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Lizzie Ouellette Está Morta
“Divertidamente satírico e sombriamente sangrento.” — The Washington Post Em uma bela manhã de outubro na zona rural do Maine, um investigador de homicídios da polícia estadual chega à desafortunada cidade de Copper Falls. O ferro-velho local está em chamas. A pária da cidade, Lizzie Ouellette, jaz morta. E o paradeiro do seu marido, Dwayne, é desconhecido. Adrienne Richards é uma influenciadora digital que, para escapar da cidade grande, vinha alugando a casinha do lago da propriedade de Lizzie… ainda que Copper Falls seja tudo, menos um local turístico. À medida que as notícias se espalham pela comunidade, as investigações vão tomando rumos inesperados. O detetive Ian Bird se vê forçado a deixar a cidadezinha do Maine e viajar até uma luxuosa residência há várias horas ao sul em busca de respostas. Esta é uma história sobre privilégio, identidade e astúcia, enquanto duas mulheres de mundos opostos, perdidas, descobrem os perigos de cobiçar a vida alheia.
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,061 reviews
June 21, 2024
No One Will Miss Her has been getting rave reviews from everyone I know, so I went into it with high expectations. Too high, as it turns out, because it pretty much underwhelmed from beginning to end.
First of all, this is a relatively thin story. There isn't a lot of substance in here, and it's very much predicated on its one twist. The problem is that I figured it out almost from the very beginning. It's something I've seen done in a few books already, so it's quite obvious. And once I saw it, there just wasn't much else interesting in here.
Now, I know reading thrillers like this require suspension of disbelief. But this book took it pretty far, such that it's not only improbable, but also actually impossible. I mean, this isn't science fiction, so my suspension of disbelief can only stretch so far. It's hard to remain in the story when I'm laughing at the absurdity of it all.
Another issue is that this style of domestic thriller isn't my favorite. We spend a lot of time in the characters' heads while they ruminate about who they are as people, what others think of them, and how great/not great they are. There's nothing wrong with that per se, but I find it fairly dull and my eyes glaze over quickly if there are paragraphs upon paragraphs of that stuff.
Also, this book has what seems to be the largest amount of wrap-up to actual story I've ever come across. More than 100 pages of this book is wrapping up, which is just ridiculous on a 280 page story. At some point, I'm thinking to myself, Is this really it? Surely something else will happen. But no, that was all it was.
Gosh, that all sounds super negative, but it wasn't that bad. I was mostly indifferent to this story. Obviously, you should take my review with a grain of salt. So many other readers loved this and the twist made their jaws drop and their heads spin. But my jaw and head remained firmly in place, and no one's sadder than me. So my search continues for a mystery thriller that will actually thrill me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
First of all, this is a relatively thin story. There isn't a lot of substance in here, and it's very much predicated on its one twist. The problem is that I figured it out almost from the very beginning. It's something I've seen done in a few books already, so it's quite obvious. And once I saw it, there just wasn't much else interesting in here.
Now, I know reading thrillers like this require suspension of disbelief. But this book took it pretty far, such that it's not only improbable, but also actually impossible. I mean, this isn't science fiction, so my suspension of disbelief can only stretch so far. It's hard to remain in the story when I'm laughing at the absurdity of it all.
Another issue is that this style of domestic thriller isn't my favorite. We spend a lot of time in the characters' heads while they ruminate about who they are as people, what others think of them, and how great/not great they are. There's nothing wrong with that per se, but I find it fairly dull and my eyes glaze over quickly if there are paragraphs upon paragraphs of that stuff.
Also, this book has what seems to be the largest amount of wrap-up to actual story I've ever come across. More than 100 pages of this book is wrapping up, which is just ridiculous on a 280 page story. At some point, I'm thinking to myself, Is this really it? Surely something else will happen. But no, that was all it was.
Gosh, that all sounds super negative, but it wasn't that bad. I was mostly indifferent to this story. Obviously, you should take my review with a grain of salt. So many other readers loved this and the twist made their jaws drop and their heads spin. But my jaw and head remained firmly in place, and no one's sadder than me. So my search continues for a mystery thriller that will actually thrill me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
October 12, 2021
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!
A near-perfect thriller with an amazing twist that blew me away!
Detective Ian Bird finds himself in rural Maine, in the rundown town of Copper Falls. A junkyard is on fire, and a local woman named Lizzie Oullette is found brutally murdered nearby in the lake house that she rents out during the summer.
Lizzie has never been liked by the residents of Copper Falls, even though she has been there all of her poor and rough life. They also don’t understand why “town hero” Dwayne would’ve married her. Now, Dwayne is unaccounted for, and Detective Bird really wants to find him to get some answers.
Adrienne Richards is a social media influencer who lives the life of luxury (and scandal) almost 200 miles away. How did she end up crossing paths with Lizzie? How might she be involved in the swirl of Copper Falls?
You’ll need to read it to find out, and I’d advise skipping the official synopsis.
Before I get into why I loved this book, I do need to give a trigger warning: a scene of graphic animal harm that was not easy to read. If you want to skip/skim that scene, the Kindle App locations are 745-811.
Aside from that, this is riveting, atmospheric, and gritty...and there is is a MAJOR moment of bamboozlement after a twist that literally made me gasp, scratch my head, and then re-read almost everything I had already read up until that point. It’s a doozy!
The brilliant and scenic writing, and getting into the psych of the many interesting characters, make this an unputdownable thriller that I flew through. It’s dark and violent at times, but I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.
4.5 stars rounded up
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This will be available: 10/12/21.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
A near-perfect thriller with an amazing twist that blew me away!
Detective Ian Bird finds himself in rural Maine, in the rundown town of Copper Falls. A junkyard is on fire, and a local woman named Lizzie Oullette is found brutally murdered nearby in the lake house that she rents out during the summer.
Lizzie has never been liked by the residents of Copper Falls, even though she has been there all of her poor and rough life. They also don’t understand why “town hero” Dwayne would’ve married her. Now, Dwayne is unaccounted for, and Detective Bird really wants to find him to get some answers.
Adrienne Richards is a social media influencer who lives the life of luxury (and scandal) almost 200 miles away. How did she end up crossing paths with Lizzie? How might she be involved in the swirl of Copper Falls?
You’ll need to read it to find out, and I’d advise skipping the official synopsis.
Before I get into why I loved this book, I do need to give a trigger warning: a scene of graphic animal harm that was not easy to read. If you want to skip/skim that scene, the Kindle App locations are 745-811.
Aside from that, this is riveting, atmospheric, and gritty...and there is is a MAJOR moment of bamboozlement after a twist that literally made me gasp, scratch my head, and then re-read almost everything I had already read up until that point. It’s a doozy!
The brilliant and scenic writing, and getting into the psych of the many interesting characters, make this an unputdownable thriller that I flew through. It’s dark and violent at times, but I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.
4.5 stars rounded up
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This will be available: 10/12/21.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
October 10, 2021
4.5 stars
"When I'm gone, when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me by my hair
You're gonna miss me everywhere, oh
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone"b -Cups (When I’m gone)
Or NOT!!!
Lizzie Oullette was trailer trash. They all said it. She grew up with her father in a trailer on the site of the junkyard her father owned. An outcast and labeled a whore when she got pregnant by Dwayne, the high school hero who is college bound until her marries her and his life takes a drastic turn. Copper Falls like all small towns remember and once you are labeled, you can never truly change the opinion of your neighbors. You certainly can't change their opinion when you rent to wealthy outsiders, Adrienne Richards, and her disgraced billionaire husband Ethan.
Then one day in October, in rural Maine, Detective Ian Bird is called to the scene after the junkyard burns to the ground and Lizzie Oullette is found gruesomely murdered in her home while her husband Dwayne is missing. The investigation comes up with more questions than answers. Why would Adrienne and Ethan keep renting out this cabin. Surely it is not to their taste, and they can afford better. So, what is the appeal? Lizzie and Adrienne appear to be thick as thieves, but are they?
