Thank you for opportunity for an advanced reading of Believe Me Now. I was excited to read this one. However, it fell flat with me. I was disengaged for most of the book. I found it boring and the amount of "eff" 💣 was unnecessary. It was distracting and I felt didn't add to the overall story.

That being said, I did enjoy the last quarter of the book. It is written as a split narrative and found myself looking foward to the chapters of Natalie. I didn't really care who was the murderer because I felt like the author was really trying to be coy and have us believe it was one person then try to 180 it to another.

Still, I gave it a 3 out of 5. It's a good read for the genre but not for me, personally.

Crazy. Insane. Thrilling. Would repeat

Back to my 3 word reviews. This book is insane. Loved it! Need a good thriller? Read it.

This was such an exciting thriller and I’m so glad I read it. This is told from dual points of view and the story was so well written. This kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting to find out what would happen next.

Natalie has gone through some traumatic events in the past after her boss sexually assaulted her and got away with it. We fast forward to years later and her husband is being accused of the very same crime. Alice, who worked with her husband, Ryan, accuses Ryan of sexually assaulting her and is later found dead the next morning.

I had two theories on who I thought actually committed the crime, but I was totally wrong. The plot twist at the end of this story is amazing and I did not see it coming at all! Although I do love to try and guess who the bad guy is, I love when I’m wrong because and don’t see the twist coming.

If you need a fast paced and exciting psychological thriller, I highly recommend this one. This book will be out on June 10th!

Thank you NetGalley! I loved this book and a first for me by this author. It was such a twisty novel, I did not know where it was going next. It definitely took me by surprise several times

I always enjoy a plot line based on characters facing their past traumas which influence their current actions and decisions. An unreliable narrator story can also never go wrong in my opinion. This book expertly combines both of these things into one jaw-dropping and twisty psychological thriller.

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a gripping psychological thriller that explores trauma, trust and the haunting nature of the past. The story follows Natalie, a woman whose life has been shattered by being assaulted by her boss and the jury's decision to declare him innocent, branding her a liar. Ten years later, the past still looms over her, leaving her in a constant state of fear, uncertainty and fractured memories.

The author expertly delves into the psychological toll of being gaslighted and disbelieved, capturing Natalie’s internal struggle as she tries to piece together the truth from the fog of her mind. The complexity of her character is captivating, as she tries to move forward while the shadows of the past threaten to consume her. The sense of isolation is palpable, and you can feel the weight of her emotional scars as she attempts to block out memories that continue to intrude.

However, just when Natalie seems to be finding some semblance of normalcy with her husband, Ryan, the story takes a chilling turn. Ryan is accused of the same crime, and the discovery of a murdered woman near their home sends Natalie into a spiral of distrust and doubt. The tension builds as she faces the terrifying realization that her own perception of reality may no longer be reliable. The question of who can be trusted—her husband, herself, or even the truth—becomes central to the story’s unnerving atmosphere.

The pacing of the novel is relentless, with each chapter pulling you deeper into the complex mystery. Just when you think you have everything figured out, there is another twist that keeps you on edge until the very last page.

Believe is a compelling exploration of memory, perception, and the painful search for truth. The storytelling is dark and immersive, with vivid characters and a plot that keeps you questioning who the real villain is. It’s a thought-provoking and emotional journey that lingers long after the final page.

Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for an advanced copy in exchange for my review.

"Believe Me Now" is a fast-paced mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat and questioning everyone. Natalie Campbell loses time and has no idea what she is doing or where she has gone during these episodes. Her blackouts are due to PTSD, which started after she was sexually assaulted by her boss, who was ultimately found not guilty. She manages to cope with the support of her husband Ryan. When suddenly, her husband is accused of committing the very same act that ruined her life. She is desperate to believe him until his accuser, Alice Lytton, is found murdered in the very same woods she and her husband run. As her life begins to unravel, she is left doubting herself and the man she loves.

DI Stratton is still healing from her sister's disappearance when she was 16, vowing to help other lost and vulnerable girls. She joins the force intent on catching the killer and bringing justice for her sister and Alice.

I enjoyed the dual narration in this story that brings both sides to a head. Gripping and intense, you will find yourself questioning everyone. Loved it!
Thank Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

S.M. Govett’s Believe Me Now starts with a dead body in the woods and a woman who can’t trust her own memories. It’s the kind of book that makes you side-eye your spouse over morning coffee.

Natalie’s husband might be a killer. At least that’s what DI Stratton thinks, and he’s got good reasons. The problem? Natalie’s PTSD causes blackouts, so she’s not even sure what she knows anymore. And that young woman they found in the woods behind her house? She’s just the beginning of Natalie’s problems.

