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All Her Fault
ONE MISSING BOY.
Marissa Irvine arrives at 14 Tudor Grove, expecting to pick up her young son Milo from his first playdate with a boy at his new school. But the woman who answers the door isn't a mother she recognises. She isn't the nanny. She doesn't have Milo. And so begins every parent's worst nightmare.
FOUR GUILTY WOMEN.
As news of the disappearance filters through the quiet Dublin suburb and an unexpected suspect is named, whispers start to spread about the women most closely connected to the shocking event. Because only one of them may have taken Milo - but they could all be blamed . . .
IN A COMMUNITY FULL OF SECRETS, WHO IS REALLY AT FAULT?
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2021
5380 people are currently reading
28302 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,264 reviews
October 12, 2022
I found the book a bit slow at times, but the ending more than made up for it!
January 12, 2022
My first novel by Andrea Mara and I enjoyed this gripping and twisty crime story. A good old fashioned page tuner.
When Marissa Irvine arrives at 14 Tudor Grove, expecting to pick up her young son Milo from his first play date with a boy at his new school. But the woman who answers the door isn’t a mother she recognizes. She isn’t the nanny. She doesn't have Milo. And so begins every parent’s worst nightmare.
I really enjoyed the suspenseful plot, good characterization and lots of twists and turns to keep the reader entertained and guessing. It’s a well written crime novel for readers of this genre. I loved that I thought I had the story figured out when but the author’s clever twists and turn keeps the reader guessing.
I will will definitely watch out for more books by this author as really enjoyed the read.
When Marissa Irvine arrives at 14 Tudor Grove, expecting to pick up her young son Milo from his first play date with a boy at his new school. But the woman who answers the door isn’t a mother she recognizes. She isn’t the nanny. She doesn't have Milo. And so begins every parent’s worst nightmare.
I really enjoyed the suspenseful plot, good characterization and lots of twists and turns to keep the reader entertained and guessing. It’s a well written crime novel for readers of this genre. I loved that I thought I had the story figured out when but the author’s clever twists and turn keeps the reader guessing.
I will will definitely watch out for more books by this author as really enjoyed the read.
May 7, 2021
4-5 rounded up
Marissa Irvine believes her son Milo is on a post school playdate with Jenny’s son Jacob and duly arrives at 14 Tudor Grove to collect him only to find the front door opened by a complete stranger. Thus begins every parents nightmare. Jenny is in France on business and has no knowledge of any arrangements and over the next few days suspicions fall in several places. The story is told from several perspectives including Marissa and Jenny which works very well.
Andrea Mara has a new fan! This is a dark and gritty mystery, a psychological thriller which is really well written and very easy to read, in fact, it’s gripping from beginning to end. The characterisation is excellent although it’s fair to say that some are far from likeable. Marissa’s emotions are really well portrayed and you feel her pain and although Jenny has nothing to feel guilty about, you feel that too. The ‘ judgey’ school gate witchy coven of the wealthy Dublin area adds an intriguing but fist clenching dimension too. There are some very odd dynamics in the book which do lead you down a certain path of suspicions and the odd red herring deceives you somewhat! The breath taking tension ramps up, the plotting is very clever and the brisk pace is maintained throughout. I did have some of the plot dots but I hadn’t managed to join them up correctly so they made the actual picture! There’s a trail of destruction, some HUGE secrets and ginormous lies which makes you wonder how some people live with themselves. The twists keep coming right to the end where I’m pleased to say one just dessert is most definitely served!!
Overall, this is such a good novel and one I’d have no hesitation in recommending to fans of the genre. Andrea Mara is a must read for me from now on!
With thanks to especially to Random House, Cornerstone for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Marissa Irvine believes her son Milo is on a post school playdate with Jenny’s son Jacob and duly arrives at 14 Tudor Grove to collect him only to find the front door opened by a complete stranger. Thus begins every parents nightmare. Jenny is in France on business and has no knowledge of any arrangements and over the next few days suspicions fall in several places. The story is told from several perspectives including Marissa and Jenny which works very well.
Andrea Mara has a new fan! This is a dark and gritty mystery, a psychological thriller which is really well written and very easy to read, in fact, it’s gripping from beginning to end. The characterisation is excellent although it’s fair to say that some are far from likeable. Marissa’s emotions are really well portrayed and you feel her pain and although Jenny has nothing to feel guilty about, you feel that too. The ‘ judgey’ school gate witchy coven of the wealthy Dublin area adds an intriguing but fist clenching dimension too. There are some very odd dynamics in the book which do lead you down a certain path of suspicions and the odd red herring deceives you somewhat! The breath taking tension ramps up, the plotting is very clever and the brisk pace is maintained throughout. I did have some of the plot dots but I hadn’t managed to join them up correctly so they made the actual picture! There’s a trail of destruction, some HUGE secrets and ginormous lies which makes you wonder how some people live with themselves. The twists keep coming right to the end where I’m pleased to say one just dessert is most definitely served!!
Overall, this is such a good novel and one I’d have no hesitation in recommending to fans of the genre. Andrea Mara is a must read for me from now on!
With thanks to especially to Random House, Cornerstone for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
January 29, 2023
Primera novedad del 2023 leída. No ha sido un mal estreno.
Dice la sinopsis:
Marissa llega a la dirección exacta, a la hora acordada, a recoger a su hijo Milo. Es la primera vez que recibe una invitación a jugar con un niño de su nuevo colegio. Pero la mujer que abre la puerta no es la madre que ella esperaba. Tampoco es una niñera. Y Milo no está en esta casa. Así comienza la peor pesadilla de todas las madres y padres.
¿Qué destaco del libro?
El título tan bien puesto. ¿Qué peor pesadilla para unos padres que no saber dónde está su hijo?
El comienzo. El primer capítulo es impactante. Va directo al grano y te engancha sin remedio.
