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Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner
4.0
4.5/5 stars .
After reading the author’s Mrs. Everything last summer, I was excited to read Jennifer Weiner’s latest book “Big Summer” - I was not disappointed.
Daphne Berg knew at a young age she was bigger than most of the kids her age. She never thought too much about it until one summer when she is introduced to the world of dieting by her paternal Grandmother. Her teenage and college years were full of issues with body image, feeling self-conscious and trying to fit in. When a high school friend, Drue, invites her out during Spring break in her college freshman year, Daphne is determined to dress for a fun night out and not think about her weight. What she doesn’t know is that Drue has set her up for a humiliating experience in a club which is filmed and posted on Youtube. Not wanting to let this moment define her, Daphne embraces this moment, ends her friendship with Drue and begins her career as a plus-size Instagram influencer.
Years later, Daphne is extremely surprised when Drue begs her to be in her wedding party. She claims she has no one else to ask, and wants to mend their relationship. Daphne reluctantly agrees and attends the elaborate, very expensive wedding weekend at Cape Cod.
Weiner excels in the development of our protagonist - a sensitive, young woman trying to develop confidence and positive self-esteem. The success of her social media account, whose readers not only accept her but admire her, has her feeling on top of the world. But it is the experience of the wedding weekend which provides Daphne with the insight and reflection she had been lacking.
The book is engaging, well-written and thought-provoking. I highly recommend this book to those who love contemporary fiction.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
After reading the author’s Mrs. Everything last summer, I was excited to read Jennifer Weiner’s latest book “Big Summer” - I was not disappointed.
Daphne Berg knew at a young age she was bigger than most of the kids her age. She never thought too much about it until one summer when she is introduced to the world of dieting by her paternal Grandmother. Her teenage and college years were full of issues with body image, feeling self-conscious and trying to fit in. When a high school friend, Drue, invites her out during Spring break in her college freshman year, Daphne is determined to dress for a fun night out and not think about her weight. What she doesn’t know is that Drue has set her up for a humiliating experience in a club which is filmed and posted on Youtube. Not wanting to let this moment define her, Daphne embraces this moment, ends her friendship with Drue and begins her career as a plus-size Instagram influencer.
Years later, Daphne is extremely surprised when Drue begs her to be in her wedding party. She claims she has no one else to ask, and wants to mend their relationship. Daphne reluctantly agrees and attends the elaborate, very expensive wedding weekend at Cape Cod.
Weiner excels in the development of our protagonist - a sensitive, young woman trying to develop confidence and positive self-esteem. The success of her social media account, whose readers not only accept her but admire her, has her feeling on top of the world. But it is the experience of the wedding weekend which provides Daphne with the insight and reflection she had been lacking.
The book is engaging, well-written and thought-provoking. I highly recommend this book to those who love contemporary fiction.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler
3.0
Reminiscent of “A Man called One”, Redhead by the Side of the Road centres around Micah, a man with a carefully scripted schedule which guides him through life. Micah’s life is turned upside down when a lady friend faces eviction and a stranger connected to his past shows up at his door. These recent events cause stress to Micah’s world, but in turn, provide him with perspective and insight into his forecasted future.
My favourite part of the book were the humorous interactions that Micah has with the customers he meets in his technology support business. These are issues that many of us have either directly experienced, or experienced while helping others, while managing the sometimes frustrating world of computers.
Despite the fact that the length of book was short at 192 pages, I felt the book to be very slow moving - I kept waiting for something of importance to happen. I simply did not feel a real connection with this book which I put down to a mismatch of book to reader. I listened to the audiobook version of the book and enjoyed the performance of the narrator MacLeod Andrews.
My favourite part of the book were the humorous interactions that Micah has with the customers he meets in his technology support business. These are issues that many of us have either directly experienced, or experienced while helping others, while managing the sometimes frustrating world of computers.
Despite the fact that the length of book was short at 192 pages, I felt the book to be very slow moving - I kept waiting for something of importance to happen. I simply did not feel a real connection with this book which I put down to a mismatch of book to reader. I listened to the audiobook version of the book and enjoyed the performance of the narrator MacLeod Andrews.
