Cover Image: The Wrong Family

The Wrong Family

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Winnie and Nigel seem to have a fairy tale marriage. Once a former therapist comes into their lives, however, she discovers that they are keeping a dark secret. She begins an investigation that uncovers secrets and exposes her own.

Was this review helpful?

You know going in that this author is going to give us something twisted and far out. She takes the normal story and gives and edge to it that we may not see coming until it's too late.

Given my history of reading this author, I wasn't exactly sure the role of Juno until quite a few chapters in. That character could have been any number of identities.

What we watch unfold as the story goes on is exactly as the title says. The wrong family gets identified and the tragedy that follows is unthinkable. Not many more details needed on the plot. You will need to follow along in your own time.

The story builds a bit in the beginning. As I said, it took some time to figure out who and what was happening. Winnie and Juno are the main characters and we see most of the book from their POV. I felt like I needed just a little bit more out of Winnie in order to really understand her character. The tragic parts are there but I wanted to see more about her healing and how she came to be this age with her understanding of life.

Overall a good read. Not a romance--- definitely dark.

Was this review helpful?

The Wrong Family is my first read of Tarryn Fisher. If you follow me you know I tend to dive in without even reading the synopsis of the book and that’s exactly what I did. I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised. While I will freely admit that I was expecting a love story (since that is mainly what I receive to review), I was happily surprised to be reading a suspenseful thriller instead.

Now generally with a romance the author dives right in, fast paced to get to the nitty gritty of the relationship so please understand that since I had no clue what genre this book was I was expecting the reading pace to be a bit faster. After learning the genre of The Wrong Family I understood the slower pace. Fisher was setting up a somewhat complex story.

The four main characters are quite different, yet also very similar. Which adds complexity to the story. The flow was a bit jarring at first, but all for good reason I would learn. I mean this story is meant to be suspenseful.

I enjoyed how Fisher made me wonder what I would do in the situations that Nigel, Winnie, and Juno were in. Would I take what I gleaned from eavesdropping and let my imagination run with it, like Juno? Would I let the true events haunt me like Winnie? Would I let circumstances go like Nigel? I honestly can’t say.

Tarryn Fisher has written a truly twisted and mind boggling book. The Wrong Family will have you questioning what you think you know and the reality that is. You will be checking every nook, cranny, and crawl space around you.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve seen Tarryn’s books all over social media but never had I read one, so when I saw this blurb I was intrigued and signed up. I didn’t know it was going to be in third person and I don’t usually read these so it took me a few chapters to get into it but once I started, I was so captivated by what was going on I could not put it down.

Winnie and Nigel are married, seemingly living a happy life, but behind closed doors it is anything but, they have their struggles and resentment for each other but because of their son and secrets they stay together.

Juno has had a disturbed life, she lost her family, had been in jail and is homeless at sixty-seven with dwindling health. She spotted Winnie and Nigel one day and became interested in them and wanted to know more. Her curiosity then put her in a situation you wouldn’t think possible and here is where the story begins.

The story goes beyond anything I was imagining, there is so much mystery between these characters. The angst at times near killing me to the point I wanted to put it down but couldn’t as I was so invested. The story touches on mental health, relationships, making mistakes and trying to right wrongs all mixed in with fantastic writing with a skill of a story that I am in awe of. I will be checking out previous books and I’m a new fan for sure!

I won’t say much about the story as I don’t want to spoil it, just clear your day, get cosy because once you start, you will not be able to put this one down and is one of those books that when finished you will be asking yourself what have I just read, it’s a crazy ride with twist and turns you won’t see coming. Enjoy!

Was this review helpful?

Tarryn has a way of twisting & manipulating stories that really rack the brain and this was yet another one of those amazing stories. The only way I can compare her twisting of the mind is Verity by Colleen Hoover. I loved this book and was not disappointed! A little slow in the beginning but that ending though was worth it

Was this review helpful?

What did I just read?? Famous words after delving into a Tarryn Fisher book. Known for her mind twisting stories, Fisher has once again tantalized a story plot that left me with questions even when I received all of the information. Confusing?? Nah…..not really. It is just hard laying out one of Tarryn Fisher’s novels without spoiling any of the nuances that the author is ‘known’ for creating.

Between the covers of The Wrong Family – readers will be introduced to Juno and Winnie. Two characters that lead lives that are as completely opposite as night and day. Winnie seems to have the perfect life with her husband Nigel and their son. In a typical family dynamic, there is more than meets the eye behind the doors of the Crouch home. A fact that Juno will contemplate heavily after spending time with the Crouch family.