La trama y su desarrollo. Es una trama inteligente. Está dividida en tres partes que a su vez se subdividen en capítulos cortos. Cada uno de ellos pone el foco en una de las tres mujeres protagonistas, Marissa, Jenny o Irene. La acción comienza en noviembre de 2018. La mayoría de los capítulos se sitúan en ese momento. Entre ellos, otros que se retrotraen en el tiempo hasta un margen de cinco meses atrás, que es cuando comenzaron a gestarse los hechos. Este combinar el presente con esos momentos del pasado cumple su función. La autora maneja bien los tiempos; la intriga se mantiene inalterada de principio a fin. El ritmo sin ser frenético no se hace lento.
Si bien los hilos que maneja Andrea Mara son complejos, no es una novela de sacar el conejo de la chistera. Ya en la primera parte nos da una pista de por dónde va la cosa. Como es lógico no es excesivamente evidente, pero ahí está. Otra cosa es que la veamos o la sepamos interpretar. De hecho, creo, que, con la traducción del inglés, se pierde una parte de dicha pista. Si reparamos en ella el porqué de los hechos está claro. A partir de ahí es ir encajando las piezas que la autora nos va dejando. No nos lo pone fácil. Es un auténtico puzle. Me lo he pasado fenomenal haciendo hipótesis. No hay personaje que no guarde un secreto. Nos hace sospechar de todo y de todos.
Me han gustado mucho la construcción de los personajes, tanto de los principales como de los secundarios. Marissa y Peter son la pareja triunfadora. La desaparición de su hijo marca para ellos un antes y un después.
Jenny es el arquetipo de la esposa a la que su marido y suegra culpabilizan de forma implacable por trabajar fuera de casa y tener una niñera. Es reticente a tener un segundo bebé, ya que tal y como le dice a su esposo en un momento en el que estalla, tener dos hijos representará para ella el doble de trabajo y para él quedarse igual que está.
Irene es la madre tóxica por excelencia. No ve nada positivo en una hija que no quiso tener y a la que siempre ha considerado una carga. Es mezquina e interesada, dispuesta a vender su historia al mejor postor.
Los secundarios tampoco tienen desperdicio. El trío de padres que critican en las puertas del colegio a la entrada y salida son para echarles de comer aparte. En más de un momento pensé que si la Sarah se mordiera sin querer la lengua, se envenenaba fijo. Corrosiva es poco. Adeline, la suegra de Jenny es otra que también destila veneno por todos sus poros.
El final es bueno. Marissa se ve enfrentada a una situación imposible y hay que reconocer que la resuelve. No estoy muy segura de que sea la mejor manera, pero desde luego impacta.
¿Y qué me ha gustado menos?
Es difícil explicarlo sin hacer ningún spoiler. Digamos que no me ha convencido que se considerase el secuestro del niño como la única vía para solucionar todo el lío. La autora nos explica las razones y no digo que no tengan su lógica. También digo, que siempre que un escritor necesita explicar algo así, es porque entiende, que ese es el punto más débil y cuestionable de la trama. En este caso, los motivos que nos ofrece me habrían parecido más plausibles si el secuestro hubiera sido el resultado de un impulso. Al no ser este el caso y con semejante premeditación, me cuesta creer que los autores ni siquiera considerasen la otra opción que tenían, más sencilla y viable.
En conclusión. Un thriller bien llevado. Engancha y no decepciona. Seguiré de cerca a la autora de la que espero traduzcan el resto de sus novelas. Recomendable.
Dice la sinopsis:
Marissa llega a la dirección exacta, a la hora acordada, a recoger a su hijo Milo. Es la primera vez que recibe una invitación a jugar con un niño de su nuevo colegio. Pero la mujer que abre la puerta no es la madre que ella esperaba. Tampoco es una niñera. Y Milo no está en esta casa. Así comienza la peor pesadilla de todas las madres y padres.
¿Qué destaco del libro?
El título tan bien puesto. ¿Qué peor pesadilla para unos padres que no saber dónde está su hijo?
El comienzo. El primer capítulo es impactante. Va directo al grano y te engancha sin remedio.
La trama y su desarrollo. Es una trama inteligente. Está dividida en tres partes que a su vez se subdividen en capítulos cortos. Cada uno de ellos pone el foco en una de las tres mujeres protagonistas, Marissa, Jenny o Irene. La acción comienza en noviembre de 2018. La mayoría de los capítulos se sitúan en ese momento. Entre ellos, otros que se retrotraen en el tiempo hasta un margen de cinco meses atrás, que es cuando comenzaron a gestarse los hechos. Este combinar el presente con esos momentos del pasado cumple su función. La autora maneja bien los tiempos; la intriga se mantiene inalterada de principio a fin. El ritmo sin ser frenético no se hace lento.
Si bien los hilos que maneja Andrea Mara son complejos, no es una novela de sacar el conejo de la chistera. Ya en la primera parte nos da una pista de por dónde va la cosa. Como es lógico no es excesivamente evidente, pero ahí está. Otra cosa es que la veamos o la sepamos interpretar. De hecho, creo, que, con la traducción del inglés, se pierde una parte de dicha pista. Si reparamos en ella el porqué de los hechos está claro. A partir de ahí es ir encajando las piezas que la autora nos va dejando. No nos lo pone fácil. Es un auténtico puzle. Me lo he pasado fenomenal haciendo hipótesis. No hay personaje que no guarde un secreto. Nos hace sospechar de todo y de todos.
Me han gustado mucho la construcción de los personajes, tanto de los principales como de los secundarios. Marissa y Peter son la pareja triunfadora. La desaparición de su hijo marca para ellos un antes y un después.
