Isobel is an extraordinary beautiful woman, that is until she speaks. She has the voice of a little girl in an adults body. Izzy (Isobel) is trapped, caught in the day that it happened. Eve (Isobel's mother) has put their home up,for sale and move to somewhere smaller. Claire, her partner Tim and their daughter end up moving into Eve's old home. Tim and Izzy had survived a childhood trauma. I can't say much more about the book as I would spoil it for other readers.

The story covers three different time periods, twenty years ago, ten years ago and the present. The story is told through Evie and Claire in alternating chapters. Izzy is a fascinating character for several different reasons (you will have to read the book to find out why). You don't find out the true story of events until nearer the end of the book but when I did I was on the edge of my seat rooting for some of the people that were involved. This is a well written book that gives us a few red herrings and a more than satisfying ending.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Lucy Dawson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for myhonest review.

2.5 stars.This is the first book I have read from this author. I didn't like the supernatural feel to this book and felt no character growth at all. The author leads you to a twist that is easily predictable and didn't leave me shocked or feeling anything great at the end of this book. I had high hopes for this one based on the synposis but was disappointed.

What is it about Fox Cottage? Told in several time periods and from the perspective of Evie and Clare, it's the story of Izzie and what happened to her. Clare, the new owner of the home, is married to Tim, who knows what happened to Izzie but not everyone else does. Izzie has a LOT of issues and she's kind of creepy as well. This has some twists before the secrets come out. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This isn't so much psychological suspense as domestic drama.

I really dislike being negative when it comes to a book but I just could not get my teeth stuck into this.
Both story and characters I felt appeared weak , slow and quite lethargic.
Thank you to both NetGalley and Bookouture for my eARC in exchange for my honest unbiased review

With thanks to Netgalley and Bookoutre for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

The Memory started with a traumatic event involving Eve Parkes a young widow and her then seven year old Isobel. The event left Isobel mentally scared with PTSD.

Twenty seven years later Isobel was a woman trapped in a child's body. Unable to maintain her property Eve had been trying to sell Fox Cottage for years. Claire Waters and partner Tim had a eight year old daughter called Rosie. Claire went to view Fox Cottage for her father in law Tony. Before Claire left Eve advised her not to buy the property because it would bring unhappiness.

Tony bought Fox Cottage as an investment. However Tim lost Claire`s inheritance in a failed land deal and they had to reluctantly leave London to live at Fox Cottage.

On the day Claire and Tim moved in Eve had to go back to collect some voodoo dolls Isobel had stuck up the chimney. After that Isobel kept coming around trying to find Tim, she started sneaking into the house at night to look at Rosie.

Claire was shocked to learn Tim had saved Isobel`s life on that fateful morning. As teenagers Isobel and Tim had a brief romance when he came from Uni for the summer. Ever since disturbed Isobel had been casting spells waiting for him to come home.

Eve was worried how Tim`s return would affect Isobel`s mental health. After a row with Tim`s mum Susannah she found out that she paid for Isobel to have an abortion at 16. Susannah paid for a DNA test that proved Tim was the father. Susannah never told Tim about the abortion.

As Isobel `s stalking becomes more persistent, Claire was worried what Isobel would do next.

I enjoyed this psychological thriller weaved with the supernatural. The story was told from the POV of Eve and Claire. The plot was dark and foreboding which left me uneasy at times, I loved it. My favourite character was the no nonsense Claire who still supported Tim even after he lost all her inheritance. Isobel was a fascinating character, I was completely wrong about her until her sad story was revealed.

I enjoyed the shock that was hidden in one of the final paragraphs, but I would of liked them to explain their motivation.

I recommend The Memory and look forward to Lucy Dawson`s next book.

A Saturday morning, and a few people have taken their children to a judo class. However, something happens at the lesson which has serious long-term consequences for three of the children. One of these, the beautiful Isabel, is so traumatised that she will forever be trapped as a 7 year old: even as a woman she will speak with a child’s high pitched voice.

Decades later, Evie (Isobel’s mother) decides to sell the house and Claire with the help of her in-laws buys the property. The plot unfolds through the perspective of Evie and Claire. Fox Cottage is a central prop in the unveiling of this tale; spooky and full of secrets, and lies. Nods to the supernatural, and hints of madness add to the suspense. A great reveal adds to the satisfaction quota of this read.

Well-written, great characters that will surprise you and an overall I am one happy reader!

Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.

When newly widowed Eve and her seven year old daughter Isobel are involved in a traumatic incident, the repercussions are far-reaching and they retreat to Fox Cottage to recover. However, twenty seven years later, Eve and Isobel are still suffering the effects of the mayhem inflicted on them.

Claire and her partner Tim are buying Fox Cottage together with their daughter Rosie. Claire feels she has been manipulated into moving into Fox Cottage and Tim really doesn’t want to live there, it scares him and he doesn’t know why. When they move into the cottage and unexplained events occur, Claire is left wondering just what have they bought until they make an unexpected discovery.

The Memory is a dark thriller told from both Eve and Claire’s point of view, it’s a story of secrets and lies with a shocking twist towards the end.

A haunting tale of love, loss and revenge. How far would our go to protect the ones you love? The. Emory grabs you and keeps you reading!

Eve and Isobel have lived in Fox Cottage for over 30 years, that all changes one day when suddenly someone actually offers to purchase the down-at-the-heels home. Eve loves fox Cottage but knows she can no longer maintain the home, Isobel, her daughter can't wait to move out. Because there is something in the house, isn't there?

