Cover Image: The Daughter-in-Law

The Daughter-in-Law

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Member Reviews

An entertaining read that kept me intrigued the whole way through! Thank you to Netgalley & Shalini Boland for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review!

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Shalini is one of my favourite authors and her books never disappoint. I know I can download one of her books without reading the blurb. This book was no exception. It had so many twists and turns that I didn’t expect or see coming. Fantastic book

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WoW.......Now here was a roller coaster of an audiobook The Daughter-in-Law by Shalini Boland Narrated by: Katie Villa and Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins was an excellent book from start to finish with lots of twists and turns that were just brilliant. Shalini's books are always a 5 star read for me and this one was no different. She always has away of pulling new readers and old readers into her books and once you start to listen or read them you know its going to be a page turner and will have you gripped and you will find it very hard to put it down.

I highly recommend The daughter in Law especially as this one has an excellent last few chapters that will have you saying WoW at the them. Just Brilliant!!! Especially as the Secrets you try and bury always comes out in the end, and it doesn't matter how hard you try to hide them! they always come out some how. WoW!

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Wow!! The thriller you did not know you needed to read. Just when you think you’ve figured it all out, BAM! Another twist.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

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I feel like a broken record talking about Shalini Boland‘s books but they really are all good. You know what you are going to get when you sit down with one of her novels- a suspenseful story that will keep you on your toes. I usually read her books within a day or two because they flow well and are easy reads that keep you engaged. The Daughter In Law was no exception!

Here’s the plot:

Your new husband has a shocking secret. Would your mother-in-law kill to protect it?

From the moment I meet my new mother-in-law in her beautiful country house, she makes it clear I’m not welcome. Lilian Fletcher hates me for marrying her precious boy on a golden beach far away from her.

Starting our marriage living in the Fletchers’ family home is a nightmare. Then I discover Seb was married before and his first wife is dead. I wonder why the man I love didn’t tell me the truth. And I wonder what happened to her: the woman who came before me. How did she die?

Lilian’s steely blue gaze follows me everywhere. Then the accidents start to happen, and I know she is behind them. It starts with small things, like a dropped birthday cake, a spilt glass of wine. But then my mother-in-law accuses me of something terrible. This woman is determined to get me out of her son’s life.

Now I wish I’d never met my handsome, clever husband. Or come to this luxurious house that feels more like a prison.

But I have secrets too. And no-one knows who I really am…

Read this now!

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BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Daughter In Law' by Shalini Boland.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Shalini Boland, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 4th November 2022.

This is the eighth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The Other Daughter', 'The Wife', 'The Couple Upstairs', 'One Of Us Is Lying','A Perfect Stranger', 'The Family Holiday' and 'My Little Girl', all of which I highly recommend.

I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl and The Wife Between Us'. I am a huge fan of 'Gone Girl' and 'Girl On The Train' so am looking forward to seeing if it lives up to this! I am also a huge fan of Shalini and if this is half as good as 'The Other Daughter', 'The Wife', 'One Of Us Is Lying', 'A Perfect Stranger', 'The Family Holiday', 'The Couple Upstairs' and 'My Little Girl' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists a prologue, 52 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based in Dorset, England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. The fact that this book is based in England is even better as I have been on holiday in England many times so may even recognise some places Shalini has set the book around. I have in fact literally just returned from a holiday in Dorset!

This book is written in a mix of third and first person perspective with the main protagonists being Caroline, Lillian, Amy and Michelle. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything. To have the benefit of both first and third person perspective ensures you don't miss out on anything.

WOW!! Where to even start?!? Firstly I must say yet again I was NOT disappointed by the very talented Shalini Boland!!! I started reading this book this morning and finished it in a few hours. Yet again being completely blind sighted by THAT ending!!

It is extremely well written as is every book I have read by Shalini with vivid descriptions that really put you in the storyline. The blurb and cover work perfectly with the storyline. Every single time I told myself I'd finish the chapter and then put it down and every single time I was left with a sort of cliff hanger refusing to allow me to put it down.

If your planning on reading this I would recommend clearing your schedule!!!

