One of the Family by Jess Ryder

30th October 2025 Books

Spread the love

AD | book tour – what happens when someone you welcome into your home — someone who feels like part of the family — begins to unravel everything you hold dear? Well, I was eager to find out which is why when an opportunity came up to hop on the book tour for One of the Family by Jess Ryder, I jumped at the chance. Here’s what I thought:

Table of Contents

THE BLURB

My daughter’s boyfriend feels like one of the family. I couldn’t be happier to have him living with us. But now my daughter’s disappeared…

I never wanted to have an empty nest. So when my daughter, Liv, asks if she and her new boyfriend, Jensen, can move in, I’m thrilled.

Jensen is so helpful. He tells me how he loves being part of a close-knit family. He’s felt so alone since his parents died. And for me, his presence goes a little way towards replacing the son I lost.

Still, I can’t help but notice that Liv and Jensen are starting to argue. My daughter seems unhappy. Perhaps they just need some time alone together?

But when my husband and I return from our weekend away, Liv is missing. The relationship with Jensen appears to be over but he doesn’t want to leave. And then I discover exactly what he will do to stay in our family…

WHAT I THOUGHT OF ONE OF THE FAMILY

If you love a fast-paced psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end, One of the Family by Jess Ryder is one to add to your reading list. It’s a gripping, emotionally charged story that was fast paced from the get go and by the time I was half way through, it had be gripped.

The story follows a mother whose daughter Liv and her new boyfriend Jensen move into the family home. At first, everything seems perfect, Jensen is charming, helpful, and eager to be part of a close-knit family, especially after losing his own parents. Even going as far as filling the void left by the loss of Rachel’s son.

But cracks begin to show. Liv and Jensen start arguing, and Liv seems increasingly unhappy. Then, after a weekend away, Liv disappears. Jensen claims the relationship is over, but refuses to leave, and what unfolds next is a chilling exploration of manipulation, and the lengths someone will go to stay part of a family.

As a mum, this book really made me think: what would I do in that situation? The emotional tension is palpable, and I truly felt for Rachel as her world began to unravel. Her vulnerability is portrayed so well, and I found myself rooting for her.

The twist is one you know is coming as the suspense builds steadily, but you are kept guessing about what exactly it will be. Even when you think you’ve figured it out, the story throws just enough doubt to keep you hooked.

One thing I wish had been explored more was Dom’s behaviour. I really wanted a bigger scene where he was held to account. It felt like Rachel and her girls deserved that moment of justice.

Overall, One of the Family is a compelling, emotionally resonant thriller that blends domestic drama with psychological suspense. If you’re a fan of Lisa Jewell or Freida McFadden, this one will definitely hit the mark.

THE BOOK TOUR – ONE OF THE FAMILY

If you enjoyed this review and want to take a closer look at what people are saying about One of the Family, why not check out some of the other blogs on the tour!