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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Blood, Kidnapping
Moderate: Child abuse, Mental illness, Suicide, Medical content, Pregnancy
Minor: Alcoholism, Child death, Drug use, Infidelity, Vomit, Dementia, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury
This was a solid thriller— I thought I had guessed what happened half way through but I was completely wrong. I loved the luxurious setting and the mounting suspense. I also thought the writing was pretty damn good.
The plot and the tone reminded me a lot of Ruth Ware’s thrillers, but a lot less full of dread. I actually have trouble with Ruth Ware’s books sometimes because of the relentless misery and dark tone. This definitely dealt with mental illness but the heaviness of it was relived I thought by the immensely likable and positive main character who really worked hard to stave off her demons. I liked that aspect a lot.
I can’t wait to read more books by this author !
The plot and the tone reminded me a lot of Ruth Ware’s thrillers, but a lot less full of dread. I actually have trouble with Ruth Ware’s books sometimes because of the relentless misery and dark tone. This definitely dealt with mental illness but the heaviness of it was relived I thought by the immensely likable and positive main character who really worked hard to stave off her demons. I liked that aspect a lot.
I can’t wait to read more books by this author !
dark
tense
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 stars. This was quite the page-turner! It got off to a slowish start, but picked up very quickly. The atmosphere is stunning, the remote, sprawling French estate, with its reclusive inhabitants, and odd goings-on—what’s not to love. My only niggle was that there were too many u answered questioned, just brushed aside.
(Review copy from NetGalley)
(Review copy from NetGalley)
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The beginning was slow, but once things picked up the story was pretty engaging. The MC was frustrating to me at times but that sentiment isn't meant to be universal. I liked how the author chose to reveal The Truth before the final confrontation.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
What more could an unemployed temp & unsuccessful actor, who is almost homeless and not on great terms with her parents want more than an amazing job as a housekeeper on the sunny French coast on an enormous private hide-away estate?
When Emily is suddenly fired from her temp job as receptionist to Scott Denny's uber successful financial company, then rehired personally by Scott, Emily is whisked away to the French seaside to help Nina, Scott's wife and daughter, Aurelia.
From the start, this thriller starts a rollercoaster ride of intrigue & conspiracy. Anna Downes debut novel takes us to summertime France, where characters aren't who they seem to be. There's no guessing the plot until the end, which will leave readers breathless and riveted to each page until the very end.
When Emily is suddenly fired from her temp job as receptionist to Scott Denny's uber successful financial company, then rehired personally by Scott, Emily is whisked away to the French seaside to help Nina, Scott's wife and daughter, Aurelia.
From the start, this thriller starts a rollercoaster ride of intrigue & conspiracy. Anna Downes debut novel takes us to summertime France, where characters aren't who they seem to be. There's no guessing the plot until the end, which will leave readers breathless and riveted to each page until the very end.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Kidnapping
Minor: Child death, Alcohol
3.5/5
A compelling thriller, very well constructed. I was certainly on the edge of my seat! The twist wasn't exactly unpredictable, but I was kept guessing for a satisfying while.
A strong debut. I am looking forward to more of Downes'writing.
A compelling thriller, very well constructed. I was certainly on the edge of my seat! The twist wasn't exactly unpredictable, but I was kept guessing for a satisfying while.
A strong debut. I am looking forward to more of Downes'writing.
This book blew me away! I read it in 3 hours and could not set it down! I was so enthralled in Emily’s story and honestly did not see the twist coming. The books characters were wonderfully developed, though I would have loved more of Nina’s backstory, and every step the took, while FANTASTICAL, was completely believable. The events of this book unfolded so naturally, and the many nuances could have led this story down multiple different avenues, and I LOVED IT!
Honestly this book had a little bit of a slow start for me. But after about 50 pages I could not put it down. I very much enjoyed it. Thank you for the advanced copy!!
I think I wanted more from this book than I got. I can’t say I have enjoyed being inside the characters minds but I have really liked the ending. As a result, it’s been hard to rate this book. Definitely 3.5 from me.