman is having a crap day she just lost her acting agent, her job, and her apartment! Her luck changes when Scott Denny, a successful and charismatic CEO, offers Emily a summer job as a housekeeper at his remote French estate. Oh Emily, if it sounds too good then run but she can’t because she has no where to go. Emily accepts the offer. She’s enchanted by Scott’s wife, Nina, and their daughter, Aurelia. Caring for Aurelia is a challenge as she doesn’t speak. Emily’s days are spent by the pool, but soon things start to get weird and creepy. This is suspenseful & twisty, a bit predictable but overall entertaining! Thanks to Minotaur Books for a printed ARC. This is my honest review.
What a great book! So twisty and unpredictable. It kept me entertained the whole time. I love books that keep me guessing. It made my imagination go nuts trying to figure out was happening! Thats the best kind of book!
#TheSavePlace
The Save Place by Anna Downes
This one is getting a 5 out of 5 stars from me simply for the enjoyment factor. I felt like I was about to go into a reading slump and this pulled me out of it. I couldn’t put this book down and I havent been this connected to a book in months. This book brought me escapism and I completely forgot about the world around me. It felt eerie throughout and I loved the authors writing style. She really has a way with building the setting, the writing was readable and flowed very well. I was hooked even though the first half of the book was mainly “set up”, I still enjoyed reading it as it made me connect even more with the characters and get to know our main characters personality. I was kind of surprised by this story when it came together. I don’t other people said they knew it all along, I did not. I really recommend this book. This is a binge worthy book and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Five stars from me as it was pure entertainment from a first novel from this author. I had no idea what to expect. We know something twisty is going on but we don’t get the answers until the end. The last half was a page turner for me. Thanks to the Publisher for sending the ARC. This will be a fun summer read. Available in July.
Thank you in advance to Bookish First as well as the publisher, Minotaur Books/St. Martin’s Press, for this advanced review copy. A positive review was not required and all words are my own.
When I saw the description on Bookish First I HAD to get my points balance up and redeem them for this. And, I couldn’t wait to get it. This sounded too good to pass up on.
And, after the “shut-down” went into effect, only certain book publishers were shipping out. Thankfully, St. Martin’s Press and their imprints, were not affected.
Admittedly, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed everyday life for people. When I got this on April 6th, I had NO idea how much of this novel would ring true – isolation, no outsiders, no escape. Thankfully some of us can go and do things despite the restrictions. Still – the irony is quite strong with this novel.
Certainly the author couldn’t have conceived that the advanced reader’s copy/edition would come out around that time.
The cover shows a stunning infinity pool with a view of the ocean and lounge chairs to the side. And, after looking at that scene … what could possibly go wrong? After all a place to live, an allowance, a vehicle to drive … who wouldn’t want to have a job like that? It sounds pretty good – even to get away from the internet and social media.
Set in the UK and France – Downes takes the reader on a scary journey with Emily. The numbered chapters are told from Emily and Scott’s POV in third person. There are unnumbered “sections” or chapters that is obviously Nina from a first person POV. This starts from when she met Scott (just after chapter ten) and up until the “startling” reveal at the end of chapter 36.
As it states – Emily is a mess. And, a mess she is. She can’t seem to get a handle on “adulting”. She can’t seem to function – even the basics such as a budget and paying her bills seems to elude her. And, this even causes problems at her temp job. In addition, she wants to act and that isn’t anywhere near the success it should be. She is also at odds with her adoptive parents.
Scott is orchestrating something – and that involves Emily, despite her lack of being able to get a grip on the “adult” life. Scott’s offer is too tempting to pass up though. And, by chapter 11 – Emily thinks she’s landed a decent job.
The mystery surrounding Scott’s wife, Nina and their daughter Aurelia are at the heart of why he chose Emily. According to him, his wife is stressed and lonely due to looking after Aurelia. Scott also mentioned that Aurelia has a medical condition. But, Scott never discloses what exactly the condition is.
Despite the fact of what went on with her employment at Scott’s company – Emily leaps at the chance, not wondering what is going on. Obviously Emily knows she is inadequate at her job and silently questions Scott’s praise of her. Still, she takes the job? There’s strike one already – too good to be true. Strike two was the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). FYI: three strikes and usually you’re out – at least in baseball.
In fact, Scott has chosen Emily before she was fired. That’s already creepy. And, what’s even more creepy is how he manipulates those around her so that he can present this job to her.