With secrets surrounding the Crouch family that weigh heavily on Juno’s mind, a series of events will take place that no one could predict. A series of twists and turns that will set a precedent of epic proportions. What takes place behind the doors of the Crouch home will lead you on a journey of secrets and revelations that only Tarryn Fisher could write. A thriller so entwined in secrets, you will have questions even once you have the answers.

Get ready for the ride……The Wrong Family has just the right touch of mayhem and madness that will keep you glued until the very last page.

Was this review helpful?

The Wrong Family is the kind of book that could be devoured in 1 sitting. It’s that intense! There are twists that you won’t see coming. Taryn does a fantastic job of weaving in a number of different plot lines and ensuring they all tie together, leaving no holes - which I feel like is difficult to do with this intricate or a story! Needless to say, if you’re a fan of thrillers, read this!

I would advise that there may be some unsettling content for sensitive readers that’s consistent with many thrillers. I don’t want to detail the plot because I think it’s best to go into this one blind.

Was this review helpful?

3 Stars

I know I’m probably in the minority with my review, but I struggled so much with finishing this book. Tarryn Fisher is an amazingly talented writer, but this one just wasn’t for me. I never connected with the characters, and all the crazy twists and turns felt extremely over the top to me.

Angela - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

Was this review helpful?

This is my first read by this author and man what a ride it was ! This is a psychological thriller that was so riveting I was engrossed in every page from start to finish trying to find out what was going on ! The plot is captivating and intense I was not prepared for what a mind trip of a ride I was in for ! I don’t want to go into details about the story because I think it’s best if you go into this story blind but just be prepared to have your mind blown! I can see why this author is so famous in the book world her writing is phenomenal her storytelling impeccable and I am left speechless after reading this book.

Was this review helpful?

This is a fantastic thriller that makes me want to read much more of this genre cause I loved the goosebumps and what could be lurking in your house vibe. Juno is a retiree therapist who decides the Crouch’s have more then any family could need so she decides to take something’s for herself, yeah not weird at all lol, but when she gets wind of a secret that’s not hers everything changes!

Was this review helpful?

This was 4 stars of page turning mystery! At synopsis only you would think you’ve read this story before. I promise you, you haven’t. The way Tarryn delivers her characters, you think you know how you feel about them at face value of the moments you’re seeing them in. But as the story begins to progress you start to question, sympathize and most importantly empathize with them.

There were many twists and turns I didn’t see coming. When I just knew I had everything figured out she promptly through a curve that had me questioning every thing all over again.

The Wrong Family reads like a screenplay and I definitely wouldn’t mind seeing this on a screen somewhere soon! A great mystery read that you should finish in one sitting if you have the time!

I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

*Arc generously provided for honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Any Tarryn Fisher book I dive into, I find it complex to write a spoiler free review. This book, The Wrong Family, is no different. The suspense and twists Fisher packed into this story, simply twisted my mind in ways I just didn’t see coming. This book made me feel as though I needed to uncover the answers to the questions sprinkled throughout the entire story. Both Winnie and Juno’s stories are so misshapen, that just when I thought I had one thing figured out, another would spin my brain into loops.

Juno only saw the life of the Crouch’s from the outside, but as soon as she moved in with the seemingly perfect from the outside family, things slowly begin to twirl and unwind in ways she never could have envisioned. When she overhears Winnie and her husband Nigel arguing, she knows she shouldn’t interfere, but still stumbles down a path to solve exactly why this seemingly perfect family has unimaginable secrets.

Overall, this book kept me on my toes, and blew me away chapter after chapter. Fisher has done it again with the suspense she has packed into The Wrong Family, and now has me questioning all those around me. Just when you think you know someone; you realize anyone is capable of anything if the circumstances are right. This book makes me question my own realities and those around me, and nothing blows me away in a novel more than leaving it questioning not only the story, but what could be going on with the family right next door. Bravo Tarryn!

Was this review helpful?

The Wrong Family by Tarryn Fisher is a domestic thriller with surprising twists and turns. It is best read without reading any spoilers and just experience the journey. Winnie Crouch is living the perfect life with her husband and son, right? But things are not always what they seem. When Juno comes to lives with them, she overhears something that changes everything. Secrets and lies surround everyone. How will it all end? Be ready for a journey that is full of intrigue, surprises and unexpected events!

Happy reading!

Was this review helpful?

***I received an ebook copy from the author at no cost***

Another beautifully constructed thriller from Tarryn Fisher. 

This review will be pretty bare bones, because I don't want to spoil anything for potential readers and sharing even the smallest details could do that. This story revolves around Juno, a retired psychologist who is terminally ill and living with Nigel and Winnie and their son, Samuel. When Juno becomes suspicious about things relating to Samuel, she sets out to uncover some of this family's secrets. And things just get more and more warped from there.