Absolutely gripping storyline which I got completely sucked into. A great unputdownable page turner filled with suspense, mistrust, revenge, tension, accusations deceit, mystery, love, power struggles, lies and absolutely everything you could want in an absolutely gripping family drama/psychological thriller!! . I loved the storyline, especially the shocking plots that I would never have seen coming! Not just one either!! There's nothing worse than when you have worked everything out and your not even half way through a book so a massive well done for that!! I definitely did not even have the person involved in my suspect list AT ALL, wasn't even close to working out what was going on, soooo many red herrings and as for the epilogue don't even get me started!!!! Absolutely mind blown!!! I absolutely love the fact that I know Shalini will never fail and that every time I read one of her books I can guarantee it is going to be an absolute page turner. If you have never read any books by this extremely talented author then you are definitely missing out!! An absolutely explosive rollercoaster ride with family drama and a mind blowing twist.

I haven't been that shocked in a book in a while so WELL DONE Shalini!! This book is will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. I really could not compliment this book any more it is an absolutely gripping, addictive and shocking page turner.

I absolutely LOVED the locations and I really did feel like I was having a holiday in Dorset too, an absolutely gorgeous country and I was devastated when I came to the end and had to mentally unpack my bags even with all the action, suspense and mystery going on, or maybe especially because of all that!!

I read approximately half of this book on kindle and listened to approximately half on audio book. I must also give a huge congratulations to the narrator Katie Villa who not only brought the storyline to life by really portraying the emotions through his voice but by doing absolutely fantastic impressions of males and females so a HUGE congratulations Kate!! I cannot imagine that this was anywhere near an easy feat!!! I am looking forward to discovering more books read by yourself as you definitely have a perfect "book" voice!! I sometimes struggle to absorb the storyline through an audio book but if you are the same as me I can promise you will not have that problem with this amazing narrator!!

The characters were all well rounded and realistic with their own personality traits, strengths and weaknesses. It was very interesting watching how the bonds strengthened and weakened between characters throughout the storyline. I had mixed feelings for each of the characters throughout but one thing I love about the characters in all of Shalini's books is that she makes them jump out of the page and puts you right next to them throughout. Having so many different perspectives ensures you get to know each one and see what they are doing. I absolutely loved the last chapter, something I love with Shalini is that she always seems to dedicate the last chapter to a certain character in books and completely shocks you making you really want to see what happens next and several times I've been left hoping and wondering if that storyline will be carried on.

Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read a chapter of Shalini's psychological thriller 'The Secret Mother' which sounds absolutely gripping and I'm looking forward to reading myself!!,

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Shalini Boland for another absolutely fantastic success!! I cannot wait to read more of your amazing work!! I really would love to see your books on the big screen one day, I can guarantee they will be a success if they are even half as good as the books you write!!! Here is to your next huge "blockbuster"!!! 🥂

Overall a page turning, gripping, epic psychological thriller with an explosive ending that will blow your mind!!.

Genres covered in this novel include Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Crime Fiction, Romance Novel and Psychological Fiction amongst others.

I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl and The Wife Between Us and of course Shalini Boland and just anyone looking for an epic read with a twist. What are you waiting for?? Go grab your copy now!!!

313 pages/7 hours and 42 minutes.

This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle, free on kindle unlimited, £16 for audiobook and £7.99 in paperback via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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Another great book by Shalini Boland and another I couldn't put down.
Seb Fletcher meets Caroline online and decides to go to Australia to meet her. They hit it off and they get married and brings her back to England to be with him and his family. The Mother In Law doesnt like her from the start but Caroline is determined to get in her good graces.
As we keep reading we find out things about Seb. Things he should have told her. But again as in this author's style, we get hit with a few things to make this Psychological Thriller a read you can't put down.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the book to review.