Jenny es el arquetipo de la esposa a la que su marido y suegra culpabilizan de forma implacable por trabajar fuera de casa y tener una niñera. Es reticente a tener un segundo bebé, ya que tal y como le dice a su esposo en un momento en el que estalla, tener dos hijos representará para ella el doble de trabajo y para él quedarse igual que está.
Irene es la madre tóxica por excelencia. No ve nada positivo en una hija que no quiso tener y a la que siempre ha considerado una carga. Es mezquina e interesada, dispuesta a vender su historia al mejor postor.
Los secundarios tampoco tienen desperdicio. El trío de padres que critican en las puertas del colegio a la entrada y salida son para echarles de comer aparte. En más de un momento pensé que si la Sarah se mordiera sin querer la lengua, se envenenaba fijo. Corrosiva es poco. Adeline, la suegra de Jenny es otra que también destila veneno por todos sus poros.
El final es bueno. Marissa se ve enfrentada a una situación imposible y hay que reconocer que la resuelve. No estoy muy segura de que sea la mejor manera, pero desde luego impacta.
¿Y qué me ha gustado menos?
Es difícil explicarlo sin hacer ningún spoiler. Digamos que no me ha convencido que se considerase el secuestro del niño como la única vía para solucionar todo el lío. La autora nos explica las razones y no digo que no tengan su lógica. También digo, que siempre que un escritor necesita explicar algo así, es porque entiende, que ese es el punto más débil y cuestionable de la trama. En este caso, los motivos que nos ofrece me habrían parecido más plausibles si el secuestro hubiera sido el resultado de un impulso. Al no ser este el caso y con semejante premeditación, me cuesta creer que los autores ni siquiera considerasen la otra opción que tenían, más sencilla y viable.
En conclusión. Un thriller bien llevado. Engancha y no decepciona. Seguiré de cerca a la autora de la que espero traduzcan el resto de sus novelas. Recomendable.
March 24, 2023
Writing: 3/5 | Plot: 3/5 | Ending: ???/5
SYNOPSIS
Marissa arrives to pick up her son Milo from a playdate but BLOOP he's not there... and the kid he's supposed to be playing with is at someone else's house. Why did someone take Milo?
MY OPINION
I really enjoyed Andrea Mara's upcoming release No One Saw a Thing so I decided to pick this bad boy up off my floor shelf and give it a whirl. Despite the action popping off from page one, All Her Fault fell short for me and was very much middle of the road. Side note: It seems like Andrea Mara loves a missing child plot LOL.
Unfortunately the pacing was just a lil too slow and the writing a lil too basique for this to be a Honda Civic Reliable. It has a nice cast of clearly-drawn characters (albeit a lil one dimensional) but seems to be missing the necessary police presence (similar to No One Saw a Thing). Also the characters acted a lil obtuse to further the plot, which is a pet peeve of mine. For example, when Marissa finds out X might have been in a seggsual cahoots with the baddie, she wonders if she should call the police or not. GIRL?????? YES.
Anyways, we kinda meander about for a bit until the ending, which is all a lil convenient and OTT. I can't say more without spoilies. I wouldn't rush out to get this one. Go for her newest instead. It's solid af.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: action pops off immediately, entertaining enough, quick read despite the pg length
Cons: writing was meh, pacing kinda dragged in the middle, the end was like ???
SYNOPSIS
Marissa arrives to pick up her son Milo from a playdate but BLOOP he's not there... and the kid he's supposed to be playing with is at someone else's house. Why did someone take Milo?
MY OPINION
I really enjoyed Andrea Mara's upcoming release No One Saw a Thing so I decided to pick this bad boy up off my floor shelf and give it a whirl. Despite the action popping off from page one, All Her Fault fell short for me and was very much middle of the road. Side note: It seems like Andrea Mara loves a missing child plot LOL.
Unfortunately the pacing was just a lil too slow and the writing a lil too basique for this to be a Honda Civic Reliable. It has a nice cast of clearly-drawn characters (albeit a lil one dimensional) but seems to be missing the necessary police presence (similar to No One Saw a Thing). Also the characters acted a lil obtuse to further the plot, which is a pet peeve of mine. For example, when Marissa finds out X might have been in a seggsual cahoots with the baddie, she wonders if she should call the police or not. GIRL?????? YES.
Anyways, we kinda meander about for a bit until the ending, which is all a lil convenient and OTT. I can't say more without spoilies. I wouldn't rush out to get this one. Go for her newest instead. It's solid af.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: action pops off immediately, entertaining enough, quick read despite the pg length
Cons: writing was meh, pacing kinda dragged in the middle, the end was like ???
June 29, 2021
4-5 stars.
Well that was bonkers! Marissa Irvine, mother of four year old Milo, arrives to pick him up from a play date to find the resident at the given address, Esther, doesn’t know her son at all. Esther kindly swings into action and helps Marissa and they phone around but - Milo is not to be found. Well - that is every parent’s worst nightmare.
Milo was supposed to be at Jenny’s house playing with her son Jacob but Jacob is at another house altogether. Panic sets in. Marissa and husband Peter call the police and eventually they learn, from the teacher at the school who supervises the pickups, that Milo left with a woman that he seemed to know. What? It is not long before that woman is identified as Carrie Finch - Jenny’s live in nanny who is, of course, not to be found.
The Irvines, who are quite well off await a ransom demand that never comes and Marissa’s anguish is palpable. Jenny is feeling guilty as it is her nanny who is to blame and the local gossip mongers are vicious in their assessment that Jenny didn’t do her due diligence in choosing this nanny even though she did. Jenny does what she can to help the Irvines to assuage her feelings of guilt but there is no progress.
And then the fun really begins! Red herrings and misdirection made it very hard to pick this one. I had my suspicions and, while some of them were right, many weren’t. These characters had many layers and the landscape changed with each new revelation. Nothing was as it seemed and many characters were hiding, or at least not revealing, their true selves. I loved the ‘evil’ mother-in-law, I know it’s a cliche but it was also delicious! Towards the end the twists came thick and fast but in this case I don’t think it was overdone. Clever plotting by the author made this domestic thriller well worth a read. Thanks to Netgalley for my free copy, I am providing this review voluntarily.
