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Finding Home: A Psychological Thriller
In a town full of secrets, trust is a deadly gamble…
Abbie came to Cedarthorpe to find her estranged mother. She didn’t expect to step into a missing person case—or start falling for the one man who might be lying to her.
The girl who stayed in Abbie’s room before her, Sasha, vanished without a trace.
Then Abbie meets Jack, Sasha’s brother. He’s intense, guarded, and desperate for answers. As they dig into the town’s shadowy corners, they uncover a truth darker than they ever imagined - one that suggests Sasha was never meant to be found. And neither was Abbie’s mother.
The closer Abbie gets to the truth, the more dangerous Cedarthorpe becomes. And the more she begins to question Jack, her own instincts and even her memories.
Now Abbie must confront the past she’s been running from. Because someone is watching. And they’ll do anything to keep the town’s darkest secrets buried.
Time is running out. And Abbie must decide who to trust before she becomes the next to disappear.
Abbie came to Cedarthorpe to find her estranged mother. She didn’t expect to step into a missing person case—or start falling for the one man who might be lying to her.
The girl who stayed in Abbie’s room before her, Sasha, vanished without a trace.
Then Abbie meets Jack, Sasha’s brother. He’s intense, guarded, and desperate for answers. As they dig into the town’s shadowy corners, they uncover a truth darker than they ever imagined - one that suggests Sasha was never meant to be found. And neither was Abbie’s mother.
The closer Abbie gets to the truth, the more dangerous Cedarthorpe becomes. And the more she begins to question Jack, her own instincts and even her memories.
Now Abbie must confront the past she’s been running from. Because someone is watching. And they’ll do anything to keep the town’s darkest secrets buried.
Time is running out. And Abbie must decide who to trust before she becomes the next to disappear.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2025
13 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Brighton
4 books20 followersLucy Brighton is a British author of twist-filled thrillers that explore the darker edges of human nature. Her debut novel, Finding Home, set in the haunting seaside town of Cedarthorpe, delves into secrets, disappearances, and the strength of a woman determined to uncover the truth. A lifelong lover of suspense fiction, Lucy writes stories that are fast-paced, emotionally gripping, and impossible to put down.
She lives in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, with her mischievous dog, Loki.
Visit her website at www.lucybrighton.com
Follow her on Instagram: @brightwritenow
Connect on TikTok: @brightwritenow
She lives in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, with her mischievous dog, Loki.
Visit her website at www.lucybrighton.com
Follow her on Instagram: @brightwritenow
Connect on TikTok: @brightwritenow
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 12, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Finding Home by Lucy Brighton is a gripping, emotionally charged masterpiece. Beneath its quiet title lies a dark, soul-stirring journey through grief, secrets, and the fragile threads that bind us. Every chapter unfolds like a storm, intense and impossible to ignore. Lucy Brighton doesn’t just tell a story she pulls you into the eye of it.
Finding Home is Set in the atmospheric, nearly abandoned seaside town of Cedarthorpe, the novel follows Abbie, who arrives with a single, haunting mission to discover what happened to her mother. But no sooner does she begin her search than unsettling threats and hidden motives emerge around her.
Abbie quickly senses that Cedarthorpe is shadowed by secrets. As she digs deeper, she unravels a chilling network tied to human trafficking, uncovering layers of corruption and danger. Along the way, she forms a love relationship with Jack who is looking for his missing sister sasha and navigates shifting alliances with others like Chelsea, whose true intentions may surprise her.
I recommend this book, please look at trigger warnings (sexual abuse, drug abuse and human trafficking). Every chapter I just wanted to carry on reading till I got to the end.
Finding Home by Lucy Brighton is a gripping, emotionally charged masterpiece. Beneath its quiet title lies a dark, soul-stirring journey through grief, secrets, and the fragile threads that bind us. Every chapter unfolds like a storm, intense and impossible to ignore. Lucy Brighton doesn’t just tell a story she pulls you into the eye of it.
Finding Home is Set in the atmospheric, nearly abandoned seaside town of Cedarthorpe, the novel follows Abbie, who arrives with a single, haunting mission to discover what happened to her mother. But no sooner does she begin her search than unsettling threats and hidden motives emerge around her.
Abbie quickly senses that Cedarthorpe is shadowed by secrets. As she digs deeper, she unravels a chilling network tied to human trafficking, uncovering layers of corruption and danger. Along the way, she forms a love relationship with Jack who is looking for his missing sister sasha and navigates shifting alliances with others like Chelsea, whose true intentions may surprise her.
