Scan barcode
thatswhatshanread's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is my first Hendricks/Pekkanen book and it was a pretty solid domestic thriller!
The writing was gripping and the short chapters helped moved the story along, even when I found some parts of the plot dragging a little. I did like the dual POVs switching between the two main female characters of the novel, the unorthodox therapist and the unfaithful wife. Overall, the web of lies and deception played out well, bringing in several minor characters to make you second guess things.
Still, the final moments and twists of the book kinda threw me off of the intrigue. It didn’t quite add up, perhaps feeling a little rushed and tired, in terms of the genre. I guess I was disappointed in the end results, but I wouldn’t say that made it a bad book. I just hoped for something else to happen.
This one was definitely all about perfect appearances, and people not being who they seem to be on the surface. Perfection often precedes secrecy.
The writing was gripping and the short chapters helped moved the story along, even when I found some parts of the plot dragging a little. I did like the dual POVs switching between the two main female characters of the novel, the unorthodox therapist and the unfaithful wife. Overall, the web of lies and deception played out well, bringing in several minor characters to make you second guess things.
Still, the final moments and twists of the book kinda threw me off of the intrigue. It didn’t quite add up, perhaps feeling a little rushed and tired, in terms of the genre. I guess I was disappointed in the end results, but I wouldn’t say that made it a bad book. I just hoped for something else to happen.
This one was definitely all about perfect appearances, and people not being who they seem to be on the surface. Perfection often precedes secrecy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Cancer, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Violence, Drug use, Grief, Infidelity, Murder, and Stalking
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Infertility, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, and Pregnancy
Minor: Animal cruelty, Injury/Injury detail, and Death of parent
bethaniesherwood's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
Significantly underwhelmed
Content Warnings
Moderate: Stalking, Domestic abuse, Violence, and Alcohol
Minor: Alcohol
Extremely off putting. Everyone in this text is paranoid with the exception of the individual that was attacked. I think the suspicion was supposed to add to the tension/thriller aspect but it just comes off as annoying and unnecessary. More of a turn off than anything. It’s not likely I’ll read more from these authors.writtenbydnicole's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Violence, Alcohol, Blood, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Grief, Gun violence, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Murder
Minor: Infertility, Pregnancy, and Sexual content
books_coffee_oxfordcommas's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Hendricks and Pekkanen have done it again! This is a twisty turny book with the plot twist I didn't see coming - just how I like it!
The Golden Couple is the story of Avery, a therapist (kind of). She lost her license because of her maverick ways, but they have proven successful for her clients, so she continues to be in demand. Her newest clients, Marissa and Matthew, have a revelation - that Marissa cheated on Matthew - at their first session. Part of Avery's process is that she gets more involved with her clients and researches them, which is complicated by the fact that she, herself, is being followed, by a company with a vendetta against her.
Avery has a lot going on personally, and she is very keen on people's actions and movements. This serves her well, as her newest clients have a lot to unpack, and they need her to push them to work towards figuring out their relationship.
This is the third book I've read by this duo, and each has been fantastic. I already can't wait for the next one. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes twisty stories and thrillers.
The Golden Couple is the story of Avery, a therapist (kind of). She lost her license because of her maverick ways, but they have proven successful for her clients, so she continues to be in demand. Her newest clients, Marissa and Matthew, have a revelation - that Marissa cheated on Matthew - at their first session. Part of Avery's process is that she gets more involved with her clients and researches them, which is complicated by the fact that she, herself, is being followed, by a company with a vendetta against her.
Avery has a lot going on personally, and she is very keen on people's actions and movements. This serves her well, as her newest clients have a lot to unpack, and they need her to push them to work towards figuring out their relationship.
This is the third book I've read by this duo, and each has been fantastic. I already can't wait for the next one. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes twisty stories and thrillers.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Murder
Minor: Infertility
More...