Well that was bonkers! Marissa Irvine, mother of four year old Milo, arrives to pick him up from a play date to find the resident at the given address, Esther, doesn’t know her son at all. Esther kindly swings into action and helps Marissa and they phone around but - Milo is not to be found. Well - that is every parent’s worst nightmare.
Milo was supposed to be at Jenny’s house playing with her son Jacob but Jacob is at another house altogether. Panic sets in. Marissa and husband Peter call the police and eventually they learn, from the teacher at the school who supervises the pickups, that Milo left with a woman that he seemed to know. What? It is not long before that woman is identified as Carrie Finch - Jenny’s live in nanny who is, of course, not to be found.
The Irvines, who are quite well off await a ransom demand that never comes and Marissa’s anguish is palpable. Jenny is feeling guilty as it is her nanny who is to blame and the local gossip mongers are vicious in their assessment that Jenny didn’t do her due diligence in choosing this nanny even though she did. Jenny does what she can to help the Irvines to assuage her feelings of guilt but there is no progress.
And then the fun really begins! Red herrings and misdirection made it very hard to pick this one. I had my suspicions and, while some of them were right, many weren’t. These characters had many layers and the landscape changed with each new revelation. Nothing was as it seemed and many characters were hiding, or at least not revealing, their true selves. I loved the ‘evil’ mother-in-law, I know it’s a cliche but it was also delicious! Towards the end the twists came thick and fast but in this case I don’t think it was overdone. Clever plotting by the author made this domestic thriller well worth a read. Thanks to Netgalley for my free copy, I am providing this review voluntarily.
July 23, 2021
3.5 stars
"Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!"- Sir Walter Scott
What a sad sad story. 💔
July 19, 2021
On the whole, I enjoyed this book.
The first half was fantastic and I was completely gripped. I felt the fear of Marissa, and the worry of losing Milo and concern over what happened to him.
As the book progressed, and more people got introduced, I found it a little confusing and lost the thread of the story at times, which slowed down my progress somewhat.
The final twists were great, although some were a bit of a stretch for plausibility. I always find the suspension of belief when reading a thriller has to be strong, otherwise one can feel disappointed and frustrated frequently!
Overall, a solid, good read and one I would recommend.
The first half was fantastic and I was completely gripped. I felt the fear of Marissa, and the worry of losing Milo and concern over what happened to him.
As the book progressed, and more people got introduced, I found it a little confusing and lost the thread of the story at times, which slowed down my progress somewhat.
The final twists were great, although some were a bit of a stretch for plausibility. I always find the suspension of belief when reading a thriller has to be strong, otherwise one can feel disappointed and frustrated frequently!
Overall, a solid, good read and one I would recommend.
August 26, 2025
Le voy a dar una vuelta antes de hacer la reseña, pero así sin filtro: definitivamente lo terminé solo porque esperaba que en algun punto se pusiera mejor.
January 31, 2025
���All Her Fault”, by Andrea Mara
3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Great opening and the desperation was quite palpable. It was enough to hook me up but it did raise the bars, meaning it made me have high expectations.
The writing was simple and very clear, easy to read, but the development of the story was very slow in some parts and there were too many characters.
I had the impression that the author lost focus or was forced to finish the book to meet a deadline.
Also I didn’t think this book was well structured.
Still, the premise was good and there were some good moments, but unfortunately the story became too unrealistic. Plus there were too many side stories.
Now, although I found the conclusion to be a bit frantic, I was not expecting that twist, which in my opinion was brilliant.
Anyways, it was entertaining enough and I may try another book by this author (this was my second book).
e-book (Kobo): 321 pages (default), 99k words, 79 chapters
3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Great opening and the desperation was quite palpable. It was enough to hook me up but it did raise the bars, meaning it made me have high expectations.
The writing was simple and very clear, easy to read, but the development of the story was very slow in some parts and there were too many characters.
I had the impression that the author lost focus or was forced to finish the book to meet a deadline.
Also I didn’t think this book was well structured.
Still, the premise was good and there were some good moments, but unfortunately the story became too unrealistic. Plus there were too many side stories.
Now, although I found the conclusion to be a bit frantic, I was not expecting that twist, which in my opinion was brilliant.
Anyways, it was entertaining enough and I may try another book by this author (this was my second book).
e-book (Kobo): 321 pages (default), 99k words, 79 chapters
July 13, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
Marcia Irvine arrives at 14 Tudor Grove, expecting to pick up her young son Milo from his first playdate with a boy at his new school. But the woman who answers the door isn't a mother she recognises. She isn't the Nanny. She doesn't have Milo. And so begins every parents worst nightmare. As news of the disappearance filters through the quiet Dublin suburb and an unexpected suspect is named, whispers start to spread the woman most closely connected to the shocking event. Because only one of them may have taken Milo - but they could all be blamed.
What a cleverly crafted story this is. Focusing on four different women, we are slowly drip fed snippets of information revealing the secrets at the heart of ordinary lives. The story is extremely well written and told from different characters perspectives. The characters are complex. I was hooked from the first chapter, hoping that Milo would be found safe and sound. Filled with red herrings, I found this book hard to put down. I highly recommend this book.
I would like to thank #NetGallalley #RandomHouseUK #TransworldPublishers and the author #AndreaMara for my ARC of #AllHerFault in exchange for an honest review.