I recommend this book, please look at trigger warnings (sexual abuse, drug abuse and human trafficking). Every chapter I just wanted to carry on reading till I got to the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2025
This book hit the ground running from the very beginning. You meet several different characters and have no idea how they connect. But, boy does it come together and unravel a dark, intense, suspenseful thrill of a read. The author’s writing is atmospheric and really pulls the reader in. I found myself guessing constantly and asking myself what is really going on. I cannot wait to read more by this author!
June 21, 2025
I really liked Finding Home by Lucy Brighton. I don't read thrillers so much, but very much enjoyed this. It was clever and well written, with different character pov's throughout the book, and the protagonist had a lot of depth. The chapters were short and sharp, and kept you guessing and turning the pages. At times, there are scenes that make you a bit sad, as it delves into child exploitation, and also the protagonist's really frightening and sad upbringing. The mother character, is intriguing and I couldn't help to strongly dislike her after she abandoned her young daughter, and left her to defend herself against an extremely depraved father. It's nice to see how the main character grows throughout the book, and how she starts to see the truth about her mother, even if she shows confusion at times as she picks up a relationship with her. I think Lucy Bright has done a great job with this novel, and I am looking forward to reading more.
July 12, 2025
Be careful what you wish for.
“Finding Home” by Lucy Brighton, is a gripping tale of a young girls search for her heart’s desire. But, as with these things you have be careful of what you wish for. Abbie (Abigail) longs to run away from home and her abusive father. Her Mother left twelve years earlier and she was led to believe that the mom left Abbie too. When she finds hidden some letters from her mom addressed to her but never given to her, she leaves with some money from her father’s stash and takes a bus to the address on the letters. She wants to find and confront her mother. What she finds is a run-down boarding house where girls are being physically and mentally abused and sex trafficked. Abbie is way out of her league and doesn’t know what to do or how to help them without putting herself in danger. When she meets Jack, a young man who is looking for his fifteen-year-old sister, they form a strange bond as she is also looking for someone. But can she trust Jack? Is he mixed up in this human trafficking ring? Abbie is naïve and struggling with her own demons and emotional scars inflicted by her parents. When she finds her mother, Abbie is struck by her mother’s lifestyle and her affluent tastes and influence in the neighborhood. This story is well-written, and the characters are well developed, although how this underage sex trafficking ring is not on the police’s radar with girls going missing and killed is a little bit of a stretch. Abbie learns a lot from her escapades and has to make some tough decisions along the way.
“Finding Home” by Lucy Brighton, is a gripping tale of a young girls search for her heart’s desire. But, as with these things you have be careful of what you wish for. Abbie (Abigail) longs to run away from home and her abusive father. Her Mother left twelve years earlier and she was led to believe that the mom left Abbie too. When she finds hidden some letters from her mom addressed to her but never given to her, she leaves with some money from her father’s stash and takes a bus to the address on the letters. She wants to find and confront her mother. What she finds is a run-down boarding house where girls are being physically and mentally abused and sex trafficked. Abbie is way out of her league and doesn’t know what to do or how to help them without putting herself in danger. When she meets Jack, a young man who is looking for his fifteen-year-old sister, they form a strange bond as she is also looking for someone. But can she trust Jack? Is he mixed up in this human trafficking ring? Abbie is naïve and struggling with her own demons and emotional scars inflicted by her parents. When she finds her mother, Abbie is struck by her mother’s lifestyle and her affluent tastes and influence in the neighborhood. This story is well-written, and the characters are well developed, although how this underage sex trafficking ring is not on the police’s radar with girls going missing and killed is a little bit of a stretch. Abbie learns a lot from her escapades and has to make some tough decisions along the way.
August 21, 2025
Finding Home by Lucy Brighton is a taut psychological thriller that grips from the very first page. What begins as a simple search for truth quickly spirals into a dark exploration of secrets, lies, and corruption hiding beneath the surface of everyday life. The story follows Abbie as she searches for her estranged mother, only to find herself pulled into a tangled web of disappearances, betrayals, and shocking revelations that change everything she thought she knew.
What makes this novel stand out is Brighton’s ability to balance heart-stopping suspense with raw emotional depth. The twists are clever and adrenaline-fuelled, but it is the emotional core of the story that lingers. Abbie is a complex and layered protagonist—flawed, determined, and achingly human. Her journey through danger and heartbreak feels authentic, and the relationships she forms along the way add weight to the unfolding mystery.
The setting itself becomes a character, a claustrophobic world dripping with menace and atmosphere. Every detail builds tension, creating a backdrop where danger lurks around each corner. The prose is sharp and vivid, pulling the reader in so completely that it is easy to lose track of time while turning the pages.
Unpredictable, chilling, and emotionally resonant, Finding Home is not a thriller to be taken lightly. It is dark, haunting, and unforgettable, leaving the reader questioning both the characters’ choices and their own assumptions. For fans of psychological suspense with genuine heart, this is a must-read.
