Invite Me In: Would you invite a stranger into your home?

‘Invite Me In’ by Emma Curtis proved an intense domestic noir.Its protagonist is Eliza Curran. Like many women in these melodramas, she appears to have the perfect life: two adorable children (and a live-in French au pair to take care of them), a stunning home, and a wealthy husband, who appears to adore her. The key word is ‘appears’, as behind closed doors Martin Curran is extremely controlling and Eliza is miserable.Martin is in a wheelchair following a motorcycle accident some years previously and he also knows secrets from Eliza’s past that could destroy any chance of her retaining custody of their children if she leaves. So she stays and longs for freedom.Then one day as Eliza is putting the finishing touches on the latest flat in their property portfolio, the charming Dan Jones knocks on the door enquiring about the tenancy. Suddenly, life is looking a wee bit brighter. Oh Eliza!No more details in order to avoid spoilers, though suffice to say that the plot takes some surprising directions that kept me glued to its pages in anticipation of what happens next.I did find Eliza difficult to empathise with as she seemed very immature and her own worse enemy in allowing Martin to bully and disrespect her in front of their children. Still, though Eliza was at times exasperating Martin was vile and vindictive; he would have felt right at home in a Victorian penny dreadful.There is no doubt that ‘Invite Me In’ was a gripping psychological thriller/domestic noir. Even though at times I wanted to jump into the book and give Eliza a good talking to - that level of engagement demonstrates that I was clearly invested in both its characters and storyline. It definitely was a bit over the top though no less entertaining for that.3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I found it ok but a bit tedious in stretches. I've read far better.

The first half of the story was just boring. Sewing the seeds for the second half. None of the characters were pleasant including the protagonist who told the story. The second half was packed with so many sudden twists but unbelievable. Such a lot of improbable happenings including being able to make a phone call when your phones just been for a swim in the murders back pocket and giving up your bedroom and ultimately your house to a couple who are clearly trying to frame you. The idea was interesting but the writing was poor.

I've read a few of Emma Curtis' books now, but Invite Me In is a little more of a slow burn than the others. It turns out that Curtis can do this type of writing well too, as she sows seeds of doubt, gives us red herrings and places massive elephants in the room. I wanted to know what everyone's stories were and I wanted to keep reading until I got to the bottom of it.Our central character is Eliza and I will admit to feeling quite a bit of sympathy for her as there are elements of her situation that are quite close to home for me. But like every good narrator, she's not as reliable as she might be. She's an alcoholic, she doesn't always remember things and she's vulnerable. I wanted to believe her all the way through but I was never completely sure that I could.About two thirds of the way through, it becomes clear that there will be no more slow burn and suddenly the whole plot explodes into life. I loved seeing how everything unravelled and I was holding on to my seat for dear life. There were so many revelations and twists and I couldn't wait to see how it would all turn out.

Another brilliant book written by a brilliant author. It had me gripped from the first chapter, her characters come to life as you read. A powerful page turning psychological thriller. Emma Curtis is a firm favourite of mine she holds you from the first page she doesn't introduce to many characters so you are not retracking to see where this person/name fits in or going from past events to present which can be irritating and confusing for the reader. A great read, well done Emma will look forward to your next book!

I enjoyed this book I actually wouldn’t mind reading it again! Would recommend

Wow brilliant story so many twists had me gripped from the first chapter, couldn’t put it down. Will definitely be looking to buy more books by this author absolutely loved it

Loved it! Great twists and turns.