Marcia Irvine arrives at 14 Tudor Grove, expecting to pick up her young son Milo from his first playdate with a boy at his new school. But the woman who answers the door isn't a mother she recognises. She isn't the Nanny. She doesn't have Milo. And so begins every parents worst nightmare. As news of the disappearance filters through the quiet Dublin suburb and an unexpected suspect is named, whispers start to spread the woman most closely connected to the shocking event. Because only one of them may have taken Milo - but they could all be blamed.
What a cleverly crafted story this is. Focusing on four different women, we are slowly drip fed snippets of information revealing the secrets at the heart of ordinary lives. The story is extremely well written and told from different characters perspectives. The characters are complex. I was hooked from the first chapter, hoping that Milo would be found safe and sound. Filled with red herrings, I found this book hard to put down. I highly recommend this book.
I would like to thank #NetGallalley #RandomHouseUK #TransworldPublishers and the author #AndreaMara for my ARC of #AllHerFault in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2024
Un gran decepción. 😐
La novela trata sobre la desaparición de un niño de cuatro años.
La primera mitad del libro se me ha hecho eterna. A partir de ahí, la cosa se pone algo más interesante. La parte final es buena, pero deslucida por todo el aburrimiento anterior.
En mi opinión, la novela no está muy bien estructurada porque la trama en sí y a lo que conduce es buena, pero le falta mucho ritmo. La parte interesante del final se desarrolla muy rápidamente frente a lo extensa y aburrida que resulta toda la primera parte.
No voy a ahondar para no hacer spoiler.
Me esperaba algo mejor.
La novela trata sobre la desaparición de un niño de cuatro años.
La primera mitad del libro se me ha hecho eterna. A partir de ahí, la cosa se pone algo más interesante. La parte final es buena, pero deslucida por todo el aburrimiento anterior.
En mi opinión, la novela no está muy bien estructurada porque la trama en sí y a lo que conduce es buena, pero le falta mucho ritmo. La parte interesante del final se desarrolla muy rápidamente frente a lo extensa y aburrida que resulta toda la primera parte.
No voy a ahondar para no hacer spoiler.
Me esperaba algo mejor.
April 16, 2025
~4.5~
This is a thrilling story from beginning to end.
Marissa's 4-year-old son, Milo, is picked up from school by Jenny's childminder (nanny), Carrie. Marissa and Jenny had met at a parent social, so Marissa thought nothing of Jenny reaching out to her suggesting a playdate between Milo and Jenny's son, Jacob.
Except Jenny is not the one who sent the text. Carrie did. And she didn't take Milo to a playdate; she took him period.
Most of the story is narrated by Marissa, but Jenny and Carrie are also given a voice.
I suspected everybody, and I do mean EVERYBODY, of being involved in the kidnapping: Marissa's husband, her brother-in-law, her bestie/colleague; Jenny's husband, her mother-in-law, her flirty colleague; the man next door; the other man next door; the kindly teashop owner; the other nanny; the mean mom at school.
This is a multifaceted story, and the puzzle pieces kept shifting. There is one particularly big twist at the end that left me slack-jawed.
All Her Fault is a fitting title because whose fault was it? Marissa's? Jenny's? Carrie's? Maybe everyone's. Maybe no one's.
This book is one hell of a ride.
This is a thrilling story from beginning to end.
Marissa's 4-year-old son, Milo, is picked up from school by Jenny's childminder (nanny), Carrie. Marissa and Jenny had met at a parent social, so Marissa thought nothing of Jenny reaching out to her suggesting a playdate between Milo and Jenny's son, Jacob.
Except Jenny is not the one who sent the text. Carrie did. And she didn't take Milo to a playdate; she took him period.
Most of the story is narrated by Marissa, but Jenny and Carrie are also given a voice.
I suspected everybody, and I do mean EVERYBODY, of being involved in the kidnapping: Marissa's husband, her brother-in-law, her bestie/colleague; Jenny's husband, her mother-in-law, her flirty colleague; the man next door; the other man next door; the kindly teashop owner; the other nanny; the mean mom at school.
This is a multifaceted story, and the puzzle pieces kept shifting. There is one particularly big twist at the end that left me slack-jawed.
All Her Fault is a fitting title because whose fault was it? Marissa's? Jenny's? Carrie's? Maybe everyone's. Maybe no one's.
This book is one hell of a ride.
March 14, 2022
I never ever give 1-star reviews, but in this case it couldn't be helped. Man alive, this book put me into a major reading slump. Firstly, it took me weeks and weeks to actually finish this book, because I just didn't want to read it. I pushed myself because of all the great reviews that this one received. I thought that I must have been missing something major. However, on finishing this book I'm absolutely gob-smacked at the good reviews this one gets. I honestly must have read a different book!
February 13, 2023
Es un thriller adictivo del que devoras páginas y páginas sin apenas darte cuenta. Trata el tema de la desaparición de un menor pero con mucha originalidad ya que al final no va a ser el tema central. Hacia el final cuando ya crees que está todo resuelto (ya me pilló por sorpresa porque no acerté) vuelven a ocurrir cosas que te dejan con la boca abierta de nuevo. Porque menudo final!!
Muy recomendable para los que disfrutan de este tipo de lecturas.
Muy recomendable para los que disfrutan de este tipo de lecturas.
December 23, 2021
Wish i hadn't spent so much time on this. Went from bad to worse and I didn't care who did what when or why. So boring and the storyline was ridiculous. .
May 13, 2023
¡Vaya historia! Un libro que no puedes soltar hasta que descubres qué fue lo que realmente pasó, y que aún tiene más sorpresas en el epílogo. Engancha desde el principio. Muy bueno.
August 2, 2021
This started out well, but was ultimately disappointing. Marissa and Peter, the parents of the missing Milo, were not very well characterized, although I thought the author did a good job with Jenny and the appalling Irene. Various clues were picked up and resolved at the end, but the solution was dependent on one character turning out to be a completely different person from how s/he had previously been portrayed, as well as on the unlikely (to me) fact that Milo failed to recognize them. There was also a confusingly high body count: by the end there weren't many people left to suspect.