JUICY Seriously, juicy with a twist that I did not see coming! I almost got whiplash from the shocking wtf moment it produced! That is how you do it! I was already fully gripped and invested in the book and then she knocked it out of the ballpark.!!!
Woohoo! This book was like an avalanche that picks up speed as it races down the mountain! One this got going there was no stopping it!
Whew! Clever, clever, clever!
This had me on the edge of my seat!
Gripping, Violent, Dark and oh so, clever.
Thank you to William Morrow and Custom House and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
"When I'm gone, when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me by my hair
You're gonna miss me everywhere, oh
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone"b -Cups (When I’m gone)
Or NOT!!!
Lizzie Oullette was trailer trash. They all said it. She grew up with her father in a trailer on the site of the junkyard her father owned. An outcast and labeled a whore when she got pregnant by Dwayne, the high school hero who is college bound until her marries her and his life takes a drastic turn. Copper Falls like all small towns remember and once you are labeled, you can never truly change the opinion of your neighbors. You certainly can't change their opinion when you rent to wealthy outsiders, Adrienne Richards, and her disgraced billionaire husband Ethan.
Then one day in October, in rural Maine, Detective Ian Bird is called to the scene after the junkyard burns to the ground and Lizzie Oullette is found gruesomely murdered in her home while her husband Dwayne is missing. The investigation comes up with more questions than answers. Why would Adrienne and Ethan keep renting out this cabin. Surely it is not to their taste, and they can afford better. So, what is the appeal? Lizzie and Adrienne appear to be thick as thieves, but are they?
JUICY Seriously, juicy with a twist that I did not see coming! I almost got whiplash from the shocking wtf moment it produced! That is how you do it! I was already fully gripped and invested in the book and then she knocked it out of the ballpark.!!!
Woohoo! This book was like an avalanche that picks up speed as it races down the mountain! One this got going there was no stopping it!
Whew! Clever, clever, clever!
This had me on the edge of my seat!
Gripping, Violent, Dark and oh so, clever.
Thank you to William Morrow and Custom House and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
July 28, 2021
Well, well, well, what do we have here? A compelling and nearly unputdownable psych thriller! Thank you, Kat Rosenfield, you have made a new fan!
This is a book where the less said is more so I'm going to refrain from a plot summary. Honestly, I even think the book synopsis gives a little too much away so maybe skip that too.
This is a story where the disparity between the wealthy and the poor come into play. Nothing new in and of itself but what really hooked me though? The narration coming from beyond the grave. I thought it was oh so clever. This is the kind of book where your chugging along innocently enough when the author throws a punch to your face where everything you thought you knew gets spun out into the ether and you realize the game she's really playing on her readers.
Let's talk about the writing: Oh boy is it ever good. Seriously impressive. Not to mention the pacing was on point. Not a dull moment to be had which is so unusual for me to say. I would love to bow down to Rosenfield to thank her for not feeling the need to repeat herself over and over again which is a quirk I have grown exhausted of. So while this may not be the most original story it still seems like something a bit fresh and new, at least to me anyways. I just love the way she weaved this crafty story together.
TW for my animal loving friends: A cat is killed and it isn't pleasant.
All in all this was a BIG win for me. I enjoyed the heck out of it and I am already impatiently awaiting what ever she thinks up next. 4 stars!
Thank you to Edelweiss and William Morrow for my copy.
This is a book where the less said is more so I'm going to refrain from a plot summary. Honestly, I even think the book synopsis gives a little too much away so maybe skip that too.
This is a story where the disparity between the wealthy and the poor come into play. Nothing new in and of itself but what really hooked me though? The narration coming from beyond the grave. I thought it was oh so clever. This is the kind of book where your chugging along innocently enough when the author throws a punch to your face where everything you thought you knew gets spun out into the ether and you realize the game she's really playing on her readers.
Let's talk about the writing: Oh boy is it ever good. Seriously impressive. Not to mention the pacing was on point. Not a dull moment to be had which is so unusual for me to say. I would love to bow down to Rosenfield to thank her for not feeling the need to repeat herself over and over again which is a quirk I have grown exhausted of. So while this may not be the most original story it still seems like something a bit fresh and new, at least to me anyways. I just love the way she weaved this crafty story together.
TW for my animal loving friends: A cat is killed and it isn't pleasant.
All in all this was a BIG win for me. I enjoyed the heck out of it and I am already impatiently awaiting what ever she thinks up next. 4 stars!
Thank you to Edelweiss and William Morrow for my copy.
September 26, 2021
Are you tired of the same old thriller? Ready for something just a bit different? Look no further, my thriller friends!
Lizzie Oullette seemed destined to be on the outside looking in. Never accepted by her peers growing up. And even though she married a local guy, still finds herself cruelly left out of any social gathering.
And things just got considerably worse for poor Lizzie. Her body has been discovered and her husband has suspiciously disappeared. The evidence trail leads detective Ian Bird to a disgraced socialite couple who had previously rented a remote cabin from Lizzie.
The storyline plays out with Lizzie herself describing the events leading up to the killing. Can you put the pieces together? Can Detective Bird solve the mystery?
This was a cleverly plotted thriller that felt so different from the “formulary thrillers” we‘ve all been accustomed to reading lately.
It was shocking, with some tasty jaw-dropping moments along the way. Now that’s more like it! Everything I could want and hope for (but rarely find) in my thrillers.
My first read by this author and anxiously await her next release!
A buddy read with Susanne
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow and Custom House
Lizzie Oullette seemed destined to be on the outside looking in. Never accepted by her peers growing up. And even though she married a local guy, still finds herself cruelly left out of any social gathering.
And things just got considerably worse for poor Lizzie. Her body has been discovered and her husband has suspiciously disappeared. The evidence trail leads detective Ian Bird to a disgraced socialite couple who had previously rented a remote cabin from Lizzie.
The storyline plays out with Lizzie herself describing the events leading up to the killing. Can you put the pieces together? Can Detective Bird solve the mystery?
This was a cleverly plotted thriller that felt so different from the “formulary thrillers” we‘ve all been accustomed to reading lately.
It was shocking, with some tasty jaw-dropping moments along the way. Now that’s more like it! Everything I could want and hope for (but rarely find) in my thrillers.
My first read by this author and anxiously await her next release!
A buddy read with Susanne
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow and Custom House
April 19, 2023
A refreshingly psychological thriller with an unusual and fun twist. I also liked the writing style, it was an unexpected plus since the genre have a lot of authors where the language is plain and simplistic. Although I liked the twist there were some problems with it, which is why I didn’t give it five stars. Still well worth my time!
August 16, 2022
Snap. Crackle. BOOM!
No, that isn't the sound of your breakfast cereal. Or even a particularly dangerous bag of Pop Rocks.
It's the unmistakable echo of an electric new voice in the thriller and suspense world blowing my mind!
Lizzie Ouellette knows her place. Or rather, KNEW her place. See, Lizzie has come back to tell you her story, AFTER she's lived it...from the grave. Growing up as the laughingstock of sorts in her rural town of Copper Field, the "Queen of the Junkyard", she's had her fair share of insults, putdowns, and torment from the locals. But things have changed, Lizzie has found the Best of What's Around with Dwayne, former posterchild jock boy and currently husband after a pregnancy compells him to tie the knot. Until one morning, when the junkyard so close to home is ablaze---and Lizzie and Dwayne are declared casualties in the fire.