What makes this novel stand out is Brighton’s ability to balance heart-stopping suspense with raw emotional depth. The twists are clever and adrenaline-fuelled, but it is the emotional core of the story that lingers. Abbie is a complex and layered protagonist—flawed, determined, and achingly human. Her journey through danger and heartbreak feels authentic, and the relationships she forms along the way add weight to the unfolding mystery.
The setting itself becomes a character, a claustrophobic world dripping with menace and atmosphere. Every detail builds tension, creating a backdrop where danger lurks around each corner. The prose is sharp and vivid, pulling the reader in so completely that it is easy to lose track of time while turning the pages.
Unpredictable, chilling, and emotionally resonant, Finding Home is not a thriller to be taken lightly. It is dark, haunting, and unforgettable, leaving the reader questioning both the characters’ choices and their own assumptions. For fans of psychological suspense with genuine heart, this is a must-read.
July 18, 2025
What you're about to read is a a raw, intense thriller that doesn’t shy away from dark themes like:
- abuse,
- trafficking,
- and betrayal, to name a few.
The story follows the main character, Abbie, whose discovery about her mother triggers a chain of life-changing events.
To me, the book’s greatest strength is its gripping portrayal of survival: Abbie’s resilience feels real and earned. I truly enjoyed that aspect and experienced what I call "emotional reading".
The writing is quite sharp, the pacing is tense enough, and the stakes remain high throughout the story development.
The minus?
However, some plot points stretch believability, and the violence can feel a bit relentless (understand "a bit" is an euphemism).
Still, Abbie’s voice keeps you hooked, especially her moments of hard-earned hope amid trauma.
The side characters, particularly Chelsea and Megan, add interesting layers to the story. Some twists (like the inheritance) feel a bit rushed.
It's definitely not a comfortable read, but it’s a gutsy portrayal of found family, survival, and reclaiming power.
- abuse,
- trafficking,
- and betrayal, to name a few.
The story follows the main character, Abbie, whose discovery about her mother triggers a chain of life-changing events.
To me, the book’s greatest strength is its gripping portrayal of survival: Abbie’s resilience feels real and earned. I truly enjoyed that aspect and experienced what I call "emotional reading".
The writing is quite sharp, the pacing is tense enough, and the stakes remain high throughout the story development.
The minus?
However, some plot points stretch believability, and the violence can feel a bit relentless (understand "a bit" is an euphemism).
Still, Abbie’s voice keeps you hooked, especially her moments of hard-earned hope amid trauma.
The side characters, particularly Chelsea and Megan, add interesting layers to the story. Some twists (like the inheritance) feel a bit rushed.
It's definitely not a comfortable read, but it’s a gutsy portrayal of found family, survival, and reclaiming power.
May 30, 2025
I picked out this book based on the description. I love a good psychological thriller. Right off the bat, the writing is excellent. It the first chapter, Abbie is introduced. In just a few pages, I had a feel for who she is, who the man she lives with is, and what life is like for Abbie. An interesting mystery is introduced too. The author did all this by showing the MC’s life, not telling too much about it. This was brilliant. Already immersed in Abbie’s perspective and rooting for her, the tension grows as she tried to get out of her situation. The author has an uncanny ability to keep the reader in the character’s mind. You’re never bored while reading, because you feel more like you’re living the character’s world and learning it. More characters are introduced in a similar show-not-tell fashion. The plot unfolds in a slow-developing but gripping way. This was a really hard book to put down. Overall, I loved this book. I highly recommend it for all lovers of psychological thrillers.
July 23, 2025
Will there be a sequel?
So much to say, but I don’t wanna ruin the mystery. So this is about a girl named Abby, who runs away from her abusive father to find her mother. Little does she know she runs straight into murder mystery. People die, get kidnapped, she meets this boy who’s also looking for his sister. His name is Jack and they fall in love. so much more happens. But I won’t ruin the book for everybody. My biggest complaint is that at times I wanted to shake Abby. She’s kind of naïve and her overwhelming desperation to find her mother is sometimes annoying. There are a lot of triggers here. Assault, Abuse of all kinds, violence, kidnapping. But this author is very talented and seriously my only question after this is, is there a sequel? The ring leader of this crime enterprise didn’t get arrested yet.
So much to say, but I don’t wanna ruin the mystery. So this is about a girl named Abby, who runs away from her abusive father to find her mother. Little does she know she runs straight into murder mystery. People die, get kidnapped, she meets this boy who’s also looking for his sister. His name is Jack and they fall in love. so much more happens. But I won’t ruin the book for everybody. My biggest complaint is that at times I wanted to shake Abby. She’s kind of naïve and her overwhelming desperation to find her mother is sometimes annoying. There are a lot of triggers here. Assault, Abuse of all kinds, violence, kidnapping. But this author is very talented and seriously my only question after this is, is there a sequel? The ring leader of this crime enterprise didn’t get arrested yet.
