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The Nail Salon
In a world where appearances are everything … you can’t trust anything.
In a pristine suburb outside of London everything and everyone is perfect … on the surface. But then one of their own – an innocent teenage girl – goes missing, and DCI Sue Fisher and her team start to investigate the secrets and lies of an interconnected web of bored housewives, cheating husbands, and disaffected teens.
Now, as the veneer of perfection starts to chip away, dark secrets rise to fell the mighty and a community is brought to its knees…
In a pristine suburb outside of London everything and everyone is perfect … on the surface. But then one of their own – an innocent teenage girl – goes missing, and DCI Sue Fisher and her team start to investigate the secrets and lies of an interconnected web of bored housewives, cheating husbands, and disaffected teens.
Now, as the veneer of perfection starts to chip away, dark secrets rise to fell the mighty and a community is brought to its knees…
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2023
63 people are currently reading
722 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Tambini
2 books43 followersNatalie Tambini has more than thirty years' experience as a national newspaper and magazine journalist. She created and wrote Cosmopolitan's ‘Confessions’ columns, supplements and books, interviewed countless celebrities during nine years at TV Choice and Total TV Guide – infamously missing a slot with Julia Roberts – and helped to pioneer the ‘real-life’ writing style that exploded in magazines during the early nineties. Her work has been syndicated worldwide, and she has acted as ghostwriter for several celebrity columnists on women's magazines.
A committed Buddhist, she strives to find the humanity in the killers who dominate her crime novels, and can't wait to see where her characters take her next. Her fascination with murderers and the need to understand them stems from a childhood passion for Agatha Christie novels while growing up in Norfolk and Hampshire, and the gruesome killing of her neighbour during the eighties. She has also interviewed many victims of crimes as a real-life journalist, and those who endured miscarriages of justice, including an innocent man who spent 20 years on death row. She has also spent time working for animal rights charity PETA.
Natalie lives in Surrey, where her crime novels are largely set. Her eldest son was a patient at Great Ormond St Hospital's neurosurgical unit for many years, and her favourite quote is by the photographer Duncan Raban: ‘Nothing else matters once you've been in there.’
She currently reports for metro.co.uk.
A committed Buddhist, she strives to find the humanity in the killers who dominate her crime novels, and can't wait to see where her characters take her next. Her fascination with murderers and the need to understand them stems from a childhood passion for Agatha Christie novels while growing up in Norfolk and Hampshire, and the gruesome killing of her neighbour during the eighties. She has also interviewed many victims of crimes as a real-life journalist, and those who endured miscarriages of justice, including an innocent man who spent 20 years on death row. She has also spent time working for animal rights charity PETA.
Natalie lives in Surrey, where her crime novels are largely set. Her eldest son was a patient at Great Ormond St Hospital's neurosurgical unit for many years, and her favourite quote is by the photographer Duncan Raban: ‘Nothing else matters once you've been in there.’
She currently reports for metro.co.uk.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
May 30, 2023
3.5 rounded up
If you live in or near Cobshott in leafy, wealthy Surrey then you might just pop into Melinda‘s nail salon. However, take my advice, don’t let her lend a confidential ear, just discuss whether you want a manicure, French manicure, gel nails, or acrylics. Nail art costs extra as does any loose lipped (plumped obviously) gossipy sharing.
DCI Sue Fisher has a secret it’s hard to hide when the weather is hot like right now. She has a Misper on her hands as teenager Anna Littlejohn – Eaves from Kingston, the posh end. This investigation takes Sue and her partner Mike in directions neither could foresee. The story is principally told by Melinda and Sue.
This definitely requires some suspension of disbelief as it’s fair to say there’s a lot going on in this novel, but it’s definitely entertaining and it does make some valid points. There are numerous examples of toxicity in this novel and this is done well as is the desire to control. It is inevitably disturbing in places, it goes into some very dark corners and there is intensity in the storytelling. Here, we have some seemingly perfect lives but none of us know what goes on behind closed doors. Several of the doors also contain those with delusions of grandeur amongst other things. There are plenty of twists and some of those are good ones, however, the big twist I figure out before the big reveal though luckily it doesn’t spoil any enjoyment.