Detective Ian Bird swings into town, looking for justice and answers, and his trail leads him to the polar-opposite-of-Lizzie: the rich, gorgeous, and of course snobby Adrienne Richards, who once deigned to use Lizzie's lake house as a getaway. Adrienne has her own troubled past she is desperate to leave behind, and ties to wealthy-but-disgraced husband Ethan have only exacerbated her own issues and need for a new beginning. As Lizzie pulls back the layers, however, a through line begins to emerge and deepen---and it's up to you, the Reader, to see if you can piece together the clues faster than the detectives can and figure out who needs who...and if silence is REALLY golden.
There is NOTHING else that needs to be said in terms of plot. Honestly, the end of the opening chapter of this book made. my. jaw. drop. I can't remember the last time I was so flabbergasted by an opening, and WOW did it peak my interest! Lizzie's narrative voice is nothing short of incredible. She's fierce, unapologetic, and yet wistful and insecure, which is such an odd balance, but Rosenfield makes it look easy. She recounts her past in a way that elicits empathy but never pity, and her motivation never wavers. I felt a bit of disappointment every time the narrative pulled away from her, even for a moment, because she has one of those voices you can practically HEAR (without the aid of an audiobook, of course) leaping off the page!
Around 30-50%, however, things started to get a bit slow and I was worried for a minute I was going to end up once again hopping on the Unpopular Opinion Train. At that point, I started counting down the pages until the amazing twist I kept hearing about was coming 'round the bend....until Rosenfield delivered.
AND HOW!
The last 50% of this book passed so quickly, I not only lost track of time, but was honestly doing that weird thing you do when you love a book and want to know what happens but also want to savor every word so you try to drag it out as long as possible. Of course, this only lasted about an hour, but the important thing is that I tried, right? 😉
Rosenfield's writing is sharp, snappy, and SO unexpected. Her ideas aren't brand new, but they FEEL new, crisp, and devilishly good, which is what is so important, especially for a new voice on the scene. Her writing itself sparks, and there are a few MORE jaw-dropping moments to catch you off guard, not to mention an epilogue that will leave your heart in your throat for just a moment and leave you wanting more!
The award for best first chapter ending for 2021 (or perhaps ever) goes to...KAT ROSENFIELD! 🥇 Maybe 'no one' will miss Lizzie...but after closing this one, I ALREADY miss Kat!
4.5 smashing stars!
No, that isn't the sound of your breakfast cereal. Or even a particularly dangerous bag of Pop Rocks.
It's the unmistakable echo of an electric new voice in the thriller and suspense world blowing my mind!
Lizzie Ouellette knows her place. Or rather, KNEW her place. See, Lizzie has come back to tell you her story, AFTER she's lived it...from the grave. Growing up as the laughingstock of sorts in her rural town of Copper Field, the "Queen of the Junkyard", she's had her fair share of insults, putdowns, and torment from the locals. But things have changed, Lizzie has found the Best of What's Around with Dwayne, former posterchild jock boy and currently husband after a pregnancy compells him to tie the knot. Until one morning, when the junkyard so close to home is ablaze---and Lizzie and Dwayne are declared casualties in the fire.
Detective Ian Bird swings into town, looking for justice and answers, and his trail leads him to the polar-opposite-of-Lizzie: the rich, gorgeous, and of course snobby Adrienne Richards, who once deigned to use Lizzie's lake house as a getaway. Adrienne has her own troubled past she is desperate to leave behind, and ties to wealthy-but-disgraced husband Ethan have only exacerbated her own issues and need for a new beginning. As Lizzie pulls back the layers, however, a through line begins to emerge and deepen---and it's up to you, the Reader, to see if you can piece together the clues faster than the detectives can and figure out who needs who...and if silence is REALLY golden.
There is NOTHING else that needs to be said in terms of plot. Honestly, the end of the opening chapter of this book made. my. jaw. drop. I can't remember the last time I was so flabbergasted by an opening, and WOW did it peak my interest! Lizzie's narrative voice is nothing short of incredible. She's fierce, unapologetic, and yet wistful and insecure, which is such an odd balance, but Rosenfield makes it look easy. She recounts her past in a way that elicits empathy but never pity, and her motivation never wavers. I felt a bit of disappointment every time the narrative pulled away from her, even for a moment, because she has one of those voices you can practically HEAR (without the aid of an audiobook, of course) leaping off the page!
Around 30-50%, however, things started to get a bit slow and I was worried for a minute I was going to end up once again hopping on the Unpopular Opinion Train. At that point, I started counting down the pages until the amazing twist I kept hearing about was coming 'round the bend....until Rosenfield delivered.
AND HOW!
The last 50% of this book passed so quickly, I not only lost track of time, but was honestly doing that weird thing you do when you love a book and want to know what happens but also want to savor every word so you try to drag it out as long as possible. Of course, this only lasted about an hour, but the important thing is that I tried, right? 😉
Rosenfield's writing is sharp, snappy, and SO unexpected. Her ideas aren't brand new, but they FEEL new, crisp, and devilishly good, which is what is so important, especially for a new voice on the scene. Her writing itself sparks, and there are a few MORE jaw-dropping moments to catch you off guard, not to mention an epilogue that will leave your heart in your throat for just a moment and leave you wanting more!
The award for best first chapter ending for 2021 (or perhaps ever) goes to...KAT ROSENFIELD! 🥇 Maybe 'no one' will miss Lizzie...but after closing this one, I ALREADY miss Kat!
4.5 smashing stars!
November 12, 2021
Partners in crime?
Lizzie Oullette is one of three narrators. Her chapters are told beyond the grave because she has already been murdered (she has an interesting point of view)! Adrienne Richards is the Louboutin clicking, oversized sunglass wearing influencer who periodically rents Lizzie's lake house. And then we have Detective Ian Bird, who is investigating the murder (He was no Sherlock Holmes- more than once I could see what was right before his eyes and I wanted to point to the clues! "There, there, don't you see it Ian")? He was probably my favorite character. Or maybe Mrs. Swan! (Did anyone catch that one)? Yep, my favorites - Bird and Swan.
Lizzie has had a difficult life, while Adrienne has had a more affluent one, but they do develop a give and take relationship. They both excel in the "taking" part.
I thought this was clever, well paced, and somewhat predictable. How predictable will depend on your reading experience, you may be shocked, surprised, or simply shrug your shoulder. Either way some of the twists are surely eye popping. After many of my GR friends tempting reviews (you know the ones)! I had to find out what all the rave was about!
P.S. You'll have to buy into some inept police work to get past some of the far-fetched plot lines, I just went with it which is okay sometimes (after all, it is Fiction).
Lizzie Oullette is one of three narrators. Her chapters are told beyond the grave because she has already been murdered (she has an interesting point of view)! Adrienne Richards is the Louboutin clicking, oversized sunglass wearing influencer who periodically rents Lizzie's lake house. And then we have Detective Ian Bird, who is investigating the murder (He was no Sherlock Holmes- more than once I could see what was right before his eyes and I wanted to point to the clues! "There, there, don't you see it Ian")? He was probably my favorite character. Or maybe Mrs. Swan! (Did anyone catch that one)? Yep, my favorites - Bird and Swan.
Lizzie has had a difficult life, while Adrienne has had a more affluent one, but they do develop a give and take relationship. They both excel in the "taking" part.
I thought this was clever, well paced, and somewhat predictable. How predictable will depend on your reading experience, you may be shocked, surprised, or simply shrug your shoulder. Either way some of the twists are surely eye popping. After many of my GR friends tempting reviews (you know the ones)! I had to find out what all the rave was about!
P.S. You'll have to buy into some inept police work to get past some of the far-fetched plot lines, I just went with it which is okay sometimes (after all, it is Fiction).
August 27, 2021
This is the story of Adrienne and Lizzie: two women defined by how the world sees them. The rich spoiled instagram brat and the small town girl who not only could never shake off the stink of growing up as the junkyard owner’s daughter, but who "stole" a promising future from the local high school athlete hot shot when she fell pregnant. Both know what it’s like to be truly alone, with no one knowing the real person underneath the public persona, and they form an unlikely bond. That is, until one ends up brutally murdered...
