The Women On Retford Drive

This was an excellent read. I loved the bond between mother and step daughter. The domestic abuse in several situations is disturbing, and if that is a difficult personal topic for some, then this isn't your kind of book. An excellent mystery, filled with who did it and IF they did it. I was surprised at the end. I didn't see it coming. #thewomeonretforddrive #netgalley

*I would like to thank the author/ publisher/netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for afair and honest review*

Gripping storyline. Keeps you guessing the outcome until the very end. Couldn't read it quickly enough.

Fast paced quick read. This book will hold your interest all the way through. There is constant dialogue, chain of thought of each character. Brings to light abusive relationships and why women stay.. Only a few expletives and no steamy sex. A good mystery for a rainy day or an afternoon poolside!

Julia Pritchard and her stepdaughter Blythe have finally found the courage to escape the abusive clutches of Keith Pritchard. With divorce proceedings underway the two women pack their things ready to move into their own apartment only to find that the soon to be ex husband and father has disappeared. As their world spirals out of control they soon discover who they can and can't trust and just how easily people can believe only what they want to believe.

I felt the subject of spousal abuse was well considered and didn't seem either exaggerated or minimalised. As the thread which held the story together this was contrasted by characters with kind hearts and the two together gave a good impression of real life even if very few of us are as wealthy as Keith Pritchard.

This is a very easy read, the chapters are short and move the story along from one of four points of view. I loved the mother-in-law she was deliciously deranged and her husband was a sweetheart.  That said each of them facilitated the abuse their son dished out to both his wives and their culpability was well explained.

Thanks to Netgalley I was able to read an advanced copy of this book and as it is the first of a series I can look forward to reading more in the future.

This mystery was told in the first person by multiple characters, so it gave the reader more insight into the characters and helped to form an opinion as to who killed Julia's soon to be ex-husband. The concept was great and the writing was good, but this wasn't as good as some other mysteries I have read recently.

This book is compelling. A rich man who abuses his wife turns up missing. She is the logical suspect, but she is as clueless as the police. Most of the book is spent with her trying to clear herself. One of the big issues is spousal abuse. With alternating narrators, it is sometimes confusing, so I rate this novel a 4 instead of a 5. I kept reading it and finished it within about 12 hours so I have to say it is a good whodunit. The plot kept twisting and turning until near the end. Is the whole story believable? Maybe.

From the start, I knew that Julia Pritchard wasn't the murder in the story, but somehow as the story progresses, I was less sure. It was pretty convincing in rattling my beliefs, The victim was her husband, someone who on the surface was a good man.
A good mystery is not as straight forward, suffice to say that the story was convoluted enough to inspire a read, but not enough to cry foul over it. For a person who has read a few of her books, The Women on Retford Drive is more complex and more refined.
Definitely a read.

WOW I Loved this book. Julia is a abused rich wife. Her rich hubby goes missing and she is accused of his murder. Her step daughter knows it was not her, With help from lawyer and best friend step daughter Blythe save her from prison and solve case. Great book. Recommend read.

Make sure you set aside a good block of time to read this book….because, once you begin, you won’t want to put this gripping page-turner down until it’s done! I was sorely tempted to peek at the ending to confirm my theory, but resisted, and it turns out I was wrong. I haven’t read any other books by this author, but will definitely check her other offerings. Great read!

I really liked this book. A great whodunit until the very end. It was very hard to put down.!
Loved the relationship between mother and daughter and the conflicting emotions Not the had towards her dad. I could relate with her. Highly recommend.

Very good read. Had a hard time putting it down. will recommend to other readers who enjoy a good suspense book. Can't wait to see what else Alretha brings out next.

A gripping tale of the effects of domestic abuse . This has a substantial mystery involved that I will not give away. I am a fan of the author's writing and this book is excellent. It is riveting reading and kept me reading into the night. I appreciate the sensitivity that the author shows to the women victims. A very thought provoking mystery with excellent characterizations. Thank you for the ARC to Net Galley and the publisher. My opinion is my own . i highly recommend this book for your reading enjoyment for all that enjoy a good mystery with a side of revenge.