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.
navyakrish's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
4.0
I didn't expect the book to engage me as much as it did. The plot is not very original, but it goes to show that if done well, even predictable tropes can be quite engaging. I enjoyed the two person perspectives, but did not like the therapist's tone of voice - it felt forced and artificial. An overall enjoyable, binge-able read.
ambeanie's review against another edition
2.0
I took a long time to post this review because I didn't love it and I always feel bad writing bad reviews. I totally expected to love this book and while many have, I just couldn't connect with the story. I found it a little boring and wasn't super wowed by the ending so sadly, I can't recommend since I haven't read Greer Hendricks or Sarah Pekkanen before and can't say whether this was a fluke for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review.
berryreadbooks's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting story line but really slow and over done