Reviews

Before She Knew Him by Peter Swanson

secrinkles's review against another edition

3.0

I really enjoyed this book! I am rating it a 3.5. It was definitely a thriller! It reminded me a little bit of The Silent Patient. The last 4th of the book I couldn’t put the books down; however it took 3/4’s of the book to were sometimes a little slow, which is why I gave it a 3.

tawnsolo's review against another edition

5.0

4.5 stars! I loved this book, but I would have preferred to have more detail and information on why Hen suspected the girl of murdering Dustin, and why she attacked her... and why she even cared since he tried to rape her?

chantalsbookstuff's review against another edition

4.0

Peter sure knows how to write a stellar book with a twist that knocks your socks off. I think the middle of this book could have sped up a bit, but that ending pulled it through for me.

lplante07's review against another edition

3.0

I liked how the story had a lot of action and I did not see the plot twist coming. However I just felt like something was missing.
Also I do not understand if the wife knew about her husband’s split personality, since she said she did not want the brother in the house. That confused me a little.

chrelaine's review against another edition

5.0

I have become jaded reading suspense fiction. Most twists you see coming from a mile away. This book actually surprised me. One of the better books I have read in quite awhile.

novelesque_life's review against another edition

4.0

RATING: 4 STARS
2019; William Morrow/HarperCollins Canada

Yay, I liked Before She Knew Him! I read this one on audio and am so glad I did. I loved the narration of this story,

Spoiler

and liked that they had someone else to do Richard's voice for the crucial areas.

This novel opens up with a couple going over to their neighbour's home for dinner. What started out as good intentions and being nice neighbours turns into a twisted game of cat and mouse...only who is hunting who? Not only is the suspense ramped up in this one, the psychological elements were so well done. Swanson does a great job in keeping the reader engaged even when the mystery aspects are uncovered, and the novel is still not finished.

I could empathize with Hen, who has bipolar and a bit obsessed with an unsolved crime, but it was hard sometimes to like her. I found myself doubting her sanity and annoyed with her fixation on Matthew and the unsolved murder. While some of the storylines seemed a bit out there, I was willing to get on the believability train as it was going to be a fun ride. This is going to be a book you either love or hate...and will have tons to say!

***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***

My Novelesque Blog

cydneydaniel's review against another edition

2.0

I really really really did not enjoy this book. I gave 2 stars because I finished it, and I could see so much promise with the plot... but no. No. I’m taking this to my local used book store and selling it, because I don’t want to even see it on my bookshelf.

matchaghost's review against another edition

4.0

Absolutely enjoyed this book! Strange, creepy, lots of twist and kept me wondering whats next. Kept you capivated to keep you reading in suspense.

jtturpin's review against another edition

2.0

2.5 - I think I've read too many of these types of books.

shesometimesreads's review against another edition

dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75