"Greenwich Park" by Katherine Faulkner

 

Helen’s idyllic life—handsome architect husband, gorgeous Victorian house, and cherished baby on the way (after years of trying)—begins to change the day she attends her first prenatal class and meets Rachel, an unpredictable single mother-to-be. Rachel doesn’t seem very maternal: she smokes, drinks, and professes little interest in parenthood. Still, Helen is drawn to her. Maybe Rachel just needs a friend. And to be honest, Helen’s a bit lonely herself. At least Rachel is fun to be with. She makes Helen laugh, invites her confidences, and distracts her from her fears.

But her increasingly erratic behavior is unsettling. And Helen’s not the only one who’s noticed. Her friends and family begin to suspect that her strange new friend may be linked to their shared history in unexpected ways. When Rachel threatens to expose a past crime that could destroy all of their lives, it becomes clear that there are more than a few secrets laying beneath the broad-leaved trees and warm lamplight of Greenwich Park. ~taken from Amazon

This was my first novel from author Katherine Faulkner and I know it will not be my last! I enjoyed this storyline as it has quite the original plot and very good twists and turns. It kept me guessing right up until the last quarter of the book.

However, there was some parts I really struggled with. The first quarter of the book was so slow moving. The reader is introduced to several characters, which was hard to keep track of, and on top of that I never really felt like I got to know the main characters. It moved at such a slow pace throughout the entire book. I felt like this was the longest pregnancy ever. 

Each chapter alternates between the perspectives of 3 women in the story and it was so hard to keep track of who was who. For instance, there is a chapter from "Katie's" perspective. Up until that chapter, I had no idea there even was a Katie in the book and had no clue how she fit into the story. It was jarring trying to figure out who she was and where she fit in with all the others. 

Then there's the believability aspect. This cast of adult characters acted like teenage middle schoolers. It was hard to believe the story could unravel the way it did. Helen and Daniel are pregnant after so many miscarriages. This is their miracle baby, so I find it odd that they both act like it's no big deal. 

I won't give away how it ends, but lets just say I saw it coming and then the "wrap up" was so unsatisfying. There was really not a big "ah ha" moment that I look for in thrillers. 

The author did a wonderful job setting the scene and describing the atmosphere. I loved the London settings. The plot was solid and original and the writing was engaging and easy to follow. I look forward to more books from Katherine Faulkner. 

Despite my list of grievances, I did like this book and would recommend it. It was a 3 star read for me. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery Books for allowing me an advanced digital copy to read and give my honest opinion. Greenwich Park is due to be released here in the U.S. on January 25, 2022 so pre-order now! 

Happy Reading!