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The Palisades
Dorothy Fiske, eighty-three, adores movie stars, jewelry, murder mysteries, and men. At twenty-five, inspired by Judy Garland and Angela Lansbury, she moved to Los Angeles from a religiously strict Midwestern home. Despite the glamour, Dorothy, heartbroken, was childless. She blamed her sweet, unambitious husband, Eugene, claiming his sperm was weak, but Dorothy knows the truth.
Ruth, a sixty-six-year-old home health aide, fears eviction from her LA apartment due to her unusual, antisocial behavior. Previously fired from a nursing facility for residents dying under her care, Ruth targets Dorothy, a widow from a wealthy family in Pacific Palisades, California. Lonely yet prideful, Dorothy hires Ruth as a "lady's maid." Ruth accepts the position and masterfully entwines herself into Dorothy's life because she wants to live in Dorothy's house, alone.
The Palisades is a deliciously spun psychological suspense brimming with dark humor in which two women develop a peculiar relationship amid a miasma of Ruth's disturbing memories and Dorothy's pervasive delusions of old Hollywood. Poverty and privilege mingle, companionship turns bizarre, and identity is questioned as the women desperately try to fulfill their shared yearning for motherhood.
Ruth, a sixty-six-year-old home health aide, fears eviction from her LA apartment due to her unusual, antisocial behavior. Previously fired from a nursing facility for residents dying under her care, Ruth targets Dorothy, a widow from a wealthy family in Pacific Palisades, California. Lonely yet prideful, Dorothy hires Ruth as a "lady's maid." Ruth accepts the position and masterfully entwines herself into Dorothy's life because she wants to live in Dorothy's house, alone.
The Palisades is a deliciously spun psychological suspense brimming with dark humor in which two women develop a peculiar relationship amid a miasma of Ruth's disturbing memories and Dorothy's pervasive delusions of old Hollywood. Poverty and privilege mingle, companionship turns bizarre, and identity is questioned as the women desperately try to fulfill their shared yearning for motherhood.
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2023
15 people are currently reading
5090 people want to read
About the author
Gail Lynn Hanson
2 books56 followersGail Lynn Hanson has lived in Colorado, Texas, Illinois, and Ohio. She currently lives in Denver with her husband and two children. She holds a BA in environmental biology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a master's in creative writing from the University of Denver. Gail is a longtime member of the Lighthouse Writers Workshop in Denver. She founded a kitchen design firm, Studio H, where she currently works to create beautiful culinary spaces. Gail enjoys gardening, baking, and traveling to rural places when she is not arranging cabinetry or words.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 24, 2023
In a Nutshell: Quirky and unusual. Compelling in a befuddling way. BUT this wasn’t a psychological suspense as advertised. My experience fell a little flat as I went in with the wrong expectations. Will work better if read as a literary drama with a dash of dark humour.
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Story Synopsis:
Well, if you are looking for a quirky literary fiction that blends in dark humour with some serious themes and layered characters, this is the book for you. Unfortunately, the blurb claims that this is a psychological suspense. I really can’t figure out how this counts as psychological suspense when the psychological elements are restricted only to the mutual manipulation by Ruth and Dorothy, and the suspense track is barely there. Also, sadly for me, I guessed the “suspense” much early in the plot, so even that challenge was dampened.
Dorothy and Ruth are sketched in such depth that I couldn’t decide whether I should abhor them or feel sorry for them. Both of them are survivors in their own way, even though their familial and financial circumstances are almost a contrast to each other’s. It was entertaining to see older characters behave almost like immature teenagers trying to one-up each other surreptitiously. Old age is often called a second childhood, and these two prove it, but in all the crazy ways.
One thing I especially enjoyed were the chapter names. While a few of the chapters are named after the character they focus on, most of the chapters have something or the other to do with colour. Thus we get titles such as ‘Atomic Tangerine’, ‘Tickle me Pink’, ‘Jungle Green’ and so on. The colour in question gets a role to play in that specific chapter, though it is hardly ever blatant. I love it when authors play smart with their readers.
Another aspect I liked was how the author interspersed Hollywood pop culture so seamlessly into her plot, though none of her main characters had any direct connection with moviedom.
There are plenty of themes in the book, some of which could have been much more triggering had they not been explored through hints than through direct detailing on the page. In that sense, the writing is quite intelligent. The author doesn’t throw all her cards on the table at once; rather, she builds up various segments of the jigsaw in isolation, and it takes a while for the overall picture to make sense.
(Note: I can’t detail out the triggers as all of them are major spoilers, so in general, if you are sensitive about any topic related to childbirth or sexual abuse, do proceed with care.)
The character detailing of the main and secondary characters and the role they play in the storyline makes it clear that this is a character-driven work. The plot is secondary. If you are the kind of reader who enjoys plot-driven works, this isn’t for you.
As I mentioned earlier, I went into the book with wrong expectations. A psychological suspense and a literary fiction are pretty much opposites in terms of pace, plot development, and thrills. So I had to recalibrate my presuppositions multiple times until my read-o-meter was set to ‘lit fic’ instead of ‘psych suspense.’ This took away from my overall experience.
Furthermore, the story ambles back and forth across times and characters. I read this in an overly hectic week, so my drained-out mental capacity found it tedious to go with the flow. This isn’t a book you ought to pick up when you want something quick and thrilling and easy on the mind. And as I *was* looking for something quick and thrilling and easy this week (such as a psychological suspense 👀), it’s safe to say that I picked up this book at the wrong time.
Lastly, I didn’t like the ending much. While it does offer closure and doesn’t leave any major thread hanging, it still feels incomplete somehow. I don’t know how to explain it further.
Overall, I’d still recommend this intricate indie read, but not to those looking for thrills. It is clearly a literary drama, and will work only for those who enjoy complicated characters, slow-burn plotting, and character-driven storylines. The author certainly writes well, and I do want to try her future works. I just hope that those blurbs are accurate representations of the content.
3.25 stars. (Would definitely have been higher by 0.5 stars had I not wanted a psychological suspense as was promised to me.)
My thanks to Slippery Fish Press and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Palisades”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
Eighty-three-year-old Dorothy Fiske is widowed, but she hasn’t allowed her age or her marital status to dim her passion for old Hollywood movies and expensive jewellery. She has lived a glamorous life in Los Angeles with a rich husband and famous actors as neighbours. Her only disappointment is that she never had children, for which she knew her husband Eugene was to blame. Other than that, she has lived life on her own terms, and continues to do so.