Family For Beginners by Sarah Morgan
4.0
Sarah Morgan is one of my favourite authors. She excels in her stories of relationships, romance and family. Family for Beginners checks all the boxes and more.
Flora Donovan has suffered hardship in her life. Orphaned at a young age, she went to live with an aunt who conveyed that Flora was a burden to her. While her work as a florist and her circle of friends provide her a happy life, she feels that what she is missing more than anything is a family.
When Jack Parker walks into her florist shop one day looking for flowers for his daughter Izzy’s seventeenth birthday, Flora learns that Jack has lost his wife in the past year. The conversation is easy and Flora and Jack soon begin dating. Flora has insight into what Jack’s two daughters are feeling with the loss of their mother. Emma Parker, Jack’s youngest, is immediately taken by Flora. Izzy, however, feels that Jack should not be dating yet and feels he is betraying their mother.
The story is sweet and speaks about the challenges of dealing with grief, keeping secrets to protect the ones we love, and moving forward. The story unfolds from a trio of perspectives - Flora, Izzy and Clare, who is a childhood friend of Jack’s late wife. The characters are well developed and likeable and the story kept me engaged throughout. I was pleasantly surprised that Flora and Jack’s relationship develops and moves very quickly, and in more of a linear trajectory, then what I would expect from a romance novel.
I enjoyed this book very much and will recommend it to those that enjoy romance and fiction novels about family relationships. I listened to the audiobook version of the book via my local library and appreciated the narration by Katherine Fenton.
Flora Donovan has suffered hardship in her life. Orphaned at a young age, she went to live with an aunt who conveyed that Flora was a burden to her. While her work as a florist and her circle of friends provide her a happy life, she feels that what she is missing more than anything is a family.
When Jack Parker walks into her florist shop one day looking for flowers for his daughter Izzy’s seventeenth birthday, Flora learns that Jack has lost his wife in the past year. The conversation is easy and Flora and Jack soon begin dating. Flora has insight into what Jack’s two daughters are feeling with the loss of their mother. Emma Parker, Jack’s youngest, is immediately taken by Flora. Izzy, however, feels that Jack should not be dating yet and feels he is betraying their mother.
The story is sweet and speaks about the challenges of dealing with grief, keeping secrets to protect the ones we love, and moving forward. The story unfolds from a trio of perspectives - Flora, Izzy and Clare, who is a childhood friend of Jack’s late wife. The characters are well developed and likeable and the story kept me engaged throughout. I was pleasantly surprised that Flora and Jack’s relationship develops and moves very quickly, and in more of a linear trajectory, then what I would expect from a romance novel.
I enjoyed this book very much and will recommend it to those that enjoy romance and fiction novels about family relationships. I listened to the audiobook version of the book via my local library and appreciated the narration by Katherine Fenton.
A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones
4.0
A Bad Day for Sunshine is a mystery novel with a lot of quick wit and brass. I love a story with strong female characters and Sunshine Vicram certainly fits this bill. It is the first book in the author’s Sunshine Vicram series.
The story begins with Sunshine and her daughter Aurora arriving back in her hometime of Del Sol, New Mexico to take on her elected role as Sheriff. The fact is, she didn’t even know she was on the ballot. On her first day in her new role, Sunshine learns that a local girl has been kidnapped and is missing - a situation she knows all too well and the reason she had left Del Sol to begin with. With her team of quirky officers, Sunshine sets out to find the girl and her abductor. Of course if the good looking US Marshall in town or her flame from the past Levi can offer assistance, who is she to say no?
This was a quick read, and full of intrigue and humour. The characters were likeable, and for the most part believable. I was entertained throughout the book and couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. Having listened to the audiobook version, I was amazed at how fast the narrator, Lorelei King, could switch back and forth between characters - both male and female, young and old. Her performance was both convincing and with cadence.