August 8, 2025
My book of the year!
I devoured Finding Home in a single day while relaxing in Crete. I just couldn’t put it down! Lucy Brighton’s novel is a perfect mix of suspense, atmosphere, and heart, with a storyline that keeps you hooked from the very first chapter. The seaside setting felt so vivid I could hear the waves, and the twists kept me turning the pages long past when I meant to stop. A gripping read. I can't recommend this book enough!
I devoured Finding Home in a single day while relaxing in Crete. I just couldn’t put it down! Lucy Brighton’s novel is a perfect mix of suspense, atmosphere, and heart, with a storyline that keeps you hooked from the very first chapter. The seaside setting felt so vivid I could hear the waves, and the twists kept me turning the pages long past when I meant to stop. A gripping read. I can't recommend this book enough!
April 3, 2025
I loved the way the book was written, from various viewpoints & lives being lived. It covers so many topics we need to safeguard against happening to anyone. Disturbing that it could well be a true story but a great thought provoking read.
I definitely will read Lucy Brighton’s books in the future ……
I definitely will read Lucy Brighton’s books in the future ……
April 5, 2025
WOW! What a fantastic debut thriller! Abbie is the female protagonist whose life is turned upside down, making you wish you were there to help her. I loved the twists and turns. Just when you think you know who the UNKNOWN character is..another curveball sends you in a different direction. The ending was TOTALLY unexpected! Loved it!
March 27, 2025
Loved this book! The suspense keeps you reading. The story has romance, mystery and fear. It's a compelling tale of a young girl on the hunt for the truth. Fast paced and to the point. A great thriller! Highly recommended.
May 1, 2025
One of the nicest books I've ever read, once i picked it up I couldn't put it down, well written and thought out. CedarThorpe sounds like great place to live (not)
Thoroughly enjoyed the book can't wait for the next one
Thoroughly enjoyed the book can't wait for the next one
May 10, 2025
Finding Home by new author Lucy Brighton is a debut novel that is dark and delves deep into the seedy side of life. The characters and their motives are expertly drawn, particularly in the revealing use of language, which is sometimes unsettling and disturbing. Abbie, her father, Sasha, Jack and Chelsea all have their own dark issues to face, and as Abbie tries to find the truth, their worlds become ever more entangled. From the first pages, there is a clear indication that this story will keep you on the edge of your seat, and as the story unfolds with its twists and turns, it becomes even more compelling and gritty. The author does not hold back, laying bare layer after layer of social issues, including alcoholism, modern slavery and violence. This suspenseful novel is no light reading, but there is a sense of hope against the odds and common humanity. If you enjoy thrillers, then this is certainly a riveting read.
August 26, 2025
I'd give this a 4.6, really good twist and a fab ending
June 7, 2025
This is the authors first book and wow, what read. The depth and detail 👌.
May 24, 2025
A dark and gripping thriller. This book is a real page turner, I couldn’t put it down! The story addresses some disturbing topics and will stay with me long after reading the final pages. Excellent characterisation and enthralling plot with the odd twist to keep you on your toes. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes thrillers or has an interest in the darker shades of society.
A brilliant debut novel and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
A brilliant debut novel and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
February 9, 2025
Abbie's search for her estranged mother, takes her to Cedarthorpe. A place filled with dark secrets and dangerous people.
When Abbie discovers a girl has gone missing, Sasha, she teams up with her brother Jack to find her. But the journey takes her to places she may never be able to forget.
This book was gripping from beginning to end. It was full of Twists and turns and kept me guessing.
The writing was great, a perfect blend for a crime thriller.
I liked the British feel to it and the imagery was great. It was gritty and edgy which I also liked very much.
This is perfect for anyone who loves a crime, thriller and suspense.
When Abbie discovers a girl has gone missing, Sasha, she teams up with her brother Jack to find her. But the journey takes her to places she may never be able to forget.
This book was gripping from beginning to end. It was full of Twists and turns and kept me guessing.
The writing was great, a perfect blend for a crime thriller.
I liked the British feel to it and the imagery was great. It was gritty and edgy which I also liked very much.
This is perfect for anyone who loves a crime, thriller and suspense.
July 1, 2025
A Gripping Thriller That Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat
Lucy Brighton's *Finding Home* is not just a thriller; it's a masterclass in suspense, earning a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars. From the moment Abbie arrives in the desolate seaside town of Cedarthorpe seeking her estranged mother, the reader is plunged into a chilling narrative that grips you and refuses to let go. What begins as a search for family quickly spirals into a terrifying nightmare involving the disappearance of Sasha, the previous occupant of Abbie's room.