Sixty-six-year-old Ruth works as a health care aide for senior citizens. (Well, those who are much senior to her.) She had lost her earlier job at a nursing facility when residents started dying under her care, so she now targets lonely women from wealthy families and indirectly convinces them that they need her in their lives. Her latest prey is Dorothy.
When Dorothy hires Ruth as her “lady’s maid”, they begin their mind games on each other, which lead to some strange accusations and unexpected discoveries.
The story comes to us from a limited third-person perspective of the key characters.
Well, if you are looking for a quirky literary fiction that blends in dark humour with some serious themes and layered characters, this is the book for you. Unfortunately, the blurb claims that this is a psychological suspense. I really can’t figure out how this counts as psychological suspense when the psychological elements are restricted only to the mutual manipulation by Ruth and Dorothy, and the suspense track is barely there. Also, sadly for me, I guessed the “suspense” much early in the plot, so even that challenge was dampened.
Dorothy and Ruth are sketched in such depth that I couldn’t decide whether I should abhor them or feel sorry for them. Both of them are survivors in their own way, even though their familial and financial circumstances are almost a contrast to each other’s. It was entertaining to see older characters behave almost like immature teenagers trying to one-up each other surreptitiously. Old age is often called a second childhood, and these two prove it, but in all the crazy ways.
One thing I especially enjoyed were the chapter names. While a few of the chapters are named after the character they focus on, most of the chapters have something or the other to do with colour. Thus we get titles such as ‘Atomic Tangerine’, ‘Tickle me Pink’, ‘Jungle Green’ and so on. The colour in question gets a role to play in that specific chapter, though it is hardly ever blatant. I love it when authors play smart with their readers.
Another aspect I liked was how the author interspersed Hollywood pop culture so seamlessly into her plot, though none of her main characters had any direct connection with moviedom.
There are plenty of themes in the book, some of which could have been much more triggering had they not been explored through hints than through direct detailing on the page. In that sense, the writing is quite intelligent. The author doesn’t throw all her cards on the table at once; rather, she builds up various segments of the jigsaw in isolation, and it takes a while for the overall picture to make sense.
(Note: I can’t detail out the triggers as all of them are major spoilers, so in general, if you are sensitive about any topic related to childbirth or sexual abuse, do proceed with care.)
The character detailing of the main and secondary characters and the role they play in the storyline makes it clear that this is a character-driven work. The plot is secondary. If you are the kind of reader who enjoys plot-driven works, this isn’t for you.
As I mentioned earlier, I went into the book with wrong expectations. A psychological suspense and a literary fiction are pretty much opposites in terms of pace, plot development, and thrills. So I had to recalibrate my presuppositions multiple times until my read-o-meter was set to ‘lit fic’ instead of ‘psych suspense.’ This took away from my overall experience.
Furthermore, the story ambles back and forth across times and characters. I read this in an overly hectic week, so my drained-out mental capacity found it tedious to go with the flow. This isn’t a book you ought to pick up when you want something quick and thrilling and easy on the mind. And as I *was* looking for something quick and thrilling and easy this week (such as a psychological suspense 👀), it’s safe to say that I picked up this book at the wrong time.
Lastly, I didn’t like the ending much. While it does offer closure and doesn’t leave any major thread hanging, it still feels incomplete somehow. I don’t know how to explain it further.
Overall, I’d still recommend this intricate indie read, but not to those looking for thrills. It is clearly a literary drama, and will work only for those who enjoy complicated characters, slow-burn plotting, and character-driven storylines. The author certainly writes well, and I do want to try her future works. I just hope that those blurbs are accurate representations of the content.
3.25 stars. (Would definitely have been higher by 0.5 stars had I not wanted a psychological suspense as was promised to me.)
My thanks to Slippery Fish Press and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Palisades”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
November 21, 2023
I found this a very interesting and twisty read. There is a dark lonely sadness to be felt for these characters that encompasses you throughout. Surprisingly it really produces a few different emotions from the beginning until the very end.
The characters swing between, will we say, evil and mentally disturbed but also desperate, lonely and kind. The story itself takes us down a twisted path where not everything is as it seems.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and i would read something else by this author.
Many thanks to the Author and Slippery Fish Press through Netgalley for the DRC.
The characters swing between, will we say, evil and mentally disturbed but also desperate, lonely and kind. The story itself takes us down a twisted path where not everything is as it seems.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and i would read something else by this author.
Many thanks to the Author and Slippery Fish Press through Netgalley for the DRC.
October 7, 2023
Wow this was quite a story and not entirely what I expected! I won’t summarize the plot here as others have done that so well. Instead I will just share some of my thoughts after reading it. The author did a fantastic job of taking us into the minds of the two main characters Dorothy and Ruth. Truly a psychological study of how abuse and loss can warp the minds of human beings and the ways our brains work hard to protect us from trauma.
Dorothy’s upbringing in a strict conservative home with an aloof mother who failed to show her affection and a debilitating illness left her with a void of self worth. She grew to be a shallow narcissistic woman who found fulfillment in her looks, gifts from her husband, social status, and lived in a dreamworld of self importance. Infertility left her unable to have children, a grief she carried throughout her life. Ruth entered the foster system at a young age and experienced the very worst of that system. She was abused by a foster brother (resulting in two children she never got to raise) and abandoned by her foster mother. Ruth is grossly mistreated and left with no self esteem and no one who loves or values her.
I found Ruth’s story so sad and tragic and the internal battle between good and evil that she experiences really drew me in. I was left both horrified and empathetic by her decisions. The author really delves into how damaged lives are by the abuses one human inflicts upon another. Even tho Ruth is capable of and inflicts evil I couldn’t always fault her. Dorothy didn’t draw me in as much as Ruth did, however, I found her life so sad and shallow that again I could understand some of what she did.
The story takes a lot of twists and turns as Ruth embeds herself in Dorothy’s life and the way these two women then use each other for their own purposes will take you on quite a ride. Constant expectation of doom ahead and the tension builds to the very end! Such broken but fabulously drawn characters and I loved the setting of old Hollywood glamour that Dorothy lived in. I will definitely be following the author Gail Lynn Hanson!
This was an advanced reader copy I received for my honest review.
Dorothy’s upbringing in a strict conservative home with an aloof mother who failed to show her affection and a debilitating illness left her with a void of self worth. She grew to be a shallow narcissistic woman who found fulfillment in her looks, gifts from her husband, social status, and lived in a dreamworld of self importance. Infertility left her unable to have children, a grief she carried throughout her life. Ruth entered the foster system at a young age and experienced the very worst of that system. She was abused by a foster brother (resulting in two children she never got to raise) and abandoned by her foster mother. Ruth is grossly mistreated and left with no self esteem and no one who loves or values her.