I thoroughly enjoyed this initial book in the series, and look forward to reading the next instalment.
The story begins with Sunshine and her daughter Aurora arriving back in her hometime of Del Sol, New Mexico to take on her elected role as Sheriff. The fact is, she didn’t even know she was on the ballot. On her first day in her new role, Sunshine learns that a local girl has been kidnapped and is missing - a situation she knows all too well and the reason she had left Del Sol to begin with. With her team of quirky officers, Sunshine sets out to find the girl and her abductor. Of course if the good looking US Marshall in town or her flame from the past Levi can offer assistance, who is she to say no?
This was a quick read, and full of intrigue and humour. The characters were likeable, and for the most part believable. I was entertained throughout the book and couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. Having listened to the audiobook version, I was amazed at how fast the narrator, Lorelei King, could switch back and forth between characters - both male and female, young and old. Her performance was both convincing and with cadence.
I thoroughly enjoyed this initial book in the series, and look forward to reading the next instalment.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
4.0
In the Vanishing Half, twin girls are born in a small southern black community where fair skin is admired, and dark skin is shunned. The girls, Desiree and Stella, are as close as twins can be. That is, until they leave home at the age of 16 to find their own way. Initially, they each find work and live together. Then one day, Desiree comes home to a note from Stella which tells her she has left town.
It is now ten years later. Desiree is married and has a daughter Jude. Desiree’s husband begins assaulting Desiree, so she leaves with her daughter and returns to her mother and her hometown. Her daughter, Jude, has the dark skin inherited from her father and feels the wrath of those who feel she does not belong there.
In the meantime, Stella is wrapped in a world of white privilege and secrets. Her world falsely assumes she is white - and she is not about to correct this. She marries and also has a daughter, Kennedy. Kennedy has the blonde hair of her father and striking violet eyes. One day, their worlds change when Kennedy and Jude meet.
This is an extremely powerful and emotional book. It clearly identifies white privilege and the prejudice of skin colour. It speaks to how our personal experiences, and the choices we make based on these experiences, contribute to the way we identify ourselves. I appreciated the discussion of sexual identity, as well as a woman’s role in society, especially given the historical context. I also applaud the strength of these women, given their unique circumstances.
This is a well-written piece of historical fiction written with compassion that engrosses the reader. It is thought-provoking and dynamic. I listened to the audiobook version of the book and applaud Shayna Small as the narrator for her performance. She brings the southern and ethnic accent so deserving this book.
I would recommend this book to those that love historical fiction or literary fiction.
4.5/5 stars.
It is now ten years later. Desiree is married and has a daughter Jude. Desiree’s husband begins assaulting Desiree, so she leaves with her daughter and returns to her mother and her hometown. Her daughter, Jude, has the dark skin inherited from her father and feels the wrath of those who feel she does not belong there.
In the meantime, Stella is wrapped in a world of white privilege and secrets. Her world falsely assumes she is white - and she is not about to correct this. She marries and also has a daughter, Kennedy. Kennedy has the blonde hair of her father and striking violet eyes. One day, their worlds change when Kennedy and Jude meet.
This is an extremely powerful and emotional book. It clearly identifies white privilege and the prejudice of skin colour. It speaks to how our personal experiences, and the choices we make based on these experiences, contribute to the way we identify ourselves. I appreciated the discussion of sexual identity, as well as a woman’s role in society, especially given the historical context. I also applaud the strength of these women, given their unique circumstances.
This is a well-written piece of historical fiction written with compassion that engrosses the reader. It is thought-provoking and dynamic. I listened to the audiobook version of the book and applaud Shayna Small as the narrator for her performance. She brings the southern and ethnic accent so deserving this book.
I would recommend this book to those that love historical fiction or literary fiction.
4.5/5 stars.
28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand
5.0
28 Summers is one of those books where you just know you’re going to love it. For me, I knew the moment when I read the synopsis. Combine one of my favourite authors with a story-line based on the memorable movie Same Time, Next Year - it was a simply a no-brainer. This book has become my favourite read of 2020.
