Sandie Jones delivers a domestic thriller that transforms familiar relationship anxieties into genuine psychological horror. Emily thinks she's found her perfect man in Adam, until she meets his mother Pammie—a woman who takes maternal protectiveness to sinister extremes. What starts as typical mother-in-law friction escalates into something far darker as Pammie systematically works to destroy Emily's relationship and sanity.

This book excels at building dread through everyday interactions. Jones understands that the most effective psychological manipulation often happens in plain sight, and Pammie's campaign against Emily feels both outrageous and uncomfortably plausible. The author skillfully portrays how gaslighting works in practice, showing Emily's growing isolation as those around her dismiss her concerns or fail to see Pammie's true nature. The pacing builds steadily, with each family dinner or casual encounter ratcheting up the tension.

Perfect for readers who enjoy domestic thrillers with strong psychological elements—think fans of Ruth Ware or Shari Lapena. The book works particularly well for anyone who's navigated difficult in-law relationships, as Jones taps into universal anxieties about acceptance and belonging. The writing is accessible and propulsive, making this an ideal beach read or book club selection.

However, the novel has notable weaknesses. Emily can be frustratingly passive, and her continued trust in Adam despite mounting evidence strains credibility at times. The male characters, particularly Adam, feel underdeveloped compared to the women. Some plot points rely on convenient coincidences, and the final act veers toward melodrama in ways that may test some readers' patience.

Skip this if you prefer more literary fiction or complex character studies. The book prioritizes plot momentum over psychological depth, and while the premise is compelling, the execution sometimes favors shock value over subtlety. Readers seeking nuanced family dynamics or morally ambiguous characters may find the clear-cut villain/victim dynamic too simplistic. Despite these limitations, Jones creates an undeniably addictive page-turner that delivers on its promise of domestic suspense.