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Shalini Boland is fast becoming my go-to author for s quick gripping read. This author manages to complicate her characters’ lives beautifully, guaranteeing a wonderfully gripping read full of twists, The Daughter in Law delivers a gripping read that will keep you flipping pages. This a quick, twisty tale you will not want to put down.
Shalini Boland tells stories about everyday people, with a twist thrown in. Her books always feature realistic characters who are trying to live an uncomplicated life – however, these people manage to always complicate any situation. I am fair new to this author, and I am yet to be disappointed. I love that her books are quick easy reads that keep me gripped from start to end.
When Lilian Fletcher’s youngest son, Sebastian (Seb) returns from a holiday in Australia he introduces his new wife. Lilian is shocked and concerned. There is no way these two could have fallen in love so quickly. Lilian has a bad feeling about Caroline, why did she marry her son so quickly? Determined to protect her son from yet another heartache, Lilian is keeping a very close eye on Caroline.
Caroline has a secret; one she must keep if she wants to find the truth she is seeking. Her new mother-in-law is a horrible person who makes no secret of her distaste for Carline. When Caroline shares her secret with Felix, Seb’s brother, she has no idea what she is about to face. However, all she wants is the truth and this might be what finally leads to the truth. But is she ready for that truth?
I could not turn the pages of this book fast enough. I loved how it kept me engrossed and how the pages seemed to be turning themselves. This is a fabulously read with an awesome twist.
Caroline has left her life in Australia behind and followed her new husband back to the UK. When she arrives, she finds out that his family not only all work together, they all live together as well. Her in-laws are not very welcoming. However, she understands the shock and is determined to give them the benefit of the doubt. I was amazed that she so easily accepted her new life when everything about the Fletchers’ lifestyle screamed that it was not normal. Lilian is way too protective of her sons and the entire family dynamic seemed unhealthy. Yet you are left feeling sorry for Lilian. She is a mother who wants the best for her son. While Lilian comes across as a battle-axe, she manages to steal your heart. She might not like Caroline, but her devotion to her family is obvious. You cannot help but feel for this mother.
You guessed it, this book has flown onto my loved list for 2022. I enjoyed every moment I spent reading this book and Shalini Boland has become one of my favourite authors. I am yet to be disappointed when reaching for one of her books.
I love that I am guaranteed an easy, quick read that is twisty and gripping while guaranteed to leave me surprised.
Psychological thriller fans who enjoy a lighter read that is still gripping and full of twists will love this book, I highly recommend you give this author a try if you haven’t yet. I do not doubt that you will find this book extremely entertaining.

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If you are looking for domestic suspense then look no further!

Caroline is newly wed to Seb and moves into the family business/home to help out. Soon we find out that every single family member has huge secrets they are hiding. This one hooked me from the beginning and although I had suspicions I was not expecting the big bang that was the ending. Shalini Boland never disappoints and this one was fabulous!

Thank you for the ARC.

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Not only is there always an unexpected twist in Shalini's books, she then slips another one in that you're totally not expecting.
Another gripping book and fantastic read.

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I have read most of Shalini Boland's novels and I really enjoy them, I love her writing style and I found them easy to read and not too complicated.

The blur reads
""From the moment I meet my new mother-in-law in her beautiful country house, she makes it clear I’m not welcome. Lilian Fletcher hates me for marrying her precious boy on a golden beach far away from her.

Starting our marriage living in the Fletchers’ family home is a nightmare. Lilian’s steely blue gaze follows me everywhere. Then the accidents start to happen, and I know she is behind them. It starts with small things, like a dropped birthday cake, a spilt glass of wine. But then my mother-in-law accuses me of something terrible. This woman is determined to get me out of her son’s life.

Now I wish I’d never met my handsome, clever husband. Or come to this luxurious house that feels more like a prison.

But I have secrets too. And no-one knows who I really a""

We meet characters Seb and Caroline meet and fall in love and have a very whirlwind romance and wedding. I really enjoyed Caroline and the dynamics that she finds herself in with her mother in law Lillian.

The story is told from each characters point of view and I found this novel to be intriguing and gripping. On meeting her son's new wife, Lillian is not convinced of Caroline and their marriage, lets just say that Lillian is not a happy mother.

This is a gripping book, with fabulous characters, as a reader you will be engrossed in this novel. Full of amazing twists and turns this one book that will keep you up at night.

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The Daughter in Law is another gripping psychological thriller from Shalini Boland. An enjoyable read and throughout the book you just knew or sensed there was much more to come and there was. Secrets, lies, betrayals coupled with a very protective Mother made for some great reading.

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Gripping from the very start, The Daughter-in-Law is a fast paced thriller that had me engaged from beginning to end! What a page turner!

Seb and Caroline marry in Australia after a whirlwind courtship. They move back to the UK where Caroline is not welcomed with open arms. She gets an ice-cold reception from Lilian Fletcher, her new MIL. What's worse is that they will be living with Seb's parents over their pub. You can just feel the tension, the mistrust, the uncomfortable feelings. Let the games begin! Secrets, power struggles, accusations, and snide comments ensue!