Brighton expertly weaves a complex web of modern slavery, corruption, and deadly secrets, all hidden beneath the seemingly tranquil facade of Cedarthorpe. As Abbie delves deeper into Sasha's disappearance, she uncovers a chilling underworld that threatens to consume her. Teaming up with Sasha's brother, Jack, adds another layer of intrigue, particularly as their burgeoning attraction complicates their desperate search. The supporting characters, like the potentially duplicitous Chelsea, further amplify the tension, making it impossible to know who to trust.
The plot thickens with every page turn, as Abbie's past and present collide in a dangerous dance of betrayal and violence. The mounting body count and the horrifying truth about her mother add a visceral sense of urgency to the narrative. The author skillfully maintains a high level of suspense throughout, culminating in a heart-pounding showdown that will leave readers breathless.
*Finding Home* is more than just a crime thriller; it's a story about family, betrayal, and the lengths we go to for those we love. Brighton's masterful storytelling, combined with the atmospheric setting and compelling characters, makes this a must-read for fans of the genre. Be prepared to lose sleep – once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down.
Lucy Brighton's *Finding Home* is not just a thriller; it's a masterclass in suspense, earning a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars. From the moment Abbie arrives in the desolate seaside town of Cedarthorpe seeking her estranged mother, the reader is plunged into a chilling narrative that grips you and refuses to let go. What begins as a search for family quickly spirals into a terrifying nightmare involving the disappearance of Sasha, the previous occupant of Abbie's room.
Brighton expertly weaves a complex web of modern slavery, corruption, and deadly secrets, all hidden beneath the seemingly tranquil facade of Cedarthorpe. As Abbie delves deeper into Sasha's disappearance, she uncovers a chilling underworld that threatens to consume her. Teaming up with Sasha's brother, Jack, adds another layer of intrigue, particularly as their burgeoning attraction complicates their desperate search. The supporting characters, like the potentially duplicitous Chelsea, further amplify the tension, making it impossible to know who to trust.
The plot thickens with every page turn, as Abbie's past and present collide in a dangerous dance of betrayal and violence. The mounting body count and the horrifying truth about her mother add a visceral sense of urgency to the narrative. The author skillfully maintains a high level of suspense throughout, culminating in a heart-pounding showdown that will leave readers breathless.
*Finding Home* is more than just a crime thriller; it's a story about family, betrayal, and the lengths we go to for those we love. Brighton's masterful storytelling, combined with the atmospheric setting and compelling characters, makes this a must-read for fans of the genre. Be prepared to lose sleep – once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down.
August 7, 2025
This was a gripping phycological thriller that kept me up turning the pages late into the night. Lucy Brighton writes with an elegance and skill which reminds me of established authors like Keri Beevis, making it hard to believe that this is her debut novel. The plot is well developed with some gritty twists and turns set against the vivid backdrop of a grim little seaside town, called Cedarthorpe, which sets the perfect tone for the book. I thought the characters were all well-rounded and believable, even the bad guys, but Babs was definitely my favourite.
The blurb immediately pulled me in as well:
"In a town full of secrets, trust is a deadly gamble…
Abbie came to Cedarthorpe to find her estranged mother. She didn’t expect to step into a missing person case—or start falling for the one man who might be lying to her.
The girl who stayed in Abbie’s room before her—Sasha—vanished without a trace.
Then Abbie meets Jack—Sasha’s brother. He’s intense, guarded, and desperate for answers. As they dig into the town’s shadowy corners, they uncover a truth darker than they ever imagined—one that suggests Sasha was never meant to be found. And neither was Abbie’s mother.
The closer Abbie gets to the truth, the more dangerous Cedarthorpe becomes. And the more she begins to question Jack, her own instincts—and even her memories.
Now Abbie must confront the past she’s been running from. Because someone is watching. And they’ll do anything to keep the town’s darkest secrets buried.
Time is running out. And Abbie must decide who to trust—before she becomes the next to disappear."
The blurb immediately pulled me in as well:
"In a town full of secrets, trust is a deadly gamble…
Abbie came to Cedarthorpe to find her estranged mother. She didn’t expect to step into a missing person case—or start falling for the one man who might be lying to her.
The girl who stayed in Abbie’s room before her—Sasha—vanished without a trace.
Then Abbie meets Jack—Sasha’s brother. He’s intense, guarded, and desperate for answers. As they dig into the town’s shadowy corners, they uncover a truth darker than they ever imagined—one that suggests Sasha was never meant to be found. And neither was Abbie’s mother.
The closer Abbie gets to the truth, the more dangerous Cedarthorpe becomes. And the more she begins to question Jack, her own instincts—and even her memories.