This was a fun ride. I knew where we were going, but I enjoyed the trip anyway. I suspect this book reads much differently when one hasn’t figured out the destination, and I have to admit I’m a little jealous of that experience. Regardless, this grabbed my attention from the beginning and never let go. I was actively upset that I had to put it down to go to bed, and then finished it as soon as I could the next day.
I do think this ran out of steam a bit toward the end, and as per usual it seems in the genre, people and especially the police make some questionable calls, but this was solidly entertaining. I also enjoyed the writing, both the style and especially the fact that there were actually distinct voices. Detective Bird’s chapters, for instance, were very clearly distinguishable from Lizzie’s snark. And I just want to take a moment to give a shout out to the cover design. I found it striking before reading, and now that I’ve finished, I really appreciate it even more.
My father used to joke there was nothing you couldn't fix with either duct tape or WD-40. I guess we need to add gorilla glue to that list… Want to know what I’m talking about? You’ll have to grab yourself a copy of this one on October 12, 2021.
CW for those who have trouble with animal cruelty: There is a really disturbing scene involving a cat. In my ARC copy, it is in chapter 6. It lays some groundwork, but overall reading experience will not be impacted much by skipping to the end of that chapter as soon as you see it coming.
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow Custom House for an advance copy of this title for review.
This was a fun ride. I knew where we were going, but I enjoyed the trip anyway. I suspect this book reads much differently when one hasn’t figured out the destination, and I have to admit I’m a little jealous of that experience. Regardless, this grabbed my attention from the beginning and never let go. I was actively upset that I had to put it down to go to bed, and then finished it as soon as I could the next day.
I do think this ran out of steam a bit toward the end, and as per usual it seems in the genre, people and especially the police make some questionable calls, but this was solidly entertaining. I also enjoyed the writing, both the style and especially the fact that there were actually distinct voices. Detective Bird’s chapters, for instance, were very clearly distinguishable from Lizzie’s snark. And I just want to take a moment to give a shout out to the cover design. I found it striking before reading, and now that I’ve finished, I really appreciate it even more.
My father used to joke there was nothing you couldn't fix with either duct tape or WD-40. I guess we need to add gorilla glue to that list… Want to know what I’m talking about? You’ll have to grab yourself a copy of this one on October 12, 2021.
CW for those who have trouble with animal cruelty: There is a really disturbing scene involving a cat. In my ARC copy, it is in chapter 6. It lays some groundwork, but overall reading experience will not be impacted much by skipping to the end of that chapter as soon as you see it coming.
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow Custom House for an advance copy of this title for review.
November 11, 2021
This is a very clever, fast-paced suspense novel. There are quite a few great twists--most I saw coming but others I did not, but either way, it didn't spoil the experience.
Lizzie has always been an outcast in Copper Falls. Growing up with her father in the town junkyard, getting pregnant (or so she said, no one in the town really believes she actually was) and trapping the town baseball star Dwayne into marriage, and basically a total loser that no one likes. Until she is discovered brutally murdered and the state police come to investigate, then the town residents are a little more circumspect and closed mouthed. Where is Dwayne? What happened to Lizzie and why?
Partially narrated by Lizzie from beyond the grave, telling us her side of the story, and partially narrated by the other players, this is a well-plotted tale filled with surprises at every turn. As I mentioned, one of the major twists I figured out, but there was at least one that totally shocked me. I almost feel like I need to go back and re-read the book again to see if I would pick up on clues. Lizzie is a very sympathetic character and I really liked the way the author positioned Lizzie's side of events after they are related from other players in the story.
Overall, this is a fantastic psychological thriller that deserves to be on your fall reading list.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Lizzie has always been an outcast in Copper Falls. Growing up with her father in the town junkyard, getting pregnant (or so she said, no one in the town really believes she actually was) and trapping the town baseball star Dwayne into marriage, and basically a total loser that no one likes. Until she is discovered brutally murdered and the state police come to investigate, then the town residents are a little more circumspect and closed mouthed. Where is Dwayne? What happened to Lizzie and why?
Partially narrated by Lizzie from beyond the grave, telling us her side of the story, and partially narrated by the other players, this is a well-plotted tale filled with surprises at every turn. As I mentioned, one of the major twists I figured out, but there was at least one that totally shocked me. I almost feel like I need to go back and re-read the book again to see if I would pick up on clues. Lizzie is a very sympathetic character and I really liked the way the author positioned Lizzie's side of events after they are related from other players in the story.
Overall, this is a fantastic psychological thriller that deserves to be on your fall reading list.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
January 17, 2022
'People will be in awe if I pull this off and succeed in my plan to start a new life. If I don’t then no one will be any the wiser and “no one will miss her”. I figured this life should be lived by someone and it might as well be me!!!.'
The story is narrated by Lizzie Ouellette, who is regarded as nothing but trouble, someone with a lifetime of false starts and missed chances and squandered potential, never amounting to anything. In Copper Falls she is regarded as “trash, a redneck bitch, that junkyard girl”, resented by many when she seemingly traps local hero boy Dwayne into marriage when she falls pregnant. However, when she is found dead the suspects, along with her husband who is now missing, are a couple from the other side of the track, Adrienne and Ethan Richards, who have rented a place in this rural town. The Richards who are the some of the last to see Lizzie alive and somehow have a past connection with her, but how?.
Narrated by Lizzie, she recalls the events leading up to her murder. “They all thought I had it coming. They all thought I was better off dead. And the truth, the one I realised in that last, horrible moment before the gun went off, is just this. They were right....and death has a way of making you honest".
The book had a great twisty plot that could have gone horribly wrong if the author didn’t bring together the plot, different threads, and characters in the right way and at the right time. I thought this was such a compelling and enjoyable read that had me turning the pages. I enjoyed the authors writing style, the plot building and the imagination that came across believable - but just.
The story is narrated by Lizzie Ouellette, who is regarded as nothing but trouble, someone with a lifetime of false starts and missed chances and squandered potential, never amounting to anything. In Copper Falls she is regarded as “trash, a redneck bitch, that junkyard girl”, resented by many when she seemingly traps local hero boy Dwayne into marriage when she falls pregnant. However, when she is found dead the suspects, along with her husband who is now missing, are a couple from the other side of the track, Adrienne and Ethan Richards, who have rented a place in this rural town. The Richards who are the some of the last to see Lizzie alive and somehow have a past connection with her, but how?.
Narrated by Lizzie, she recalls the events leading up to her murder. “They all thought I had it coming. They all thought I was better off dead. And the truth, the one I realised in that last, horrible moment before the gun went off, is just this. They were right....and death has a way of making you honest".
The book had a great twisty plot that could have gone horribly wrong if the author didn’t bring together the plot, different threads, and characters in the right way and at the right time. I thought this was such a compelling and enjoyable read that had me turning the pages. I enjoyed the authors writing style, the plot building and the imagination that came across believable - but just.
November 5, 2021
I find myself on an island again - Isle de la Outlier.
No One Will Miss Her follows recent trends where the less you know going in, the better. The story opens with a bang. Literally. Poor Lizzie just had her face shotgun blasted off. Who killed her and why?
There is interesting commentary on what it's like to grow up in poverty. How pure and innocent it is coming from a child's perspective who isn't influenced by society's standards and perceived norms. Kat Rosenfield is a wonderful writer. Her prose is captivating and she can weave a thrilling story.
That being said... I just can't get behind this plot. It's so inconceivable that its just laughable. I can't go into detail without spoiling, so I'll post it below but hidden.
The "twist" is clever but I was clued in about 5 pages before the reveal. It was a satisfying twist, just tooting my horn 🕵️♂️. However, the story meanders aimlessly after this and stumbles to a curiously empty ending.
