Baby Oliver suffers a broken arm and fingers are pointing at the parents. The story is told from three different viewpoints, parents Richard and Sally and Richard's teenage daughter, Martha.

This was a good book but not quite great. I did enjoy it and I wanted to find out what happened and for that it deserves 4 stars from me. I just felt it lacked a little something but can't really put my finger on what it is.

This book tells the story of a baby who broke his arm.

The writing’s effective, I was able to know whose POV I was reading without even looking at the name.

The characters, except for Sally, start out as stereotypes – Richard is always angry and Martha’s an upset teenager. However, they actually grow as people (in an almost soap opera kind of way). Sally, however, is interesting, it’s nice to read a book that portrays the mind of a paranoid woman. Something I really appreciate is how she deals with everything, it feels realistic.

Story wise, it’s a really simple book. The story’s linear, however, it does, sometimes, deal with flashbacks.

But we need to talk about it seriously.

I know I’m a tough reader to please when it comes to mystery – it’s the genre I’ve read for the longest time (I grew up reading Geronimo Stilton and other mysteries) and the one I’ve read the most books.

With all that in mind, let’s proceed.

In Goodreads, the book is tagged as a ‘mystery thriller’, which makes no sense. If you squint at the story, you’ll realize it’s only a mystery, and even that’s a stretch. As I read this book, I felt no such thing as anticipation or even anxiety, it makes no sense to see it as a thriller.

And, to me, in a mystery, I shouldn’t be able to predict all the major revelations. In this book, however, I didn’t miss a single one (including the big one – WHO DID IT?).

So, this book is more of a drama than a mystery.

Don’t get me wrong, this book has nice moments, however, those were shadowed by most of the bad ones.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Hush little baby is a gripping read. Told from the point of view of the parents and daughter. Its every parents nightmare something happening to their child. To have your child taken away from you must be horrendous..
My heart broke for Martha , she was forgotten in all the ensuing drama of who hurt Oliver. I wanted to grab hold of Sally and Richard and shout cant you see your daughter is in trouble? This is a novel which doesn't shy away from the hard subjects. Infidelity, post natal depression and eating disorders. Its not a light read and will certainly leave you with a lot of questions on your mind. I really thought i knew who had hurt baby Oliver, I was surprised when it was finally revealed. If you are looking for a thought provoking read, I highly recommend you pick up a copy.

Wow. This book has me on the edge of seat and cringing as some of it was so familiar as it will be for a lot of people reading this. It makes you go over memories of your own and think 'what if'.... Highly recommended.

I really enjoyed Hush Little Baby. I’m not a mother myself, and don’t in fact have many friends with kids (yet!) so I can’t read this novel when any sense of knowing exactly how it feels to have a child, let alone lose your child to the social services system because of something you didn’t do. It also may have been easier for me to read about a subject like a child being hurt without becoming as upset. Regardless, the writing by Joanna Barnard makes you feel like you’re going through it; like you’re struggling to prove your innocence against an injustice and people who seem to want to take your child away, and it’s an interesting read.

Told from three different point of views, the novel focuses as much on Sally and a Richard’s relationship and Richard’s daughter Sally and her struggles, as the actual ‘incidence’ itself. Though I really wanted to know who hurt baby Oliver, that ends up being more of a side issue, with the plot instead focussing more on the way it affected each person and their family, and the sense of distrust that this kind of case can bring. Therefore the novel lacked a strong sense of ‘mystery’ or ‘thriller’ element, but I didn’t mind this – it didn’t feel like it was supposed to be that kind of book anyway. I became wrapped up in the story of Richard and Sally’s fight to try and get their son back… and those characters felt really well developed. I don’t want to give too much away but some of the character’s actions made me *hate* them and others I felt desperately sorry for. No one comes across as blameless though; each has their own faults and this felt far more realistic than when an author tries to clearly define ‘kind’ and ‘horrible’ characters.

Hush Little Baby made me think about how I’d feel in this situation, and is an enjoyable, easy read which left me wanting to read more by this author.