The story begins in 2020 when Mallory Blessing’s son Link is given instructions to call the phone number in her desk drawer. Link follows her direction, and is surprised to hear Jake McCloud’s voice at the end of the phone. He wonders how his Mom knows this man - after all, Jake’s wife Ursula is running for President of the United States.
The book then retraces the events leading to 2020, beginning in 1993 when Mallory is a young woman. She has just inherited a cottage in Nantucket from an aunt. She is drawn to this part of the world and soon decides to make this her home. When her brother Cooper announces his engagement, he calls Mallory to ask she will host a bachelor party in her new cottage for him and a few friends over the Labor Day weekend. He includes his college buddy, Jake McCloud, who Mallory has never met but has talked to at length over the phone during Cooper’s college days. Eager to show off her new cottage and town, Mallory agrees. After a turn of events, Jake and Mallory are left alone for much of the remainder of the weekend, which turns out to be the perfect weekend. And so begins the tradition of Jake and Mallory getting together each Labor Day weekend, no matter what, to rekindle their romance. They eat the same food, watch Same Time, Next Year and spend a weekend of romance. That is, until Mallory learns she is dying.
Have I said how much I love this book? It has everything I love in a book. Romance ✔️. Strong women. ✔️ An engaging story with likeable characters ✔️. There was tragedy in this book on many levels and my emotions were all over the map. I laughed, I cried, I was nervous for what was to come. I appreciated that the storyline included a discussion reminiscent of a fairly recent political event (way to go Elin)! What more can I say without giving the whole story away. Do yourself a favour and read this book!
I recommend this book for anyone who loves general fiction, women’s fiction and romance. This would be an excellent book for discussion at book club. I listened to the Audiobook version and Erin Bennett’s narration of the book is second to none. An absolutely fabulous performance.
The story begins in 2020 when Mallory Blessing’s son Link is given instructions to call the phone number in her desk drawer. Link follows her direction, and is surprised to hear Jake McCloud’s voice at the end of the phone. He wonders how his Mom knows this man - after all, Jake’s wife Ursula is running for President of the United States.
The book then retraces the events leading to 2020, beginning in 1993 when Mallory is a young woman. She has just inherited a cottage in Nantucket from an aunt. She is drawn to this part of the world and soon decides to make this her home. When her brother Cooper announces his engagement, he calls Mallory to ask she will host a bachelor party in her new cottage for him and a few friends over the Labor Day weekend. He includes his college buddy, Jake McCloud, who Mallory has never met but has talked to at length over the phone during Cooper’s college days. Eager to show off her new cottage and town, Mallory agrees. After a turn of events, Jake and Mallory are left alone for much of the remainder of the weekend, which turns out to be the perfect weekend. And so begins the tradition of Jake and Mallory getting together each Labor Day weekend, no matter what, to rekindle their romance. They eat the same food, watch Same Time, Next Year and spend a weekend of romance. That is, until Mallory learns she is dying.
Have I said how much I love this book? It has everything I love in a book. Romance ✔️. Strong women. ✔️ An engaging story with likeable characters ✔️. There was tragedy in this book on many levels and my emotions were all over the map. I laughed, I cried, I was nervous for what was to come. I appreciated that the storyline included a discussion reminiscent of a fairly recent political event (way to go Elin)! What more can I say without giving the whole story away. Do yourself a favour and read this book!
I recommend this book for anyone who loves general fiction, women’s fiction and romance. This would be an excellent book for discussion at book club. I listened to the Audiobook version and Erin Bennett’s narration of the book is second to none. An absolutely fabulous performance.
Girls of Summer by Nancy Thayer
4.0
My rating 3.5/5 stars (rounded up to 4 stars).
Nancy Thayer is another author who writes about life in Nantucket and has become a favourite of mine. In her latest book, Girls of Summer, she tells the story of three women. Lisa is a divorced woman and single mother who has been without a man in her life since her husband left her many years ago. After Lisa experiences a structural issue in her heritage home, she hires Mack as the contractor needed to renovate her home. Mack is a widower who also has been alone for many years. The attraction felt between the two is instant.