If you can suspend reality, then this is a nice, well-written thriller. I just couldn't buy into the plot. But I will definitely be looking for Rosenfield's future work.
TW: brutal, graphic depiction of animal cruelty.
No One Will Miss Her follows recent trends where the less you know going in, the better. The story opens with a bang. Literally. Poor Lizzie just had her face shotgun blasted off. Who killed her and why?
There is interesting commentary on what it's like to grow up in poverty. How pure and innocent it is coming from a child's perspective who isn't influenced by society's standards and perceived norms. Kat Rosenfield is a wonderful writer. Her prose is captivating and she can weave a thrilling story.
That being said... I just can't get behind this plot. It's so inconceivable that its just laughable. I can't go into detail without spoiling, so I'll post it below but hidden.
The "twist" is clever but I was clued in about 5 pages before the reveal. It was a satisfying twist, just tooting my horn 🕵️♂️. However, the story meanders aimlessly after this and stumbles to a curiously empty ending.
If you can suspend reality, then this is a nice, well-written thriller. I just couldn't buy into the plot. But I will definitely be looking for Rosenfield's future work.
TW: brutal, graphic depiction of animal cruelty.
September 26, 2021
Review posted to blog:https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Sheer Craziness!
When Lizzie Oullette’s body is found in her lake house, it sends the community of Copper Falls into a tailspin.
The investigation into Lizzie’s death leads Detectives to the wealthy Adrienne Richards. Adrienne is hiding something. The question, however, is what?
Nothing is as it seems in this wild tale.
Deception at its absolute best, No One Will Miss Her will have your head spinning in every direction.
A buddy read with Kaceey that left us both highly entertained.
3.85 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow and Custom House, and Kat Rosenfield for the arc.
Published on Goodreads and Twitter.
Sheer Craziness!
When Lizzie Oullette’s body is found in her lake house, it sends the community of Copper Falls into a tailspin.
The investigation into Lizzie’s death leads Detectives to the wealthy Adrienne Richards. Adrienne is hiding something. The question, however, is what?
Nothing is as it seems in this wild tale.
Deception at its absolute best, No One Will Miss Her will have your head spinning in every direction.
A buddy read with Kaceey that left us both highly entertained.
3.85 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow and Custom House, and Kat Rosenfield for the arc.
Published on Goodreads and Twitter.
October 12, 2021
4 snarky stars
I kept reading strong review for this one from trusted Goodreads friends and they were spot on! I’m so glad I followed their lead and read this one. This is a tension-filled, perfectly paced tale that draws us into the lives of two very different women.
We hear from snarky narrator Lizzie, she’s from the small town of Copper Falls, and grew up on a junkyard. She’s not well liked in the community as most feel she duped Dwayne into marrying her. She is trying to make a bit of extra money renting out a house on the lake, and that’s where she meets Adrienne and her husband. They have money to burn and scandals at home, so they don’t mind that the cabin is remote and disconnected from the world. Soon Lizzie and Adrienne are spending a lot of time together.
We meet Maine State Police Detective Ian Bird as he begins an investigation. Just what happened at the cabin?
This well-written tale has a major twist that made me gasp out loud and definitely made this one a unique read. I enjoyed this one and I look forward to future books from Kat Rosenfield.
Thank you to Scene of the Crime, William Morrow, Custom House for the early copy to read and review through NetGalley.
I kept reading strong review for this one from trusted Goodreads friends and they were spot on! I’m so glad I followed their lead and read this one. This is a tension-filled, perfectly paced tale that draws us into the lives of two very different women.
We hear from snarky narrator Lizzie, she’s from the small town of Copper Falls, and grew up on a junkyard. She’s not well liked in the community as most feel she duped Dwayne into marrying her. She is trying to make a bit of extra money renting out a house on the lake, and that’s where she meets Adrienne and her husband. They have money to burn and scandals at home, so they don’t mind that the cabin is remote and disconnected from the world. Soon Lizzie and Adrienne are spending a lot of time together.
We meet Maine State Police Detective Ian Bird as he begins an investigation. Just what happened at the cabin?
This well-written tale has a major twist that made me gasp out loud and definitely made this one a unique read. I enjoyed this one and I look forward to future books from Kat Rosenfield.
Thank you to Scene of the Crime, William Morrow, Custom House for the early copy to read and review through NetGalley.
October 1, 2021
This was "Gone Girl" good. If you love a good thriller with some surprising twists and turns, then pick this one up. Let Lizzy tell you her story. Meet two couples whose lives become intertwined after over a lakefront rental. You will be glad you did. I have to keep this short so I don't give anything away. If you love reading books by Gillian Flynn, Samantha Downing, and Alice Feeney then check this one out.
Thank you to William Morrow and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to William Morrow and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2021
What a wickedly snarky thriller! Although I will say that from other reviews I knew going into that there was a big twist, and I figured it out immediately, which definitely took something away from my overall experience.
Lizzie the junkyard girl is found dead in her Maine cabin, and you know who the killers are right away. The real question is the "why" behind it? You know from chapters told beyond the grave in Lizzie's POV that she had a rough childhood - she was motherless, poor, and bullied relentlessly when she was young. Then she somehow snagged the town's pride and joy, wannabe big-league pitcher, Dwayne, but she is hated for "trapping" him into marriage. The killers, Adrienne and Ethan, are opposite of Lizzie and Dwayne in every way - privileged and wealthy, but a recent fall from grace has brought them to small-town Maine to rent Lizzie's cabin to get away from the bad press surrounding them. You know something awful happened when their paths converged one fateful evening that left Lizzie dead and Dwayne missing, but putting the pieces together is a dark, witty, ride.
First of all, I love books set in my home state that are done well, and I thought Rosenfield nailed the Maine/New England atmosphere! Her references to WEEI, the Boston Red Sox, and Joe Castiglione (much loved Red Sox radio announcer) were spot on and set the tone for an authentic feel for me. I also thought the three POVs in this one were perfect. From the POVs of Lizzie, Adrienne, and Maine State Trooper Ian Bird, the events that led up to that night are neatly unfolded as is the aftermath. None of the characters are overly likable, but through Lizzie's voice, she was somehow oddly endearing. There are several crazy twists and turns, and you definitely have to suspend belief at times (i.e. I know duct tape/gorilla glue does wonders, but seriously?!). I thought the ending was a rather fitting end to it all though. As I said, this would likely have been an all-the-stars read for me if I hadn't figured out the big twist so quickly.
Still an excellent, unpredictable thriller. This one has definitely put Kat Rosenfield on my author radar! 4 stars.
Lizzie the junkyard girl is found dead in her Maine cabin, and you know who the killers are right away. The real question is the "why" behind it? You know from chapters told beyond the grave in Lizzie's POV that she had a rough childhood - she was motherless, poor, and bullied relentlessly when she was young. Then she somehow snagged the town's pride and joy, wannabe big-league pitcher, Dwayne, but she is hated for "trapping" him into marriage. The killers, Adrienne and Ethan, are opposite of Lizzie and Dwayne in every way - privileged and wealthy, but a recent fall from grace has brought them to small-town Maine to rent Lizzie's cabin to get away from the bad press surrounding them. You know something awful happened when their paths converged one fateful evening that left Lizzie dead and Dwayne missing, but putting the pieces together is a dark, witty, ride.
First of all, I love books set in my home state that are done well, and I thought Rosenfield nailed the Maine/New England atmosphere! Her references to WEEI, the Boston Red Sox, and Joe Castiglione (much loved Red Sox radio announcer) were spot on and set the tone for an authentic feel for me. I also thought the three POVs in this one were perfect. From the POVs of Lizzie, Adrienne, and Maine State Trooper Ian Bird, the events that led up to that night are neatly unfolded as is the aftermath. None of the characters are overly likable, but through Lizzie's voice, she was somehow oddly endearing. There are several crazy twists and turns, and you definitely have to suspend belief at times (i.e. I know duct tape/gorilla glue does wonders, but seriously?!). I thought the ending was a rather fitting end to it all though. As I said, this would likely have been an all-the-stars read for me if I hadn't figured out the big twist so quickly.