A well written book dealing with a sensitive issue whilst making you feel you know how the main characters are feeling.
Hush little baby is the first book I have read by Joanna Bernard and it won't be the last!
From the first page of this book I knew I was going to love it. The story starts off with Sally, mum to Oli and wife to Richard whom she had an affair with resulting in him leaving his first wife and bringing Martha his 15 year old daughter with him. Sally is on her first night out after having Oli with her old work pals. She is woken in the morning by Richard to say that Oli's arm doesn't look right and he can't stop crying. they take him to hospital to find its broken and from that social services are called and Oli is taken away from them. What follows is a well wrote story portraying guilt, lies and worry. Joanna has done a great job of dealing with this sensitive issue whilst having believable characters. I really felt for Sally halfway through and the angst she felt by having her baby taken away from her. All the way through I swung from Richard to Martha to Sally changing my mind with every new chapter I read which were well planned as the chapters were from one of the three main characters giving you a real insight into their thoughts and feelings. The ending was a shock and I didn't guess it right at all.
I would like to thank penguin random house, Ebury press and Netgalley for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

Baby Oliver is 10 months old and his arm has been broken. The finger of blame is pointed firmly at his family: mum, Sally; dad, Richard; and teenage half-sister Martha. Each has his own secrets and something to hide about the night Ollie was hurt, but who is really guilty and who are Social Services going to blame?

An enthralling read right from the first chapter. I found I couldn’t put this book down and was desperate to know who really had hurt Ollie. The book is well-written and the pacing is perfect throughout – just enough cliffhangers to keep me hooked, without ever feeling contrived.

The stories of each character are cleverly woven together through the changing perspectives of each family member, which never felt clunky or forced. The growth of the narrative was very strong and encompassed a number of sensitive issues: self-harm, eating disorders, infidelity and post-natal depression to name a few. Each made a subtle but important contribution to the story as the family tried to deal with their own problems while fighting to get their beloved Oliver back from Social Services.

The emotion in the novel is raw and made the characters both relatable and likeable, and this is where Barnard’s strength really lies. The insecurities that we all felt as teenagers are artfully recounted through Martha’s chapters, likewise the feeling of inadequacy Sally, as a new mum, explores in hers.

The only fault I can find in this novel is that, while it dealt with some very troubling issues, it just wasn’t quite dark enough for my tastes. I was preparing myself for a shocking finale, and for me, that never came. I’m sure others will disagree with that, but one thing I am certain about is that Barnard is definitely one to watch in the coming years.

Anouk

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

What an interesting read. Little Oliver gets injured, and now Social Services are involved. The reader can't decide who hurt him, and the ending was well done. Highly recommended!

Hush Little Baby by Joanna Barnard begins on the night that little Oliver gets hurt. His mother is out with friends. She comes back home a bit drunk and then the next day; she is woken by her husband carrying her wailing baby, Oliver. The baby is rushed to the hospital and all hell breaks loose when the doctors find out that his arm is fractured. Things become even more complex when nobody seems to know how Ollie got hurt.

This is a domestic thriller. The story was more about how the family was affected by the injury. The secrets started coming out and Ollie’s accident revealed the cracks in what at first seemed like a perfect family. Throughout the story, I kept trying to guess what happened to Ollie. Of course there were theories. It could have been a natural injury caused by vitamin D deficiency or it could have been caused by someone’s actions. I couldn’t guess.

The three main characters are also the narrators. We get to hear the story from Martha (the step-sister), Sally (mom) and Richard (dad). These narrations are told through alternating chapters. I sympathized with the family and in particular, the mom, Sally. I can’t imagine what she was going through. Richard’s character is bound to elicit mixed reactions. When you read the story, you will get why. I also sympathized with Martha who was already struggling with fitting into the blended family. She had issues with finding acceptance not just in the family but at school too. However, I also had my suspicions about the three. What happened to Ollie? Who among them knows the truth? The three stories are interwoven with the mystery behind Ollie’s injury.

Hush Little Baby by Joanna Barnard is definitely a character-driven thriller. However, the pacing is brisk. There is a lot that is going on hence the pace keeps moving as we get further insights into the family and their secret lives. It was an easy read in terms of pacing though the themes were far from being light. My only issue with the book was the conflict resolution which felt a bit sudden. Nevertheless, I think that fans of domestic noirs and family-drama thrillers will like this book.

Even in the "perfect family " everyone can have something to hide.
The first line pulled me in. In alternate chapters, the story tells of Sally and Richard who have a baby called Oliver. Everything seems fine and then one night Oliver's arm is hurt. The question is, what happened? Who did it?,Then follows an investigation into what happened and where everyone was at the time. From the time they reach the hospital on that fateful night, they are in hell. There's a lot of suspicion at the hospital and so the only place Oliver can be is at Richard's parents house. The pacing is excellent and so is the characterisation. Richard has a daughter called Martha who lives with him and Sally.