Govett, who ditched her fancy Oxford law career to write thrillers, knows how to twist the knife. The story bounces between Natalie’s increasingly paranoid perspective and DI Stratton’s investigation, each chapter revealing just enough to make you question everything you thought you knew. It’s like watching two trains heading for each other in slow motion – you know the crash is coming, but you can’t look away.

What makes this book stand out isn’t just the plot (though it’s a doozy). It’s how Govett handles trauma. Instead of using PTSD as a convenient plot device, she digs deep into its messy reality. Her legal background adds weight to the police work, but the real star here is the psychological suspense that builds like a pressure cooker.

The twist ending? You might see parts of it coming, but that won’t stop your jaw from dropping. It’s like a magic trick – even when you know how it’s done, you’re still impressed by the execution.

Is it perfect? No. But it’s the kind of debut that makes you want to pre-order whatever Govett writes next. Think Gone Girl meets The Girl on the Train, but with its own dark, distinctive flavor.

3.5/5 stars – A solid psychological thriller that’ll make you trust no one, not even yourself.

I liked this, definitely took me by surprise several times throughout. I always thought I know what was happening but then I didn’t at all! Will look for more from this author in the future

Natalie and Ryan were a couple who were trying to live through the aftermath of Natalie having been raped 10 years prior by her boss. He died of a heart attack shortly after the trial where he was found not guilty. She'd received threatening letters in the mail that were anonymous. She was sure they came from her ex-boss's wife, Fiona. Fiona had accused her of lying and she hated her. Natalie had had blackouts that lasted for minutes and sometimes hours. The letters came to her for a short while after the trial. She'd had the blackouts shortly after the trial and then they ceased when the letters stopped coming. And then close to the The 10th anniversary of her ex-bosses death, she started receiving letters again, and she started having blackouts as well. She was suffering from PTSD. Ryan worked out of the house. Natalie was a lawyer who worked as a writer from home.

In the evenings after work, Ryan would go running in the woods behind their house. One day, Ryan invited his young,attractive assistant to his home to do some work. Natalie came home and found them there and they had been drinking wine. Not wanting to be in their presence, Natalie went upstairs and went to bed complaining of a migraine. While she was in bed upstairs, Ryan and Alice had an affair. The next day, Alice was found dead in the woods. Her time of death was estimated at around 9:30 p.m. and it was during that time that Ryan had gone for a run. The day of her death Alice had gone to HR and complained that Ryan had raped her, so of course it was assumed that he'd murdered her. He was taken to The station and was jailed and was released 3 days later. In all this time, Natalie didn't know what to believe. When he got home from jail he asked her if she was glad to see him. She avoided his touch and left the house. When she came home she found him dead in the bathtub. His wrists were slit and the razor was next to him. It was assumed that he committed suicide and the case of Alice's death was closed.

There were two police detectives that were involved with the investigation, D.I Stratton and DS Bradley. Natalie didn't like Stratton's hardcore approach but Bradley was gentler with her. Stratton was female and Bradley was male. They got a search warrant and while going through the closet they found a weight that had blood on it. It was assumed that that was the murder weapon and the blood proved to be Alice's. Stratton asked the pathologist to test for fingerprints. They found Natalie's prints on the murder weapon. It was at that time that Stratton decided Natalie had killed Alice, and she assumed she'd killed Ryan as well.

This story kept me on my toes and the thing I loved the most about it was that it had a twist ending. I really liked the way the author wove the ins and outs and ups and downs of the saga. It was a spellbinder from beginning to end. And there was a side story. Stratton's sister had disappeared 30 years prior. That's why she had gone into into law enforcement. She wanted to find her sister, Karen. I . Would like to read more by this author. I gave it five stars.

The novel follows Natalie Campbell, who suffers from PTSD-induced blackouts after being assaulted, and her husband Ryan, who is accused of a crime. As Natalie struggles to trust her husband's innocence, Detective Helen Stratton investigates the case. With both women haunted by past traumas, they navigate through a chilling and puzzling case.

This book initially started off at a slow pace, but as the story progressed, the momentum picked up significantly. I found it difficult to set the book down and ended up binge-reading it in just one day!

The book features a dual point of view, with one perspective from Natalie, the victim, and the other from Stratton, the police detective. The alternating viewpoints allow readers to fully immerse themselves in the story, while also picking up on subtle hints along the way. I found myself constantly guessing the outcome, only to be completely surprised by the ending! The transition of characters was so seamless that I didn't even consider them to be suspicious. Kudos to the author for keeping me on my toes!

If you enjoy stories about wives standing with or against their husbands, unreliable narrators, and fast-paced reads, then this book is definitely for you. It will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat throughout. A must-read for fans of twisted, suspenseful thrillers!

