Don’t Let Her Stay by Nicola Sanders

The Dark Side of Blended Families

Ever had that nagging feeling that something just isn’t right? That’s exactly where Nicola Sanders drops us in her latest psychological thriller, “Don’t Let Her Stay.” It’s a story that’ll make you side-eye your own family members and triple-check the locks on your doors. Trust me, you’ll be up all night with this one – partly because you can’t put it down, and partly because you’ll be too freaked out to sleep.

The Plot: When Family Becomes Your Worst Nightmare

Joanne’s got it all—a dreamy husband, an adorable baby girl, and a house that’d make Instagram influencers weep with envy. But then, like a wrecking ball wrapped in designer clothes, in comes Chloe, her husband Richard’s estranged daughter. Suddenly, Joanne’s perfect life starts unraveling faster than a cheap sweater.

At first, it’s just little things. A misplaced item here, a weird comment there. But soon, Joanne’s questioning her own sanity. Is Chloe really there to help, or is she plotting something sinister? And why won’t anyone believe Joanne when she tries to voice her concerns?

A Masterclass in Gaslighting

Sanders doesn’t just write about gaslighting – she makes you feel it. You’ll find yourself doubting Joanne, then doubting yourself for doubting Joanne. It’s like being on a psychological rollercoaster, and let me tell you, I was holding on for dear life.

Characters: Complex, Compelling, and Utterly Untrustworthy

Joanne: Our Unreliable Narrator

Joanne’s not your typical thriller protagonist. She’s not a hard-boiled detective or a plucky amateur sleuth. She’s just a new mom trying to keep it together while her world falls apart. Sanders makes you feel every bit of Joanne’s exhaustion, paranoia, and desperation. You’ll want to shake her one minute and hug her the next.

Chloe: The Stepdaughter from Hell

Oh boy, where do I start with Chloe? She’s like that friend who’s always “just kidding” after saying something awful. Is she a misunderstood young woman trying to connect with her family? Or is she a manipulative psychopath? Sanders keeps you guessing until the very end.

Richard: The Oblivious Husband

Richard, oh Richard. He’s either the world’s most clueless man or… well, I won’t spoil it for you. But let’s just say, you’ll be yelling at him through the pages more than once.

Writing Style: Tension You Could Cut with a Knife

Sanders has a knack for ratcheting up the tension until you’re practically squirming in your seat. Her prose is sharp and to the point, driving the story forward at a breakneck pace. But it’s in the quiet moments—a lingering glance, a hand on a doorknob—that she really shines. The atmosphere is so thick with suspense, you could slice it and serve it on a cracker.

Dialogue That Cuts Deep

The conversations in this book are like verbal fencing matches. Every word feels loaded, every sentence a potential trap. It’s exhausting in the best possible way.

Themes: The Horrors of Domestic Life

Trust and Betrayal

At its core, “Don’t Let Her Stay” is about trust—who we give it to, why we give it, and what happens when it’s broken. Sanders explores how easily the people closest to us can manipulate our perceptions of reality.

The Pressure of Perfection

Joanne’s struggle to maintain her picture-perfect life is painfully relatable. It’s a stark reminder that sometimes, the prettiest facades hide the deepest cracks.

The Complexity of Blended Families

Sanders doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable realities of stepfamilies. The jealousy, the resentment, the struggle for attention – it’s all laid bare here.

The Twist: Holy Mother of Plot Twists!

Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Sanders pulls the rug out from under you. And then she does it again. And again. The final reveal had me gasping out loud on a crowded train, earning me some very concerned looks from fellow passengers. Trust me, it’s worth the weird stares.

Comparisons: Where Does It Stand?

If you’re a fan of Frieda McFadden’s mind-bending narratives or Sue Watson’s domestic noir, you’ll feel right at home with “Don’t Let Her Stay.” It’s got shades of “The Stepmother” by Claire Seeber, but with an extra dose of “what the heck just happened?”

Sanders’ previous book, “All The Lies,” was a solid thriller, but this? This is next level. She’s clearly honed her craft, delivering a story that’s tighter, more intense, and even more unsettling.

The Verdict: Sleep with One Eye Open

“Don’t Let Her Stay” is like that rollercoaster you’re terrified to ride but can’t resist. It’s a pulse-pounding, nail-biting, sleep-with-the-lights-on kind of thriller that’ll have you second-guessing every creaky floorboard in your house.

Is it perfect? Not quite. There are a few moments where the suspension of disbelief is stretched pretty thin. And if you’re not a fan of unreliable narrators, you might find yourself frustrated at times.

But overall? It’s a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars from me. Sanders has crafted a domestic thriller that’s as addictive as it is disturbing. It’s the literary equivalent of watching a car crash in slow motion – horrifying, but you just can’t look away.

Who Should Read This?

– Thriller junkies looking for their next fix
– Anyone who’s ever had a less-than-perfect family situation (so, everyone?)
– Fans of unreliable narrators and twisted family dynamics
– People who enjoy feeling vaguely unsettled in their own homes

Who Should Skip It?

– Those with a low tolerance for family drama
– Readers who prefer their thrillers with less psychological torment
– New parents who are already paranoid (seriously, maybe wait a bit)

Final Thoughts: A Thrilling Ride You Won’t Forget

“Don’t Let Her Stay” is like that house guest who overstays their welcome – unsettling, intrusive, and impossible to ignore. But unlike Chloe, this is one visitor you’ll be glad you invited in. Just maybe don’t read it right before meeting your in-laws for the first time. You’ve been warned!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go change all my locks and maybe install a few hidden cameras. You know, just in case.

About the Author

Nicola Sanders is quickly making a name for herself in the psychological thriller genre. With “Don’t Let Her Stay” following hot on the heels of her debut “All The Lies,” she’s proving herself to be a master of domestic suspense. If she keeps this up, we might need to start a support group for recovering Sanders readers. Who’s in?