I really get the feeling of sadness and worry over Oliver's fate from Sally. She has been with him since she was 22 and he was a decade older. There's so much tension and confusion throughout the book as wrll as nonstop doubt as to what will happen. The thoughts and feelings from everyone are so vivid and flashbacks from the past about characters' lives helped the general plot, although it was brilliant. There's a real sense of how people struggle and suffer in this story and I liked all the points of view especially Sally's and Martha's. We get sone inkling into how the characters each look for a support network in their own way. The social services scenes are very realistic too. Whether you are a mother or not, this thriller will blow you away!

Thanks to Joanna Barnard and her publisher for this ARC via NetGalley. I'd love to read more titles by her.

Baby Ollies arm has been broken and neither of his parents nor his teenage half sister know how it happened. But Social Services believe at least one of them know exactly how it happened and refuse to let him go home until they know the truth...

This novel is told from the perspective of Ollies parents Sally and Richard and Richards daughter by his first marriage Martha. It soon becomes apparent that Sally was part of the reason his split up with his first wife, and that his spots will never change. What else is clear is Sally was struggling with motherhood and Martha wasn't ecstatic at the idea of a new baby brother. In the telling of this story the book deals well with the subjects of infidelity, self harm, eating disorders, revenge porn, post natal depression....well it deals with a lot of issues. A lot. So as you can imagine it's not a barrel of laughs! But what it is sensitively written and compelling story that I found hard to put down. The characters are believable and easy to empathise with - even self proclaimed romantic Richard (he says romantic, we say a-hole). A great read that leaves a lot of food for thought.

From the blurb on the back of the book we know that baby Oliver has broken his arm. What we don't know is how, why and who?

And so these page turning book begins as you see a family slowly disintegrating.

Sally, Oliver's mother, is devastated that her baby has been taken away from her, it must have been an accident. He is all she had, the only person on her side.

Sally was out all night, the discovery of the broken arm happened when she returned home.

Richard, Oliver's father, cannot understand what is happening, but he cannot see what is going on under his nose. He knows of course how to bring up children, he already has one with his first wife.

Richard was in all night, but discovered the broken arm.

Martha, Oliver's stepsister, is lost. No one is paying her any attention, it is all about Oliver and she needs to find a release. Will her choices, drive the family further apart or will it bring them together.

Martha, might have been there all night, but was she paying attention?

One of them knows the truth, the rest is all lies. Told from the these three characters perspective we watch as the disintegration becomes deep, distressing and disturbing.

The book is rather unsettling to read, there is so many topics covered; postpartum depression, self harm, drug abuse, bullying, infidelity, but there's something voyeuristic in watching what happens as you turn the pages. It made me feel uncomfortable with what was happening but I had to keep reading.

A gripping novel, that does not perhaps fit nicely into the thriller category because of the topic but certainly morbidly fascinating in wanting to know the truth as the plot twists to perhaps the obvious conclusion? Will we have any answers when we get to the end of the novel?

An interesting second novel and for me much better than the first, something that can be difficult to achieve. An author to look out for, as I think the books are going to get better and better.

An excellent, chilling book - as a mother of four it would be a nightmare to be accused of hurting your own child... hence I found it difficult to read in places.

Little baby Oliver has been hurt and noone knows why or how it happened... or if it was done to him. The story is told from 3 point of views - Sally (Olivers mother), Richard (Olivers Father) and Martha (Olivers stepsister and Richards older daughter).

All three main characters are well developed with their own distinct viewpoints of how things happened, the subsequent investigation and the impact it has on them and the family.

At various points throughout the book I thought any one of the 3 main characters could have done it. What makes it even more chilling is that none of them are terrible people... none are stereotypical monsters... they are all indviduals trying to deal with day to day living and the changes that being a blended family, new mother, step dauughter, outsider husband brings.

Definitely would reccommend this - oh and the ending! What a twist!

