4-5 stars, my first but not my last Alexandra Burt book! I thought this was so well written, gripping from the start, but why I couldn’t say 5 solid stars is it’s a bit confusing at parts. Overall, it’s a very intense, chilling, twisted story that really kept me engaged and yearning for more. I did find some parts a bit confusing, since it seemed to time jump without explanation, and also a bit slow in middle, but glad I finished, as I did enjoy it and find it quite chilling and thrilling! Preorder today, as it’s not one you want to miss! Suspense, twisty, chilling, and shocking!
Will make sure I buzz it up on all the different platforms!

Shadow Garden

4*

This book has an emotional psychological thriller feel to it. The story spans the life time of their only child and how they cope, or not, with numerous episodes of inappropriate behaviour of differing severity.

Giving a detailed portrayal of complexed family dynamics. It outlines the struggle of both the parents and the childs ability to cope with both their own and each others psychological/emotional "baggage".

This is a good holiday read for many people, if you like loads of detail about a few characters, their life and belonging.

The level of detail can be a little tedious at times, but it does paint a detailed picture of the characters, and what makes them tick. At the same time leaves you to draw your own conclusions.

Although well written it's a little predictable, but has a little twist at the end.

Katie Anna

@sunnybookreviews who received a free book to review

Alexandra Burt is back with another RIVETING domestic thriller! I think the first book I ever read on netgalley was her first novel, Remembering Mia. So when I saw this one I jumped at the chance to read it and revisit an author who blew me away! Well, she's done it again folks as this book is EXCELLENT! I highly recommend it.

I thought this story had potential but needed some work. In the first half of the book you meet the main character Donna - a middle aged woman married to Edward, a plastic surgeon, and the mother of Penelope aged around 29. Donna appears to have been ‘sent’ to live at Shadow Garden. We are not told what this place is but from the context I guessed it was some sort of very up-market care home for wealthy people who were either infirm or loony tunes. Edward seems about to ‘have a moment’ and Penelope seems, well, difficult, troubled, a danger to herself and others.

It was a chore to get to that point. The story was not easy to follow. The time lines were all over the place with no explanation and there was sooo much detail about Donna’s perfect mansion (that she no longer lived in) and her former, perfectly curated life . I couldn’t help thinking who the heck cares? Who cares about the hand crafted chandelier imported from Italy and on and on and on. By the halfway point I had guessed what was up with Penelope and what Donna’s condition was. There was obviously some tragedy that was going to be revealed but it was like pulling teeth. The name of the care home - Shadow Garden - may have been a good title for a somewhat creepy novel but this wasn’t creepy and I thought the name would be awful for a real place. I thought there was a lot of confected drama, call it melodrama and because the story centred around an ultra wealthy family with seemingly unlimited resources it seemed to have no resonance with real life, real people, real problems and certainly not me. I did not enjoy reading this.

A chill inducing, suspenseful novel that you will not be able to quit! A mystery that twists around not only the main character, but the reader and refuses to let go until the very end. the author weaves a suspenseful tale that leaves you guessing.

Shadow Garden is a creepy and necessary thriller book! I really enjoyed this one and loved how the plot and characters went. Great book!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book I've read from this author and will be looking forward to read more!! I loved this book from start to finish! Anyone who enjoys suspenseful books will really enjoy this one.

On the surface, Donna Pryor appears to have everything a woman could want, at least materially. What she wants, an ex who will talk to her and news about her grown-up daughter, are out of reach. As the days in her lavish condo, complete with attentive staff pass by, Donna begins to feel smothered. Is her luxurious home really just a well appointed prison? I was unprepared for a few of the surprises that Burt sprung in this thriller, making it an excellent read