Creeped out? Yes, it does get worse …
Emily is flown over to France. She meets Nina and Aurelia. The meeting with Aurelia doesn’t go very well. The child is all but a functional mute and has to cover up herself from head to toe due to a “skin condition”. Strike two – Emily hasn’t questioned this. The meeting doesn’t go quite as planned and there is an incident. Strike four – Emily debated leaving, but … she stays.
Strike four is the weird “no phones” and “no internet”.
There are other incidents/strikes that Emily misses: Aurelia’s aggressive affection, arson, Nina’s breakdown with “intruders”, an accident with Aurelia that prompts yet another psychotic breakdown from Nina. There was about seven (7) strikes/red flags prior to the last incident.
And, it wasn’t until the last incident that Emily out the real truth about Aurelia – that is the great reveal – and the reason behind the secrecy. The plot was unique and interesting. I had a feeling there was more to the story and was proven right about two-thirds (2/3) in. This was where I enjoyed the plot, but I didn’t. That was a hit+/miss- with me. It seemed like an over-done idea, yet it had originality. It was one of those “love/hate” feelings towards this. I truly enjoyed it, but at the same time, it seems like an “over-done” plot. For those who’ve read it – you might understand what I mean.
With short, quick chapters; this debut suspense holds up quite well. Surprisingly, it was a fairly fast read, and definitely kept my attention. I enjoyed it as I was reading it. This isn’t a “riveting, edge-of-seat” kind of read. But, it is a page-turning read at best. There are no sex scenes, but there is some nudity and implied sexual overtones – with implied consent for an extramarital affair. There is some coarse language.
The characters were well-written, but I couldn’t identify with any of them. The ending wasn’t too climatic, but I would definitely be interested to see what a sequel might look like. I will say I didn’t expect what happened to Scott. That was a “WOW” moment.
The end was a bit too short/quick. I would’ve liked to see the writer expand more on the missing child mentioned in the book as well as the conclusion from that.
Overall this wasn’t a bad effort for a debut writer. And, it definitely makes one re-consider being a “live-in” babysitter.
Described as “modern gothic feel of Ruth Ware and the morally complex family dynamics of Lisa Jewell”, if you’re a fan of these authors – you might enjoy this. As I’ve never read either author, I can’t adequately compare them.
My only regret in reading this book is that I read it too fast and didn’t savor its delicious nuances and secrets. The general plot is that Emily is a total mess. She has been fired, lost her apartment because she can’t pay the rent and now she has lost her temp job…again. Enter Scott Denny, the CEO of the company where she was working. After observing Emily’s interaction with a child in the waiting room, he decides that she will be perfect to work at his huge estate in France. He meets with Emily, describes her duties as housekeeper, personal assistant to his wife and tutor for his daughter. It sounds almost too good to be true, and of course it is! When Emily arrives at the sprawling estate, she quickly discovers that there is no internet, no phone connection and Nina Denny is more than a little obsessive about her daughter Aurelia. Aurelia is quite quirky, too, since she has a skin disease and can’t stand to be touched. Nevertheless, the salary is good, the perks of living on this little piece of Heaven on earth, and the lack of other opportunities in her life lead Emily’s to believe that she can be successful here. All she has to do is keep the family secrets which continue to mount, especially after she visits the wing of the home occupied by Nina and supposed to be totally off-limits to Emily. This was a fast-paced book that was easy to read and highly entertaining. The plot was intriguing if somewhat predictable. I enjoyed the ending, but is really wasn’t ready for it because it seemed to end abruptly and left me asking myself, “Wait! What just happened?” Told from the points of view of Emily, Nina and Scott, this book is one that should not be missed by fans of suspense thrillers and family drama.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from #MinotaurBooks and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Just imagine a secluded, beautiful, peaceful, and new country where you have just been employed. There are two huge homes, a pool, ocean view, loads of extras, great salary and spending account, you’re given a huge room, you hit it off with your employers wife and eventually his daughter. Sounds great but maybe not. This was a quick and exciting read that held my interest very well. Great read.
Love that each character told the story in their own way. Love Emily and what she did at the end.
Story kept me glued to the pages until the end!
From page one you are hooked into this story. It was one I could not stop reading. The desire to know what happens next is critical.
Emily is down on her luck, lost her job, days from being thrown out of her apartment. Her former boss Scott offers her a job to help take care of his house in France and be an assistant to his wife Nina and care for his daughter.
Emily excepts the job and finds herself in a place that is beautiful and the work on updating the house is fulfilling. But everything is not as it seems. Will Emily unravel what is really going on there? Is this really a happy place?
Recommended!
Thank you Netgalley for complimentary copy. The thoughts and opinions are my own!