The Truth Hurts

At the start of this engrossing novel from British author Reid (Perfect Liars), Poppy Spencer watches her grand house get demolished to make way for a park in an English village. Flash back five months to Ibiza, where Poppy is working as a nanny for the Henderson family. Late one night, after a row with Mrs. Henderson over the woman’s neglect of her children, Mrs. Henderson fires Poppy immediately. Fortunately, Poppy soon meets handsome, wealthy Londoner Drew Spencer, who, after a whirlwind courtship, proposes marriage with the stipulation that they never discuss their respective pasts. Poppy, who has a secret she prefers to keep hidden, agrees. After they marry, the two return to England, where Drew takes Poppy to his house in Wiltshire and gives her carte blanche to redecorate it. Things seem perfect, but are they too good to be true? Poppy begins to wonder whether Drew is concealing a dangerous secret. When Drew’s posh friends come for a weekend, Poppy has good reason to be apprehensive. Reid delivers on the promise of the tantalizing opening. Domestic thriller fans will be satisfied. Agent: Eve White, Eve White Literary (U.K.). (July)