I’m really glad I’ve read this, it does keep you glued to the storyline if you don’t mind a busy plot. It’s more of a mystery/detective novel in a gossiping neighbourhood tale, although that is crucial to the storyline. A shout out for the two police officers who are both extremely likeable although all the characters are well portrayed.
The cover is excellent.
Please note the publisher has listed several triggers.
With thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins, One More Chapter, for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
If you live in or near Cobshott in leafy, wealthy Surrey then you might just pop into Melinda‘s nail salon. However, take my advice, don’t let her lend a confidential ear, just discuss whether you want a manicure, French manicure, gel nails, or acrylics. Nail art costs extra as does any loose lipped (plumped obviously) gossipy sharing.
DCI Sue Fisher has a secret it’s hard to hide when the weather is hot like right now. She has a Misper on her hands as teenager Anna Littlejohn – Eaves from Kingston, the posh end. This investigation takes Sue and her partner Mike in directions neither could foresee. The story is principally told by Melinda and Sue.
This definitely requires some suspension of disbelief as it’s fair to say there’s a lot going on in this novel, but it’s definitely entertaining and it does make some valid points. There are numerous examples of toxicity in this novel and this is done well as is the desire to control. It is inevitably disturbing in places, it goes into some very dark corners and there is intensity in the storytelling. Here, we have some seemingly perfect lives but none of us know what goes on behind closed doors. Several of the doors also contain those with delusions of grandeur amongst other things. There are plenty of twists and some of those are good ones, however, the big twist I figure out before the big reveal though luckily it doesn’t spoil any enjoyment.
I’m really glad I’ve read this, it does keep you glued to the storyline if you don’t mind a busy plot. It’s more of a mystery/detective novel in a gossiping neighbourhood tale, although that is crucial to the storyline. A shout out for the two police officers who are both extremely likeable although all the characters are well portrayed.
The cover is excellent.
Please note the publisher has listed several triggers.
With thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins, One More Chapter, for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
July 6, 2023
**TRIGGER WARNING** Domestic abuse. Child grooming. Suicide. Sexual abuse. Animal abuse. Self harm.
In a pristine suburb outside of London, everything and everyone is perfect.... on the surface. But then one of their own - an innocent teenage girl - goes missing, and DCI Sue Fisher and her team start to investigate the secrets and lies of an interconnected web of bored housewife's, cheating husbands, and disaffected teens. Now, as the veneer of perfection starts to chip away, dark secrets rise to fell the almighty and a community is brought to its knees.
The topics raised in this chilling thriller are prevalent to the social ills in society today. I did not know what I was expecting when I picked up this book, but I was surprised when I started reading it. Melanie owns the local nail salon, she knows everything that's going on, but would never share any information she hears. DCI Sue Fisher has personal problems and now she is tasked with finding a young girl. The characters are a mixed bunch, and the story is told from multiple points of view. This is quite a dark read that won't be for everyone due to some of the contents. There's a few twists and turns but you do have to suspend your beliefs for some parts. I did enjoy this story and I would read the author again.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #NatalieTambini for my ARC of #TheNailSalon in exchange for an honest review.
In a pristine suburb outside of London, everything and everyone is perfect.... on the surface. But then one of their own - an innocent teenage girl - goes missing, and DCI Sue Fisher and her team start to investigate the secrets and lies of an interconnected web of bored housewife's, cheating husbands, and disaffected teens. Now, as the veneer of perfection starts to chip away, dark secrets rise to fell the almighty and a community is brought to its knees.
