Thursday, 22 January 2026

πŸ“– Book Review #5: Don’t Believe A Word by Susan Lewis

Five reviews! I honestly didn’t know if I’d keep this up when I started in January, but I’m really enjoying putting my thoughts down after finishing a book.

Don’t Believe A Word is another suspenseful read, but this one feels much more rooted in family and relationships — which probably explains why it appealed to me.

The story centres around a woman whose teenage daughter suddenly disappears after becoming involved with a mysterious older man. What follows is every parent’s worst nightmare: confusion, fear, and the creeping realisation that perhaps you didn’t know your child as well as you thought.

I found this one particularly unsettling because it feels so plausible. There’s nothing far-fetched or overly dramatic about it — the danger feels frighteningly real. It explores themes of trust, manipulation, and how easily someone vulnerable can be drawn into something unhealthy.

What I appreciated most was the emotional side of the story. Yes, there’s tension and mystery, but at its heart it’s about a mother desperate to protect her child. That emotional thread kept me invested even during the quieter moments.

There were parts where I wanted the truth to come out faster — I’m noticing I do get a little impatient when secrets are stretched out! — but in hindsight, the gradual unfolding added to the suspense.

I also liked that it made me think about how we present ourselves online and how much we really know about the people our children (or even we ourselves) interact with. It feels very relevant to modern life.

Overall, I found this gripping and thought-provoking. Not a flashy thriller full of huge twists, but a steady, unsettling story that lingers.

I’d give Don’t Believe A Word ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5.

If you enjoy:

  • Domestic suspense

  • Family-focused dramas

  • Realistic, modern dilemmas

  • Stories that make you slightly uneasy

…then this would be worth picking up.

Five books reviewed and counting — I’m rather pleased with myself!

Victoria πŸ“š 

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