This is one of those books which left me confused, whether I liked it or not. I read the name of this book and the blurb, and was ready for some great mystery, maybe some horror; unfortunately, I did not get any of it… What I got, was incredibly strong and interesting characters.
The narrative of this book was told by Sally, Richard and Martha. They are a family; Richard married Sally after having an affair with her, and they took in Martha - Richard’s daughter from first marriage. After night out, Sally is woken up by her husband and whimpering ten month old Oliver, who’s hand has been broken. And that’s where this family’s drama begins. Oliver is taken away by social services and this family has to prove that they didn’t (or did?) break his arm. As the pages are turned, the book unfolds some unexpected discoveries, which might change the events of this book.
I think that the base of this book, which kept me going, was the characters. Their thoughts which were expressed in this book are so intriguing and too realistic. I loved the way Sally was telling her story as mistress, and how she seduced Richard. I really enjoyed Richard’s perspective in this book. He is very straight forward man, and I enjoyed reading his amusing thoughts in this book. Martha is a teenage spirit in this novel, sharing her story as a child, who is trying to adjust in her new family, and what difficulties she is facing. Even though, Oliver shows up very rarely in this book, the whole story mainly spins around Oliver and all the motherly/ fatherly love for him. Sally and Richard describe how their lives were going on before Oliver was born, and what happened to their relationship after he was born.
I wasn’t very impressed with narrative of this book, I think it kind of plodded along with few twists, and the main reason I kept reading was, the wish to find out who actually broke Oliver’s arm. Joanna Barnard discussed some serious topics in this novel, such as: what parents have to go through, when they are accused of child abuse; reasons for eating disorders and self harm; relationship problems.
The writing style of this book was very addictive, the pages just turn themselves, and I finished this book quite quickly. I think that was influenced by short chapters, easy language, and very absorbing characters. There is plenty of motherly love in this book, which made me roll my eyes, as I am not very big fan when it gets repeated over and over again. The ending of this book rounded up the story nicely, giving well deserved conclusion to this book. So to conclude, it is a family drama with very strong, diverse and realistic characters, filled with parental love and difficult relationships. If you are into these kinds of things, give this book a try and I hope you will enjoy.

Hush Little Baby opens with a new mum terrified that she is going to hurt her baby.

Baby Oliver is left with Father, Richard and older Step-Sister, Martha whilst Mum, Sally goes out for the evening with her old work colleagues. It should be Sally's chance for a night off, a chance to reacquaint herself with her colleagues before contemplating work again.

It turns out to be her biggest mistake.

Sally gets hopelessly drunk, crashes out upon her return home and is only woken in the early hours of the morning by Richard shaking her, and poor baby Oliver screaming in pain. It is clear he has broken his arm, so they rush to A & E.

It is there that the real nightmare begins.

Neither Sally or Richard have any idea how Oliver came about his injuries. The authorities are quick to step in, to place Oliver away from the family, away from 'harm'. The situation as horrible as it may seem, is a perfectly feasible one.

Little ones are so precious, but so fragile, harm can easily come to them, no matter how careful we are to protect them.

I don't want to give anything more away as Hush Little Baby is a novel that you need to read to understand.

Hush Little Baby is full of unreliable narrators-just the way I like my novels! I was surprised by the ending, but can't say it was unexpected, and it finishes the novel perfectly! Highly recommended.

I devoured this book in one sitting. It was an engaging story told from three very separate voices, which is a technique I admire but can be hard to master. I have to admit that I didn't see the ending coming and had a gasp out loud moment. The descriptions of self harming and anorexia were very sensitively dealt with and blended seamlessly into the plot, but the real coup de grace was the very realistic descriptions of the lire of parents with a new born baby. Excellent writing

This is a very good thriller which deals with a subject that could and does happen to many people. Sally and Richard are married, she is his second wife. They both have a son Oliver 18 months and Richard has a teenage daughter Martha from his first marriage, who lives with them. Sally goes on a rare night out and gets drunk. She awakens next morning to see Richard frantic as their son is in pain from a swollen arm. They race to the local hospital and are soon involved in a nightmare situation where Oliver is diagnosed with a broken arm and taken into care.! Read on!

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of Hush Little Baby.
This is a well written book that deals with 3 very difficult subjects - child abuse, eating disorders and self harm but in a gentle and sensitive manner.

This is a story of lies, heartache and secrets within a family unit. The main characters are the mum Sally, the dad Richard, and the daughter Martha. By giving each of them their own voice, the author allows us a closer insight into what the family relationships are like. Each one of them has things to hide, and as the story picks up pace we begin to form opinions as to what we think has gone on which has led to Sally and Richard being unable to care for their baby son Oliver.

I thought I had figured out what had happened, but as I reached the final page I discovered I had it totally wrong. The pace of the story is good, the characters are written well, and the fact I was surprised when all was revealed shows what a good story this was.

Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.