This book is told through various POV’s, and I found this to be a very nice touch. There are several twists along the way and that kept me on my toes. I always love trying to figure out what is going on, and Boland shocked me, especially at the end of the book!

Fans of Boland will be delighted. New to Boland? This is a great place to start! This was my 7th book by the author, and I am always excited when I see she has a new book coming out! Her books are fast paced, full of twists, interesting characters, and well thought out plots!

I had the book and the audiobook, and it was nice to go back and forth. The narrator did a fantastic job and brought the book to life!

Thank you to Bookouture, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Another winner from Shalini Boland. All families hold their secrets. Caroline is seeking answers. After a whirlwind romance she has married Seb and moves half way across the world to live with him in the pub his parents run.
I wasn't sure who was taking the truth but Amy had disappeared and no one wants to discuss her.

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This is Shalini Boland's best book so far!
I flew through it, in one sitting. It's fast and pacy and full of suspense that keeps you reading.
I love books where you suspect everyone, it's great to work out the clues from the red herrings! The Mother in law character was everything I wanted, rude and protective of her son.
The ending was fantastic and so well thought out, I loved it. I was so far off the mark too, but it was wonderful

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Shalini Boland consistently puts out great psychological thrillers and The Daughter-in-Law is no exception.

This was a twisty tale! Seb Fletcher returns to the family country house where they own and operate a pub with his new bride, Caroline. Seb’s mother, Lillian is suspicious of his new bride as they have only known each other a few months after meeting online. Caroline immediately feels unwanted and strange things begin to happen around her. Caroline knows Lillian doesn’t want her there and will do anything to protect her son.

I love stories with crazy, controlling mothers-in-law and Lillian is up there with the worst. This story was filled with so many family secrets that will leave your head spinning. I loved the multiple POV, and the ending left me speechless! I did not see that coming at all. The Daughter-in-Law is the perfect bingeable domestic thriller.

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Shalini is one of my favorite domestic thriller authors. She always keeps me on my toes with a twist I don‘t see coming, while keeping the story believable. And this one hit that mark.

Seb and Caroline met online and quickly wed so it’s no wonder they weren’t able to share all of their secrets, but they have both kept some doozies. I was gripped from the start and couldn’t put it down. It is usually one of the “happy” couple that causes the issues and I was so rooting for Caroline and Seb and hoping they might both stay a couple and survive (yes I have read a few too many of these thrillers.) As they spend time with Seb’s family, I also like Felix, Seb’s brother, but wasn’t sure who was trustworthy.

And I was lucky enough to have both the book and audiobook and was able to keep listening when I couldn’t read and thought Katie Villa was an excellent choice of a narrator. She kept me engaged and wanting more.

If you are a fan of domestic thrillers, this should be on the top of your TBR.

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This is my 10th novel penned by Shalini Boland and I enjoyed it as much as the others. Caroline and Seb Fletcher have recently married after meeting online. Caroline who is Australian has moved in with Seb who lives with his parents at their pub in Stalbridge, Blackmore Vale, Dorset in southern England. Maria works in the restaurant and helps out behind the bar when needed, alongside the barman Hugo. Seb's parents are mum, Lilian who takes an instant dislike to Caroline, and his dad Brian. Too late, Caroline discovers that the Fletchers have their secrets but what about Caroline, herself?

The author wowed me with her engrossing writing and perfectly executed plot, and the characters were spot-on in their respective roles - good or bad. I thoroughly enjoyed this riveting, tense tale, with its jaw-dropping revelations. This is one very happy reader and The Daughter-in-Law is certainly worth picking up. A surefire winner.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

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It's a domestic suspense that capitalises on the tension between the new daughter-in-law and her husband's seemingly overprotective mother. Add in a whirlwind romance, living with the in-laws, and the fact everyone has a secret making this a page-turner.

I like the pacing, believable but not always likeable characters and the tangible tension that makes you wonder what's next.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

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Boland's books just get better and better! I already loved this author, but this book might be my favourite. It is fast, pacey and full of suspense. The tension is right there from the start, a true, pure psychological thriller packed with twists that I honestly didn't see coming, And what about the end? Just genius!!
I also listened to the audiobook and found the narrator utterly spectacular, highly entertaining, definitely recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.

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