Don't Let Her Stay

Nicola Sanders’s second novel, Don’t Let Her Stay (2023), is a psychological thriller following the story of new mother Joanne Atkinson as she adjusts to parenthood and navigates unexpected challenges after her husband’s estranged and troubled 20-year-old daughter, Chloe, moves into their home. This novel explores themes of isolation, gaslighting, and denial as Joanne fights for her own and her infant’s safety against a domestic threat. Don’t Let Her Stay experienced immediate critical success upon release and was nominated for a 2023 Goodreads Choice Award in the best mystery and thriller category.

This study guide follows the 2023 v2.3a paperback edition of the novel.

Content Warning: This guide describes and discusses the novel’s treatment of emotional abuse and death by suicide. This guide also references the novel’s use of stigmatizing and offensive language and stereotypes regarding people with mental health conditions.

Plot Summary

Narrator Joanne lives in a large countryside house with her husband, Richard, and their four-month-old daughter, Evie. With Richard at work all day, Joanne is often bored, exhausted, and lonely. She returns to her real estate job remotely a few days a week to give herself something to do.

Richard’s estranged 20-year-old daughter, Chloe, who cut contact with Richard when he married Joanne, comes to stay with them for a few weeks.