Now Abbie must confront the past she’s been running from. Because someone is watching. And they’ll do anything to keep the town’s darkest secrets buried.
Time is running out. And Abbie must decide who to trust—before she becomes the next to disappear."
August 13, 2025
This was a really great book! Lucy Brighton has written a story that’s both tense and deeply human, blending suspense with characters that jump off the page and make you care about them.
There’s never a dull moment, and for me, the pacing was a bright spot of this book. Brighton knows when to ratchet things up and when to slow things down in order to let the atmosphere build and become its own character. You feel the weight of every choice the characters make, and that emotional pull makes the suspense hit even harder. I would finish a chapter, then tell myself “just one more chapter,” and then blow past that promise again and again.
The main character’s voice is authentic and layered. She’s flawed in ways that make her relatable, but still resilient in ways that make you root for her. Watching her navigate twists, betrayals, and buried truths really amplified the story for me. The supporting cast adds depth without ever distracting from the main thread, and every interaction feels purposeful.
What really sets this book apart is how it blends psychological tension with a sense of mystery that keeps you guessing. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, another piece of the puzzle shifts and you’re forced to rethink everything. The reveals are satisfying without being over the top, and the ending leaves you thinking about the story well after you’ve closed the book.
If you enjoy thrillers with heart, smart plotting, and characters who feel real, Finding Home is an absolute must-read.
There’s never a dull moment, and for me, the pacing was a bright spot of this book. Brighton knows when to ratchet things up and when to slow things down in order to let the atmosphere build and become its own character. You feel the weight of every choice the characters make, and that emotional pull makes the suspense hit even harder. I would finish a chapter, then tell myself “just one more chapter,” and then blow past that promise again and again.
The main character’s voice is authentic and layered. She’s flawed in ways that make her relatable, but still resilient in ways that make you root for her. Watching her navigate twists, betrayals, and buried truths really amplified the story for me. The supporting cast adds depth without ever distracting from the main thread, and every interaction feels purposeful.
What really sets this book apart is how it blends psychological tension with a sense of mystery that keeps you guessing. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, another piece of the puzzle shifts and you’re forced to rethink everything. The reveals are satisfying without being over the top, and the ending leaves you thinking about the story well after you’ve closed the book.
If you enjoy thrillers with heart, smart plotting, and characters who feel real, Finding Home is an absolute must-read.
May 19, 2025
“Finding Home” is the debut novel by Yorkshire-based writer Lucy Brighton. In this twisty, young adult thriller, the main character, Abbie, travels by bus to a run-down seaside town called Cedarthorpe in search of her mother, whom she thought was dead. Abbie is now old enough to leave home and her abusive dad, and she is angry he kept the secret of her mother’s whereabouts from her. Once in town, Abbie has no idea where to look for her mother. She also fears her angry father will come looking for her. With the limited money she stole from her dad, she rents a room in a seedy rooming house. Her fellow residents are other teenagers like herself with unhappy backgrounds. Abbie is startled the night she arrives when she finds one young woman, Jade, bleeding from a stab wound. Later, a young woman is found floating in the ocean. Who is she? What is going on in this forgotten town? She meets Jack, an attractive young man who is looking for his missing sister Sasha. Abbie is drawn to Jack, but can she trust him? Can she trust anyone in Cedarthorpe? This thriller moves at a swift clip with plenty of action, twists, and secrets revealed. As Abbie tries to start a new life, she wrestles not only with the local crime, but with overcoming her feelings of abandonment from her mother and the abuse she suffered from her father. “Finding Home” is a well-crafted, fast moving thriller with involving characters.
May 30, 2025
Finding Home by Lucy Brighton is a suspenseful mystery filled with twists and turns. What starts off as a fairly cozy mystery novel takes a dramatic and unexpected turn with an event early on that really brings the book to life, as well as the threat posed to the main character Abbie, and Sasha, the woman who came to Cedarthorpe before her.
Abbie’s story is not an easy one to get to grips with due to a troubled and violent upbringing. Her character is suited to the story, as she is driven by her past, the secrets kept from her, and her spirit is not easily defeated. This makes her a prime character for a novel such as this, where the lead must continue to dig no matter what they may find. I liked her relationships with Jack and her friends too, and that she became attached to those who genuinely cared for her. Her character was realistic and well-written, and stayed consistent throughout the story.
The author sets the scene well and there is a dark undertone throughout the book, which mirror Abbie’s character and the story itself. As it progresses, things get darker, and the mystery and corruption in the town really evolves. A fascinating story well worth the time investment.
