Just really struggled to get through it. Kept picking it up and reading it but didn't feel anything for any of the characters and found it a slog to read. 

Being a mother is a dream for so many people, yet few talk about what comes afterwards. Postpartum depression is very real, but Lenore has started the process of healing and is ready to be the best mother she can. Everything for her Florence. But when an accident happens and Florence’s life is threaten, she has to ask herself: was it really an accident?

WOW! What a great thriller! Im often disappointed by the quality of the thrillers I read, where plot twists are preferred to background. But I was agreeably surprised by the writing of Leah Mercer! It had enough twists, while still giving us a good background story. A lot of important themes were also in the book, which resulted in a great read. Never forget, « secrets had a wad of tumbling out, sometimes in the worst way imaginable, and with the worst possible consequences ». I loved hating some characters and I loved feeling empathetic towards others. I got to say that I did see the plot twist coming, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the book! I’ll definitely look into more books from this author!

Thank you Boukuture and Netgalley for this ARC! All opinions are mine.

Lenore is finally starting to feel more herself after months of crippling postpartum depression following the birth of her daughter, Florence. But her husband, James, still doesn’t seem to trust her with their child, so she decides to take some time away by herself with Florence so they can both learn to trust her as a mother again so she moves to a house in Mappelstow, just outside London. In the heart of this town sits The Nest, a playgroup run by a co-operative of the town’s parents which seems like the ideal place for not only her daughter to socialise, but for Lenore to begin working again. Lenore soon settles in and begins to see the other women working there as her friends. Until that terrible day.

Lenore stands helpless, paralysed by horror as her little girl runs into the road. Tyres screech and Lenore’s scream pierces the air as she races to her daughter’s side. Little Florence is alive, but only just, and is rushed into hospital. Lenore and her husband, James, begin a vigil by the unconscious little girl’s bedside hoping for a miracle. But their nightmare gets even darker when the other women tell Lenore the accident was her fault. Could they be right? Could her PPD have clouded her mind and she really put her child in danger? Lenore is sure it wasn’t her fault. But why would her friends lie? What might they be hiding?

Tense, twisty and surprising, Leah Mercer had me in the palm of her hand as I devoured this book in just 24 hours. Narrated by Lenore, Alice, Georgie, and Beth, this is a story where everyone has something to hide. It explores topics such as postpartum depression, drug addiction, chronic illness, and coercive control, spinning a twisted web of secrets and lies that is cleverly woven together. Fast-paced and addictive, I could never be sure of the truth and when the truth was revealed it left me speechless. I did not see that coming! 

A suspenseful and surprising thriller, I’d highly recommend The Playgroup to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers. 

Talk about a book full of twists!! I don’t think I’ve ever read a book about a group of women with so many secrets!! This was a good book, it definitely kept me interested. I would give it 5 stars, but the relationship between the main character and her husband didn’t really make sense and I couldn’t get past that, but still a great read!!!

The Playgroup is a fast paced psychological thriller packed full of suspense and intrigue.  I found myself racing through this book eager to find out what secrets everyone was hiding and yes everyone had something to hide.  The main focus revolved around what happened to Florence and who was responsible.  When the truth was finally revealed I was left speechless.  This is a book I would highly recommend for psychological thriller fans.

The Playgroup is a fast paced thriller that follows 4 moms who are tied by work at a nursery school. While I felt the story moved along well, the second half was slow moving until the end. I enjoyed the development of the characters, but there were a lot of moving pieces to keep up with. I often found myself distracted while reading this one. 

There were a lot of twists and turns, but almost TOO many. I was kept guessing throughout the entire story, which I enjoyed. The final twist was somewhat of a disappointment and seemed farfetched. I will definitely try another book by Leah Mercer.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. 

I really wanted to like to book as I have experience working in childcare and thought it could be an interesting premise but I was sadly disappointed. I was appalled and found myself shaking my head at so many rules and safety procedures not followed at this nursery that could have deterred majority of this plot to happen.

There were way too many tropes, storylines and twists that it was overwhelming and unenjoyable. The characters were not likable and the book just focused on everyone’s flaws. 

I appreciate the attempt to bring attention to important and controversial topics such as mental illness, miscarriages, addiction, chronic illness, criminal acts and parenting; unfortunately this book tried to tackle a bit of everything and didn’t succeed in the proper representation. 

Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for the arc in exchange for an honest review.