Well, this was a book that kept me guessing, and which also was the gift that kept on giving... We first meet Claire as she, along with husband Daniel, and their baby daughter, move to Daniel's old family home on a remote island in the Irish Sea. She is on a hiatus from her job as a top paediatrician after the death of a child in her care which has left her traumatised and questioning her ability. What she is after is a break, a safe space to heal. What she gets, however, is more secrets and lies from Daniel's past. About the history of the previous use of the old family home as a women's detention centre. About the spurious nature of his parents' running of it. And about his sister, Isla, currently living in the house, and his estranged brother. This, like all of the author's other books that I have read, was a good solid read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Yes I have a few niggles about certain things along the way. Sadly non of which I can mention here for fear of spoilers and, although I did read the afterward, I was still a tad unconvinced about the complete credibility of what I had read. There were also a few things unresolved, and other which weren't quite completed to my satisfaction. I was left with questions. The characters were interesting, although some were easier to get to grips with than others, I think that was mainly due to the nature of their true characters, which didn't completely come out until the end of the book. It's hard to explain. Pacing was good and with no superfluous waffle or padding, the story got on with itself very well. It was also quite emotional, and horrifying so I do admit to having to take a wee break every now and again. But there was also a lot of good things to be found herein which kept the balance straight. All in all a good solid read that I did enjoy and would recommend with reservations.

The Islanders by Caroline Mitchell is a story of Selkie Island and its inhabitants, it is a story of intrigue, baby farming, lies, deceit and salvation. As I read and also listened to this story it became more and more twisted, and people, whom you thought you knew, were not as they seemed. Whilst some of the story seemed improbable, there was always that doubt that maybe events did happen as foretold. Thoroughly enjoyed reading and listening to this story. Highly recommended