The Nanny by Ruth Heald
Published: September 8, 2022
Bookouture
Pages: 364
Genre: Psychological Fiction
KKECReads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Ruth Heald studied Economics at Oxford University and then worked in an eclectic mix of sectors, from nuclear decommissioning to management consulting. She worked at the BBC for nine years before leaving to write full time. Ruth is fascinated by psychology and discovering what drives people to violence, destruction, and revenge. She’s married with two children, and her novels explore our greatest fears in otherwise ordinary, domestic lives.
When I accepted a job working as a nanny for David and Julie and their young children, I was excited to be making my own way in the world. I bonded with baby Chloe instantly and would have done anything for her. She had David’s thick, dark hair and smiling eyes. I fell in love with her and was excited for my future.
But when a terrible mistake led to Chloe disappearing, I was instantly blamed. With no evidence, I was let go and I returned home to rebuild my life.
Twenty years later and I am still haunted by what happened. I have a family of my own now and I’ve worked hard to be the best wife and mother I can be, but I’ve never forgotten the child who stole my heart.
Then a young woman arrives on my doorstep and the past secret that I have kept from my family comes hurtling into my present.
I try to tell myself that I am overreacting. But the woman in front of me looks so much like David. Who is she and why is she here? And if I welcome her in, will she want to be a part of my life, or destroy it?
“It had all been her imagination.”
Hayley took a gap year and went to explore Thailand. As a young adult, she wanted to get experience. When her circumstance changes, and she needs a job to help support her journey, she starts working as a live-in nanny for a wealthy couple. When the youngest child disappears, everyone is convinced Hayley has something to do with it. Hayley is a suspect briefly, and as soon as she can, she gets herself out. But her past isn’t going to stay a secret.
The twists in this novel. Holy.
The character development was fantastic throughout this novel. We become adults with Hayley. The characters were so well formed, adding so much to the plot.
The storyline was wild. Scary and realistic. I enjoyed how this story was told, alternating timelines between the past and the present. The timelines were coordinated exceptionally well.
Specific points were predictable, but I think it was done intentionally to make the reader feel they knew what would happen.
Several twists left me utterly speechless. I loved how fast-paced and intense this novel was. I was engaged from the first page. This story will keep you invested and on the edge of your seat.