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Her One Mistake
Her One Mistake
Her One Mistake
Audiobook9 hours

Her One Mistake

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

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About this audiobook

What should have been a fun-filled day takes a tragic turn for one mother when her best friend’s child goes missing in this “seriously page-turning” (Lisa Jewell, New York Times bestselling author), suspenseful, and darkly twisted psychological thriller.

Charlotte was supposed to be looking after the children, and she swears she was. But while her three kids are all safe and sound at the school fair, Alice, her best friend Harriet’s daughter, is nowhere to be found. Frantically searching everywhere, Charlotte knows she must find the courage to tell Harriet that her beloved only child is missing—and admit that she’s solely to blame.

Harriet, devastated by this unbearable loss, can no longer bring herself to speak to Charlotte again, much less trust her. Now, more isolated than ever and struggling to keep her marriage afloat, Harriet believes nothing and no one. But as the police bear down on both women, trying to piece together the puzzle of what happened to this little girl, dark secrets begin to surface—and Harriet discovers that trusting Charlotte again may be the only thing that will reunite her with her daughter....

This breathless and fast-paced novel—perfect for fans of Big Little Lies and The Couple Next Door—takes you on a chilling journey that will keep you guessing until the very last page.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateJan 8, 2019
ISBN9781508268239
Author

Heidi Perks

Heidi Perks was born and raised in the seaside town of Bournemouth on the south coast of England. After moving up to London for a short stint, she has since moved back to Bournemouth where she now lives with her husband and two children. Heidi has been writing since she was small, though for too many years her day job and career in marketing got in the way. Now she writes full time and cannot think of anything she would rather be doing.

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Reviews for Her One Mistake

Rating: 4.155529939170507 out of 5 stars
4/5

434 ratings30 reviews

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  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    It is an example of what lengths a parent will go to be with their child. Full of twists and turns !

    2 people found this helpful

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    loved that there were different readers. the story kept your interest and had a small surprise in the middle I wasn't expecting. I feel this story is going g to relate to a lot of women.

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    It dragged on for waaaay too long. A good editor could have gone a long way to remove about 100 pages of unnecessary details.

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I was captured by these characters from the get go! Well written novel!

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    my favorite part was the slow burn how she just kept unwinding the story bit by bit by bit.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Loved it, definitely will recommend to my friends and family.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This was a great listen ! I love a book that keeps me wanting more.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I don’t know why some reviews are negative. It’s a good book
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    At first I was going to give this book a 3 star, because it started off slow and I felt like it was going in circles. However it did pick up. If I had a choice of half stars I would probably give it a 3.5
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Love, love… LOVE this book. Every parents worst nightmare, not to lose your child but the child of a friends. The husband was so well written it gave me anxiety and flashbacks of my own relationship traumas. I couldn’t walk away though, I had to know. A true page turner. Highly recommend.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This book started off very slow but got better as it went.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I did like it. Kept me on the edge wanting to hear more. It reminded me of another book but can’t remember its name.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Predictable. The ending is so boring. Very let down.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Enjoyable book. Makes you think hard about marriage and secrets.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Charlotte was such a narcissist even before the plot twist she was selfish and didn’t care about loosing someone’s kids…everything was about her own feelings and reputation. Not a fan of any of the characters to be honest.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Wow!! Very good book!! It had some good twists!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Excellent book I would recommend it to all my friends
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Not a true thriller and the ending was super predictable. I am not disappointed bc it was narrated well but the plot was lame.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Great book from beginning to end! Would definitely recommend...
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Her One Mistake by Heidi PerksCharlotte takes her children along with her friend Harriet's daughter (Alice) to the school fair. The unthinkable happens, Alice goes missing. Charlotte is being questioned, Harriet is distraught, it is a parents worst nightmare. Police continue to question the women, while tensions arise and secrets are slowly revealed.An original story that moves at a fast pace. Told in alternating voices, past and present brings you into the mind of Charlotte and Harriet. There are plenty of plot twists and intense moments. I was at the edge of my seat. Overall I found Her One Mistake enjoyable and recommend to those who love a great psychological suspense.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Not bad. The plot was good and kept my interest and the character of Harriet was well developed. There is a lot of meat for book club discussion, as I found out! First question was "whose one mistake?" followed by "what one mistake?"...there were so many!One the down side: 1) I think the plot became less plausible in the second half. 2) I would have liked to know a lot more about Charlotte as a character. She was used and abused by her friends and her story was as compelling as Harriet's, but we didn't get much depth or background on Charlotte. 3) The fathers were either selfless or uninvolved with their children. But a great summer read nonetheless.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is my first book by Heidi Perks and I am in awe. In fact, I’d never even heard of her. This story grips you from the beginning and does not let go. Yes there are some typical moments along the way, but overall, the way everything is played out is pretty amazing.
    I had guessed who was involved about half way through, but there were still enough road blocks thrown up that I second-guessed myself more than once. Regardless of the outcome, the storyline is definitely any parent’s worst nightmare.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Few books get a 5 star ratings from me…they have to EARN them…and this one won the grand prize. Heidi Perks has produced a bone-chilling work of psychological suspense. The characters of both Charlotte and Harriet present as very sympathetic…people that any parent can relate to. Toward the middle of the book I began to think that there might be something a little “off” about Charlotte. One of the problems I saw with her was a real-life familiar one... and of her own making. While she was supposed to be watching the girls at the fair, she was posting on her Facebook account. Everyone who follows her on the website knew that she was not only notwatching...but was entirely unaware of the children for a long extended period of time. The story goes on to explores some dark topics like abuse...isolation...deception...and desperation...with a big focus on friendships and how easily they can be destroyed. Even though it plays on a familiar and often already done before theme…it does it very well and is well worth the time to read.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    4.5 stars.