I found Ruth’s story so sad and tragic and the internal battle between good and evil that she experiences really drew me in. I was left both horrified and empathetic by her decisions. The author really delves into how damaged lives are by the abuses one human inflicts upon another. Even tho Ruth is capable of and inflicts evil I couldn’t always fault her. Dorothy didn’t draw me in as much as Ruth did, however, I found her life so sad and shallow that again I could understand some of what she did.
The story takes a lot of twists and turns as Ruth embeds herself in Dorothy’s life and the way these two women then use each other for their own purposes will take you on quite a ride. Constant expectation of doom ahead and the tension builds to the very end! Such broken but fabulously drawn characters and I loved the setting of old Hollywood glamour that Dorothy lived in. I will definitely be following the author Gail Lynn Hanson!
This was an advanced reader copy I received for my honest review.
September 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this unusual, dark, twisty story, which was quite not what I expected. So well written and the characters were great and brought me through a range of emotions from sympathy to empathy, revulsion and incredulity. The various story-lines came together very cleverly. Kept me engaged to the end and I will keeping a lookout for this author in the future. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
September 19, 2023
I love people who are slightly delusional just to keep themselves sane, especially from a distance. This was one of the random thoughts that popped up in my head while reading this book. Being in the head of these characters and seeing them develop was probably my favourite part of my reading experience.
We follow Dorothy (83) and Ruth (66), who both live in LA and who both try to deal with their past and unfulfilled desires. Dorothy married rich, but mainly desired the the life that came with it and dreamt of Hollywood and being friends with the stars while longing for kids that never came. Ruth grew up in a foster family and dreams of being rich and the kids she lost. Both love murder mysteries, jewels and money.
Ruth works for elderly people who need a care giver and her ultimate dream is working for Dorothy. Gradually as the story unfolds we learn why.
I wouldn't want to have people like Ruth and Dorothy in my life, but Hanson builds these characters so well that you start to like them. Understanding where their behaviour comes from almost makes you pity them both.
You also feel something is going to happen, yet it's hard to guess what it will be. There is so much fake honesty and manipulation that it isn't clear at times what is true and what's a lie or desillusion... This psychological thriller will wake up your inner Agatha Christie and still you will be wrong.
Thank you NetGalley and Slippery Fish Press for the ARC.
We follow Dorothy (83) and Ruth (66), who both live in LA and who both try to deal with their past and unfulfilled desires. Dorothy married rich, but mainly desired the the life that came with it and dreamt of Hollywood and being friends with the stars while longing for kids that never came. Ruth grew up in a foster family and dreams of being rich and the kids she lost. Both love murder mysteries, jewels and money.
Ruth works for elderly people who need a care giver and her ultimate dream is working for Dorothy. Gradually as the story unfolds we learn why.
I wouldn't want to have people like Ruth and Dorothy in my life, but Hanson builds these characters so well that you start to like them. Understanding where their behaviour comes from almost makes you pity them both.
You also feel something is going to happen, yet it's hard to guess what it will be. There is so much fake honesty and manipulation that it isn't clear at times what is true and what's a lie or desillusion... This psychological thriller will wake up your inner Agatha Christie and still you will be wrong.
Thank you NetGalley and Slippery Fish Press for the ARC.
October 23, 2023
3.5 | I've so much complicated feelings about this book. I pondered giving it a generous 4 stars because the book has a lot of charming elements. First off, I like the atmosphere. So much of the book's character and charm come from this vintage, old Hollywood-esque feel I have every time I step into the world. It's like a vintage creepy story minus the male gaze.
I also like the character study of the two female antiheroes in the book. Especially Dorothy. I really like Dorothy. She's so vintage and creepy.
I also enjoyed most of the nods and allusions to classic tales like Agatha Christie, Dickens, Slasher films, etc. Altho, I do feel like it was heavy-handed in some places. It can feel too much at times.
There were lots of what felt like build-ups to something that ultimately didn't make as much impact as I was bracing myself for. That might work for some, but not for me. Those moments took away from my reading experience.
I still don't know how I feel about that ending. I guess it didn't really work for me. I remember reading "Our Wives Under the Sea," and felt like the ending pulled the story together gorgeously. I was kind of hoping for that kind of sweeping end in this, but... I don't know. I'm not a fan of that ending.
I also think this story could be tighter. The pacing was off; I like slow-paced books, but this book feels disjointed rather than slow in some places. Especially the beginning parts with Dorothy's back story--I don't think those were essential in understanding Dorothy as a character. I think the reader will get it even without those parts.
But gosh, this book made me crave for jewelry! And overall, I think it's worth picking up for the atmosphere alone!
Thank you to BookSirens and Slippery Fish Press for the advance review copy of this book that I got for free. I hope this review helps!
I also like the character study of the two female antiheroes in the book. Especially Dorothy. I really like Dorothy. She's so vintage and creepy.
I also enjoyed most of the nods and allusions to classic tales like Agatha Christie, Dickens, Slasher films, etc. Altho, I do feel like it was heavy-handed in some places. It can feel too much at times.
There were lots of what felt like build-ups to something that ultimately didn't make as much impact as I was bracing myself for. That might work for some, but not for me. Those moments took away from my reading experience.
I still don't know how I feel about that ending. I guess it didn't really work for me. I remember reading "Our Wives Under the Sea," and felt like the ending pulled the story together gorgeously. I was kind of hoping for that kind of sweeping end in this, but... I don't know. I'm not a fan of that ending.
I also think this story could be tighter. The pacing was off; I like slow-paced books, but this book feels disjointed rather than slow in some places. Especially the beginning parts with Dorothy's back story--I don't think those were essential in understanding Dorothy as a character. I think the reader will get it even without those parts.
But gosh, this book made me crave for jewelry! And overall, I think it's worth picking up for the atmosphere alone!
Thank you to BookSirens and Slippery Fish Press for the advance review copy of this book that I got for free. I hope this review helps!
September 6, 2023
What a delicious take on psychological thrillers! We follow Ruth, a woman in her sixties who is obsessed with a woman named Dorothy. Ruth is obsessed with Dorothy's home and becomes her maid so she can begin becoming part of her life. Both characters seem to have some form of mental illness that causes both stories to seem incredulous and almost confusing (in the best way, it adds to the story!) the further along you go. It was such a fantastic read and I certainly look forward to more from this author!
