THE AU PAIR by Emma Rous
Genre: Psychological Thriller / Women’s Fiction
Published by Penguin Group
Publication Date: Jan. 8, 2019
ASIN: B07C6HF9MG
Pages: 384
Review Copy From: Penguin Group via NetGalley
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 5
Synopsis (via GR)
A grand estate, terrible secrets, and a young woman who bears witness to it all. If V. C. Andrews and Kate Morton had a literary love child, Emma Rous’ The Au Pair would be it.
Seraphine Mayes and her twin brother Danny were born in the middle of summer at their family’s estate on the Norfolk coast. Within hours of their birth, their mother threw herself from the cliffs, the au pair fled, and the village thrilled with whispers of dark cloaks, changelings, and the aloof couple who drew a young nanny into their inner circle.
Now an adult, Seraphine mourns the recent death of her father. While going through his belongings, she uncovers a family photograph that raises dangerous questions. It was taken on the day the twins were born, and in the photo, their mother, surrounded by her husband and her young son, is beautifully dressed, smiling serenely, and holding just one baby.
Who is the child and what really happened that day?
One person knows the truth, if only Seraphine can find her.
My Thoughts
Seraphine Mayes and her twin brother Daniel were born on a fateful day in June 1992 at the family estate. Later that day, their mother jumped to her death from the cliffs at the family home, the Summerbourne house. Was it suicide or something more sinister?
Twenty five years later, and nine days after their father died from an accident, Seraphine has found pictures that were never seen before and are creating more questions than answers. Before the accident, their father told them, along with their older brother Edwin that he has to tell them something.
It appears that Laura, Edwin’s Au Pair, was the one who took the picture that will thrust Seraphine into finding out the truth. But at what price will the truth cost?
The plot had twists and turns throughout. The characters believable but each one carried suspicion as to the lies that have been buried for so many years. Betrayals, secrets, love, and heartache are felt within the pages of this story.
A book that had me guessing with each turn of the page. An exciting read that I highly recommend!
Emma Rous is now on my “authors to read “list!
Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗
Ohhhh….this sounds so good…thanks for your terrific review.
Love your comment about V. C. Andrews and Kate Morton. 🙂
Can’t wait to read this…thanks.
I can’t wait to pick this up!