Lisa is surprised when her two children arrive home for the summer. Theo has returned from the west coast in order to heal from a surfing injury. Juliet has returned from Cambridge following a recent break up. Mack’s daughter Beth is also home after completing college. Beth and Theo have had a long-standing mutual attraction.
Will the six characters in this book find what they’re looking for in Nantucket?
I enjoyed this book, however it is not my favourite from this author. It just felt a little too predictable for me and unrealistic at times. For example, after a storm hits Nantucket and one character nearly dies by drowning. Shortly thereafter, she joins the other five in walking over to a local restaurant for dinner. Perhaps staying home to rest or being taken to a doctor for a once over might have been more in line with what I would expect. Having said that, the story is sweet and a feel good type of book. The characters were all likeable and the story flowed.
I used an Audible credit for this audiobook. Kate Rudd gives a good performance providing the narration.
Nancy Thayer is another author who writes about life in Nantucket and has become a favourite of mine. In her latest book, Girls of Summer, she tells the story of three women. Lisa is a divorced woman and single mother who has been without a man in her life since her husband left her many years ago. After Lisa experiences a structural issue in her heritage home, she hires Mack as the contractor needed to renovate her home. Mack is a widower who also has been alone for many years. The attraction felt between the two is instant.
Lisa is surprised when her two children arrive home for the summer. Theo has returned from the west coast in order to heal from a surfing injury. Juliet has returned from Cambridge following a recent break up. Mack’s daughter Beth is also home after completing college. Beth and Theo have had a long-standing mutual attraction.
Will the six characters in this book find what they’re looking for in Nantucket?
I enjoyed this book, however it is not my favourite from this author. It just felt a little too predictable for me and unrealistic at times. For example, after a storm hits Nantucket and one character nearly dies by drowning. Shortly thereafter, she joins the other five in walking over to a local restaurant for dinner. Perhaps staying home to rest or being taken to a doctor for a once over might have been more in line with what I would expect. Having said that, the story is sweet and a feel good type of book. The characters were all likeable and the story flowed.
I used an Audible credit for this audiobook. Kate Rudd gives a good performance providing the narration.
Two Truths and a Lie: A Novel by Courtney Patterson, Meg Mitchell Moore
4.0
4.5 stars (rounded down).
Last summer I enjoyed the author’s book “The Islanders” and anticipated what this summer might bring. Her new book “Two Truths and a Lie” does not disappoint.
The book is set in the beach town of Newburyport, Massachusetts at the beginning of summer and is told from multiple points of view. Sherri Griffin and her 11 year old daughter Katie have recently moved to town, having left Ohio after a “bad divorce”. Over the past few months, their lives have changed dramatically. She is happy to meet Rebecca Coleman and her two daughters Alexa 17 and Morgan 11. Rebecca was the informal leader of the “Mom Squad” - a group of the town’s women who have daughters of similar age. But since the passing of her husband eighteen months ago, she prefers to be less engaged to this superficial group. These two women create a bond - each is a single mother trying to make it on their own in a town where everyone is closely examined and gossiped about.
At the beginning of the book, we learn of a tragic accident involving a white Acura. We do not know who is involved, or the circumstances. There is more than one white Acura in town and I must say I failed at guessing what would eventually be disclosed. There is indeed a lot of secrets surrounding the people of Newburyport, and the author does a great job of revealing these secrets one at a time.
I really enjoyed this book. It keep me engaged and wanting to know more. The characters are interesting and, for the most part, likeable. There is one moment in the book reminiscent of Julia Robert’s “big mistake” scene in Pretty Woman which had thinking “you go girl!” This book is part mystery, part beach read and checks off many of the boxes I look for in a book. The book feels, however, that there is much left to say. Is it too much to hope that the author thinks so as well?
I listened to the audiobook edition of the book which was performed by one of my favourite narrators, Courtney Patterson. I appreciate the quality and versatility of her voice in enhancing this wonderful read.