May 19, 2025
2,5- ✨
après avoir vu pleins d'excellents avis + lu "si t'as aimé la femme de ménage, tu aimeras celui-ci" j'ai évidemment foncé sans hésiter une seule seconde
mais unpopular opinion malheureusement, j'ai pas accroché plus que ça.
j'ai eu beaucoup de mal à me mettre dedans, et j'ai jamais réellement réussi d'ailleurs.
j'ai trouvé que c'était looooong, tellement long. je l'ai commencé en papier et fini en audio (ça passait mieux) et même si j'avoue que le plot twist final est surprenant, ça ne rattrape pas vraiment le reste pour moi :/
je l'ai malheureusement pas trouvé aussi addictif qu'un frieda mcfadden qui nous pond de véritables pages turner à chaque fois. dommage qu'il soit vendu ainsi du coup (même si ce n'est que mon avis)
après avoir vu pleins d'excellents avis + lu "si t'as aimé la femme de ménage, tu aimeras celui-ci" j'ai évidemment foncé sans hésiter une seule seconde
mais unpopular opinion malheureusement, j'ai pas accroché plus que ça.
j'ai eu beaucoup de mal à me mettre dedans, et j'ai jamais réellement réussi d'ailleurs.
j'ai trouvé que c'était looooong, tellement long. je l'ai commencé en papier et fini en audio (ça passait mieux) et même si j'avoue que le plot twist final est surprenant, ça ne rattrape pas vraiment le reste pour moi :/
je l'ai malheureusement pas trouvé aussi addictif qu'un frieda mcfadden qui nous pond de véritables pages turner à chaque fois. dommage qu'il soit vendu ainsi du coup (même si ce n'est que mon avis)
September 13, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley & Bantam Press for an eARC of this book. The following review is my honest reflection on the text provided.
3.5 stars
Incredibly well-written, All Her Fault is a unique, unpredictable thriller. I was hooked within the first few pages; the stakes are sky-high, and the intensity and pace never let up.
Marissa is one of those incredibly rare people whose life doesn't just seem perfect from the outside - it actually is perfect. She has the perfect husband, house, job, friends, and family until Milo's disappearance changes everything, and Marissa's whole world is falling apart. Her panic and desperation are vivid and relentless. On the other side of the equation, Jenny's life seems to be falling apart before Milo is taken. Her marriage is rocky, she's struggling to balance her work and family, she overthinks everything, and her mother-in-law is a nightmare. These seemingly opposite perspectives play off each other well to create a fast-paced, easy-to-read story.
I was impressed with how quickly this story got off the ground, and I would never have predicted the direction it ended up taking. A few of the details of the twists at the end were a little too implausible for reality, but I still thoroughly enjoyed All Her Fault and would highly recommend it to any fans of thrillers or twisty narratives.
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
3.5 stars
Incredibly well-written, All Her Fault is a unique, unpredictable thriller. I was hooked within the first few pages; the stakes are sky-high, and the intensity and pace never let up.
Marissa is one of those incredibly rare people whose life doesn't just seem perfect from the outside - it actually is perfect. She has the perfect husband, house, job, friends, and family until Milo's disappearance changes everything, and Marissa's whole world is falling apart. Her panic and desperation are vivid and relentless. On the other side of the equation, Jenny's life seems to be falling apart before Milo is taken. Her marriage is rocky, she's struggling to balance her work and family, she overthinks everything, and her mother-in-law is a nightmare. These seemingly opposite perspectives play off each other well to create a fast-paced, easy-to-read story.
I was impressed with how quickly this story got off the ground, and I would never have predicted the direction it ended up taking. A few of the details of the twists at the end were a little too implausible for reality, but I still thoroughly enjoyed All Her Fault and would highly recommend it to any fans of thrillers or twisty narratives.
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
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April 26, 2021
Have you ever been punched in the face by a book? Well, I've been repeatedly and unapologetically punched in the face by this one and I have to say I loved every minute of it!
Immediately, within the first few lines I was thrown into the deep end and the anxiety didn't give way until the very end. Andrea, has so cleverly managed the tension in a way so that it went from a slow simmer which crept it's way into my chest, to that bubbling, bursting sensation where I realised I'd been holding my breath and it was time to breathe.
Not only is this a fantastically well plotted story line which kept me breathless to the very last page, the characters are just phenomenal. I loved some, I disliked some and oh my god did I love to hate others. Without giving away any spoilers, Andrea, craftily drops hints and breadcrumbs along the way. Some of these send you hurtling down the wrong road to arrive at yet another punch in the face and others give you that ahaaaa moment at the end when it all comes together.
Another compelling, gut-wrenching, face-punching sensation from the amazing Andrea Mara.
CW for child abduction.
Immediately, within the first few lines I was thrown into the deep end and the anxiety didn't give way until the very end. Andrea, has so cleverly managed the tension in a way so that it went from a slow simmer which crept it's way into my chest, to that bubbling, bursting sensation where I realised I'd been holding my breath and it was time to breathe.
Not only is this a fantastically well plotted story line which kept me breathless to the very last page, the characters are just phenomenal. I loved some, I disliked some and oh my god did I love to hate others. Without giving away any spoilers, Andrea, craftily drops hints and breadcrumbs along the way. Some of these send you hurtling down the wrong road to arrive at yet another punch in the face and others give you that ahaaaa moment at the end when it all comes together.
Another compelling, gut-wrenching, face-punching sensation from the amazing Andrea Mara.
CW for child abduction.
August 12, 2022
Loved the first half. The second half??? So many murders and how could Marissa not recognize a different baby? Not mom shaming, genuinely curious about this plot hole and took a star off due to confusion??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2021
What a book!!!!