The topics raised in this chilling thriller are prevalent to the social ills in society today. I did not know what I was expecting when I picked up this book, but I was surprised when I started reading it. Melanie owns the local nail salon, she knows everything that's going on, but would never share any information she hears. DCI Sue Fisher has personal problems and now she is tasked with finding a young girl. The characters are a mixed bunch, and the story is told from multiple points of view. This is quite a dark read that won't be for everyone due to some of the contents. There's a few twists and turns but you do have to suspend your beliefs for some parts. I did enjoy this story and I would read the author again.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #NatalieTambini for my ARC of #TheNailSalon in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2023
The Blurb LIED
The blurb had me thinking I was going into a domestic thriller about Rich Housewives and their secrets and it all revolving in a Nail Salon. If you have read 'One of Us is Dead' by Jeneva Rose, then those were the vibes I thought I was going to get.... NOT EVEN CLOSE!
This book was DARK... like really dark and the trigger warnings were coming in left right and centre and not even in a plausible way! There's no 'tasteful' way of writing about touchy subjects, but this book felt like it was just doing it for the 'shock factor' and it felt quite exploitative to be honest.
There was no real depth to characters so their behaviors and actions made no sense nor bear any real reaction from myself. I just wanted it to end, luckily it's not a long book!
You definitely need to check Trigger warnings before picking this one.
TW: Abuse, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Animal Abuse, Drugs, Grooming
The blurb had me thinking I was going into a domestic thriller about Rich Housewives and their secrets and it all revolving in a Nail Salon. If you have read 'One of Us is Dead' by Jeneva Rose, then those were the vibes I thought I was going to get.... NOT EVEN CLOSE!
This book was DARK... like really dark and the trigger warnings were coming in left right and centre and not even in a plausible way! There's no 'tasteful' way of writing about touchy subjects, but this book felt like it was just doing it for the 'shock factor' and it felt quite exploitative to be honest.
There was no real depth to characters so their behaviors and actions made no sense nor bear any real reaction from myself. I just wanted it to end, luckily it's not a long book!
You definitely need to check Trigger warnings before picking this one.
TW: Abuse, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Animal Abuse, Drugs, Grooming
April 26, 2023
I received a free copy of, The Nail Salon, by Natalie Tambini, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Everyone has secrets at the nail salon, just like the beauty parlor, and your local bartender, they know everyones secrets. When a teenage girl goes missing its up to DCI Sue Fisher to find her. I found the abuse in this book to be way too disturbing, the level of abuse was over the top.
June 11, 2023
This is a great thriller! Seems so innocuous but creepy and chilling as well! Melinda runs a nail salon and has regular clients who love to gossip. And she eats that right up! But as we all know, appearance is not always reality and beneath the surface there are so many secrets and lies with ALL of the characters! Enough said. Tambini shows the seamy side of life through social media, the dark web, and abusive spouses and victims. Kept me up late into the night as I couldn't put it down!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
July 2, 2023
This was a twisty book that I read in one sitting. The synopsis doesn’t really tell you much, but you’ll get surprise after surprise throughout the book. It centers on a bunch of rich people in London, one a teenage girl who goes missing. Melinda owns a nail salon and is right in the middle of all the gossip and drama, but turns out she is hiding secrets of her own. You also get an alternating storyline focused on the detective, Sue, who is trying to find the missing teenager.
While focused on the lifestyles of the rich and pampered, this is by no means a light read. There are a ton of deaths, and storylines covered include multiple types of abuse, mental illness, and pedophilia. Somehow the author manages to make the book not too heavy despite all this. There are many surprises throughout the book- I could not put it down because I didn’t know what could possibly be coming next.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read. I am not often surprised by twists, but it got me a few times. Definitely not a light read but a very interesting one. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
While focused on the lifestyles of the rich and pampered, this is by no means a light read. There are a ton of deaths, and storylines covered include multiple types of abuse, mental illness, and pedophilia. Somehow the author manages to make the book not too heavy despite all this. There are many surprises throughout the book- I could not put it down because I didn’t know what could possibly be coming next.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read. I am not often surprised by twists, but it got me a few times. Definitely not a light read but a very interesting one. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2023
Everyone has secrets, and just like the local bartender of the past, the nail lady is the keeper of secrets nowadays. When a teenage girl goes missing, DCI Sue Fischer is assigned to the task of finding her before it’s too late.
