Today I’m sharing a review of Mark Edwards’ latest psychological thriller – ‘Here to Stay‘. I’ve always been a fan of this author’s work, ever since I read ‘The Magpies’ way back when.

A beautiful home. A loving wife. And in-laws to die for.

Gemma Robinson comes into Elliot’s life like a whirlwind, and they marry and settle into his home. When she asks him if her parents can come to stay for a couple of weeks, he is keen to oblige – he just doesn’t quite know what he’s signing up for.

The Robinsons arrive with Gemma’s sister, Chloe, a mysterious young woman who refuses to speak or leave her room. Elliot starts to suspect that the Robinsons are hiding a dark secret. And then there are the scars on his wife’s body that she won’t talk about . . .

As Elliot’s in-laws become more comfortable in his home, encroaching on all aspects of his life, it becomes clear that they have no intention of moving out. To protect Gemma, and their marriage, Elliot delves into the Robinsons’ past. But is he prepared for the truth?

From the two million copy bestselling author comes a tale about the chilling consequences of welcoming strangers into your home.

My 5 Star Review:

Elliot and Gemma are a happy newlywed couple, and live in the house that Elliot owns and had lovingly restored prior to meeting Gemma.  When Gemma tells him that her parents Jeff and Lizzy and sister Chloe are coming back to the UK after residing in France and currently have nowhere to live, he agrees they can use the spare bedrooms until they can find a place of their own.

Weeks turn into months.  Jeff and Lizzy are obnoxious, and Elliot soon realises they have no money and no intention of ever moving out.  Chloe hardly leaves her room, seemingly suffering from a mysterious illness.  Ellliot tries various strategies to get them all to go, which only lead to frightening events he could only imagine in his wildest nightmares.

Well written and with a brilliant twist at the end.  I spent quite a lot of the time wondering why on earth Gemma (who knew Jeff and Lizzy’s character traits) would have wanted her parents to stay in the first place, but this does become apparent towards the end of the book.  I never came across any errors either, and so it was well edited! A recommended read for fans of psychological thrillers.