emperorcupcake's review against another edition
Oh no, not again!!
It feels like I'm DNFing everything lately, but I JUST DON'T CARE. Why slog through a book that I dread picking up? Next!
It feels like I'm DNFing everything lately, but I JUST DON'T CARE. Why slog through a book that I dread picking up? Next!
catreader18's review against another edition
5.0
This is an amazing book! The story kept me guessing until the very end. Jess is involved in a ethics study and the leader of the study takes a particular interest in her. The leader asks Jess to get involved in real life situations and it becomes very interesting. The chapters are sometimes told from Jess’s viewpoint and then the leader of the study. I would highly recommend this book!
alexabookish's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars! i could not put this book down. the plot was so intriguing to me, and i haven’t read another book with the same premise. i liked this a lot more than the wife between us. a really intriguing and gripping psychological thriller. my only “problem” with it was that i wish it was a little more shocking. still a gray read and i’d 100% recommend.
readingqueen83's review against another edition
5.0
A very intelligent, mind-bending, psychological suspense thriller!!!
cdb9488's review against another edition
5.0
I love the writing of this book between the two main characters. Very different, yet developed equally sound. I couldn't put this book down!!
jkarki's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
4.0
Listened at 3x speed. I really liked the narration. The story was interesting as well.
greatexpectations77's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was an interesting plot. I did a lot of these studies in college, so it was interesting considering how much info we share with who we consider experts and with therapists. The writing was as usual a little over-explainy, but that helps when the ol' brain is at capacity. Was wondering if the author had sensitivity readers for disability for this one. I really wasn't into the present tense narration.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Bullying, Gaslighting, and Stalking
Moderate: Sexual content, Alcohol, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, Abandonment, and Grief
Minor: Classism and Death
ianrosales08's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A psychological thriller that is filled with obsession, lies, manipulation and prejudices. This is more psychological than a thriller. A story that was told from the perspective of a psychiatrist who likes to dig into the minds of people and study their values, morals, and behaviours especially if the person has some tendencies to become a serial killer.
This is a bit slow compared to other thrillers and makes it less action-packed. I was not leaning towards knowing what would happen since I already had a hunch but my curiosity was piqued towards learning who to trust among the characters.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and I was quite surprised by how cohesive the writing styles of the two authors were. This is a 4 star read for me.
This is a bit slow compared to other thrillers and makes it less action-packed. I was not leaning towards knowing what would happen since I already had a hunch but my curiosity was piqued towards learning who to trust among the characters.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and I was quite surprised by how cohesive the writing styles of the two authors were. This is a 4 star read for me.
bookchew's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
I was completely hooked on the audiobook even though I found the premise to be somewhat ridiculous.
One glaring downside: The authors’ choice to use passive voice for all of Dr. Shields’ narration drove me absolutely nuts. I understand the effect they were going for, but stylistically, I found it so grating and overdone, it took me out of the story. Here’s an example, picked at random:
On impulse, the teddy is purchased. After a lavender-scented bubble bath, a dress is selected that covers the lingerie. Thomas will discover it later tonight. Before the dress can be slipped on, a text alert pings. . . Before a reply is crafted, your folder is retrieved from the desk in the study. Dates are double checked. . . Upstairs, perfume is dabbed behind my ears and Thomas’s favorite high heels are chosen.
It goes on and on like that, for hundred of pages.
Jessica’s narrative, on the other hand, is a little bit more natural and believable.
I liked it enough to want to read their other works. The story is twisty and intriguing, has constant forward momentum, and the audiobook is well-acted.
If you’re looking for a bingeable listen while on a road trip or doing chores, this one will hold your attention.
I was completely hooked on the audiobook even though I found the premise to be somewhat ridiculous.
One glaring downside: The authors’ choice to use passive voice for all of Dr. Shields’ narration drove me absolutely nuts. I understand the effect they were going for, but stylistically, I found it so grating and overdone, it took me out of the story. Here’s an example, picked at random:
On impulse, the teddy is purchased. After a lavender-scented bubble bath, a dress is selected that covers the lingerie. Thomas will discover it later tonight. Before the dress can be slipped on, a text alert pings. . . Before a reply is crafted, your folder is retrieved from the desk in the study. Dates are double checked. . . Upstairs, perfume is dabbed behind my ears and Thomas’s favorite high heels are chosen.
It goes on and on like that, for hundred of pages.
Jessica’s narrative, on the other hand, is a little bit more natural and believable.
I liked it enough to want to read their other works. The story is twisty and intriguing, has constant forward momentum, and the audiobook is well-acted.
If you’re looking for a bingeable listen while on a road trip or doing chores, this one will hold your attention.