Triggers: child abuse, domestic violence
There are a lot of twists and a lot of them are very dark. The characters didn’t really develop any so it was hard to get to like them. I think maybe the author could have pulled back a bit and it would have made for a better story.
Thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review
Triggers: child abuse, domestic violence
There are a lot of twists and a lot of them are very dark. The characters didn’t really develop any so it was hard to get to like them. I think maybe the author could have pulled back a bit and it would have made for a better story.
Thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review
July 9, 2023
If you are expecting the desperate housewives thriller trends? Nope. That's what it sounds like you'll get but that isn't it all. It is a dark disturbing book about a psychopath. And that isn't even my issue.
My issue is with the representation of some marginalized groups and the way the darker corners of the mind are handled.
Nope.
My issue is with the representation of some marginalized groups and the way the darker corners of the mind are handled.
Nope.
July 8, 2023
If you liked How to Kill Men and Get Away With It - which I did then you’ll enjoy this. It’s dark and chilling and sadly all imaginable. The protagonist is the owner of the titular nail salon and it’s their background which forms the basis of this crime novel. Focusing initially on a missing young person the intertwined stories of the characters reveal so much more. There’s a killer at large and the police have a race against time to stop them.
Trigger warnings regarding sexual and child abuse and also domestic violence all of which form a big part of this book.
Thanks to NetGalley UK, Harper Collins and Natalie Tambini for this advanced read copy in return for my honest personal review.
Trigger warnings regarding sexual and child abuse and also domestic violence all of which form a big part of this book.
Thanks to NetGalley UK, Harper Collins and Natalie Tambini for this advanced read copy in return for my honest personal review.
June 18, 2023
I found The Nail Salon to be a very interesting book. In a world where appearances are everything….you can’t trust anything. Set in a glamorous suburb outside London, everything seems to be perfect until one of them goes missing and it’s down to DCI Sue Fisher to find them. Although Sue is battling her own demons which could impact the case. It’s a book of secrets, lies and deceit. Bored housewives and cheating husbands and perhaps everything isn’t quite so perfect. A great plot with some twists and turns thrown in for good measure. Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK One More Chapter and the author for the chance to review.
July 17, 2023
Nail salons are similar to hair salons, in the fact that clients open up to the person attending to them. Be careful what you tell them though!
This book had a lot going on in it, with lots of different characters. I did think going into this that it would be more focused on the nail salon due to the title of the book.
A teenage girl goes missing and DCI Susan Fisher and her team try to find out where is she, what happened and hopefully that she is still alive. But while they are investigating this a lot of things unravel.
I was shocked towards the end, that is for sure. I was not expecting that!
The book isn’t for everyone, there are many triggers, so I would advise anyone wanting to read the book to check the trigger warnings before delving in.
This book had a lot going on in it, with lots of different characters. I did think going into this that it would be more focused on the nail salon due to the title of the book.
A teenage girl goes missing and DCI Susan Fisher and her team try to find out where is she, what happened and hopefully that she is still alive. But while they are investigating this a lot of things unravel.
I was shocked towards the end, that is for sure. I was not expecting that!
The book isn’t for everyone, there are many triggers, so I would advise anyone wanting to read the book to check the trigger warnings before delving in.
July 9, 2023
OMG! what a great read, the twists and turns were crazy! I love when a plot has a sub plot and they both keep your interest and feed off each other. If you think of a nail salon as gossip central, this book takes it steps further and then some. My first read from this Author and won't be my last.
Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collis UK, One More Chapter and the Author, Natalie Tambini for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collis UK, One More Chapter and the Author, Natalie Tambini for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2023
Welcome to The Nail Salon. A place where you can sit back relax have a manicure and confess your secrets to your friendly manicurist.
Just be careful what secrets you reveal. As this manicurist isn't as friendly as she seems.
But then neither are the customers.
In a glamorous suburb in the outskirts of London. Where appearances are everything. Yet behind closed doors nothing is what it seems.
And when a teenage girl is reported missing. All those secrets bubble to the surface. Even those of the DCI tasked to investigate.