Release date 22nd July
Marissa goes to collect her son Milo up from his play date, only to arrive at the house to find an old lady there and no children. As she begins to panic it syncs in rather quickly that Milo has been taken, but by who and why? Jenny the mother of Jacob the family who were assumed to have Milo finds herself inserting herself into the investigation. Espically as if becomes clear who took Milo. But the one question is why? Why take Milo?
I loved this book and wo hands down state its the best book I've read this year so far. I know I wi likely say that again next month but this book I couldn't put it dow. I honestly thought I had a vague idea why but even when the biggest clue was dropped I didn't even pick up on it.
There are an array of characters in this book but we mainly go between Marissa and Jenny. Marissa is your obvious panicked mother she doesn't know where her child is and is kicking herself for not following up more before letting her son go on his first ay date. Esther theady whose house she ends up at is by far my favourite character within the book and yet her role is under rated.
Jenny is a strange one. There's something not quite right with her but I just don't know what. She almost throws herself into the dead the dead centre of the drama its almost as if she wants it all to be about her because I think maybe that's why she did of it could if just been pure guilt.
When it came to working out who took Milo every single person was a suspect, so when the grand reveal comes its more shocking than I had expected. I honestly know if psychology thrillers are your thing this book was written for you was if scary no, no but it had me doubting my own thoughts regarding the case.
I honestly could sit and write you a whole essay about why I loved this book but I will stop hear before I give the entire book away if I write any more. What I wi say is expect the unexpected and tubule still be shocked. 5 stars
Thanks to netgalley the author and publishers for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Release date 22nd July
Marissa goes to collect her son Milo up from his play date, only to arrive at the house to find an old lady there and no children. As she begins to panic it syncs in rather quickly that Milo has been taken, but by who and why? Jenny the mother of Jacob the family who were assumed to have Milo finds herself inserting herself into the investigation. Espically as if becomes clear who took Milo. But the one question is why? Why take Milo?
I loved this book and wo hands down state its the best book I've read this year so far. I know I wi likely say that again next month but this book I couldn't put it dow. I honestly thought I had a vague idea why but even when the biggest clue was dropped I didn't even pick up on it.
There are an array of characters in this book but we mainly go between Marissa and Jenny. Marissa is your obvious panicked mother she doesn't know where her child is and is kicking herself for not following up more before letting her son go on his first ay date. Esther theady whose house she ends up at is by far my favourite character within the book and yet her role is under rated.
Jenny is a strange one. There's something not quite right with her but I just don't know what. She almost throws herself into the dead the dead centre of the drama its almost as if she wants it all to be about her because I think maybe that's why she did of it could if just been pure guilt.
When it came to working out who took Milo every single person was a suspect, so when the grand reveal comes its more shocking than I had expected. I honestly know if psychology thrillers are your thing this book was written for you was if scary no, no but it had me doubting my own thoughts regarding the case.
I honestly could sit and write you a whole essay about why I loved this book but I will stop hear before I give the entire book away if I write any more. What I wi say is expect the unexpected and tubule still be shocked. 5 stars
Thanks to netgalley the author and publishers for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my fair and honest review.
July 29, 2021
Irish Times Top Ten bestselling author Andrea Mara, has written her UK debut “All Her Fault” - a mystery domestic thriller where secrets and lies can rapidly rip a family apart when they start to be revealed.
This entertaining novel starts with Marissa knocking on another school mother’s door to collect her son Milo, after a play date. When she discovers her son isn’t there and never has been, her world is turned upside down and will never be the same again.
The characters in this novel are wholly unlikeable (with the exception of young Milo) and I think the author did this intentionally, since my emotions and opinions of them changed as the story progressed. Marissa in particular was an enigma, I felt there were two sides to her personality which clashed with the persona the author was trying to imply about her. There was also a neurological disorder mentioned that I hadn’t heard of before and I was interested enough to research further into it.
I was thoroughly entertained and although there is a lot of logistically challengingly scenes and implausibilities, it is the author’s artistic licence to do this and on this occasion it worked. As a parent I totally ‘got’ the raw emotions at discovering your child is missing and not knowing whether they are safe. “All Her Fault” is a rollercoaster of a story that was cleverly plotted and I enjoyed the book enough to know I’d be happy to read more by this author in the future. I’d also definitely recommend this novel as an addictive summer read for mystery thriller readers of all ages.
4 stars
This entertaining novel starts with Marissa knocking on another school mother’s door to collect her son Milo, after a play date. When she discovers her son isn’t there and never has been, her world is turned upside down and will never be the same again.
The characters in this novel are wholly unlikeable (with the exception of young Milo) and I think the author did this intentionally, since my emotions and opinions of them changed as the story progressed. Marissa in particular was an enigma, I felt there were two sides to her personality which clashed with the persona the author was trying to imply about her. There was also a neurological disorder mentioned that I hadn’t heard of before and I was interested enough to research further into it.
I was thoroughly entertained and although there is a lot of logistically challengingly scenes and implausibilities, it is the author’s artistic licence to do this and on this occasion it worked. As a parent I totally ‘got’ the raw emotions at discovering your child is missing and not knowing whether they are safe. “All Her Fault” is a rollercoaster of a story that was cleverly plotted and I enjoyed the book enough to know I’d be happy to read more by this author in the future. I’d also definitely recommend this novel as an addictive summer read for mystery thriller readers of all ages.
4 stars
February 10, 2023
Si hay algo que valoro en este género es la sorpresa, y este libro lo ha conseguido. La autora ha ido desmontando mis hipótesis conforme avanzaba en cada capítulo.
El tema en sí no es novedoso: la desaparición de un menor, pero sí la manera de estructurar la historia y crear una trama estable e inteligente. El inicio es algo lento para mi gusto, pero entiendo que es la presentación de los personajes y su desarrollo emocional en la trama. A partir de la segunda parte es imposible soltar el libro y en la tercera, mejor tener tiempo porque querréis leerla del tirón.
