Shalini Boland

At the start you may think that the storyline is going to be predictable...just another "who done it... but you'll be wrong....in a good way. Alice, our bride, is looking for her missing groom. As you read a bit further, you’ll realize just how much "more" there is to this story. The author has done an excellent job of creating a tense atmosphere that keeps you guessing until the end. The story is filled to overflowing with intrigue, deception, and surprises. The characters are show more well-rounded, complex and so very easy to relate to. I found that Alice is a likeable heroine. She will tug at your heartstrings as you follow her efforts to find her missing groom. The author has given us Seth...Alice's fiancé, and the missing groom. He is our character that we can "love to hate". Every psychological thriller needs one of those you know. We are introduced, along the journey, to some other characters that will keep you guessing as to exactly what their intentions are. You will soon find that you are deeply invested in all of these characters, and you are hooked. The journey you have undertaken is filled with twists and turns that culminate in a conclusion that is sure to leave you breathless. Overall...anyone who loves good psychological thrillers with a captivating storyline, well-rounded characters and an excellent writing style, will love The Silent Bride. I found it nearly impossible to put down. show less

Another outstanding psychological thriller by Shalini Boland.

I’m always excited when I see that Shalini Boland has a new book out. In THE FAMILY HOLIDAY, two families decide to do a house swap for a holiday. One family lives in an English cottage, the other in an Italian villa. Amber is annoyed by one of Beth’s nosy neighbors snooping around and knocking on Beth’s door every other minute while Amber and her family are trying to enjoy their relaxing vacation in their house swap. Beth show more is married to Niall, a popular fantasy writer who has grown distant from her and their children and quite frankly acts like a jerk, ignoring Beth and the kids and pushing all the parenting duties onto her so he can have private time. Beth finds something in Amber’s house that leads her to believe there could be a connection between Amber and Niall. Niall denies it. Creepy things begin happening to the family in Italy. I was on the edge of my seat reading. Then, (and this is all included in the blurb, so not a spoiler), Niall turns up dead. Shalini Boland always has deliciously dark characters and twists that surprise me and this was no exception. I loved the way the surprises kept coming all the way to the last page!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from Bookouture and NetGalley for review purposes. show less

One morning, while home alone, Lizzy Beresford hears a strange noise. When she goes downstairs she finds an envelope at her door. The thing is, the envelope is inside of her door, jutting up between the floorboards. Who could've sent her the note, and how in the world did they get inside?

Unfortunately for Lizzy, this note is the first of several. She began to doubt those closest to her -- her boyfriend, her neighbors, even her friends. The notes are far too personal. Someone knows far too show more much about Lizzy, and so, naturally, she is terrified. Lizzy has led a relatively comfortable life until now. She has a terrific job and is in a comfortable relationship with her boyfriend Joe.

Lizzy is estranged from sister, Emma, however, and so she even suspects Emma of leaving her the letters. Due to a shocking change of circumstances, she reaches out to Emma, although this fills her with great trepidation, but she finds that she has no choice but to trust her.

The Silent Sister is full of twists and turns, often at breakneck speed. Although this was a quick read, I thought I had a bead on the stalker, or even more knowledge as to why the sisters were estranged. But I must stop here in my speculation, as I certainly do not want to give any spoilers. Suffice it to say that this is a fantastic read, and I have to say that Shalini Boland completely surprised me. I had no idea who the stalker was, and I still had trouble wrapping my mind around it when I discovered who it was. If that wasn't enough to completely throw me off course, the ending was just as shocking. This was a fast-paced book, easily read in two sittings. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion. show less

I have mixed feelings whenever I read (heck, or when I write) "Perfect for fans of Gone Girl or The Girl On The Train" because I feel even THAT gives too much away about the book. Should I expect an unreliable narrator? Will I even LIKE the characters?

The Girl from the Sea delivers a gripping story that should have been predictable but wasn't. And no, at times I didn't like Mia, which is interesting because even Mia didn't really know who Mia was, and so we are learning about her as she show more does. Author Boland does a great job of building tension - lots of tension and the story hurtles along...and then when I think I've figured it out, BOOM, and there's a twist I wasn't expecting. I stayed up late reading this one. I bet you will too.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of the book. show less