And with a great plot and some twists and turns. This was an interesting thriller. That deals with some tough and disturbing issues along the way.
My thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Nail Salon.
Just be careful what secrets you reveal. As this manicurist isn't as friendly as she seems.
But then neither are the customers.
In a glamorous suburb in the outskirts of London. Where appearances are everything. Yet behind closed doors nothing is what it seems.
And when a teenage girl is reported missing. All those secrets bubble to the surface. Even those of the DCI tasked to investigate.
And with a great plot and some twists and turns. This was an interesting thriller. That deals with some tough and disturbing issues along the way.
My thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Nail Salon.
August 24, 2023
I don't normally comment on the books blurb/description, but feel I need to clarify a few things prior to my review. In my opinion, the blurb is completely misleading and incorrect (sorry) and I probably wouldn't have bothered reading it based on that description. I read it because a few friends had recommended it as a twisty psychological thriller rather than a police procedural story.
So ignore the above and let me tell you about The Nail Salon. Set in an affluent area in Surrey, full of bankers' and footballers' wives 'Nails by Melinda' is where all the bored housewives of Cobshott congregate to have their nails done and gossip with salon owner Melinda.
Melinda hears everything, privy to salacious gossip and affairs, she's the keeper of everyone's secrets and provides a sympathetic ear whenever her over indulged clients need her.
What her clients don't realise is that Melinda has a dark side and a rather twisted view on revenge and justice, so when a local teenager goes missing Melinda needs to cover her tracks quickly.
The story is narrated by Melinda and DCI Sue Fisher who is leading the investigation into the missing girl and has some seriously awful personal problems of her own to contend with.
At 264 pages, The Nail Salon is a quick and enjoyable psychological thriller with some great twists.
★★★★
This story does have some triggers including domestic abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse and suicide.
So ignore the above and let me tell you about The Nail Salon. Set in an affluent area in Surrey, full of bankers' and footballers' wives 'Nails by Melinda' is where all the bored housewives of Cobshott congregate to have their nails done and gossip with salon owner Melinda.
Melinda hears everything, privy to salacious gossip and affairs, she's the keeper of everyone's secrets and provides a sympathetic ear whenever her over indulged clients need her.
What her clients don't realise is that Melinda has a dark side and a rather twisted view on revenge and justice, so when a local teenager goes missing Melinda needs to cover her tracks quickly.
The story is narrated by Melinda and DCI Sue Fisher who is leading the investigation into the missing girl and has some seriously awful personal problems of her own to contend with.
At 264 pages, The Nail Salon is a quick and enjoyable psychological thriller with some great twists.
★★★★
This story does have some triggers including domestic abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse and suicide.
June 6, 2023
I really wanted to like this book but didn’t unfortunately. It is based around a nail salon but there only seem to be a few customers and they can shut up shop at the drop of a hat.
There’s a lot happening in this book and none of it very pleasant, it felt like the author was trying to fit as many twists into the book as possible and it just didn’t flow well.
None of the story lines felt believable, everyone was able to have police presence if they were worried and there didn’t feel like there was any depth to the characters / story. It’s just my opinion but I feel it would have been better to not try and fit as much in and put more depth into the smaller story.
Thank you to NetGalley and One more chapter for my advanced reading copy.
There’s a lot happening in this book and none of it very pleasant, it felt like the author was trying to fit as many twists into the book as possible and it just didn’t flow well.
None of the story lines felt believable, everyone was able to have police presence if they were worried and there didn’t feel like there was any depth to the characters / story. It’s just my opinion but I feel it would have been better to not try and fit as much in and put more depth into the smaller story.
Thank you to NetGalley and One more chapter for my advanced reading copy.
June 7, 2023
A new author for me, thank you netgalley, and a book that did not disappoint.
Fast paced with so many twists that you certainly don't see coming and an ending I didn't predict.
By day, Melanie runs a nail salon with wealthy clients who like to come and spill their worries.
By night she is trying to help teenagers who have run away from home befriending them whilst trying to burry ghosts from her past and be a good 'mother to these troubled individuals.
