Published By: HQ
Pages: 384
Released On: 17/07/2025
Her secrets will be the death of you.
It’s rare for a room in beautiful, iconic Columbia Mansions to be up for grabs and retiree Gwen is thrilled when its new occupant Pixie turns out to be the most delightful neighbour she could have wished for. Before long the two women have formed an unlikely age-gap friendship and Gwen is making herself useful to Pixie in all kinds of ways.
But when a crime comes to light Gwen’s protective instincts go into overdrive, igniting an appetite for revenge that none of the residents are prepared for.
The last thing they need in Columbia Mansions is a scandal.
The last thing they want is a murder.
*****
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year, but sadly it didn’t quite live up to what I expected. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great. I enjoyed it but it felt a bit flat.
I did find it took me a little while to get into as it’s written in first person (as Gwen) but talking to the reader like it’s a letter or diary entry or story. I’m generally not a huge fan of first person (although I admit it works in thrillers), and this did take me a while to gel with.
It is definitely a slow burn, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s all about persona taste. The prologue promises murder, but then that takes a backseat for about 95% of the book, whilst we get to know the characters and whatnot, which meant to pacing felt off.
I have only read a couple of Louise’s books before, but what I have figured out about all of them is how well she writes characters, no matter their age or background or position in the story.
It wasn’t as twisty or turny as I was expecting. The premise and prologue suggest this thrilling crime, murdery tale, or at least a psychological thriller. But I didn’t get that at all. Which makes it sound like I’m saying I didn’t like it, which isn’t true. I liked it. It jsut wasn’t what I was expecting. It’s more about the characters, their relationships, almost like a family drama more than a thriller.
As something that bills itself as a thriller and a murder mystery I suppose in a way, the actual murder part is rather anticlimactic and lackluster.
I suppose there is a twist yes, but it’s one I saw coming straight away. Obviously I won’t spoil it and say what it is, but I’m interested to see what other people have to say about it.
Whilst still an enjoyable books and I would recommend it, it wasn’t my favourite. It’s missing that thrilling spark her others have. This is more sedate and so didn’t grab me like her previous books sadly.
Books By Your Bedside 