Tres mujeres forman el reparto principal: Marisa, Jenny e Irene. Además, hay bastantes personajes secundarios que harán las delicias del lector. Nos podemos encontrar desde personajes que odias hasta otros que anhelas en tu vida. Es muy variopinto el reparto y tiene cierta similitud con la realidad. Hay muchas Sarahs en el mundo.
Tras la trama principal se esconde un debate social bastante activo: el rol de la mujer en la sociedad y las exigencias que conlleva, el cuidado de los hijos, las apariencias, el pertenecer a un grupo, ...
Un libro que recomiendo, tanto para los que leen el género del suspense como para los que recurren a él de vez en cuando. Creo que este libro es firme candidato para convertirlo en película.
El tema en sí no es novedoso: la desaparición de un menor, pero sí la manera de estructurar la historia y crear una trama estable e inteligente. El inicio es algo lento para mi gusto, pero entiendo que es la presentación de los personajes y su desarrollo emocional en la trama. A partir de la segunda parte es imposible soltar el libro y en la tercera, mejor tener tiempo porque querréis leerla del tirón.
Tres mujeres forman el reparto principal: Marisa, Jenny e Irene. Además, hay bastantes personajes secundarios que harán las delicias del lector. Nos podemos encontrar desde personajes que odias hasta otros que anhelas en tu vida. Es muy variopinto el reparto y tiene cierta similitud con la realidad. Hay muchas Sarahs en el mundo.
Tras la trama principal se esconde un debate social bastante activo: el rol de la mujer en la sociedad y las exigencias que conlleva, el cuidado de los hijos, las apariencias, el pertenecer a un grupo, ...
Un libro que recomiendo, tanto para los que leen el género del suspense como para los que recurren a él de vez en cuando. Creo que este libro es firme candidato para convertirlo en película.
May 3, 2021
The premise of this book was both tantalising and unnerving for me as a parent of young children (one of whom is a four year old boy just like the young child at the centre of this novel).
Marissa goes to collect her young son from a playdate at a school friend’s house but when she turns up, her son is not there and the lady at the house knows nothing about it. The scene is set from the outset and I was gripped.
Clues are dropped here and there like breadcrumbs by the author as the story unfolds, and I was prepared for red herrings, but still I was kept guessing to the end. The author manages to maintain a level of tension and intrigue throughout.
Andrea Mara has an uncanny ability to unnerve you and prey on your own everyday irrational fears and worries. For me, the anxiety and trepidation involved in choosing the right childcare and entrusting your child in the care of someone else is captured perfectly here. Her thrillers are distinctly Irish and yet universal in theme - I loved the politics at the school gates and the bourgeoise notions of the residents of Kerryglen. While it didn’t quite grip me in the way that The Sleeper Lies did, it’s still a great read.
3.5/5 ⭐️ rounded up
Marissa goes to collect her young son from a playdate at a school friend’s house but when she turns up, her son is not there and the lady at the house knows nothing about it. The scene is set from the outset and I was gripped.
Clues are dropped here and there like breadcrumbs by the author as the story unfolds, and I was prepared for red herrings, but still I was kept guessing to the end. The author manages to maintain a level of tension and intrigue throughout.
Andrea Mara has an uncanny ability to unnerve you and prey on your own everyday irrational fears and worries. For me, the anxiety and trepidation involved in choosing the right childcare and entrusting your child in the care of someone else is captured perfectly here. Her thrillers are distinctly Irish and yet universal in theme - I loved the politics at the school gates and the bourgeoise notions of the residents of Kerryglen. While it didn’t quite grip me in the way that The Sleeper Lies did, it’s still a great read.
3.5/5 ⭐️ rounded up
January 9, 2025
All Her Fault begins with something no parent ever wants to face - Marissa goes to the home of a fellow parent, Jenny, to pick her young son Milo up from a playdate. But Milo isn't there. In fact, neither is Jenny - she doesn't even live there.
What ensues is a race against time to find Milo before something terrible happens, and to unravel a mess of lies and deceit that make Marissa question everything and everyone she knows.
I liked Jenny's POV a lot, the guilt of being associated with something like this must be shocking. I also appreciated how she felt about juggling a career with her home life and the sacrifices she was expected to make on both ends to keep things running smoothly.
What ensues is a race against time to find Milo before something terrible happens, and to unravel a mess of lies and deceit that make Marissa question everything and everyone she knows.
I liked Jenny's POV a lot, the guilt of being associated with something like this must be shocking. I also appreciated how she felt about juggling a career with her home life and the sacrifices she was expected to make on both ends to keep things running smoothly.
February 16, 2023
Complicado valorar este libro.
El libro parte de una premisa que ya promete en una historia de intriga. Y si llegamos a casa y nos encontramos con que nuestro hijo ha desaparecido? Quién lo secuestraría? Por qué?
El arranque es potente, así como los distintos personajes. Llegado un momento pensamos que todos podrían ser culpables.
El final también me ha gustado mucho, la autora resuelve bien y consigue sorprender.
El problema, el medio de libro, que resulta aburrido.
Valoración 3.5
El libro parte de una premisa que ya promete en una historia de intriga. Y si llegamos a casa y nos encontramos con que nuestro hijo ha desaparecido? Quién lo secuestraría? Por qué?
El arranque es potente, así como los distintos personajes. Llegado un momento pensamos que todos podrían ser culpables.
El final también me ha gustado mucho, la autora resuelve bien y consigue sorprender.
El problema, el medio de libro, que resulta aburrido.
Valoración 3.5
June 30, 2025
Absolutely lame ending. Can’t recommend. Save the time and read something that is worthwhile.
February 8, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ El giro casi al final de la historia no lo vi venir. Buenísimo .
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