Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Village by Caroline Mitchell Narrator: Elizabeth Knowelden
Published by Brilliance Audio, Thomas & Mercer on January 25, 2022
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Length: 8 hours, 39 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible
Ten years ago, the Harper family disappeared. Their deserted cottage was left with the water running, the television playing cartoons, the oven ready for baking. The doors were locked from the inside.
Overnight, the sleepy village of Nighbrook became notorious as the scene of the unsolved mystery of the decade, an epicentre for ghoulish media speculation.
For crime journalist Naomi, solving the case has turned into an obsession. So now, with Ivy Cottage finally listed for sale, it’s her chance to mount an investigation like no other. And her husband and stepdaughter don’t really need to know what happened in their new home… do they?
But Nighbrook isn’t quite the village she expected. No one wants to talk to her. No one will answer her questions. And as she becomes increasingly uneasy, it’s clear that the villagers are hiding something―that there is something very dark at the heart of this rural idyll. And the deeper she digs, the more it seems her investigation could be more dangerous than she ever imagined… In raking up the secrets of the past, has she made her own family the next target?
I have read another series by this author and somehow didn’t pay very much attention to the blurb, thinking this would be a police procedural. The Village is much more a psychological suspense. Naomi, as a crime journalist, wants to know what happened to a family and buys the home where they disappeared. Her new husband and step-daughter, Morgan, move to this remote small village and she sets out to solve the mystery.
The villagers are close to hostile right away when she asks about it. They begin shutting her out. Strange things happen with people in the house and around the house. Naomi continues reading old newspapers and searching through old boxes in the loft. The village takes right to gossiping and trying to ruin her credibility.
Meanwhile, Morgan is not pleased to be moved away from her mother and into a remote area. She pranks and maligns Naomi at every chance. She even has an online “boyfriend” who she shares her rants about Naomi. She does manage to make a friend in the new village which gives her experiences to better grasp her current situation.
Just when it seems like Naomi will be stymied, she learns some truths, which set off a chain of unexpected events. Would she and her family die like the Harpers? The ending was very exciting and well concluded.
Narration:
I have listened to this narrator a bit now. The voices between books sounds similar so it takes a moment for me to settle into the new characters. I enjoy her performance with male and female voices sounding appropriate, with some differentiation between charaters. I love audio for a British setting. I was able to listen at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Caroline Mitchell
Caroline originates from Ireland and now lives with her family in a pretty village on the coast of Essex. A former police detective, Caroline has worked in CID and specialised in roles dealing with vulnerable victims, high-risk victims of domestic abuse, and serious sexual offences. She now writes full time.
Set in Shoreditch, London, her DS Ruby Preston trilogy is described as terrifying, addictive serial killer thrillers. Caroline also writes psychological thrillers. The most recent, Silent Victim, has been described as ‘brilliantly gripping and deliciously creepy’. Her new DI Amy Winter series is published by Thomas & Mercer.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 22-COYER
This sounds like a really good mystery! Im wondering if there’s a speculative element to it, but even if not I’m sure I’d enjoy this😁
Tammy, there is not a speculative element but some people try to make others think there is.
Wow Anne it sounds like a really interesting story, but buying a home and not mentioning what happened there to your hubby. Hmmm I’d be a bit peed off LOL
Luckily, in addition to being wealthy, he is a really good guy. REALLY good. So he handles everything bad well.
great cover. it SCREAMS thriller. lol
Creepy thriller. Really creepy
I actually really enjoy psychological suspense but don’t read it often for some reason. This sounds well done. I’ll see if it’s available at my library. 🙂
I don’t think this one is a series so it’s easy to read on its own.
I keep going back and forth about this book and you’ve tipped the scales. Excellent review, Anne💜
I hope you enjoy it. It’s not like most of the ones I read but probably more like ones you read. If that makes sense.
It does!
This is the kind of mystery that gives me the creeps in a good way. I enjoy Elizabeth Knowelden as a narrator, too.
I don’t know about a good way. But I like how the title is appropriate in more than one way.
This sounds really good! It sounds like Naomi is having a tough time trying to figure out what happened and dealing with her stepdaughter. I think that I would enjoy this one.
I really liked it and it seems to be a standalone although I have enjoyed series books from this author also. It’s twisty.
The mystery sounds really good. Love those creepy and suspenseful reads. Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Thanks Suzanne. It wasn’t what I expected exactly but it worked out well and was twisty, which I like.
Oh, this sounds great. I’m so glad you enjoyed it Anne!
Thanks Wendy.
Oh you made me curious! Now I want to try it too!
Every time I thought I knew what would happen, I didn’t.
This sounds fantastic. I read something similar but the whole town disappeared. Adding to my list!
There is plenty of psychological suspense here and I kept trying to figure things out without success.
I’ve enjoyed Caroline Mitchell in the past, but like you I’ve read her police procedural. This does sound like a thrilling mystery. Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Anne!
Thank you Rachel.