The story is told from two POVs -- Winnie and Juno. I'm a fan of multiple POVs because I think it gives more perspective and adds some depth to the story. Needless to say, I liked that aspect of the book. These two women are quite interesting. I'm not sure I really liked either of them, to be completely honest. That's okay though because I'm also not sure that Fisher meant for readers to like either of them. 

The character I connected the most with was Samuel. He's stuck in the midst of all this chaos, purely by circumstance because the chaos swirls around his family. 

Man oh man is this story twisted. But that's why we love a Fisher novel, right? This one messed with my mind quite a bit. I had literary whiplash when I was done because I kept getting pulled in every direction and there were twists and turns all over the freaking place. And the end ... holy crap. I wasn't expecting it and the rug got pulled out from under me. 

I love a story that keeps me on the edge of my seat and The Wrong Family fits that bill. It's original, written in such a way that I felt like I was immersed in the story, and it packs a punch when it comes to the suspense aspect. I'm glad that I got my hands on a copy of this because it made my end-of-the-year reading that much more awesome. And it's clear that Fisher has a background in psychology because she always peels back the layers of her characters psyches, and exposes the flaws and all that linger beneath the surface. I love that and I know that when I pick up one of her books, I'm going to get something mind-bending.

Four stars to this novel!

Was this review helpful?

What a twisted way to end off 2020. Tarryn Fisher takes readers on a crazy journey that will keep you guessing at each and every turn. From the very beginning you will be reeled in. I love that Tarryn Fisher writes such complex and layered women. Not always likeable but ALWAYS intriguing.



It’s a book that will stick with you for days, while you ask yourself “what exactly did I just read!?” 
•

Was this review helpful?

This novel was pleasant surprise. Honestly, my expectations were a bit low as there seem to be so many books in this genre and in my opinion the majority are phoned-in by the authors. I found this novel to be an exception. The characters were well-developed and the plot was engaging. This novel really is a page turner that keeps the reader motivated to find out more about the backstories and secrets of the main characters. The author also makes some keen insights into the experience of homelessness and just how close we all are to be in this situation due to being fallible humans. My only criticism of the novel is the epilogue which I found to be unnecessary, implausible, and to cheapen the experience of the overall novel. This being said, I found this to novel to be a well-written psychological thriller that is bound to keep the attention of its readers glued until the final pages.

Was this review helpful?

What an adrenaline rush!
This suspenseful and thrilling story had me wondering what’s what until the end!
The Wrong Family is a compelling psychological thriller grasping at many issues that added to the complexity of the story! Well paced, with interesting and unique characters, I couldn’t believe what the story unfolding before me did!

This was a chilling and twisted story of family secrets, a complicated dysfunctional marriage and a pesky critter living in the crawl space.
Holy smokes things are not what they appear in this story. What hides behind the closed doors of those beautiful mansions in the proper side of town? Those perceptions take a life of its own making this read not only highly entertaining but heartbreaking.

When good intentions have the opposite outcome and what happens as a result is closely and interestingly explored.

There were elements of the story that were not very believable but hey it’s fiction and it made for a thrilling and scary story!
4.5 stars!

Was this review helpful?

My first Tarryn Fisher novel is without a doubt one of the best books I've read this year. The Wrong Family is a psychological thriller that was riveting and engrossing and had me eagerly turning the pages to find out what's happening. I was so captivated I could not put it down and read it out in one sitting. The author wrote this story in such a way that I was constantly guessing and at no time was I able to predict where the story was going.
The plot focused on relevant social issues. It's told in dual POV and goes back and forth in time and portrayed the characters so individually you got a good insight into their psyche.
The story was unique, intense and will definitely take you on a crazy ride. You will be utterly consumed with the tale and it will stay on your mind long after you've finished reading.
This book was different and no review will prepare you for it. Its best to go into it blind and enjoy the unbelievable journey. I would highly recommend this page turner to lovers of psychological Thrillers.

Was this review helpful?

The Wrong Family is everything and even more I have come to expect from Fisher. This was the perfect storm of Fisher’s mind and that storm wreaked havoc on these pages. I was on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the end of my reading journey with this one. The character, the plot, the setting, all we’re just perfection in this one and flowed seamlessly together. Once a year I wonder what Fisher will bring us next and The Wrong Family definitely lived up to the hype I always have in my head.

Was this review helpful?

The Wrong Family by Tarryn Fisher was an unexpected but incredible read! I couldn't stop reading this, and the plot twists were completely unexpected.

The pace was slow but burning with intensity and intrigue. The more throughout, the darker and more intense it got.

TWF had me hooked, lined and sinker. The ending shook me. I was so surprised by it, and it has made me love this author even more.

The Wrong Family is a must-read. It is dark, intense and will have you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend it!

Was this review helpful?