Last summer I enjoyed the author’s book “The Islanders” and anticipated what this summer might bring. Her new book “Two Truths and a Lie” does not disappoint.
The book is set in the beach town of Newburyport, Massachusetts at the beginning of summer and is told from multiple points of view. Sherri Griffin and her 11 year old daughter Katie have recently moved to town, having left Ohio after a “bad divorce”. Over the past few months, their lives have changed dramatically. She is happy to meet Rebecca Coleman and her two daughters Alexa 17 and Morgan 11. Rebecca was the informal leader of the “Mom Squad” - a group of the town’s women who have daughters of similar age. But since the passing of her husband eighteen months ago, she prefers to be less engaged to this superficial group. These two women create a bond - each is a single mother trying to make it on their own in a town where everyone is closely examined and gossiped about.
At the beginning of the book, we learn of a tragic accident involving a white Acura. We do not know who is involved, or the circumstances. There is more than one white Acura in town and I must say I failed at guessing what would eventually be disclosed. There is indeed a lot of secrets surrounding the people of Newburyport, and the author does a great job of revealing these secrets one at a time.
I really enjoyed this book. It keep me engaged and wanting to know more. The characters are interesting and, for the most part, likeable. There is one moment in the book reminiscent of Julia Robert’s “big mistake” scene in Pretty Woman which had thinking “you go girl!” This book is part mystery, part beach read and checks off many of the boxes I look for in a book. The book feels, however, that there is much left to say. Is it too much to hope that the author thinks so as well?
I listened to the audiobook edition of the book which was performed by one of my favourite narrators, Courtney Patterson. I appreciate the quality and versatility of her voice in enhancing this wonderful read.
The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth
4.0
This book has been on my TBR list for quite some time and I took the opportunity between library holds to listen to the audiobook version of this book. It captivated me.
The book is told from a dual time line and the narrative of three women. Diana is the matriarch of the family. She can present as being cold and uncaring, but as her daughter-in-law Lucy learns, there is more to Diana then her tough outer shell. Lucy is married to Diana’s son Oliver. Together they are trying to raise a family and start a new business. Oliver’s sister Nettie is married to Patrick and this couple is desperate to start a family of their own. As is the case in many families, the two younger couples have both gone to their parents to borrow money on occasion. Diana never agrees to do so, but her husband Tom has always secretly passed the money requested without Diana knowing. After all, they have more than enough money to give away. But when Tom passes away quickly, the siblings know that money will be harder than ever to get from their mother.
Then, Diana is found dead. She had recently told the family she had late-stage breast cancer and a suicide note is found nearby. The police initially tell the family that it looks like suicide, but an autopsy is needed to confirm this. When the autopsy shows no evidence of cancer, the whole notion of it being a suicide is questioned. What transpires is a slow reveal of the events leading up to Diana’s death.
I really enjoyed this book which, in my opinion, is part mystery and part women’s fiction. The relationships between the women significantly contribute to the development of the characters. The book is engaging, and kept me wanting to read more. I listened to the audiobook edition of the book and highly enjoyed the narration by Barrie Kreinik who speaks in the Australian accent of the author. She has a clear and articulate tone to her voice and the versatility to capture the two generations of women.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
The book is told from a dual time line and the narrative of three women. Diana is the matriarch of the family. She can present as being cold and uncaring, but as her daughter-in-law Lucy learns, there is more to Diana then her tough outer shell. Lucy is married to Diana’s son Oliver. Together they are trying to raise a family and start a new business. Oliver’s sister Nettie is married to Patrick and this couple is desperate to start a family of their own. As is the case in many families, the two younger couples have both gone to their parents to borrow money on occasion. Diana never agrees to do so, but her husband Tom has always secretly passed the money requested without Diana knowing. After all, they have more than enough money to give away. But when Tom passes away quickly, the siblings know that money will be harder than ever to get from their mother.