Why does Isobel still speak and behave like a little girl at the age of 34, was it the traumatic school incident or has her over-protective mother refused to let her grow up? Or is it the house? Isobel wants to warn the new family, particularly the little girl but it's possible that Isobel is just mentally confused.

The sad part for me was that I guessed the major twist about a third into the book - there is a major giveaway. The story was still exciting enough for me to want to see where else it lead. I liked Claire, one of the main characters and that was actually about it - maybe the others weren't meant to be likeable, her husband came across as weak and entitled.

An enjoyable Sunday afternoon read.

Many thanks to #Netgalley and #Bookouture for the ARC of #TheMemory in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

This is one of those books that has little or no bearing on what the description says about it. The book begins with a horrific incident in a primary school. That the incident has long term repercussions on the children and parents involved is apparent. But, and for me this is a big but it adds nothing to the story which takes off in a different directions.

Eve and her daughter Izzie witnessed the school event, and the fact that it had long term ramifications is apparent in the grown-up Izzie who behaves more like a child than an adult.

Eve sells her home, but the buyer is a face from Eve and Izzie’s past. Izzie appears to become even more unhinged. Or does she? There are so many sub plots going on, and a twist at the end that I guessed straight away, that I came away unconvinced that I had followed all the novel atall.
The characters are dislikeable. I didn’t get Eve – I felt that she might be the root of Izzie’s problems as I just could not understand the parenting tactics. The supernatural element of the story was unnecessary and added nothing to the plot.

On the whole I came to the end and wondering what was the point?

I was really looking forward to this as I am a big Lucy Dawson fan, but it just didn't fulfil my expectations.
For one I am not a fan of supernatural edges! Give me a twisted, serial killer any day! There were some parts that gripped me, and I can't say much more without giving any spoilers - but one I have pressed send for this review, this book will be pretty much forgotten.

I am a big fan of Lucy Dawson's books and I did really enjoy this one. It is very different from her previous books, and a bit slower in pace in my opinion. But it was a great story, told from multiple points of views in various points in time. It is a hard one to review without giving anything away. The story is dark and creepy with plenty of twists you won't see coming.

It is the story of 2 families known to each other but not friendly with each other. Eve's daughter Isobel is involved in a disturbing incident when she is 7 and her life is changed forever. When Eve decides to sell her home and moves the secrets that have been hidden for years come spilling out. Strange things happen in the house, making them all think they are going mad and seeing things.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased

Lucy Dawson has done it again she had me quesses who was the lier and who was telling me the truth every page had me in suspense. This is a good book I rate it at a 5 stars

I am a fan of Lucy Dawson’s, having read pretty much much all but her very early books. Therefore I was very keen to read this ARC of The Memory from the publisher, kindly given to me in return for my honest review

I enjoy Lucy’s novels, they’re always easy to read, not too taxing, and roll along at an interesting twisty pace. The Memory however I struggled with I have to say. It started well, but sagged in the larger part in the middle, almost to the point of it ending up on my abandoned list. Nevertheless I persevered, though through skim reading a lot. The ending however made me glad I hadn’t just dropped it completely. But with no character I could enjoy, having a supernatural lean to the story which isn’t my thing, along with a plot that had too many nuances which sagged im afraid it lost my interest, I can’t rate this any more than 2.5 stars. I’m sorry Lucy!! It wouldn’t stop me reading her novels again in the future however.

Thank you again to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC.

my 1st book from this author and so enjoyed the places in book is set buy me. a mother who is protective of her daughter {izzie} who is troubled . no spoilers as hate this book is very cleverley thought out and so creepy dont read in the night suspenseful creepy . twisty and an ending you wont see coming highley recomend

I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for letting me have a copy of ‘The Memory’ by Lucy Dawson in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
It starts thirty years ago when Eve refuses a date from Paul Jones, the martial arts instructor at the class that her seven-year-old daughter Izzie attends. In retaliation he starts shooting at the children with pellets from his gun, which has a lasting effect on Izzie and also Tim who throws himself over Izzie to save her.
Now, Eve are Izzie are moving out of Fox Cottage where they’ve lived for many years and Tim, his partner Claire and daughter Rosie are moving in following Tim’s father purchasing it for them after the loss of Claire’s savings.
Izzie who has metal health issues has always loved Tim and thinks he’s has returned for her. She makes voodoo dolls and practices witchcraft, and when strange events occur at Fox Cottage Claire believes the cottage is haunted and that it’s all down to Izzie.
‘The Memory’ is a dark and nightmarish thriller which has an interesting beginning then seems to slow down in the middle before becoming more exciting towards the end. There are twists and turns, believable characters who aren’t what they seem so it’s hard to guess how it’s going to end. As the conclusion is reached the plot becomes quite sinister and unnerving, the loose ends are tied up and the truth uncovered.

I have read all of Lucy’s books and this one was just as good, if not better! A real solid psychological thriller that kept me wanting to turn the pages. I loved it.

This is Lucy Dawson's best! The beginning starts with a bang and twists and turns all the way through. It is unpredictable and very entertaining. Definitely a suspenseful thriller with a little noir thrown in for a creepy effect.

This was a VERY good psychological suspense thriller that was hard to put down. Told in different perspectives, it is all about how one moment can change the course of your life forever. It is really hard to write too much without giving away, but this is one book I could not put down and the twists and secrets just kept unraveling until its shocking end. Very much enjoyed the authors character development and intertwined plot.

Fantastic to read!

The story is gripping and full of tense moments. Twists and turns await every page! I really enjoyed reading this a lot and can highly recommend it.