WOW! Once again, my mind is shooketh. Alice Feeney delivers another twisty, unpredictable story that kept me guessing from beginning to end. Just when I thought I had a handle on what was happening, the narrative shifted in a way I didn’t see coming. It’s the kind of book that’s best experienced with as little prior knowledge as possible; going in blind really allows the story to unfold in its full, surprising way.
The audiobook, in particular, is amazing!! With three distinct POVs brought to life by three narrators, the listening experience feels immersive and dynamic. The addition of mixed media elements and subtle sound effects elevates it even further, making it one of the most engaging audiobooks I’ve listened to. I can’t recommend that format enough for this story.
I was completely hooked from the start and ended up listening to the first half in a single sitting. It’s incredibly compelling, with a constant sense of intrigue that makes it hard to press pause. I found myself repeatedly questioning what was really going on, and loving that feeling.
That said, a couple of elements held this back from a full five stars for me. There is a fair amount of cursing and vulgar language, and the story includes some sexual content that felt a bit out of place for a mystery/thriller. While nothing is explicitly graphic, the descriptions were enough to pull me out of the story at times and made parts of it less enjoyable and uncomfortable. I would give this two peppers and say it’s rated R for mature content.
Outside of those aspects, this is a strong, engaging read with unexpected layers. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and following each perspective. Set in late October and early November, it has a subtle seasonal backdrop that makes it a great pick for late fall or early winter reading.
Overall, I had a great time with this one and finished it in just a couple of days. It’s gripping, unique, and full of surprises. I enjoyed it far more than Beautiful Ugly, and it’s definitely renewed my interest in continuing to read more from this author. She has been redeemed in my eyes with this book, and I can’t wait to read more of her backlist. Highly recommend!