Still an excellent, unpredictable thriller. This one has definitely put Kat Rosenfield on my author radar! 4 stars.
December 12, 2021
I saw the twist coming even before I started listening to the audiobook.
Not sure if the blurb gave it away, but my credulity was stretched a bit a time or two.... or three.
The Gorilla Glue incident... I just don't know... Some forensics departments must be really lax - or overworked!
Writing was good, if a bit over-descriptive at times.
My rating for this one falls between 3.5 to 4 out of 5. I really do wish GR allowed half points or, better yet, decimal ratings. I was going to reduce to a 3 star rating, but this is definitely better than just a lowly 3 star, so I bumped it up to 4 stars.
Not sure if the blurb gave it away, but my credulity was stretched a bit a time or two.... or three.
The Gorilla Glue incident... I just don't know... Some forensics departments must be really lax - or overworked!
Writing was good, if a bit over-descriptive at times.
My rating for this one falls between 3.5 to 4 out of 5. I really do wish GR allowed half points or, better yet, decimal ratings. I was going to reduce to a 3 star rating, but this is definitely better than just a lowly 3 star, so I bumped it up to 4 stars.
December 17, 2021
The best thing about this novel to me is the apt title. In all fairness, I had to read it in fits and starts, with real life taking away large portions of my reading time. It took an inordinately long time to get through it, and may very well have detracted from my enjoyment.
A lonely little girl grows up in the midst of a junkyard, living in a ratty trailer with her father. The land around is filled with rusted hulks of cars and dumped furniture. According to small town labels, "trailer trash" would have been a big step up for her.
Lizzie is a grown woman now, and married. Still carries the taint of her unfortunate upbringing. Small towns can be filled with small minds, and this would seem to be the case in Copper Falls, Maine. There will soon be some unpleasantness .
A lonely little girl grows up in the midst of a junkyard, living in a ratty trailer with her father. The land around is filled with rusted hulks of cars and dumped furniture. According to small town labels, "trailer trash" would have been a big step up for her.
Lizzie is a grown woman now, and married. Still carries the taint of her unfortunate upbringing. Small towns can be filled with small minds, and this would seem to be the case in Copper Falls, Maine. There will soon be some unpleasantness .
November 11, 2021
My goodness, did this one blow me away! Talk about a slower start, with a scorching conclusion!!
If this one had caught my attention immediately, this would definitely have garnered 5-Stars. As it was, it took me several chapters to get comfortable with the writing style and get a firm grasp on what exactly was happening (splitting audio/print edition can do this to me), but when I finally did, I was whole-heartedly hooked!!
As this story begins, the town outcast, Lizzie Oullette is found dead in her trailer. Murdered, in fact. Shot in the face with injuries so extreme lawmen can only positively identify her by a birthmark of sorts on her upper torso (one she in fact was ruthlessly teased about as a youngster). To add another element to this crime, her less than loving husband, Dwayne, has seemingly split town and can't be located. Was he responsible for Lizzie's untimely demise?
An intriguing element to this novel, for me anyway, was that the story is told in present tense perspective by Lizzie herself. She begins with her death and then tells her story going backwards in time as she grew up dirt poor, to a single father in the trailer park. As if her circumstances weren't depressing enough, she's viciously teased, and has zero friends to spend her time with. With a childhood as rough as Lizzie's you would think she'd be desperate to leave town as soon as she becomes of age, however as life usually goes, she meets a boy. A boy who may have taken part in the merciless bullying she experienced years earlier. Sure enough, as Lizzie's luck would have it, she becomes preggo almost immediately and gets hitched. Of course her hubby, Dwayne, blames her for 'tying him down' and harbors an extreme amount of resentment towards her, especially when she miscarries and townsfolk in turn gossip that she was never even with child to begin with!
Fast forward to a couple of years prior to Lizzie's death and she meets Adrienne, a wealthy but disgraced social media influencer seeking asylum in the sticks from controversy, thanks to her husband's less than forthright business practices. Almost immediately upon entering town she meets Lizzie, becomes her first real friend, then her tenant, and the rest is history. Or is it?!
It took me a good chunk of this book to figure out how these two women were connected, and why/how Adrienne's story was even relevant, but when I finally did, I was quite impressed! It's hard to say more without spoiling, but let's just say the second half of this book packs quite the punch, and I couldn't turn those darn-tootin' pages fast enough!!
I will say there are some HUGE triggers in this one, especially for anyone that loves animals. To be specific, there is a scene from Lizzie's past that was hard to read, especially for someone like myself, who owns and loves cats - so just be prepared! Other triggers include domestic violence, ignorant white trash hillbillies, drug abuse and addiction, spousal abuse....you name it! Did I mention that although hard to read at times, this was quite the entertaining read? Now, that Kat Rosenfield is on my radar, I simply cannot wait to read her next thriller! I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a thriller/suspense that you won't soon forget!!
If this one had caught my attention immediately, this would definitely have garnered 5-Stars. As it was, it took me several chapters to get comfortable with the writing style and get a firm grasp on what exactly was happening (splitting audio/print edition can do this to me), but when I finally did, I was whole-heartedly hooked!!
As this story begins, the town outcast, Lizzie Oullette is found dead in her trailer. Murdered, in fact. Shot in the face with injuries so extreme lawmen can only positively identify her by a birthmark of sorts on her upper torso (one she in fact was ruthlessly teased about as a youngster). To add another element to this crime, her less than loving husband, Dwayne, has seemingly split town and can't be located. Was he responsible for Lizzie's untimely demise?
An intriguing element to this novel, for me anyway, was that the story is told in present tense perspective by Lizzie herself. She begins with her death and then tells her story going backwards in time as she grew up dirt poor, to a single father in the trailer park. As if her circumstances weren't depressing enough, she's viciously teased, and has zero friends to spend her time with. With a childhood as rough as Lizzie's you would think she'd be desperate to leave town as soon as she becomes of age, however as life usually goes, she meets a boy. A boy who may have taken part in the merciless bullying she experienced years earlier. Sure enough, as Lizzie's luck would have it, she becomes preggo almost immediately and gets hitched. Of course her hubby, Dwayne, blames her for 'tying him down' and harbors an extreme amount of resentment towards her, especially when she miscarries and townsfolk in turn gossip that she was never even with child to begin with!
Fast forward to a couple of years prior to Lizzie's death and she meets Adrienne, a wealthy but disgraced social media influencer seeking asylum in the sticks from controversy, thanks to her husband's less than forthright business practices. Almost immediately upon entering town she meets Lizzie, becomes her first real friend, then her tenant, and the rest is history. Or is it?!
It took me a good chunk of this book to figure out how these two women were connected, and why/how Adrienne's story was even relevant, but when I finally did, I was quite impressed! It's hard to say more without spoiling, but let's just say the second half of this book packs quite the punch, and I couldn't turn those darn-tootin' pages fast enough!!
I will say there are some HUGE triggers in this one, especially for anyone that loves animals. To be specific, there is a scene from Lizzie's past that was hard to read, especially for someone like myself, who owns and loves cats - so just be prepared! Other triggers include domestic violence, ignorant white trash hillbillies, drug abuse and addiction, spousal abuse....you name it! Did I mention that although hard to read at times, this was quite the entertaining read? Now, that Kat Rosenfield is on my radar, I simply cannot wait to read her next thriller! I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a thriller/suspense that you won't soon forget!!
