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The Women On Retford Drive Kindle Edition

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 2,735 ratings

Julia Pritchard, an aging sitcom star making a comeback, and her stepdaughter, Blythe Pritchard, an aspiring attorney, form a pact to start fresh and pursue their dreams. But their plans go awry when Keith Pritchard, Julia’s soon-to-be ex-husband and Blythe’s father, goes missing and is presumed dead, the day they plan to move out of his mansion.

The women are filled with bittersweet emotions when they consider the idea that Keith, a tycoon and functional alcoholic, could be out of their lives for good. Moreover, they fear the police will name them as persons of interest because of the abuse they suffered at Keith’s hands. Julia believes Keith hasn’t met with foul play but orchestrated his own disappearance, hoping the women will be blamed. However, Blythe believes her father is dead. When the police reveal a damning piece of evidence, which could result in one of them being charged with Keith’s possible murder, they join forces to find out what happened to him. Did one of the women go off script and kill Keith, or is another agenda at play, unbeknownst to the women and the police, that’s far more sinister?

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07G87G81L
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Diverse Arts Collective (August 7, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 7, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3367 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 353 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0692140360
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 2,735 ratings

About the author

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Alretha Thomas
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Shortly after graduating from USC with a degree in journalism, Alretha soon realized her interest in her major was not heartfelt. Instead of writing news stories, she wanted to write plays and books. Several years later, her church gave her an outlet to fulfill her writing desires through their Liturgical Fine Arts Department wherein Alretha penned twelve theatre pieces—the community response was overwhelming. This led to plays outside of the church, including Alretha’s One Woman, Two Lives, starring Kellita Smith (The Bernie Mac Show), directed by four-time NAACP Image Award Best Director recipient, Denise Dowse. The production garnered rave reviews from critics and audiences.

In between plays, Alretha self-published her first novel, Daughter Denied, in 2008 and has received glowing reviews from readers and book clubs across the country. Representing her book and plays, Alretha has been the guest on many radio shows and television shows including San Francisco Public Affairs show Bay Sunday with Barbara Rodgers on CBS affiliate, KPIX. She was also interviewed by KTLA News Entertainment Reporter, Sam Rubin. In 2011, Alretha self-published her second novel, Dancing Her Dreams Away, and it was also well received. Her third novel, Married in the Nick of Nine, spawned a four-book series that was acquired by Soul Mate Publishing in January 2014. The series has since reverted to her. In August 2014, Alretha was awarded the Jessie Redmon Fauset Literary Award for her indie novel, Four Ladies Only. In 2016, Alretha created the Detective Rachel Storme Mystery Series: Justice for Jessica, Losing Lauren and A Penny for Her Heart. In 2018 and 2019, Alretha debuted two additional mystery books—The Women on Retford Drive and The Truth About Gretchen, respectively. In 2023, her novel, The Girl in the Blue Blazer debuted. Her most recent novel is The Daughter Between Them.

Alretha is also an actress and can be seen in numerous commercials and television shows. She currently plays Anastasia Devereaux on Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living that airs on BET.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
2,735 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story suspenseful and engaging. They find the characters interesting and well-developed, making it easy to immerse themselves in the story. The book tackles the difficult subject of domestic violence with respect and empathy for victims. However, opinions differ on the writing quality - some find it well-written and authentic, while others feel the text is convoluted or rushed. There are also mixed reviews regarding the pacing - some readers felt it flowed smoothly, while others felt it lacked momentum.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

87 customers mention "Suspenseful story"87 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful story with its many plot twists and turns. The book keeps them engaged until the end, keeping them guessing until the very end. While covering a serious topic, it is covered with the utmost attention.

"...is filled with deception, doubt, denial, secrets and lies, and twists and turns that will take you on a roller coaster ride and keep you speculating..." Read more

"...Characters are well portrayed and there are no spoilers here. Worth the time to read 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me." Read more

"I thought this book was an easy read that kept my interest throughout...." Read more

"Interesting story and mystery. It did deal with the hard subject of domestic abuse. Part of the story were engrossing, and parts not believable...." Read more

47 customers mention "Character development"43 positive4 negative

Customers find the characters interesting and well-written. They find it easy to immerse themselves in the story as the leads are likeable. The book is edited with the story told from different characters' perspectives, each clearly labeled.

"...with its fresh dialogue, descriptive surroundings, believable, multiethnic characters, and women protagonists that are complex, strong and assertive..." Read more

"...Characters are well portrayed and there are no spoilers here. Worth the time to read 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me." Read more

"...It was easy to enmesh yourself into the characters as the leads in the story were very likeable...." Read more

"Interesting characters, suspense, domestic abuse and murder. Anyone of the characters had reason and this book keeps you guessing till the end...." Read more

4 customers mention "Domestic violence"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful for dealing with the difficult subject of domestic violence. They say it covers the issue respectfully and provides empathy for the victims.

"Interesting story and mystery. It did deal with the hard subject of domestic abuse. Part of the story were engrossing, and parts not believable...." Read more

"...serious topic, I believe it was covered with the utmost respect to victims of domestic violence. A definite must read...." Read more

"Interesting characters, suspense, domestic abuse and murder. Anyone of the characters had reason and this book keeps you guessing till the end...." Read more

"...is so strong, that you instantly feel a connection and empathy for the Pritchard women...." Read more

38 customers mention "Writing quality"23 positive15 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing quality. Some find it well-written, believable, and an easy read with lots of twists and turns. Others feel it's convoluted, simplistic, and repetitive. There are also grammar errors and repetition in dialogue.