Anna has run away from home. She is known by some of Melanie's customers and the hint for her return is under way.
This book wraps in many characters all with personal secrets which certainly added many surprises.
A book I would recommend although does contain details of death, child and sexual abuse.
Fast paced with so many twists that you certainly don't see coming and an ending I didn't predict.
By day, Melanie runs a nail salon with wealthy clients who like to come and spill their worries.
By night she is trying to help teenagers who have run away from home befriending them whilst trying to burry ghosts from her past and be a good 'mother to these troubled individuals.
Anna has run away from home. She is known by some of Melanie's customers and the hint for her return is under way.
This book wraps in many characters all with personal secrets which certainly added many surprises.
A book I would recommend although does contain details of death, child and sexual abuse.
May 7, 2023
Another new author to watch out for. What a great read this turned out to be.
Close the curtains, turn everything off, get comfy and get stuck in. Once you start reading this, you really wont want to put it down.
What a superb read, I enjoyed this from start to finish.
Very well written, a fresh, believable story with some great characters. Plenty of twists to keep you guessing and wondering where the story will go next. Mindful of not giving too much of the story away, I will keep this brief. If you like a good, gripping, thrilling read then this needs adding to your TBR pile. Its well worthy of the 5 stars given.
I will certainly be watching for more books by this author and if Mr Amazon is correct, I wont have long to wait as it looks like the author is to publish another book later this year. I can't wait.
A quick easy enjoyable read.
Close the curtains, turn everything off, get comfy and get stuck in. Once you start reading this, you really wont want to put it down.
What a superb read, I enjoyed this from start to finish.
Very well written, a fresh, believable story with some great characters. Plenty of twists to keep you guessing and wondering where the story will go next. Mindful of not giving too much of the story away, I will keep this brief. If you like a good, gripping, thrilling read then this needs adding to your TBR pile. Its well worthy of the 5 stars given.
I will certainly be watching for more books by this author and if Mr Amazon is correct, I wont have long to wait as it looks like the author is to publish another book later this year. I can't wait.
A quick easy enjoyable read.
May 18, 2023
WooooooooW!
I wasn't really sure what to expect from a book with this title; but it delivered SO MUCH!
I loved how Tambini created a story that begins with goodness overshadowed with bad luck that weaves and winds into full fledged twisted dark behavior. The cast of characters and the way they were intertwined was intriguing and kept me glued to the page.
The cover is perfection!
I will absolutely be reading more from this author.
I received a dARC from the publisher via NetGalley; this is my honest review.
I wasn't really sure what to expect from a book with this title; but it delivered SO MUCH!
I loved how Tambini created a story that begins with goodness overshadowed with bad luck that weaves and winds into full fledged twisted dark behavior. The cast of characters and the way they were intertwined was intriguing and kept me glued to the page.
The cover is perfection!
I will absolutely be reading more from this author.
I received a dARC from the publisher via NetGalley; this is my honest review.
July 11, 2023
The Nail Salon is a gossipy soap opera set in a well to do area of London. These people have too much time on their hands, too much money and lots of secrets.
A missing teen-age girl goes missing from their town and DCI Sue Fisher and her team start to investigate which reveal a lot of triggering subjects.
There was just too much abuse for this to be entertaining.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
A missing teen-age girl goes missing from their town and DCI Sue Fisher and her team start to investigate which reveal a lot of triggering subjects.
There was just too much abuse for this to be entertaining.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
May 22, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. Dark, fast paced and a twist I didn’t see coming.
January 19, 2024
This was such a heavy and dark book. I was expecting a thriller completely different to what I got. There weren’t any real in depth back stories to the characters. It was hard to connect to any of them, I would say, other than Sue. The book is rather graphic and comes with so many trigger warnings so please be cautious when reading for child abuse, grooming, domestic abuse, suicide, self harm, kidnapping etc. It wasn’t that I disliked this book, but it’s not something I would ever want to read again. I was also quite disappointed with the ending. I definitely expected something more fitting with the rest of the book.