April 19, 2023
This book is so good, it would make an excellent movie. It’s full of murder, mystery, drama and Mayham. All the action is sure to keep the readers on their toes. And the plot is truly divine! I’m so glad that I randomly picked up this book because it rocked my world. I really hope there’s a part two end I guess you never know. Lol
September 1, 2021
A gritty, well-written thriller with twists you won't see coming. Kat Rosenfield is clearly a talented new voice in thriller fiction. A murder in a small, somewhat depressed town brings out the worst in its residents. This book grabbed me instantly with its opening narration by the murdered girl. The book takes on class issues, slut-shaming, and all kinds of other meaty topics while also delivering the thrills and an intelligent plot. The book was at times a little too ... not really gruesome, but gritty, for me. (And that's saying a lot because I like my books hardboiled!) And one scene in particular really skeeved me put. If you’ve read it I think you’ll know what I mean. But the characterizations, narrations, plotting, and mystery were all top notch. If you are looking for a great combination of psychological twisty thriller and police procedural, you have found your book. I don't want to say too much more about the plot because there are a few totally jaw-dropping reveals you won't want to miss.
Thanks to William Morrow and Custom House for the well-written ARC!
Thanks to William Morrow and Custom House for the well-written ARC!
October 14, 2021
Oh look, another thriller about a woman who is scorned by everyone in town and has an unhappy marriage and (gasp!) is murdered. But wait, there's a twist...
Yes. Of course she's smart and sure, you could say this is the next Gone Girl.
But it isn't. There's about as much suspense in this as in a wet noodle and the characterizations come straight out of Thriller 101.
The writing is okay and if you'd never read a thriller before it would probably be sort of entertaining. Otherwise, pass.
Yes. Of course she's smart and sure, you could say this is the next Gone Girl.
But it isn't. There's about as much suspense in this as in a wet noodle and the characterizations come straight out of Thriller 101.
The writing is okay and if you'd never read a thriller before it would probably be sort of entertaining. Otherwise, pass.
January 13, 2023
No one will miss this twist!
I am a little late to the party, but after reading and enjoying You Must Remember This, Kat Rosenfield’s second thriller which was just released on 1/10/23, I wanted to read her debut. Reviewers have touted that it contains a twist that they didn’t see coming. Well, I’m here to tell you that I correctly predicted it from the very beginning.
Additionally, there is not a whole lot of plot to this book beyond the one OTT twist that is revealed about half way through. I kept waiting for the epic moment when I would be surprised, but that never happened. There is a great deal of explanation, as if the author felt that no one would believe this story if she didn’t beleaguer the point. The plot is OTT and no amount of explanation can undo what I don’t believe could happen.
I listened to the audiobook which was read by Sophie Amoss, Chris Andrew Ciulla and Cassandra Campbell. The narration was fantastic, and is what kept me reading even though I had mostly lost interest in the plot.
I recommend you skip this book and read You Must Remember This! See my review here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
2.5/5 stars rounded up (due to the fab narration of the audio)
I am a little late to the party, but after reading and enjoying You Must Remember This, Kat Rosenfield’s second thriller which was just released on 1/10/23, I wanted to read her debut. Reviewers have touted that it contains a twist that they didn’t see coming. Well, I’m here to tell you that I correctly predicted it from the very beginning.
Additionally, there is not a whole lot of plot to this book beyond the one OTT twist that is revealed about half way through. I kept waiting for the epic moment when I would be surprised, but that never happened. There is a great deal of explanation, as if the author felt that no one would believe this story if she didn’t beleaguer the point. The plot is OTT and no amount of explanation can undo what I don’t believe could happen.
I listened to the audiobook which was read by Sophie Amoss, Chris Andrew Ciulla and Cassandra Campbell. The narration was fantastic, and is what kept me reading even though I had mostly lost interest in the plot.
I recommend you skip this book and read You Must Remember This! See my review here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
2.5/5 stars rounded up (due to the fab narration of the audio)
November 12, 2021
My usual reaction when I see a new release touted as “the next Gone Girl” usually goes a little like so . . . .
But of course I still read them because DUH I want to read all the things.
And you know what? This might actually be the next Gone Girl!
Lizzie Oullette tells you her story . . . . from beyond the grave. The outcast who was raised by her father in the local junkyard is someone the townsfolk all thought maybe had it coming to her. It’s just a shame her husband, a former high school baseball star who got babytrapped into marrying her, is the most likely suspect. But as Detective Ian Bird investigates he finds a connection that doesn’t quite add up in the form of a rich couple from the city who have rented out Lizzie’s lake house for the past couple of summers.
That’s all you get. I will tell you that the beating the reader over the head about Lizzie’s growing up got more than a bit old for me and I could really have done without an animal torture scene because neverevereverever, but when it came time for the big reveal????
That’s where the comparison to Gone Girl comes in because I never saw that twist coming. What a fun ride. I started this after work one night and flew right through it – reading the whole thing in one sitting. If you are able to suspend a substantial bit of disbelief this might be a win for you as well. Good times.
But of course I still read them because DUH I want to read all the things.
And you know what? This might actually be the next Gone Girl!
Lizzie Oullette tells you her story . . . . from beyond the grave. The outcast who was raised by her father in the local junkyard is someone the townsfolk all thought maybe had it coming to her. It’s just a shame her husband, a former high school baseball star who got babytrapped into marrying her, is the most likely suspect. But as Detective Ian Bird investigates he finds a connection that doesn’t quite add up in the form of a rich couple from the city who have rented out Lizzie’s lake house for the past couple of summers.
That’s all you get. I will tell you that the beating the reader over the head about Lizzie’s growing up got more than a bit old for me and I could really have done without an animal torture scene because neverevereverever, but when it came time for the big reveal????
That’s where the comparison to Gone Girl comes in because I never saw that twist coming. What a fun ride. I started this after work one night and flew right through it – reading the whole thing in one sitting. If you are able to suspend a substantial bit of disbelief this might be a win for you as well. Good times.
October 21, 2021
So much potential…
This started out strong. The writing was really good and I was feeling a lot of sympathy for Lizzy. I was looking forward to discovering the story behind her murder. Then came the unfortunate twist that turned it all on its head. This could’ve worked if it had been woven differently however it was presented in a way that had absolutely no plausibility… not even a lil bit. At this point my eye-rolling persisted until the non-climactic end.
I have to give great credit to the narrators on this… if I had actually been reading this in print it probably would’ve been a DNF. They were amazing and I’m sad that their talents were wasted.
I’m definitely in the minority with my lack luster review. It maybe that I’ve read several really good thrillers lately and this one just did not compare. 2.5 stars rounded up for wonderful narration.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This started out strong. The writing was really good and I was feeling a lot of sympathy for Lizzy. I was looking forward to discovering the story behind her murder. Then came the unfortunate twist that turned it all on its head. This could’ve worked if it had been woven differently however it was presented in a way that had absolutely no plausibility… not even a lil bit. At this point my eye-rolling persisted until the non-climactic end.
I have to give great credit to the narrators on this… if I had actually been reading this in print it probably would’ve been a DNF. They were amazing and I’m sad that their talents were wasted.
I’m definitely in the minority with my lack luster review. It maybe that I’ve read several really good thrillers lately and this one just did not compare. 2.5 stars rounded up for wonderful narration.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2021
In Copper Falls, Maine, Lizzie Ouellette was the village outcast. Daughter of Earl, the owner of the local junkyard, Lizzie never fit in even after ten years of marriage to Dwayne Cleaves, former high school baseball star and son of the local preacher. When she is found gruesomely murdered in her lake house she rents out during the summers, everyone is concerned. But less about the death of Lizzie and primarily because their beloved Dwayne is missing and is considered the main suspect in his wife's murder. While the focus remains on finding Dwayne, Maine State Police Detective Ian Bird is interested in learning more about Adrienne and Ethan Richards, a wealthy couple from Boston who had been the last ones to rent Lizzie’s lake house. Ethan is a disgraced billionaire. While escaping charges of bilking his clients of their money, he is reviled in the public’s eye. Wife Adrienne, a social media influencer, is also hated for being entitled and overly arrogant about her extravagant lifestyle. Could they be connected to this local tragedy?