    Her One Mistake by Heidi Perks is a spellbinding mystery about a kidnapped little girl.

    Charlotte Reynolds is delighted she finally convinced her friend Harriet Hodder to allow her to babysit her four year old daughter, Alice.  Charlotte takes Alice, along with her three children ten year old Jack, six year old Molly and 3 year old Evie, to a school fair. Alice, Jack and Molly head off to an inflatable slide and much to Charlotte's horror, her kids safely return but Alice is missing. The police investigation turns up no leads and Harriet and her husband Brian make a desperate plea for any information about Alice. Charlotte becomes increasingly isolated as public opinion toward her changes from sympathetic to blame for not paying close enough attention to the children. As the days pass with no news about Alice, will the police find the missing girl?

    On the surface, Charlotte and Harriet appear to be unlikely friends due to their many differences. Charlotte is a divorced mom who works a couple of days a week and lives in an affluent neighborhood.  Charlotte's house is sometimes a little chaotic, but with three kids, this is understandable. She also  has a wide circle of friends and enjoys participating in several group activities.

    After giving birth to Alice, Harriet gave up her job to become a stay at home mom. The house she shares with Brian is small, dark and a little oppressive but it is always neat and tidy. Her best (and only) friend is Charlotte and while she always lends a sympathetic ear, Harriet does not reveal much about herself or her marriage. Harriet is quite distraught as she awaits new information about Alice's fate and she greatly appreciates family liaison officer Susanne Rawlings' comforting presence.

    The chapters alternate between Charlotte and Harriet's points of view and switch back and forth between  events in the present and the time period right after Alice vanishes. Charlotte is of course devastated that Alice disappeared while in her care. She is also quite upset about her friends' less than sympathetic reaction in light of new information.  Harriet feels like the walls are closing in as days pass without any leads about Alice's disappearance. Brian appears to be equally distressed about his missing daughter but some of his behavior toward Alice is rather disturbing. Entries from Harriet's journal provide stunning insight into her marriage during the year prior to Alice's disappearance.

    With underlying themes of friendship and secrets, Her One Mistake is an engrossing mystery with a riveting storyline and a cast of mostly likable characters.  The changes in perspective are seamless and easy to follow. The suspense builds to a fever pitch as the chapters alternate between what is occurring in the present and what happened during the previous thirteen days. With several shocking twists and jaw-dropping turns, Heidi Perks brings this incredible novel to a thrilling conclusion.  An outstanding mystery that I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend to fans of the genre.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I was given an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Also thanks to Gallery Books / Simon & Schuster for the early copy.