May 29, 2023
If you like a twisty suburban housewife mystery, you'll enjoy The Nail Salon. The world of external perfection is eroding, and past unresolved traumas can have disastrous effects.
All of Melanie's clients have confidence in her as the proprietor of a local nail salon. She is aware of everyone's secrets. DCI Sue Fisher, despite having personal issues, looks into the case of a missing young girl. Before this case is solved, there are a lot of startling turns.
From the beginning of the novel, you know who the antagonist is. It's not necessarily a riddle you're attempting to solve. You're reading along as the investigators progressively piece together the clues and track down the murderer. It's less about who did it and more about why. The author takes their time describing each character's backstory and how it pertains to who they are today. I especially liked the comment about how everyone has been a victim at some point in their lives, and even murderers need to be treated with compassion.
Very nicely written, with a new, convincing plot and some fantastic characters. There are several surprises to keep you wondering what will happen next in the plot.
Nail-biting and unputdownable.
All of Melanie's clients have confidence in her as the proprietor of a local nail salon. She is aware of everyone's secrets. DCI Sue Fisher, despite having personal issues, looks into the case of a missing young girl. Before this case is solved, there are a lot of startling turns.
From the beginning of the novel, you know who the antagonist is. It's not necessarily a riddle you're attempting to solve. You're reading along as the investigators progressively piece together the clues and track down the murderer. It's less about who did it and more about why. The author takes their time describing each character's backstory and how it pertains to who they are today. I especially liked the comment about how everyone has been a victim at some point in their lives, and even murderers need to be treated with compassion.
Very nicely written, with a new, convincing plot and some fantastic characters. There are several surprises to keep you wondering what will happen next in the plot.
Nail-biting and unputdownable.
February 2, 2024
This one was really dark and not at all what I expected. I guess I imagined it would be more about the gossipy nail salon and dirty little secrets of the "rich and undeserving". That wasn't this book at all. The nail salon owner is not a good or mentally stable person. And those that frequent her place of business or become intertwined in her life have a whole lotta bad stuff happening. For anyone with triggers, this will hit pretty much every one of them. So steer clear if that's an issue. Luckily I don't have many things that are a no go for me (animals being hurt really really bothers me, and there is some of that in here also) so I was able to finish this one.
September 11, 2023
Well this book went somewhere I wasn’t expecting in a read and is a really dark thriller that just shows you can’t trust anyone. I will not spoil anything with spoilers on this one but just take it from me spilling all the tea with the person doing your nails is a very bad idea. Enough said. Don’t miss this it’s dark and twisted and perfect for crime lovers.
November 19, 2023
If you like twisted plots that keep you guessing and compel you to keep reading, then The Nail Salon has to be one of your next reads.
It's original, dark and delicious fun to read.
It's original, dark and delicious fun to read.
October 25, 2025
didn't expect the ending
♀️♂️
♀️♂️
July 22, 2023
I enjoyed this. I’m not often surprised by twists but this one got me a few times 😳
July 14, 2023
In a nail salon, people often tell their most intimate secrets. And Melanie is there to hear all of them.
It's when she acts on the information that the story gets engaging. And by engaging, I mean intense! This book is not for the faint hearted: heed the trigger warnings!
We know who is committing the crimes (and we're mostly on their side), but not the why. It's interesting to see how the police narrow down the clues, after suspecting almost everyone at some point. Everyone has a back story, and we are here for it.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for introducing me to Natalie Tambini. I'm looking forward to her sophomore novel, The Publicist, due out August 18, 2023.
It's when she acts on the information that the story gets engaging. And by engaging, I mean intense! This book is not for the faint hearted: heed the trigger warnings!
We know who is committing the crimes (and we're mostly on their side), but not the why. It's interesting to see how the police narrow down the clues, after suspecting almost everyone at some point. Everyone has a back story, and we are here for it.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for introducing me to Natalie Tambini. I'm looking forward to her sophomore novel, The Publicist, due out August 18, 2023.
July 20, 2023
absolutely brilliant story that I couldn’t stop reading. The story is fast paced, well written had an outcome I had not expected
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