Abbie’s story is not an easy one to get to grips with due to a troubled and violent upbringing. Her character is suited to the story, as she is driven by her past, the secrets kept from her, and her spirit is not easily defeated. This makes her a prime character for a novel such as this, where the lead must continue to dig no matter what they may find. I liked her relationships with Jack and her friends too, and that she became attached to those who genuinely cared for her. Her character was realistic and well-written, and stayed consistent throughout the story.
The author sets the scene well and there is a dark undertone throughout the book, which mirror Abbie’s character and the story itself. As it progresses, things get darker, and the mystery and corruption in the town really evolves. A fascinating story well worth the time investment.
June 4, 2025
Very Enjoyable with suspense and strong character development
I read Finding Home in just a few sittings. From the beginning, I was drawn into Abbie’s story and wanted to understand what she had gone through. I appreciated the realistic pacing and how each chapter added something new to the mystery. The author did a good job maintaining tension without making the story feel overwhelming.
I liked how the story focused not just on action but also on Abbie’s emotional journey. Her choices made sense, and even when she made mistakes, I understood why. I especially liked how the setting of Cedarthorpe was described. It felt like a place with history and secrets, which matched the tone of the book.
I also appreciated the sensitive way the book approached serious topics like family trauma, abuse, and trust. I like how these elements were handled with care, which made the characters and situations feel more authentic.
While I enjoyed the book overall, I did feel that the physical descriptions of characters could have come earlier or been a bit clearer. Sometimes I had to guess ages or appearances, which made it hard to picture everyone.
Still, I found this to be a compelling and thoughtful debut.
I read Finding Home in just a few sittings. From the beginning, I was drawn into Abbie’s story and wanted to understand what she had gone through. I appreciated the realistic pacing and how each chapter added something new to the mystery. The author did a good job maintaining tension without making the story feel overwhelming.
I liked how the story focused not just on action but also on Abbie’s emotional journey. Her choices made sense, and even when she made mistakes, I understood why. I especially liked how the setting of Cedarthorpe was described. It felt like a place with history and secrets, which matched the tone of the book.
I also appreciated the sensitive way the book approached serious topics like family trauma, abuse, and trust. I like how these elements were handled with care, which made the characters and situations feel more authentic.
While I enjoyed the book overall, I did feel that the physical descriptions of characters could have come earlier or been a bit clearer. Sometimes I had to guess ages or appearances, which made it hard to picture everyone.
Still, I found this to be a compelling and thoughtful debut.
June 19, 2025
recently finished Finding Home by Lucy Brighton and was genuinely hooked from the first page. The story unfolds through multiple viewpoints, centred on Abbie—a vulnerable yet resolute teen whose search for her presumed-dead mother leads her straight into a seaside town riddled with secrets. What begins as a quest for belonging quickly morphs into a gripping psychological thriller: stabbed strangers, bodies found in the ocean, and Abbie’s past threatening her at every turn.
Brighton nails tension. The small-town setting feels oppressively intimate, amplifying every suspicious glance and whispered rumour. Dialogue snaps with realism, and the stakes escalate naturally. The sensitivity with which the author portrays Abbie's internal turmoil—her anger towards her father, guilt, abandonment, and hope—makes her journey towards self-empowerment feel earned.
Although it fits into the YA thriller genre, the well-executed balance of romantic subplots does not overshadow the darker elements of the story. A quick-reading, emotionally charged page-turner, it felt like binge-watching a thriller series in print. If I were to nitpick, a minor subplot felt underexplored, but given the book's breezy 300-ish pages, it didn't derail the narrative flow.
Brighton nails tension. The small-town setting feels oppressively intimate, amplifying every suspicious glance and whispered rumour. Dialogue snaps with realism, and the stakes escalate naturally. The sensitivity with which the author portrays Abbie's internal turmoil—her anger towards her father, guilt, abandonment, and hope—makes her journey towards self-empowerment feel earned.
Although it fits into the YA thriller genre, the well-executed balance of romantic subplots does not overshadow the darker elements of the story. A quick-reading, emotionally charged page-turner, it felt like binge-watching a thriller series in print. If I were to nitpick, a minor subplot felt underexplored, but given the book's breezy 300-ish pages, it didn't derail the narrative flow.
June 21, 2025
Fleeing her abusive father and in search of her estranged mother, Abbie finds herself in the rundown coastal town of Cedarthorpe. Finding shelter in a boarding house, she immediately realises that something is very wrong when she finds another occupant of the house with a stab wound, and learns the girl previously staying in her room, Sasha, has disappeared. Abbie befriends Sasha’s brother, Jack, and they help each other search for their missing family while also navigating a budding romance. Both helped and hindered by the mysterious Chelsea, the two realise they’ve stumbled onto a huge and terrible secret involving modern slavery and corruption.