September 26, 2023
This book was a strange one, I won't lie - it had a slow start which, when paired with the sometimes hard to follow almost stream of consciousness writing style and an early scene with unexpectedly grotesque medical details, had me thinking I'd DNF this if not for committing to review it. This was a good lesson in sticking it out, though, as the narrative did pick up speed towards the halfway mark and I ended up finding a good amount to like about it.
The psychological suspense aspect of it was what drew me in, and is where this book stands out with the unusual and refreshing choice to have older POV characters. Dorothy, 83, is a rather shallow person who, unable to have the child she wanted so badly, settled instead for just...hanging out at home with a husband she finds adequate, and admiring her collection of jewelry. Ruth, 66, had an early life marked by trauma and then spent the next several decades letting it make her worse (hey, fair enough). She too has an eye for jewelry, and their combined obsession made it even clearer to me that, as someone who doesn't really get the point of sparkly rocks that you wear and then take off but mostly don't wear, it's just not much deeper than a common and crow-like affinity for collecting glittery things.
These two characters come together to treat each other abusively in different ways (condescending cruelty! straight-up theft!), which propels the narrative forward by playing on the same urge that has you slowing down to look at a car crash except with less sympathy. It's a terrible situation! Glad it's not me! They get what they deserve, and what they deserve is each other. Good character work ultimately (mostly) overcomes the meandering writing style and rounds this one up from a 3.5 to 4 star read. I won't forget these two!
My thanks to Slippery Fish Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The psychological suspense aspect of it was what drew me in, and is where this book stands out with the unusual and refreshing choice to have older POV characters. Dorothy, 83, is a rather shallow person who, unable to have the child she wanted so badly, settled instead for just...hanging out at home with a husband she finds adequate, and admiring her collection of jewelry. Ruth, 66, had an early life marked by trauma and then spent the next several decades letting it make her worse (hey, fair enough). She too has an eye for jewelry, and their combined obsession made it even clearer to me that, as someone who doesn't really get the point of sparkly rocks that you wear and then take off but mostly don't wear, it's just not much deeper than a common and crow-like affinity for collecting glittery things.
These two characters come together to treat each other abusively in different ways (condescending cruelty! straight-up theft!), which propels the narrative forward by playing on the same urge that has you slowing down to look at a car crash except with less sympathy. It's a terrible situation! Glad it's not me! They get what they deserve, and what they deserve is each other. Good character work ultimately (mostly) overcomes the meandering writing style and rounds this one up from a 3.5 to 4 star read. I won't forget these two!
My thanks to Slippery Fish Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2024
"Guilt was powerful, a demon, sometimes gloomy and sickening, other times fierce and shrieking."
This story wound up being a blend of women's fiction, domestic suspense, and psychological horror. It had me reflecting on things like nurture vs. nature, theology, and generational cycles. I loved it!!
Ruth had a tragic past but won't use that as an excuse - her choices are her own, and a trail of death seems to follow her. Meanwhile Dorothy has had a life of luxury, living amongst the stars and showered with jewels from her husband.
When their paths cross and Dorothy hires on Ruth, this could only end up like the classic murder mystery movies they're both fond of. My heart broke for Ruth while simultaneously seeing the monster she could be. Dorothy was delusional but incredibly perceptive, I think she saw through Ruth immediately.
I grew up with a stay-at-home mom, and I remember Angela Lansbury almost always on the TV; to have her written into the story was very cool.
If you liked 'Motherthing' pick this one up ASAP.
💙Thank you to the author for sending me a gifted copy. I am leaving an honest review voluntarily.
This story wound up being a blend of women's fiction, domestic suspense, and psychological horror. It had me reflecting on things like nurture vs. nature, theology, and generational cycles. I loved it!!
Ruth had a tragic past but won't use that as an excuse - her choices are her own, and a trail of death seems to follow her. Meanwhile Dorothy has had a life of luxury, living amongst the stars and showered with jewels from her husband.
When their paths cross and Dorothy hires on Ruth, this could only end up like the classic murder mystery movies they're both fond of. My heart broke for Ruth while simultaneously seeing the monster she could be. Dorothy was delusional but incredibly perceptive, I think she saw through Ruth immediately.
I grew up with a stay-at-home mom, and I remember Angela Lansbury almost always on the TV; to have her written into the story was very cool.
If you liked 'Motherthing' pick this one up ASAP.
💙Thank you to the author for sending me a gifted copy. I am leaving an honest review voluntarily.
September 26, 2023
First up, this novel will not suit everyone. But if you like quirky reads that don't fit a mould and can't be pigeon-holed (sorry!) then take a punt on this. If you are drawn to dark tales with complex relationships and twisty, clever storylines, pick this up. It's melancholy and shocking and has content that could trigger some readers. But for those who can handle it, the reward is a saga woven through the lives of some fascinating and often bizarre characters. It's a little bit literary, but not so much as to turn me away. It's not fast paced, but I couldn't put it down. There were little puzzle pieces regularly thrown to the reader and the twists were intelligent and clever. I still had questions at the end, but not in a frustrating way. I found it to be one of those stories you keep going over in your head afterwards.
Bravo to the author and good luck writing something else so original and unique.
I received this arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Bravo to the author and good luck writing something else so original and unique.
I received this arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
December 15, 2023
I didn’t expect this story to have the outcome that it had, but I loved every minute! When a home nurse, Ruth, starts to take care of her employer’s sister, Dorothy, ( a ridiculously wealthy woman full of stories of the past), she doesn’t fully understand who she is getting involved with.
December 12, 2023
DNF @18% I just could not get into this story at all.
September 11, 2023
Dorothy is an eighty-three year old wealthy woman who had moved to California in her twenties in search of the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle. After years of failing to conceive with her husband, she settled into a life of a kept woman. Adorned with jewelry and a life of leisure, Dorothy finds herself alone after the death of her husband Eugene.
Ruth is in her sixties and has had a failed career as a nurse aid after many of her clients were dying on her watch. With nothing to lose, and everything to gain, she targets Dorothy and the beautiful home she lives in.
Both woman find themselves using the other for their own selfish needs. Only to find a demented sort of friendship in the end.
This novel was nothing like I would have expected. I loved each character so much and enjoyed their odd interactions with each other. The two main characters felt so young and emotionally immature, that I forgot I was reading about an older generation at times. Their stories seemed so fresh and unique and had me practically speed-reading to see what happens next.
Such a wonderful and quirky read. I highly recommend!
