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alexjarvis's review against another edition
1.0
I got this book from the library, so I didn't read any reviews first. I was intrigued in the beginning, the premise had so much potential! But no, it just ended up getting more and more frustrating.
The main character, Miranda, was just so stupid. Her behaviour made no sense. She just let everyone walk all over her instead of telling them the actually really awful things that Brendan did. She let him and her sister move into her flat despite obviously knowing that would be a bad idea. She let her sister date this man that she knew was creepy and potentially dangerous. And why? Just to not upset anyone?!
All the other characters were just as annoying, though. They believed this virtual stranger over their own daughter/sister... because he was charming. Maybe if the family had been really distant and they didn't have a lot of contact for a while or something, but no, they were supposedly close. And yet they still didn't believe anything Miranda said - though she also didn't ever really say the worst things he did, just that he was being weird.
Everyone just sucked. Except Troy and maybe Don (though he also didn't really believe Miranda). The entire book felt bleak and hopeless, and the ending felt rushed and unfinished.
The main character, Miranda, was just so stupid. Her behaviour made no sense. She just let everyone walk all over her instead of telling them the actually really awful things that Brendan did. She let him and her sister move into her flat despite obviously knowing that would be a bad idea. She let her sister date this man that she knew was creepy and potentially dangerous. And why? Just to not upset anyone?!
All the other characters were just as annoying, though. They believed this virtual stranger over their own daughter/sister... because he was charming. Maybe if the family had been really distant and they didn't have a lot of contact for a while or something, but no, they were supposedly close. And yet they still didn't believe anything Miranda said - though she also didn't ever really say the worst things he did, just that he was being weird.
Everyone just sucked. Except Troy and maybe Don (though he also didn't really believe Miranda). The entire book felt bleak and hopeless, and the ending felt rushed and unfinished.
caterinaanna's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
anoukjansen's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
amy_schapdryver's review against another edition
4.0
Ik weet nog dat ik the chillings kreeg van dit verhaal. Ik vond het zo vreemd.
paperkindle's review against another edition
2.0
So. The first 100 pages or so were good. But then it got a bit slow. It also came to an abrupt ending. I LOATHED Brendan. I also don't understand how everyone was so blind around him, that nobody saw what he did to Miranda in front of their noses. Are u for real? Nicci French are absolutely not bad writers but this book was not as thrilling as their books usually are. Especially with the Frieda Klein series. It's one of my favorite series! Too bad it didn't empress me.
buymorebooks's review against another edition
4.0
Maybe I'm just in the mood for creepy books, but this was wonderful! New boyfriend worms his way into main character's life with deadly results.
dixiesparkles's review against another edition
2.0
I'm normally a big fan of Nicci French and they're actually authors I'd recommend to friends. However, I was so disappointed in Secret Smile.
Miranda is invited to meet her sister’s new boyfriend, and is surprised to find it’s Brendan, the man she’s just recently dumped after catching him reading her dairy. However Brendan is spinning a different story to her parents, suggesting that he was the one to end things with Miranda, and she’s struggling with this, making anything she says appear jealous and bitter.
Miranda as a lead character is incredibly infuriating because she makes senseless choices and reacts in ways I just cannot relate to. Instead of using basic logic, she seems to do the exact opposite and digs herself deeper.
I didn’t find any of the characters likeable as their reactions and behaviours didn’t really ring true for me.
I did enjoyed the short chapters, which made it quite pacy and I read it quickly, but sadly the plot could have been better developed and the characters needed more depth and common sense. Sadly not a Nicci French I’d recommend.
Miranda is invited to meet her sister’s new boyfriend, and is surprised to find it’s Brendan, the man she’s just recently dumped after catching him reading her dairy. However Brendan is spinning a different story to her parents, suggesting that he was the one to end things with Miranda, and she’s struggling with this, making anything she says appear jealous and bitter.
Miranda as a lead character is incredibly infuriating because she makes senseless choices and reacts in ways I just cannot relate to. Instead of using basic logic, she seems to do the exact opposite and digs herself deeper.
I didn’t find any of the characters likeable as their reactions and behaviours didn’t really ring true for me.
I did enjoyed the short chapters, which made it quite pacy and I read it quickly, but sadly the plot could have been better developed and the characters needed more depth and common sense. Sadly not a Nicci French I’d recommend.
keiran's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
shelflife's review against another edition
5.0
My idea of a horror story are on the psychological level. This is an edge of your seat, smartly written novel of one being tormented by a past lover. Good summer reading!
mariakm's review against another edition
4.0
yes, this was good and scary, a bit similar to the other NF books Ive read though, maybe Ive read too many too close togehter. I enjoyed this one though if thats the right word, and found it unsettling. Didnt love the end though.