"...is a compelling, page-turning read from start to finish with its fresh dialogue, descriptive surroundings, believable, multiethnic characters, and..." Read more

"...Everything is a bit spelled out not just once but often times twice because of seeing it in both Blyths and Julia's POV...." Read more

"I thought this book was an easy read that kept my interest throughout...." Read more

"...Alretha is a phenomenal writer that captured me from the beginning with her witty and brilliant story telling...." Read more

24 customers mention "Pacing"16 positive8 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book. Some find it fast-paced and hard to put down, keeping them hooked. Others feel it seems rushed and unprofessional, dragging and not mesmerizing.

"...the characters...I would recommend this book to you if you like a fast paced and we written story" Read more

"...I didn't like the romance side the author tried to add. It seemed rushed and unprofessional...." Read more

"Enjoyed this fast paced mystery. Who killed Keith? His soon to be exwife, his daughter, the maid, or anyone of several other characters?" Read more

"A great read, keeping you up way past your bedtime. Keith was a monster, but he didn't deserve what happened. The battered wife?..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2018
    This is a compelling, page-turning read from start to finish with its fresh dialogue, descriptive surroundings, believable, multiethnic characters, and women protagonists that are complex, strong and assertive and women antagonists that you would like to push in front of an approaching train help move the story. Through flashbacks, we see how a person can get sucked into an abusive relationship when taken in by pretense and manipulation. The plot is filled with deception, doubt, denial, secrets and lies, and twists and turns that will take you on a roller coaster ride and keep you speculating to the very end. This story explores pertinent issues: domestic violence and its impact on families of all economic status and society at large, and if you are living with or caring for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, you will definitely connect to this well-written tale.
    15 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2019
    Interesting story kept me turning pages and following the number of theories connected to the mystery. Characters are well portrayed and there are no spoilers here. Worth the time to read 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2019
    I thought this book was an easy read that kept my interest throughout. It was easy to enmesh yourself into the characters as the leads in the story were very likeable. There was some police procedures that were not quite believeable or should I say a little lacking in what would be considered a thorough investigation. I did figure out the person responsible about half way through but wasn't 100% convinced until later.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2019
    Interesting story and mystery. It did deal with the hard subject of domestic abuse.
    Part of the story were engrossing, and parts not believable. I did figure out the
    murderer a ways before the big reveal, which doesn't always happen for me, but
    I still liked the story part.
    The relationship between Julia and her lawyer, and her continuation of pursuit of
    her acting career so soon after the murder caused me to lose sympathy for her. I
    am someone who needs to really connect with a main character to enjoy the book, if
    I am reading for the escape mysteries are for me.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2020
    This is October 2020 #FeatThaUnknown reading selection. I keep going back and forth as to whether or not Alretha Thomas is an #indieauthor but I believe she is or has some indie published books. So that's my disclaimer if I'm wrong. LOL

    Anywho per the usual a brief synopsis: This is a murder mystery that gets right to the point, abusive husband Keith Pritchard no longer holds power over his wife Julia Pritchard and daughter Blythe Pritchard as the both decide to move out of the house that used to be a happy home for the three of them. While he has many people fooled, or so we think, his disappearance creates a distinctive rift in the Dancing Hills community. You're either Team Keith or Team Julia/Blythe. It's a "who dun it" page turner! Every time you think you have figured it out, you haven't. We go back and forth between POVs of Julia, Blythe, their attorney Stephen Miller, and Detective Brian Johnson. Thomas does an amazing job keeping you guessing up to the last chapter! You must read this book to find out what happened to the great Keith Pritchard.

    What spoke to my soul: Domestic violence is a real problem that has no barriers of wealth or race. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to leave a situation like that. I ask you not to judge those in an abusive relationship but to offer support the best way you can even if it's only a prayer.

    The second idea that spoke to my soul is to never lose sight of who you are because of the glitz and glamour. It's okay to let go of a life that's no longer you. A heavy weight is lifted off of you once you begin living your truth.

    While this book covers a very serious topic, I believe it was covered with the utmost respect to victims of domestic violence. A definite must read. In fact, I can see this as a movie!

    As Always,
    #HappyReading

    Tracey Robinson
    Words For The Soul Book Club
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2019
    Interesting characters, suspense, domestic abuse and murder. Anyone of the characters had reason and this book keeps you guessing till the end.
    Held my attention from the start. Read it in one day.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2019
    I don't normally read book of this genre but the blurb captured my eyes. Alretha is a phenomenal writer that captured me from the beginning with her witty and brilliant story telling. The way the story was written had me on the edge of my seat during certain points. I don't want to give away the story but the plot is suspenseful and dense. A great read!
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2020
    This was an outstanding book. I could hardly put t phone down to! The plot was fascinating and so detailed. The characters were well written and so real. I am not a fan of present tense narrative but I got used to it, great author!

Top reviews from other countries

  • Summers
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
    Reviewed in Canada on October 23, 2019
    When i get into a good book, im usually late getting to sleep, because i have to finish the book. I couldnt wait til tomorrow to find out who did it...and it kept me guessing til the end,,,sign of a good mystery!
  • Nettie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 25, 2019
    What a great story, with enough twists and red herrings that it kept me guessing. Even when I thought I'd figured it out, it left me doubting myself. Love the characters, love the pace and action. All in a good read.
  • Lisa
    5.0 out of 5 stars I enjoyed it.
    Reviewed in Australia on October 27, 2019
    Difficult relationships (no spoilers) but a good outcome. Awkward to understand the emotions being raised at times but it gets explained eventually
  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four and a half stars
    Reviewed in Canada on September 23, 2019
    I would have given this book a five rating because the story is great but I found it quite confusing how it bounced from character to character in the first tense. I look forward to reading the next book.
  • Teresa
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 19, 2019
    I loved this book it was so realistic. The bond between Julia and her step daughter was so heart warming to read. The end was satisfying as well. I will be reading more books from this author.

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