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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
This book packs a lot of questions and red herrings into the first three quarters of the story- making it fun to guess what exactly is going on, and what's motivating the myriad of characters that we meet.
But as much of the story feels like deception for deception's sake- which can be a delicious treat, when the truths of the story start getting unraveled I felt like there was a vague sense of a disconnect, like the boy who cried wolf, by the time I could see who the wolf was, it almost felt as though I couldn't believe it.
I did find it interesting that the book explores how the narratives we write for ourselves are often vastly different than the narratives people are making up about us- the way a sister sees you, versus a father, or a lover, and of course how we see ourselves. There isn't a deep dive into how trauma effects those narratives, but enough to be a realistic motivator for the central characters.
Overall I'd recommend this book for readers who enjoy crazy guessing games and unreliable characters. I read it while on vacation and it was fun world to dip into whenever I had some downtime.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read an early copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
But as much of the story feels like deception for deception's sake- which can be a delicious treat, when the truths of the story start getting unraveled I felt like there was a vague sense of a disconnect, like the boy who cried wolf, by the time I could see who the wolf was, it almost felt as though I couldn't believe it.
I did find it interesting that the book explores how the narratives we write for ourselves are often vastly different than the narratives people are making up about us- the way a sister sees you, versus a father, or a lover, and of course how we see ourselves. There isn't a deep dive into how trauma effects those narratives, but enough to be a realistic motivator for the central characters.
Overall I'd recommend this book for readers who enjoy crazy guessing games and unreliable characters. I read it while on vacation and it was fun world to dip into whenever I had some downtime.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read an early copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I liked the storyline, and I always like timelines jumping around, so that was okay, but there was something about this book that didn't grab me until way late in the game. Maybe it was the characters; I didn't really care about any of them. Even Laura's tragic backstory was so hazy that it was unclear if you should like her or not -- heroine or villainess? It all wrapped up okay, but it was a stretch to give it 4 stars.
I found this a bit boring. I don’t know why, or why I didn’t really care for it. The writing was good; the book just wasn’t for me. If other reviews make it sound intriguing to you, try it- if not, it’s okay too,
I have stepped up the pace in my latest thriller about a date gone wrong and a desperate search to find out what happened. By using a spit time frame, we get to follow Laura hour by hour on her date with a stranger from the Internet the night before - knowing that she won't make it home. We also get to watch her sister, Rosie, as she follows the clues the next morning to find out why Laura never made it home, and where she might be. Of course, there is lot of back story and psychology to sink your teeth into - this time involving attachment issues and family secrets. Ever wonder why some women always choose the wrong men? And some men can't stay away from women who will hurt them? I hope you find it as delicious to read as it was to write! It comes out May 14, but you can pre-order now :)
Actually a 3.5 for me. Nice and twisty and Walker does a great job with the "before and after" timelines. There was something about this I didn't love...maybe the characters?
It really wasn't a book for me. It was slow and a lot of self-absorption. The ending had a twist but it was so slow that the twist didn't do anything for me either.
I enjoyed this author's style of writing quite a bit more than the last few books I've read. You can really feel the intensity of how much the sisters care for each other and it makes you care for them too. Throw in a couple twists and thrills and you've got a pretty good read.
A refreshing thriller fiction in between non-fiction marathon that I've been reading. This book doesn't disappoint in term of keeping you to your toes and catching you off-guard for any knot opening. I finished this book in 3 days and during that time, I literally couldn't put it down or not think about what's gonna happen next. I've learned a lot from the main character, how sometimes, the reasons you do what you're doing now goes down to something that is deep down in your heart that hasn't been addressed properly. The only thing that didn't add up to the success of this book is that, some of the details are made up as unimportant in the beginning turned out to be extremely crucial. The build up from that unimportant phase to the crucial phase wasn't there, that's why it felt a bit abrupt to me, which not entirely sure was what the author's intention or not. Still, this book is a very good reading of this month. 4*/5*
Esperaba mucho más de este libro. Emma in the Night me gustó mucho por lo que esperaba con ansias leer otro libro de la misma escritora. Inevitablemente he estado comparando este libro con ese, aquí la historia es mucho más lenta, la autora incluyó elementos de psicología (detalle que siempre disfruto) pero no suficiente como para engancharme.
Pienso leer el siguiente libro de la autora porque aún me sigue gustando su estilo
Pienso leer el siguiente libro de la autora porque aún me sigue gustando su estilo
"Twelve hours earlier, she was.....hopeful. Excited. Safe. Now she's gone."
This information is all you need to tantalise you into a story that in my opinion rocketed along with twists and turns, creating a remarkable and entertaining thriller I couldn't put down.
"The Night Before" by Wendy Walker is a perfect example of a psychological thriller at it's best. Multiple points of view, family drama, tension, paranoia, distrust, deception and a life and death conclusion. Brilliant! I loved it!
Although the storyline is far fetched and the events rather impossible - typical of the psychological genre - it was a roller coaster ride that I enjoyed from the first page. I was keen to discover what happened 'back in the woods' and actively following the details through Laura's narrative as events unfolded 'the night before' were compelling and intriguing. The constant red herrings and twists and turns often caught me out as my train of thought was sent completely down the wrong track. I liked all the characters especially Laura's sister Rosie and because there are only a few main characters to the story you feel connected to them all. A gripping denouement that was tense and exciting, rounded off a satisfying end.
I haven't heard of this author before but understand she's written other successful books previously, which I am now going to seek out and read. I'd happily recommend "The Night Before" and look forward to more by Wendy Walker in the future.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
This information is all you need to tantalise you into a story that in my opinion rocketed along with twists and turns, creating a remarkable and entertaining thriller I couldn't put down.
"The Night Before" by Wendy Walker is a perfect example of a psychological thriller at it's best. Multiple points of view, family drama, tension, paranoia, distrust, deception and a life and death conclusion. Brilliant! I loved it!
Although the storyline is far fetched and the events rather impossible - typical of the psychological genre - it was a roller coaster ride that I enjoyed from the first page. I was keen to discover what happened 'back in the woods' and actively following the details through Laura's narrative as events unfolded 'the night before' were compelling and intriguing. The constant red herrings and twists and turns often caught me out as my train of thought was sent completely down the wrong track. I liked all the characters especially Laura's sister Rosie and because there are only a few main characters to the story you feel connected to them all. A gripping denouement that was tense and exciting, rounded off a satisfying end.
I haven't heard of this author before but understand she's written other successful books previously, which I am now going to seek out and read. I'd happily recommend "The Night Before" and look forward to more by Wendy Walker in the future.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.