The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ruth is in her sixties and has had a failed career as a nurse aid after many of her clients were dying on her watch. With nothing to lose, and everything to gain, she targets Dorothy and the beautiful home she lives in.
Both woman find themselves using the other for their own selfish needs. Only to find a demented sort of friendship in the end.
This novel was nothing like I would have expected. I loved each character so much and enjoyed their odd interactions with each other. The two main characters felt so young and emotionally immature, that I forgot I was reading about an older generation at times. Their stories seemed so fresh and unique and had me practically speed-reading to see what happens next.
Such a wonderful and quirky read. I highly recommend!
The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2023
I thought this was a charming book.
It sparked my interest from the beginning, as it made references to many things that I enjoy - actors and actresses, films, books etc.
I felt very connected to the characters, and I really liked the connection between Dorothy and Ruth. I felt quite nostalgic while reading it, in places, it reminded me of a Ruth Rendell or Barbara Vine book, and she is one of my comfort authors.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
It sparked my interest from the beginning, as it made references to many things that I enjoy - actors and actresses, films, books etc.
I felt very connected to the characters, and I really liked the connection between Dorothy and Ruth. I felt quite nostalgic while reading it, in places, it reminded me of a Ruth Rendell or Barbara Vine book, and she is one of my comfort authors.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
November 13, 2023
I received The Palisades in return for an honest review from the author.
Dorothy is obsessed with the celebrities, so it's only natural that she heads off to LA. She marries and has the chance to meet Judy Garland and Angela Lansbury but her life revolves around jewelry and mysteries. Ruth hasn't had the best life and becomes determined to put herself into Dorothy's life. Together they form an unlikely friendship that changes both of their lives.
I love the characters I really felt like I could connect with both Dorothy and Ruth and they just felt so real. My heart went out to Ruth because her story is just so sad it hurt my heart. I felt that while Ruth's intentions may not have been pure she's just what Dorothy needed and in return she get's what she needs from Dorothy. It's a unique relationship that just works.
I grew up watching Murder She Wrote with my grandparents so I had to read this one. The Palisades is such a dark unique twisted story. I wasn't sure what to expect going into it but gosh this wasn't it but in a good way. The author does a beautiful job creating a captivating story that kept me on my toes till the very end. I honestly devoured this one in just an afternoon and wanted more. This is my first book by the author and I'll be keeping an eye out for what comes next.
Dorothy is obsessed with the celebrities, so it's only natural that she heads off to LA. She marries and has the chance to meet Judy Garland and Angela Lansbury but her life revolves around jewelry and mysteries. Ruth hasn't had the best life and becomes determined to put herself into Dorothy's life. Together they form an unlikely friendship that changes both of their lives.
I love the characters I really felt like I could connect with both Dorothy and Ruth and they just felt so real. My heart went out to Ruth because her story is just so sad it hurt my heart. I felt that while Ruth's intentions may not have been pure she's just what Dorothy needed and in return she get's what she needs from Dorothy. It's a unique relationship that just works.
I grew up watching Murder She Wrote with my grandparents so I had to read this one. The Palisades is such a dark unique twisted story. I wasn't sure what to expect going into it but gosh this wasn't it but in a good way. The author does a beautiful job creating a captivating story that kept me on my toes till the very end. I honestly devoured this one in just an afternoon and wanted more. This is my first book by the author and I'll be keeping an eye out for what comes next.
October 18, 2023
This is my honest review. I wasn’t sure what to make of this book! Once i started i really loved it! I’m not a big fan of chapters jumping from one time period to another and one character from another but it worked so well here I couldn’t imagine it any other way! The characters were complex but by the end of the book they felt like real people. Their characters so well defined! All the characters! One minute u would feel sorry for one then the next u would feel sorry for the other. The characters did elicit strong feelings! Both lives tragic in their own way!
It was definitely a psychological thriller! U never know what was going to happen next! Who was going to make the next move! Like a chess game! Who was ready and experienced to play the long game! It showcased that people can be delusional/depressed or insane/psychopath /sociopath and it looks different on every single person. No two people r alike! I loved the push and pull, cat/mouse of the story, who is the hunter and who is the prey?
Maybe I read too much into it! But it was a very sad and tragic story for each character but in different ways! I didn’t care for the ending. It was bittersweet! At the end their were still a few burning questions that weren't answered that i was curious about but I guess not everyone will be. Overall it was a really good book. I highly recommend this book if u love complex psychological thrillers! I will definitely read this amazing author again!
It was definitely a psychological thriller! U never know what was going to happen next! Who was going to make the next move! Like a chess game! Who was ready and experienced to play the long game! It showcased that people can be delusional/depressed or insane/psychopath /sociopath and it looks different on every single person. No two people r alike! I loved the push and pull, cat/mouse of the story, who is the hunter and who is the prey?
Maybe I read too much into it! But it was a very sad and tragic story for each character but in different ways! I didn’t care for the ending. It was bittersweet! At the end their were still a few burning questions that weren't answered that i was curious about but I guess not everyone will be. Overall it was a really good book. I highly recommend this book if u love complex psychological thrillers! I will definitely read this amazing author again!
October 20, 2023
To preface this review, let me first say the subject matter and plot synopsis of The Palisades would not have made my normal Must Read list. With that said, I am pleased to say that the author impressed me greatly, and I found this dense yet colorful novel full of surprises. The writing is thoughtful, beautiful at times, and a revelation at others. This is one talented author.
The characters are brought to life in a way I found intriguing and startling. There are so many themes that are expertly woven into this narrative that I could not help but be impressed.
I expected to be bored. Instead, I grew uneasy with anticipation of the resolution.
I even credit this novel to adding a word to my lexicon I didn't know existed. I even shared it with our household before I finished the novel! I won't spoil it, (hint: a word referring to marshmallow) but I will say that upon completion, I'll never use that word again without The Palisades coming to mind.
If I have but one critique, and it is forgivable, it would be the ending felt a bit incomplete for my liking. This was the only thing keeping me from a five star review. With that said, I was not disappointed in the least. To the contrary, I would recommend this book for its imagery and dense thematic material. More novelists should take these sort of risks.
Thank you for this advanced, free copy.
The characters are brought to life in a way I found intriguing and startling. There are so many themes that are expertly woven into this narrative that I could not help but be impressed.
I expected to be bored. Instead, I grew uneasy with anticipation of the resolution.
I even credit this novel to adding a word to my lexicon I didn't know existed. I even shared it with our household before I finished the novel! I won't spoil it, (hint: a word referring to marshmallow) but I will say that upon completion, I'll never use that word again without The Palisades coming to mind.