Then, Diana is found dead. She had recently told the family she had late-stage breast cancer and a suicide note is found nearby. The police initially tell the family that it looks like suicide, but an autopsy is needed to confirm this. When the autopsy shows no evidence of cancer, the whole notion of it being a suicide is questioned. What transpires is a slow reveal of the events leading up to Diana’s death.
I really enjoyed this book which, in my opinion, is part mystery and part women’s fiction. The relationships between the women significantly contribute to the development of the characters. The book is engaging, and kept me wanting to read more. I listened to the audiobook edition of the book and highly enjoyed the narration by Barrie Kreinik who speaks in the Australian accent of the author. She has a clear and articulate tone to her voice and the versatility to capture the two generations of women.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
His & Hers by Alice Feeney
5.0
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
If you’re looking for a Thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this book is for you. As the title implies, it is told from two points of view - His being Detective Chief Inspector Jack Harper, and Hers being his ex-wife Anna Andrews a TV journalist. The story is also told from a Then and Now time frames.
Jack and Anna are each investigating the murder of a woman in a muddy, forested location in Blackdown - a town in which both grew up in. The town is a quiet one and one not familiar with murder cases. The woman murdered is known to both Jack and Anna. Anna was befriended by Rachel in school, while Jack has very recently had a sexual relationship with her - a piece of information he isn’t about to disclose to anyone. As the investigation progresses, both Anna and Jack begin to experience unusual events in their day to day lives. Anna sees things appearing in her bedroom that weren’t there when she went to sleep. Jack notices mud on his boots in his car which had been clean. In flashes from the past, Anna’s life as a teenager in a new school is slowly revealed. The result is a twisty, tale of horror which has the reader unable to decipher what, if anything, is the truth.
This book is absolutely engaging and I could not put it down. As with many thrillers, the plot kept me guessing whodunnit, but as each chapter unfolded the list of suspects only increased. The book flowed well, and the climax and conclusion were satisfying. I did, however, find the addition of animal cruelty in the book to be unnecessary, and unpleasant.
I listened to the audiobook edition of the book, and the narrators, Richard Armitage and Stephanie Racine give stellar performances. In my opinion, the voices of the narrators added a personal element to this story and made the characters more relatable. Their speech was articulate and pleasant to listen to. The addition of the voice modulator increased the creepy factor ten-fold and was an excellent addition to this book.
I highly recommend this audiobook for those readers who love a great thriller.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan audio for the ALC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.
If you’re looking for a Thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this book is for you. As the title implies, it is told from two points of view - His being Detective Chief Inspector Jack Harper, and Hers being his ex-wife Anna Andrews a TV journalist. The story is also told from a Then and Now time frames.
Jack and Anna are each investigating the murder of a woman in a muddy, forested location in Blackdown - a town in which both grew up in. The town is a quiet one and one not familiar with murder cases. The woman murdered is known to both Jack and Anna. Anna was befriended by Rachel in school, while Jack has very recently had a sexual relationship with her - a piece of information he isn’t about to disclose to anyone. As the investigation progresses, both Anna and Jack begin to experience unusual events in their day to day lives. Anna sees things appearing in her bedroom that weren’t there when she went to sleep. Jack notices mud on his boots in his car which had been clean. In flashes from the past, Anna’s life as a teenager in a new school is slowly revealed. The result is a twisty, tale of horror which has the reader unable to decipher what, if anything, is the truth.
This book is absolutely engaging and I could not put it down. As with many thrillers, the plot kept me guessing whodunnit, but as each chapter unfolded the list of suspects only increased. The book flowed well, and the climax and conclusion were satisfying. I did, however, find the addition of animal cruelty in the book to be unnecessary, and unpleasant.
I listened to the audiobook edition of the book, and the narrators, Richard Armitage and Stephanie Racine give stellar performances. In my opinion, the voices of the narrators added a personal element to this story and made the characters more relatable. Their speech was articulate and pleasant to listen to. The addition of the voice modulator increased the creepy factor ten-fold and was an excellent addition to this book.
I highly recommend this audiobook for those readers who love a great thriller.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan audio for the ALC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.