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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
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:
No
This book had some problems but it also had this quote: “In the evening, I do less well; tend my pain with baths and gin.”
TW: rape, gaslighting
not great, not bad. needed more depth for me.
not great, not bad. needed more depth for me.
slow-paced
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
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
Read this after watching the series and both are good. I just hoped the book would contain more thriller elements.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Told from multiple perspectives. Reminded me of "The Guest List". Would recommend.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Drug use, Alcohol
dark
mysterious
slow-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
After more or less enjoying my first try with Sarah Vaughan’s work, I wanted to try something else from her, particularly Anatomy of a Scandal prior to finally watching the show. I had little frame of reference for it, as I had managed to avoid most of the promo, but I was intrigued by the premise when I looked into it. And while the book follows Vaughan’s signature slow-burning domestic style, it’s nonetheless compelling in a more subtle way. The book feels incredibly relevant in its exploration of power and privilege, and whether those things should allow someone to get away with a heinous crime like sexual assault.
The structure is intricate, and I admit it took some time to figure out. Most of it follows Sophie, wife of James, the accused, as she grapples with the allegations and whether she should stand by him, and Kate, the prosecutor presenting the case against him. That already presents fertile ground for nuance, but you also get insights into the characters’ pasts, including James’, that alter perceptions about what happened and the true extent of the connections between the characters.
The characters really come alive as their motivations do. Sophie is somewhat sympathetic, if a bit naive, although I can understand wanting to believe in your husband, even if a part of you is indicating you shouldn’t. Kate becomes more and more compelling as her backstory comes to light and she struggles to maintain her professionalism.
I found this book to be incredibly enjoyable, and am now eager to watch the show. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys slow building, yet tension filled domestic supense.