Almost gone, also The Au Pair by Blake Pierce

 The Au Pair (#1) by Blake Pierce

Blake Pierce’s The Au Pair kicks off a psychological thriller series that weaves secrets, suspense, and dysfunction against the backdrop of a French countryside estate. I recently listened to this audiobook via Google Books, and while the narration was excellent, there were a few quirks worth noting—most prominently, the narrator’s unmistakable British accent, which felt at odds with the American protagonist. That said, her voice was captivating and lent itself well to the eerie atmosphere of the story.

The plot introduces us to Cassandra Vale, a 23-year-old seeking a fresh start as an au pair for the affluent (and profoundly twisted) Dubois family. At first, the gilded gates of their rural Parisian estate promise a fairytale escape, but dark secrets soon unravel, turning Cassandra’s new life into a psychological maze of intrigue, malice, and murder.

While the story was engaging enough to hold my attention, it lacked the depth that makes thrillers truly memorable. The characters felt a bit flat and underexplored, which—ironically—added to the book’s charm as a quick, breezy read. However, I must admit, I had zero sympathy for the spoiled, bratty children, who could’ve easily been the villains in a parallel plotline. Let’s just say, if they’d ended up as speed bumps in Cassandra’s harrowing journey, I wouldn’t have shed a tear.

Plotwise, the twists and turns were serviceable but didn’t pack the jaw-dropping punch I was hoping for. However, the pace of the narrative and its relative simplicity make it an ideal pick for readers looking for light suspense without heavy investment.

In the end, The Au Pair earns a solid 3 stars from me. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s an easy, entertaining thriller—perfect for a lazy weekend or a long drive. If you’re drawn to dark family secrets and a touch of psychological suspense, you might find this worth a try.

Would I pick up the next in the series? Perhaps, if only to see how Cassandra’s journey evolves. Here’s hoping for more rounded characters and deeper plots in future installments.

Have you read The Au Pair or any of Blake Pierce’s other works? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!