Bagging a coveted place on my all-time favourites shelf, I Made A Mistake by Jane Corry is an absolutely essential read for anybody who loves a twisty domestic thriller that's jam-packed with red herrings... The novel has an anachronic structure that switches between the first-person narratives of Poppy and her mother-in-law, Betty. Poppy’s perspective is set in the present day, and Betty’s epistolary-style story is set in the past. The novel starts with the climatic event where a man is killed after falling from the platform of Waterloo Station, before flashing back six weeks to a party where Poppy bumps into her ex, Matthew. The novel then flashes forward to a court case connected to the man’s death, before the author’s skillful use of analepsis takes the reader back to the 1960, and to Betty’s story. Analepsis and prolepsis is then repeated through a series of shocking twists and turns until the two timelines merge, to reveal Jane Corry’s best plotline yet. The dual narrative and dual timeline propels the story forward and makes for one utterly addictive page-turner. Just as one timeline reaches a cliff-hanger, the narrative switches to a different time and place which is equally as nail-biting as the previous one. Whilst the book’s blurb suggests Poppy is the protagonist, Betty’s story is equally, if not more-so compelling. Gender expectations within historical context, by nature draw a whole range of emotions from the modern-day reader. Betty’s story explores themes that are still relevant in society today, but viewing through a modern lens it is not just Jock’s treatment that is shocking, it is also society’s expectations of women, including Betty’s own expectation of herself, that will have readers screaming in frustration at the injustice she faces. Once again, not only does Jane Corry provide a masterclass in narrative structure but also in character creation. There are some particularly nasty characters in this story, and some extremely likeable ones too, which links to another main theme that delves into how things aren’t always what they appear to be on the surface. Matthew makes Poppy feel wanted, sexy, and alive. Stuart makes her feel unwanted, frumpy, and their life together is mundane. But which man truly loves her? Which one would go to any lengths to protect her? Jane Corry has been on my favourite author list for some time now but I Made A Mistake is her absolute finest yet. This rollercoaster of a read is littered with twist after twist and the final twist is as equally satisfying as it is shocking, a twist that I wasn’t expecting at all! Absolutely brilliant, what an utterly excellent read… I would recommend this book for fans of Lisa Jewell, C L Taylor, or Emily Koch.

I really enjoyed this book, it was the first one I have read by this author. This story is told from two different prospective's, a mother and her daughter in law. It is primarily based around Poppy Page, a "happily" married woman and the effect her first love has, when he comes back into her life after many years. But, to me, the real story is the story of Betty, Poppy's mother in law. She writes Poppy a letter, the reason why is given at the end ( I won't reveal that as it will give a huge part of the plot away.) talking about her life, her marriage to her husband and the reasons she has done things in her life. I would definitely recommend this book and it was enjoyable to read, especially as it covers a relationship I don't feel is explored to often in fiction.

Wow what a brilliant addictive read I was gripped from the first chapter .The story is told through Poppy who makes a mistake letting her first love back into her life and Betty her Mother in Law who in her youth also made a dreadful mistake which she hasn't forgiven herself for.Full of thrills and spills just when you think you've guessed whats going to happen next everything is turned on its head !Loved this book kept me guessing until the end and even then there was an unexpected twist .I had enjoyed this book so much I was actually sad when I had finished it .Many thanks to the Publisher the Author and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review .

Jane Corry is one of my favourite author and in this novel, she does not disappoint. Poppy Page meets up with an old boyfriend and makes the mistake of sleeping with him. Instantly regretting her decision, it takes everything to stop her husband Stuart, her two daughters and mother in law from discovering what she had done. The story is told from 3 POV's (points of view), Poppy's, her mother in law in the form of a letter and third person. At first I could not see how or where the letters from the mother in law were leading to, but it all comes together brilliantly and the ending is stunning. One that I did not see. I loved this book and cannot wait for the next Jane Corry novel. This is a must read.

Having been gripped by Jane Corry's previous novels, (especially Blood Sisters) I was keen to read her latest work. It was engaging from the outset. The first chapter sets the scene at the station perfectly with vivid descriptions and I like the way this frames the book, since we return here at the end. The book is written in a multi-narrative form, weaving together the story of Poppy Page and her mother-in-law Betty. When Poppy's acting career didn't take off, she started her own extras agency. She lives with her husband Stuart, daughters Melissa and Daisy and Betty. When Matthew Gordon, an old flame, re-appears in her life, she makes a mistake which she will later regret. I really felt for Betty who was trapped in an abusive relationship with her husband Jock. The story of how she becomes involved in her friend Jane's life could be a novel in itself. Jane suffers from post natal depression and in helping her, Betty risks her own marriage. Throughout the book, we are given snippets of a court case, which leave the reader guessing and the final chapters reveal the twist which links Betty and Poppy's stories. 'I made a mistake' left me needing to read 'just one more chapter.' Jane Corry has a talent for connecting the reader to her characters and I genuinely cared about Poppy and Betty. I would highly recommend this read and thank #netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.