No One Will Miss Her is a clever mystery/thriller that is filled with some very good twists and turns. Author Kat Rosenfield keeps things moving fast. In addition to revealing more and more about the case in a manner that will keep you glued, the book also proves to be an interesting commentary on the haves and have-nots in society. The description of the depressed environment in Copper Falls tells volumes. If your interest is piqued, head straight to the book as you don’t want any spoilers to get in your way.
Many thanks to William Morrow, Scene of the Crime and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this true page-turner in advance of its October 12, 2021 publication.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
No One Will Miss Her is a clever mystery/thriller that is filled with some very good twists and turns. Author Kat Rosenfield keeps things moving fast. In addition to revealing more and more about the case in a manner that will keep you glued, the book also proves to be an interesting commentary on the haves and have-nots in society. The description of the depressed environment in Copper Falls tells volumes. If your interest is piqued, head straight to the book as you don’t want any spoilers to get in your way.
Many thanks to William Morrow, Scene of the Crime and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this true page-turner in advance of its October 12, 2021 publication.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
November 15, 2021
4.5/5
When I saw the cover for No One Will Miss Her by Kat Rosenfield I immediately knew I had to read it. This was a total cover buy based on how gorgeous it is, and in this instance that completely worked out for me! I know how we feel about AJ Finn these days, but his blurb for this book was spot on. I found it highly original and refreshing, and I loved it even had a couple of jaw-dropping moments even though I wasn't expecting it. One of the best parts of the book is probably the audio, and I highly recommend it for audiobook listeners. The narrators are Cassandra Campbell, Sophie Amoss & Chris Andrew Ciulla, and it's always great to have different narrators for different characters. There are some pretty heavy topics touched on in this book, and some parts were really hard to read, but it completely blew me away and Rosenfield handled it all very well.
I started to suspect what was going on as time went on, but I wasn't anywhere close to guessing the full story. No One Will Miss Her was a tough read and there is one part of animal cruelty that killed me, but that would be pretty easy to skip over if you wanted to. I feel like I've said it without saying it but to be clear I would definitely call this a dark read. There is a detective viewpoint (Ian Bird) which gives the story a bit of a police procedural/detective fiction vibe that I enjoyed, and that played in really nicely with the very end as well. Rosenfield is apparently a master at her craft judging by how much I loved the book, and it is such a clever story. I have no idea why I hadn't heard of her before this, but I am glad I know about her now and I'm looking forward to reading more of her novels!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
When I saw the cover for No One Will Miss Her by Kat Rosenfield I immediately knew I had to read it. This was a total cover buy based on how gorgeous it is, and in this instance that completely worked out for me! I know how we feel about AJ Finn these days, but his blurb for this book was spot on. I found it highly original and refreshing, and I loved it even had a couple of jaw-dropping moments even though I wasn't expecting it. One of the best parts of the book is probably the audio, and I highly recommend it for audiobook listeners. The narrators are Cassandra Campbell, Sophie Amoss & Chris Andrew Ciulla, and it's always great to have different narrators for different characters. There are some pretty heavy topics touched on in this book, and some parts were really hard to read, but it completely blew me away and Rosenfield handled it all very well.
I started to suspect what was going on as time went on, but I wasn't anywhere close to guessing the full story. No One Will Miss Her was a tough read and there is one part of animal cruelty that killed me, but that would be pretty easy to skip over if you wanted to. I feel like I've said it without saying it but to be clear I would definitely call this a dark read. There is a detective viewpoint (Ian Bird) which gives the story a bit of a police procedural/detective fiction vibe that I enjoyed, and that played in really nicely with the very end as well. Rosenfield is apparently a master at her craft judging by how much I loved the book, and it is such a clever story. I have no idea why I hadn't heard of her before this, but I am glad I know about her now and I'm looking forward to reading more of her novels!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 30, 2021
"My name is Lizzie Ouellette, and if you're reading this, I'm already dead." What a great opening sentence! It sets the stage for a thriller that sucked me in and kept me turning pages to try and figure out what was going on. I was drawn into the rural Maine town of Copper Falls by a string of characters who kept me guessing what they were up to. There were characters to root for and nasty ones I hoped would get their comeuppance.
Lizzie Ouellette is found dead in the cabin she rents to tourists. Enter Ian Bird, a homicide detective from the state police. It is his task to solve the murder and the suspect pool is narrow: where is Lizzie's husband, Dwayne? Bird's investigation broadens to include renters who may have been among the last to see Lizzie alive, socialite and social media influencer Adrienne Richards and her disgraced billionaire financier husband. The more Bird looks into the couple, the more he finds that the relationship between them and Lizzie and her husband was more than that of renter/tenant.
Told from multiple POV, the story switches perspective in this character-driven novel. Yes, it is a thriller with a terrific twist, but it's also a great murder mystery and police procedural. It is fast-paced and the writing is excellent. It has all of the ingredients to be a hit with those who love this type of book. Count me among them.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for an advance copy of this book. The publication date is October 12, 2021.
Lizzie Ouellette is found dead in the cabin she rents to tourists. Enter Ian Bird, a homicide detective from the state police. It is his task to solve the murder and the suspect pool is narrow: where is Lizzie's husband, Dwayne? Bird's investigation broadens to include renters who may have been among the last to see Lizzie alive, socialite and social media influencer Adrienne Richards and her disgraced billionaire financier husband. The more Bird looks into the couple, the more he finds that the relationship between them and Lizzie and her husband was more than that of renter/tenant.
Told from multiple POV, the story switches perspective in this character-driven novel. Yes, it is a thriller with a terrific twist, but it's also a great murder mystery and police procedural. It is fast-paced and the writing is excellent. It has all of the ingredients to be a hit with those who love this type of book. Count me among them.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for an advance copy of this book. The publication date is October 12, 2021.
October 18, 2021
Trigger warning!! If I would have known there was an unnecessarily graphic, detailed description of a cat being tortured, I would have never purchased. Hoping to save anyone else who does not enjoy animal abuse as a plot point. Though I must say I enjoyed the writing up until that point. Returned after chapter 6. I’m still upset hours later.
August 13, 2021
I think anyone who reads thrillers would agree that we’re constantly searching for a unique one that doesn’t feel stale, or like 76 other thrillers we’ve all seen before. I started this one a whim after I read this part of the synopsis 👉🏻 “A smart, witty, crackling novel of psychological suspense in which a girl from a hardscrabble small town meets a gorgeous Instagram influencer from the big city, with a murderous twist that will shock even the most savvy reader. “ Between influencer and shocking twist I was hooked. You guys, I would definitely have to agree because I haven’t been this surprised by a thriller for a long time.
I really don’t want to say much more about the plot that what I already shared, that’s really all you need to know in my opinion as far as details, but this was fantastic on audio. Three POV and three amazing narrators; Lizzie beyond the grave as this opens after she’s already been murdered, Adrienne the influencer who has rented out Lizzie’s lake house in the past and Detective Bird as he investigates the murder. This was highly atmospheric, had strong writing and pacing that was truly on point. It’s also just really clever and sharp. That’s all I’m gonna say, but again audio was 🔥🙌🏻 and this one is well worth a preorder.
I really don’t want to say much more about the plot that what I already shared, that’s really all you need to know in my opinion as far as details, but this was fantastic on audio. Three POV and three amazing narrators; Lizzie beyond the grave as this opens after she’s already been murdered, Adrienne the influencer who has rented out Lizzie’s lake house in the past and Detective Bird as he investigates the murder. This was highly atmospheric, had strong writing and pacing that was truly on point. It’s also just really clever and sharp. That’s all I’m gonna say, but again audio was 🔥🙌🏻 and this one is well worth a preorder.
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