You Need to Know- Blog Tour

 

Publisher: Penguin Books

Publishing Date: 15th April 2021

Copy gifted very kindly by the publishing to review for the tour. Many Thanks ☺ 

Rating : ★★★★

Review: 

Well this book packed a punch!!

Set in the suburban area of Sydney, Australia and around the festive holidays, we meet Jill and her extended family. Funnily enough all 3 of her children are in the publishing/book world. 

We get to meet the family and delve into their life. The Youngest son is Darren who is an author and currently suffering with writers block due to 2 reasons. His long term partner Charlotte left him for another women and has since returned and made a shocking request and to add to his ego and life turning upside down a horrible reviews about his last novel doesn't help his emotions. 

Then we meet the middle child Pete who is married to Mini and have Callie (16), Tara (8), the two new arrivals in twin girls Elliot and James. Both work in writing and Illustration of children's book but recently parenthood has been a challenge. Callie is starting to become more withdrawn, is this just being a teenager or is there something else going on and now Mimi has to look after twins and juggle a full house and work causing her drinking to spiral out of control. 

Finally we meet the oldest son Tony is expected to become a best selling author with his new manuscript. Tony is married to Andrea who is a high school teacher. They don't have any children,  until Andrea really starts to question, how, when and why did the couple decide they didn't want any children. Has Andrea's maternal instincts been fired up when she is worried that a neighbour is neglecting their child. This unfolds a-lot of questions and revelations for the couple. 

Jill was married to Frank and died tragically nearly a year ago, however still feels guilty and blames herself for his death.  She insists the family all travel to spend Christmas in a holiday home. On the surface you think they are a close family however under the surface there are many cracks and who is going topple the dominos first?

Bags and cars packed off they go, however on-route a traffic accident sends the family into a spiral.  Mimi is the first person to open the chapter and tells her the story from her perceptive. I really like how different chapters are narrated and told from different perspectives, I really enjoy this structure as we really get to know the characters and it builds up a story with twists, family secrets and gain more knowledge about what is happening.  

With flashbacks from last year and the now tragedy, you are gripped to the very end of the book. Just when you think you've understand it another snippet of information leaps off the page and surprises you. This was an intense compelling domestic family drama read. My first book from the author and I will definitely be reading more.