Thank you, Crooked Lane Books, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a fun thriller. I really enjoyed this one so much. Thank you to net galley for the arc. I highly recommend reading this story.

"Believe Me Now" by S.M. Govett is an exceptional psychological thriller filled with numerous twists and turns that constantly challenged my assumptions about who the murderer was.

The protagonist, Natalie, suffers from PTSD after her boss sexually assaulted her, and her experience was compounded when he was found not guilty. This event severely impacted her career and forced her to confront the emotional aftermath of sexual assault. Fortunately, she has a very supportive husband, Ryan, who helps her navigate her struggles.

Just as Natalie begins to cope and move forward with her life, Ryan is accused of committing the same offense as her former boss. To make matters worse, the woman who accused Ryan is later found murdered not far from their home. Now, Natalie is left questioning whether Ryan truly committed the crime of sexual assault and who might have killed his accuser.

This book is a total mind-twister in the best way. With two gripping narrators—one a woman losing time, the other a detective haunted by her past—it keeps you second-guessing everything. Natalie’s struggle to trust herself (and her husband) makes for an intense ride, while DI Stratton’s relentless search for justice adds even more tension.

The mystery is dark, the pacing is relentless, and the twists hit hard. If you love thrillers that keep you doubting everyone and everything, Believe Me Now is definitely one to pick up!

Believe Me Now is a gripping, twisty thriller that kept me guessing until the very last page! The main character in this book is a woman called Natalie, who is struggling with a lot of trauma from a sexual assault ten years earlier. She also deals with losses of time, or blackouts, which added a super interesting twist to the plot! In the present day, Natalie’s world is destroyed when her husband, her rock, is accused of the same crime that ruined her life. This story is told in dual timelines between Natalie, and the detective on the case, DI Helen Stratton. DI Stratton was also dealing with a lot of her own personal trauma, and I found both of the women’s perspectives equally as intriguing.

This book was certainly a rollercoaster, and the twists blew my mind! The pace was a little slow in the beginning, but when the action really kicked in it definitely sped up the pace, and I could not put this book down. The main plot twist blew my mind, and usually I’m pretty good at predicting twists, but my mind just didn’t join the dots this time! Overall, this was a really cleverly written thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page!

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I found myself completely immersed in Believe Me Now, captivated by the dual perspectives of Natalie Campbell and DI Helen Stratton. I related deeply to Natalie’s struggle with trauma and her desperate attempts to maintain a sense of normalcy, and I empathized with her growing doubt and emotional turmoil as she unraveled the truth about her husband. I appreciated how her blackouts added a layer of uncertainty that kept me questioning everything alongside her. I admired her courage in facing her past and her present, even when the stakes were unimaginably high. I also felt connected to DI Helen Stratton’s determination and pain, as her backstory added an emotional depth that resonated with me. I appreciated the way her personal history drove her professional resolve, and I admired her relentless pursuit of justice for Alice and herself. The fast-paced plot and chilling twists had me on edge, and I couldn’t put this book down. I loved how the story blurred the lines between trust and deception, leaving me guessing until the very end.

I highly recommend this book because its gripping twists, compelling dual perspectives, and emotional depth kept me captivated from start to finish, making it an unforgettable read.

2/5 stars for this thriller. The dueling POVs between Natalie and Helen were disjointed at first, but as the plot advanced, they melded together in a more pleasant way. There are a lot of red herrings thrown into the book that felt a bit unnecessary based on the direction that the author chose to go with the ending, but I did enjoy how the author dealt with the lost time that Natalie dealt with due to her PTSD and how that time ultimately impacted the murder investigations.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced digital copy.

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

This novel is heartbreaking yet gives hope to the reader of a resolution. A twisted whodunit with a string of homicides keeps the reader of the edge of her seat.

Natalie has been losing blocks of time since she was sexually assaulted by her boss. She’s grateful to have such a supportive husband at this time. But then her husband is accused of doing the same thing and his accuser is found murdered. Has Natalie been that wrong about her own husband? Does her memory loss somehow play into this? An unreliable narrator, and a roller coaster ride of a plot, made this a white knuckle ride.

Trigger Warning: this book talks about and has discussions about SA, something I am warning potential readers about.

I had a very hard time with this book, the pace was slow especially at the beginning and the immediate thrust into the topic of rape was a bit jarring for me.

As well written as this book was I had to keep putting it down because I personally have trauma in that area myself and hadn’t expected the topic of rape to be such a large part of the book.

I think this book would be a great read for many people but for me it was a miss. I would however would love to read some of the writers other work as I do feel they are a good writer.

Thank you netgalley and crooked lane books for the arc