If I have but one critique, and it is forgivable, it would be the ending felt a bit incomplete for my liking. This was the only thing keeping me from a five star review. With that said, I was not disappointed in the least. To the contrary, I would recommend this book for its imagery and dense thematic material. More novelists should take these sort of risks.
Thank you for this advanced, free copy.
December 5, 2023
While reading and visualizing this book, I kept thinking this would make a great movie. Black and whites for the old time movie stars that are mentioned in it and color for the present day. It is a very different kind of book, but a captivating one that kept me invested right to the very end. I’d call it a psychological thriller, mainly because most of the characters had deep psychological flaws, and you never knew what was going to happen next. I’d say that none of the characters are what you would call likable, however, that seems to have been by design and works well, given the story. I would recommend this book and give a big thank you to NetGalley for the advance read copy.
October 19, 2023
A twisty, sometimes gross, study of two delusional women with an odd connection, who take advantage of each other in increasingly mean ways. Set against the glamour of Hollywood, there's a touch of Gaslight, a hint of Baby Jane, and a good measure of Psycho without the charm.
I can't say I enjoyed this book exactly, but it was quirky enough to keep me reading. Oh, and bonus half star for having a mouse as a supporting character.
Thank you to the publisher for providing a Kindle copy through a Goodreads giveaway.
I can't say I enjoyed this book exactly, but it was quirky enough to keep me reading. Oh, and bonus half star for having a mouse as a supporting character.
Thank you to the publisher for providing a Kindle copy through a Goodreads giveaway.
October 24, 2023
This book has a slow start narrative that it did pick up speed and once it did, I could not put down. This book sparked my interest from the beginning, as it made references to actors, films, books etc. I don’t usually read psychological thrillers, but I decided to start reading this genre and this is one of the books I choose.
This is a brilliant debut novel by author Gail Lynn Hanson that captures celebrity fandom with dark twists and turns.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Slippery Fish Press for the ARC.
This is a brilliant debut novel by author Gail Lynn Hanson that captures celebrity fandom with dark twists and turns.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Slippery Fish Press for the ARC.
December 3, 2023
I don’t even know what to say without spoilers. This is hands down a psychological thriller that must be a book club read and I cannot explain why this hasn’t more traction but is a hidden gem. Rarely do I want to bust out and talk about a bazillion possibilities that I have read or imagined or considered but I have so many questions to ask the author. So to describe this book -
*delusional
*smothering
*psychotic
*serpentine
I can say that there were times that I wasn’t sure what the truth was and the book is over and I’m still asking questions.
*delusional
*smothering
*psychotic
*serpentine
I can say that there were times that I wasn’t sure what the truth was and the book is over and I’m still asking questions.
December 20, 2023
Thank you to Slippery Fish Press and NetGalley for an eARC copy of The Palisades.
Unfortunately, I could not get into the plotline and characters of this book. I felt the alternating narration didn't flow enough to indicate proper character development, it was a super slow burn novel, and not personally for me.
Unfortunately, I could not get into the plotline and characters of this book. I felt the alternating narration didn't flow enough to indicate proper character development, it was a super slow burn novel, and not personally for me.
November 7, 2023
Good stuff. This has a lot packed in it, and includes well developed characters, and a solid plot with some complexity. This author writes well and I'll look for her next book.
I really appreciate the free copy for review!!
I really appreciate the free copy for review!!
November 22, 2023
The Palisades by Gail Lynn Hanson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this novel for so many reason. While a work of fiction, so many of the actresses and movies I’ve grown up with, places I’ve been and even a war hero that I’ve gotten to meet, were mixed in to this psychological suspense thriller. The story always kept you reeled in and wondering just how this would play out in the end. Beautifully written and amazingly intriguing, Ruth and Dorothy use and manipulate each other to get what they want from the other in an often amusing way and sometimes disturbing ways. I would suggest going in to this one a bit blind so as not to ruin what eventually occurs as the story unfolds.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this novel for so many reason. While a work of fiction, so many of the actresses and movies I’ve grown up with, places I’ve been and even a war hero that I’ve gotten to meet, were mixed in to this psychological suspense thriller. The story always kept you reeled in and wondering just how this would play out in the end. Beautifully written and amazingly intriguing, Ruth and Dorothy use and manipulate each other to get what they want from the other in an often amusing way and sometimes disturbing ways. I would suggest going in to this one a bit blind so as not to ruin what eventually occurs as the story unfolds.
November 22, 2023
This one interested me from the start since I love character driven psychological thrillers and the cover is gorgeous. The Palisades is an excellent character study about Dorothy who is 83 and Ruth who is 66. Dorothy is a shallow woman who married into money and lived a glamorous old Hollywood lifestyle while Ruth had a horrific childhood and grew into a disturbed con artist who preys on the elderly. Dorothy hires Ruth as a kind of personal assistant and that’s when the games begin…
I loved the tense cat and mouse game these two played in this pitch black and clever debut. The author is a wonderful storyteller and I enjoyed all of the old Hollywood references. I also enjoyed the dark humor throughout the novel. These two women were both fascinating and horrifying at the same time. If you love a dark character driven story, this one is not to be missed.
October 15, 2023
Dorothy Fiske, eighty-three, adores movie stars, jewelry, murder mysteries, and men. At twenty-five, inspired by Judy Garland and Angela Lansbury, she moved to Los Angeles from a religiously strict Midwestern home. Despite the glamour, Dorothy, heartbroken, was childless. She blamed her sweet, unambitious husband, Eugene, claiming his sperm was weak, but Dorothy knows the truth. Ruth, a sixty-six-year-old home health aide, fears eviction from her LA apartment due to her unusual, antisocial behavior. Previously fired from a nursing facility for residents dying under her care, Ruth targets Dorothy, a widow from a wealthy family in Pacific Palisades, California. Lonely yet prideful, Dorothy hires Ruth as a "lady's maid." Ruth accepts the position and masterfully entwines herself into Dorothy's life because she wants to live in Dorothy's house, alone.
Firstly, this is not an easy book to read. It starts quite slowly and takes a while to get into I found. It’s saved by some stunning character profiles and descriptions. It mixes fact with fiction well too. I did find that I got a bit lost in the timeline as it flits backwards and forwards in what seems like a random fashion. It’s well written and constructed but, at times, I found myself skipping a few paragraphs to move the action on when it slowed. The story seems to get a little disjointed and wanders into a level of description which slows the flow. Not sure how I would categorise this book but it wasn’t for me.