    Her One Mistake by Heidi Perks is a psychological thriller. Charlotte and Harriet are best friends, which seems strange to many of Charlotte's friends, as Harriet is considered strange and a bit of a loner. Alice is Harriet's daughter, and she is never out of Harriet's sight.
    One day, Charlotte convinces Harriet to allow Alice to come with Charlotte and her children to a school fair, while Harriet attends a class. Quickly, the day turns to horror when Alice goes missing.
    Spoiler Alert:
    This book reminded me a lot of Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris. Both books are about a husband who is determined to control his wife, and the wife fears not only for herself, but for a loved one. In this book, Harriet is concerned for Alice, and in Behind Closed Doors, the wife is concerned for her mentally challenged sister. In both books, the husband portrays himself to the world as good and loving to his wife. However, the truth is not the same as the perceived reality. It also reminded me a bit of Gone Girl, due to the deception that is revealed partway through the book.
    Heidi Parks creates a novel that sets to convince you of one thing, while building an entirely different subplot. I liked the tactic of questioning the people involved by the police, and I liked the reveal of the deception. I was uneasy at the end, constantly wondering, like Harriet, if Brian actually died, or if one day he would miraculously appear. I don't understand the terror that Harriet felt married to Brian, thankfully, but understand that it could be a very real issue, as so many women are abused mentally and in fear of their abuser.
    I enjoyed the novel and would like to read more by this author.
    #HerOneMistake #HeidiPerks #NetGalley #GalleryBooks #SimonSchuster
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Your best friend. What tests the bonds of friendship? What could your best friend do that would be the breaking point of your friendship. What could your friend do that would be unforgivable? How well do you think you know your best friend?Charlotte and Harriet are great friends but are so different. Harriet, married to Brian, doesn’t have a lot of friends and seems to have a little too tight a grip on her child Alice, never allowing her to go anywhere without her or trusting anyone to take care of her. Charlotte, separated from her husband, is a little more laid back with her three children, friends flock to her, she’s the person everyone wants to be. The school fair is coming up and for once Harriet is allowing Alice out of her sight to go Charlotte and her three children to the fair. Charlotte, with her youngest, waits while the older children play on the jungle run. But when they are finished, only two children come back. Her own two. And Alice has disappeared. The next days are a nightmare. The one time Harriet let her child go with someone else and she disappears. Was Charlotte watching her all the time? Was she not paying attention? Charlotte is reeling from the guilt. People are careful what they say about her. But the looks say more. And people who she thought were friends are backing away. And the close friendship Charlotte and Harriet had has severed while police and press and everyone else has questions and opinions. The book is narrated alternately with Charlotte and Harriet, some in first person, some in third. It was a little confusing at times with hopping around back and forth to different time periods. There is before and after but it doesn’t always follow in sequence. There are many fiction books about missing children and they all give me a bit of a pang. A mom’s worst nightmare is to have a child missing. And to lose someone else’s child is no less tragic. This is a book you can’t help but be drawn into.I thought I was pretty smart, thinking I had it all figured out yet I was so off the mark. This novel is bendy and twisty and full of surprises. A 4 1/2 stars for me.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Her One Mistake by Heidi Perks is one of the most interesting psychological thrillers I have read in a long time. Charlotte, an extrovert single mom of three children has become best friends with Harriet, a reclusive married mother of one daughter, Alice. Because Harriet seems over-protective of her daughter, she has never left her with anyone until the day of the school fair. Because she needs to attend a class, Harriet drops Alice off with Charlotte so all the children can enjoy the fair. Then the worse that can happen, happens. Alice disappears while playing with Charlotte's kids. She is nowhere to be found. The police are called and Harriet and her husband must be notified. Imagine babysitting your best friend's child and then losing her without a trace. Charlotte's and Harriet's worlds are thrown upside down and their friendship severely damaged. What follows is so convoluted that the reader will never guess the outcome. The storyline is very original and fast-paced. This thriller does not disappoint. Highly recommended. Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I never tire of suspense novels! My latest listen is Her One Mistake by Heidi Perks. And it was really, really good!Harriet is a very protective mother. She has never left her four year old daughter Alice with anyone. She's taking a course (that she doesn't want her husband to know about) so she agrees to let her best friend Charlotte take Alice to the school fair with her own children. But, the unthinkable happens - Alice goes missing....and Charlotte is to blame. Is there a more frightening premise!?Her One Mistake is told in alternating chapters from Harriet and Charlotte's viewpoints. As listeners we are privy to both women's thoughts, emotions and angst. But we also get a glimpse into their private lives. Despite being best friends, Harriet never really talks about herself, her past or her marriage. And there's a lot going on in Harriet's marriage. Her husband Brian is so well written. The public see one face, but Harriet lives with another. I love the back and forth method of storytelling. Although, it does ensure I stay up far too late, listening to just one more chapter.But where is Alice? Is she dead or alive? Perks throws in a plot twist that I didn't see coming at all. And the title? Her One Mistake - whose mistake? And what mistake? You'll have to listen to find out!There were three readers for Her One Mistake - Kirsty Dillon, Julie Maisey and Sally Scott. Now, I'm not sure who played what part, but they were all excellent. Charlotte's voice was more confident and Harriet's tone portrayed her hesitancy. All the emotions - anger, fear and grief that would come with a lost child are believable from both readers, But the narrator for Brian was really, really good. The quiet reasonable tone used belies something darker. And when that happens, the inflection is perfect. An all round excellent performance. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I love listening to books. You become immediately immersed in the tale by listening.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Charlotte agrees to take Alice to the fair. She promises Harriet she will watch her closely. When Alice disappears it is devastating to both women in different ways. Then secrets start to emerge. Where is Alice and who has taken her?The author did a fantastic job with Charlotte and Harriet. I can feel their pain coming through the pages. I mean…what would you do if you were the mother….what would you do if you were the friend who lost the child? The feelings I had for both these women were remarkable.Then there is Brian, Harriet’s husband. You know something is not right. You just can’t put your finger on it. Is he abusive, overprotective, or something else entirely?Well! This book is pretty dang twisted! It did start a little slow…but that is just building for the wicked ending!I received this novel from Gallery Books via Netgalley for a honest review.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Her One MistakeByHeidi PerksWhat it's all about...Charlotte takes her three children and her friend Harriet’s daughter...Alice...to the school fair. It’s a big deal for Harriet because she has never let Alice out of her sight ever before. Charlotte loses sight of Alice for a minute and she disappears. Why I wanted to read it...This book was a page turner from the very first page. Alternating between Charlotte’s life and Harriet’s life...two very different women who become close friends.What made me truly enjoy this book...OMG...there were so many layers and secrets and lies in this book. It reminded me of the book Best Day Ever! Why you should read it, too...Readers who love psychological mysteries will love this book! The characters, the writing, the plot...were intense! I loved it! I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss and Amazon. It was my choice to read it and review it.