This is a well-written story that offers a grim peek into the world of modern slavery, sex trafficking and domestic violence. The characters are all well-rounded with their own tragic backstories, and you can’t help but feel for everyone involved. Although I did guess the biggest twist, the story is by no means predictable, and while things are resolved by the end, there is an opening for a sequel. Brighton doesn’t shy away from the dark topics, and although the ending isn’t super happy, it’s realistic and hopeful. A great thriller and a real page-turner.
This is a well-written story that offers a grim peek into the world of modern slavery, sex trafficking and domestic violence. The characters are all well-rounded with their own tragic backstories, and you can’t help but feel for everyone involved. Although I did guess the biggest twist, the story is by no means predictable, and while things are resolved by the end, there is an opening for a sequel. Brighton doesn’t shy away from the dark topics, and although the ending isn’t super happy, it’s realistic and hopeful. A great thriller and a real page-turner.
June 29, 2025
An Atmospheric Thriller That Grabs You From Page One
“Finding Home” is the kind of book that keeps you up way past bedtime and stays with you long after the final page. From the eerie quiet of Cedarthorpe’s fog drenched streets to the emotional unraveling of a girl on a mission, this novel is both a gripping thriller and a deeply personal story of identity, justice, and survival.
Abbie is a compelling heroine fierce, flawed, and refreshingly real. You feel her fear, her stubborn hope, and the weight of her past in every decision she makes. As she peels back the layers of the town’s chilling secrets, the suspense tightens like a noose. The mystery surrounding Sasha’s disappearance is dark and disturbing, but never gratuitous it’s handled with heart and urgency.
Jack and Chelsea add complexity, raising questions of loyalty, truth, and how well we really know the people around us. And the twist involving Abbie’s mother? Utterly devastating and brilliantly executed.
This isn’t just a small town mystery it’s a fast paced, emotionally charged journey into the heart of human resilience. Highly recommend for fans of Lisa Jewell, Karin Slaughter, or anyone craving a twisty, character-driven thriller with real emotional stakes.
“Finding Home” is the kind of book that keeps you up way past bedtime and stays with you long after the final page. From the eerie quiet of Cedarthorpe’s fog drenched streets to the emotional unraveling of a girl on a mission, this novel is both a gripping thriller and a deeply personal story of identity, justice, and survival.
Abbie is a compelling heroine fierce, flawed, and refreshingly real. You feel her fear, her stubborn hope, and the weight of her past in every decision she makes. As she peels back the layers of the town’s chilling secrets, the suspense tightens like a noose. The mystery surrounding Sasha’s disappearance is dark and disturbing, but never gratuitous it’s handled with heart and urgency.
Jack and Chelsea add complexity, raising questions of loyalty, truth, and how well we really know the people around us. And the twist involving Abbie’s mother? Utterly devastating and brilliantly executed.
This isn’t just a small town mystery it’s a fast paced, emotionally charged journey into the heart of human resilience. Highly recommend for fans of Lisa Jewell, Karin Slaughter, or anyone craving a twisty, character-driven thriller with real emotional stakes.
July 16, 2025
"Finding Home" by Lucy Brighton is a gripping and unsettling thriller that pulls you into a small seaside town brimming with dark secrets. Abbie's arrival in Cedarthorpe, ostensibly to find her estranged mother, quickly unravels into a terrifying nightmare. The mystery surrounding the previous room occupant, Sasha, immediately hooks you, and as Abbie starts digging, the layers of corruption and a chilling underworld of modern slavery are slowly, disturbingly revealed.
The author skillfully builds tension with every turn. Abbie's alliance with Sasha's brother, Jack, adds a compelling dynamic, complicated by their growing attraction in a town where trust is a dangerous gamble. The sense of unease is heightened by the suspicion surrounding other characters, particularly Chelsea, making you question everyone's motives. As the body count rises and time runs out, the stakes become incredibly high. The shocking truth Abbie uncovers about her own mother adds a deeply personal and devastating twist, forcing her to confront not just the town's horrors but also her own past. "Finding Home" is a relentless ride of betrayal, violence, and difficult choices, perfect for readers who love a suspenseful mystery where danger lurks in every shadow and nothing is as it seems.
The author skillfully builds tension with every turn. Abbie's alliance with Sasha's brother, Jack, adds a compelling dynamic, complicated by their growing attraction in a town where trust is a dangerous gamble. The sense of unease is heightened by the suspicion surrounding other characters, particularly Chelsea, making you question everyone's motives. As the body count rises and time runs out, the stakes become incredibly high. The shocking truth Abbie uncovers about her own mother adds a deeply personal and devastating twist, forcing her to confront not just the town's horrors but also her own past. "Finding Home" is a relentless ride of betrayal, violence, and difficult choices, perfect for readers who love a suspenseful mystery where danger lurks in every shadow and nothing is as it seems.
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