Be Careful What You Wish For by Lorraine Murphy

Release: August 15, 2023
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Inkubator Books
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads

A mother determined to hide the truth. A sister about to expose it.

When Tara Ryan gets the results of a DNA test one rainy afternoon, all her dreams come true. She discovers she’s not an only child, she has a long-lost sister, Cassie.

What she doesn’t know is that Cassie is homeless, strung out, and praying for a break.

As socially awkward Tara lets street-wise Cassie into her life, shocking secrets come to the surface – a dark web of illegal adoptions, betrayal and death. All rooted in a horrifying children’s home scandal which occurred many years before.

Has Tara’s mother been deceiving her for her entire life, or is Tara looking to the wrong person for the truth?

Someone is lying – and they must pay the ultimate price.

Be Careful What You Wish For is a gripping tale of lies and deceit that will astound and enthrall until the very last page.

About the Author:

Lorraine Murphy writes about everyday situations, twisting them into terrifying tales. Author of Into the Woods, a psychological thriller, she has numerous winning flash fiction stories and is working on her second novel with Inkubator Books.

As a teenager she adored Stephen King and later found herself on the jury of an infamous murder trial. She lives in Ireland with her husband Brendan and three taller children. Pull up a chair, she’s been waiting for you.

Website | Goodreads | Twitter

Be Careful What You Wish For Review:

The story’s highlight was the author’s portrayal of the two central characters. I found Cassie’s characterization particularly compelling, specifically her depiction of grappling with addiction and facing challenging circumstances. The author skillfully develops Cassie’s character, capturing her conflicting emotions and newfound resolve, hinting at potential story developments as she navigates her relationships and aspires for a brighter future despite her troubled past. Furthermore, I was intrigued by the backstory of Kimberly.

On the flip side, Tara serves as an engaging protagonist. The narrative delves into Tara’s internal struggles and emotional turmoil as she navigates her newly established bond with her sister. The author also adeptly highlights Tara’s challenges, including self-esteem issues, social interactions, and her quest for validation and acknowledgment within her professional environment. The supporting characters of Barry and Joan are also well-incorporated into the story. Additionally, the narrative addresses trauma, guilt, and the significance of confiding in a trusted friend.

Moreover, the author maintains the suspense well in the second half, where you must figure out who to trust and what secrets they would be holding. I liked how the author progressed the story in the latter half, which led to an exciting climax. Some memorable moments were when Cassie cares for Mary or Tara finds her wallet missing.

The only aspect that left me somewhat disappointed was the story’s predictability. I anticipated a surprising twist at the tale’s conclusion, yet none materialized. The narrative unfolded in the manner I expected. The story takes a bit of time to gain momentum initially. Still, it improves significantly once the paths of Tara and Cassie intersect, revealing their interconnected lives.

In summary, “Be Careful What You Wish For” is a captivating thriller, though it could have benefited from incorporating more intricate plot twists and turns.