Firstly, this is not an easy book to read. It starts quite slowly and takes a while to get into I found. It’s saved by some stunning character profiles and descriptions. It mixes fact with fiction well too. I did find that I got a bit lost in the timeline as it flits backwards and forwards in what seems like a random fashion. It’s well written and constructed but, at times, I found myself skipping a few paragraphs to move the action on when it slowed. The story seems to get a little disjointed and wanders into a level of description which slows the flow. Not sure how I would categorise this book but it wasn’t for me.
October 16, 2023
This book is really like nothing I've ever read before. I mean that in a good way. Usually, I like books that give me closure, even if that means ending on a sad note. This book leaves me with a lot of unanswered questions, but I was surprisingly alright with that. There were a lot of "Wait, did she..." moments throughout this book. Along with that, both of our main characters deal with distorted realities. While there are things I know are true and things I know weren't true, even as I finished the book, I wasn't entirely sure about a few things, which is kind of the appeal of this book.
It's creepy, and it's disturbing in so many ways. Both of our main characters dealt with horrible abuse as children. Some of this might be disturbing to readers. Because of events from their childhoods, neither Dorothy nor Ruth is sane. If you are the sort of reader who has to have clear "good" and "bad" characters, I wouldn't recommend reading this book. There's definitely some grey area. Both Dorothy and Ruth do some pretty terrible things, some of them potentially justified.
When thinking back on the book, there really isn't a lot of swearing or other offensive language, which was really nice. Yet, this book has quite a few subject matters that might be hard for some readers to handle. When it comes to sexual content, there aren't any graphic sex scenes. Teen pregnancy as the result of rape would likely be the most difficult subject matter for readers when it comes to sexual content.
Death is a major theme throughout this book. This includes one person who committed suicide previously. It also includes murder, mostly as either a "mercy killing" or as revenge. There are also a few "accidental" deaths. At least one of them I do wonder if it really was an accident.
Child abuse, bullying, child abandonment, manipulation, and using religion to justify their actions are some other topics that might be difficult for some readers to handle. The best way that I can explain some of this is that while the author doesn't go into a huge amount of graphic detail, there are enough details given that the reader can conjure up their own disturbing image of what has happened.
I was actually surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I thought at first that it might get a bit too dark and/or graphic. While there are places that I cringed and was quite disturbed by some of the characters' actions, I feel like the author did a great job of not crossing the line between a disturbing story that draws me in, leaving me wanting to read more, and one that became so disturbing that I don't want to finish it. I will say that this is a book that is going to stay with you even after you finish reading it.
I got an ARC of this book free from BookSirens. I left a voluntary review.
It's creepy, and it's disturbing in so many ways. Both of our main characters dealt with horrible abuse as children. Some of this might be disturbing to readers. Because of events from their childhoods, neither Dorothy nor Ruth is sane. If you are the sort of reader who has to have clear "good" and "bad" characters, I wouldn't recommend reading this book. There's definitely some grey area. Both Dorothy and Ruth do some pretty terrible things, some of them potentially justified.
When thinking back on the book, there really isn't a lot of swearing or other offensive language, which was really nice. Yet, this book has quite a few subject matters that might be hard for some readers to handle. When it comes to sexual content, there aren't any graphic sex scenes. Teen pregnancy as the result of rape would likely be the most difficult subject matter for readers when it comes to sexual content.
Death is a major theme throughout this book. This includes one person who committed suicide previously. It also includes murder, mostly as either a "mercy killing" or as revenge. There are also a few "accidental" deaths. At least one of them I do wonder if it really was an accident.
Child abuse, bullying, child abandonment, manipulation, and using religion to justify their actions are some other topics that might be difficult for some readers to handle. The best way that I can explain some of this is that while the author doesn't go into a huge amount of graphic detail, there are enough details given that the reader can conjure up their own disturbing image of what has happened.
I was actually surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I thought at first that it might get a bit too dark and/or graphic. While there are places that I cringed and was quite disturbed by some of the characters' actions, I feel like the author did a great job of not crossing the line between a disturbing story that draws me in, leaving me wanting to read more, and one that became so disturbing that I don't want to finish it. I will say that this is a book that is going to stay with you even after you finish reading it.
I got an ARC of this book free from BookSirens. I left a voluntary review.
December 27, 2023
Title: "The Palisades: Gail Lynn Hanson's Masterful Tapestry of Suspense and Emotion"
Gail Lynn Hanson's "The Palisades" is a literary gem that effortlessly blends suspense, emotion, and exquisite storytelling. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Palisades, Hanson crafts a narrative that transcends the typical mystery genre, delivering a poignant exploration of human relationships.
The story introduces us to Dorothy Anderson Fiske and the people that evolve into and out of her life. This includes her well-off husband, Eugene, her maid, Ruth, and her next-door neighbor, Robert McClure.
The strength of the novel lies in Hanson's ability to breathe life into her characters. Each one is meticulously developed, with depth and authenticity that make them relatable and endearing. The reader becomes emotionally invested in their journeys, adding an extra layer of resonance to the unfolding mystery.
Hanson's prose is a delight to read, striking the perfect balance between descriptive elegance and page-turning suspense. The Palisades themselves become more than a mere setting; they become a character, their grandeur and beauty intricately woven into the fabric of the story.
The plot unfolds with a masterful touch, keeping readers guessing until the final pages. Hanson skillfully navigates through twists and turns, maintaining a taut narrative that never loses its emotional core. The pacing is spot-on, ensuring that the reader remains captivated from the first chapter to the last.
Beyond its role as a mystery, "The Palisades" delves into themes of love, loss, and redemption, elevating it to a level of literary richness uncommon in the genre. Hanson's exploration of the human condition adds a layer of depth that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final chapter.
In "The Palisades," Gail Lynn Hanson has not only crafted an engrossing mystery but also a work of literary art. This novel is a testament to her storytelling prowess, leaving readers eagerly anticipating her next literary endeavor.
I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program.
Gail Lynn Hanson's "The Palisades" is a literary gem that effortlessly blends suspense, emotion, and exquisite storytelling. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Palisades, Hanson crafts a narrative that transcends the typical mystery genre, delivering a poignant exploration of human relationships.
The story introduces us to Dorothy Anderson Fiske and the people that evolve into and out of her life. This includes her well-off husband, Eugene, her maid, Ruth, and her next-door neighbor, Robert McClure.
The strength of the novel lies in Hanson's ability to breathe life into her characters. Each one is meticulously developed, with depth and authenticity that make them relatable and endearing. The reader becomes emotionally invested in their journeys, adding an extra layer of resonance to the unfolding mystery.
Hanson's prose is a delight to read, striking the perfect balance between descriptive elegance and page-turning suspense. The Palisades themselves become more than a mere setting; they become a character, their grandeur and beauty intricately woven into the fabric of the story.
The plot unfolds with a masterful touch, keeping readers guessing until the final pages. Hanson skillfully navigates through twists and turns, maintaining a taut narrative that never loses its emotional core. The pacing is spot-on, ensuring that the reader remains captivated from the first chapter to the last.
Beyond its role as a mystery, "The Palisades" delves into themes of love, loss, and redemption, elevating it to a level of literary richness uncommon in the genre. Hanson's exploration of the human condition adds a layer of depth that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final chapter.
In "The Palisades," Gail Lynn Hanson has not only crafted an engrossing mystery but also a work of literary art. This novel is a testament to her storytelling prowess, leaving readers eagerly anticipating her next literary endeavor.
I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program.
March 18, 2024
"The Palisades" is a chilling exploration of the intricate web of trauma that entangles families, revealing how deeply its claws dig and how effectively it can mask itself behind picturesque facades. Authored by Gail Lynn Hanson, this book delves into the darkest corners of human experience, unearthing the unsettling truths that lie beneath the surface.
From the outset, readers are drawn into the seemingly idyllic world of the Palisades, a wealthy neighborhood where luxury and opulence reign supreme. However, as the narrative unfolds, the cracks in this facade begin to emerge, exposing the festering wounds of trauma that plague the inhabitants.
One of the most compelling aspects of "The Palisades" is its portrayal of how trauma infiltrates every aspect of familial dynamics. The author skillfully weaves together multiple perspectives, allowing readers to witness the ripple effects of trauma across generations. From the haunted memories of the past to the destructive patterns of behavior in the present, each character grapples with their own demons, trapped in a cycle of pain and suffering.
What sets this book apart is its refusal to romanticize or sensationalize trauma. Instead, it presents it with raw honesty, forcing readers to confront the uncomfortable truths that society often prefers to ignore. The author's prose is hauntingly beautiful, painting vivid portraits of despair and resilience in equal measure.
However, "The Palisades" is not without its flaws. At times, the narrative pacing can feel sluggish, and certain plot threads may leave readers wanting more resolution. Additionally, some may find the subject matter too distressing or triggering, as the book does not shy away from depicting the darkest aspects of human nature.
In conclusion, "The Palisades" is a disturbing yet profoundly impactful exploration of trauma and its enduring legacy. It serves as a stark reminder that beneath the veneer of perfection, lies a world of pain and brokenness. While not for the faint of heart, those willing to confront the darkness will find themselves captivated by this haunting tale.
From the outset, readers are drawn into the seemingly idyllic world of the Palisades, a wealthy neighborhood where luxury and opulence reign supreme. However, as the narrative unfolds, the cracks in this facade begin to emerge, exposing the festering wounds of trauma that plague the inhabitants.
One of the most compelling aspects of "The Palisades" is its portrayal of how trauma infiltrates every aspect of familial dynamics. The author skillfully weaves together multiple perspectives, allowing readers to witness the ripple effects of trauma across generations. From the haunted memories of the past to the destructive patterns of behavior in the present, each character grapples with their own demons, trapped in a cycle of pain and suffering.
What sets this book apart is its refusal to romanticize or sensationalize trauma. Instead, it presents it with raw honesty, forcing readers to confront the uncomfortable truths that society often prefers to ignore. The author's prose is hauntingly beautiful, painting vivid portraits of despair and resilience in equal measure.
However, "The Palisades" is not without its flaws. At times, the narrative pacing can feel sluggish, and certain plot threads may leave readers wanting more resolution. Additionally, some may find the subject matter too distressing or triggering, as the book does not shy away from depicting the darkest aspects of human nature.
In conclusion, "The Palisades" is a disturbing yet profoundly impactful exploration of trauma and its enduring legacy. It serves as a stark reminder that beneath the veneer of perfection, lies a world of pain and brokenness. While not for the faint of heart, those willing to confront the darkness will find themselves captivated by this haunting tale.
November 18, 2023
Obsessed with the movies, celebrities and glamour, Dorothy Anderson left her strict religious upbringing and headed to California in the mid-1940s. She quickly finds herself a husband who is part of the wealthy and prestigious Fiske family. With husband Eugene, they settle in a large house in the Pacific Palisades, where she lives near some of the famous stars she idolizes, including Judy Garland. Dorothy has it all, including a treasure trove of jewelry. The only thing missing is a child, which the couple was unable to conceive. The story shifts to 2006 and Dorothy, now 83 years old, has hired Ruth, a 66-year-old caregiver who was working for her sister-in-law, to be her assistant, maid and more. While Dorothy has started to become more delusional with age, Ruth is one seriously troubled woman. Ruth is unlicensed and was fired from a job at a nursing home when it became apparent that the people under her care were dying at a higher rate. And even before working for Dorothy, Ruth knew way too much about her new employer and her late husband. Dorothy suspects something isn't right but keeps Ruth around anyway. What develops is a relationship that shifts back and forth from near hatred to one that is somewhat loving. This toxic tango is on a crash course for disaster.
I was captivated by author Gail Lynn Hanson's debut The Palisades. While quite dark, it has humor interwoven in it. I love tales of old Hollywood, so the references were appreciated, especially having Angela Landsbury as a character. I was also highly entertained by the stories of the many pieces of jewelry owned by Dorothy and coveted by Ruth. While the book was a little slow at times, a little weird and a little bizarre, I remained fascinated by these two characters. This is one of those "not for everyone" books, but if it sounds intriguing to you, check it out.
Many thanks to the author and Slippery Fish Press for sending me this book. I will be very interested to see what direction Ms. Hanson's next book takes.
Rated 3.75 stars.
I was captivated by author Gail Lynn Hanson's debut The Palisades. While quite dark, it has humor interwoven in it. I love tales of old Hollywood, so the references were appreciated, especially having Angela Landsbury as a character. I was also highly entertained by the stories of the many pieces of jewelry owned by Dorothy and coveted by Ruth. While the book was a little slow at times, a little weird and a little bizarre, I remained fascinated by these two characters. This is one of those "not for everyone" books, but if it sounds intriguing to you, check it out.
Many thanks to the author and Slippery Fish Press for sending me this book. I will be very interested to see what direction Ms. Hanson's next book takes.
Rated 3.75 stars.
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