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Pretty Little Thing
Sometimes, when you look into your past, your past looks back at you…
It’s been over a decade since renowned author Beckett Ryan set foot in her bleak childhood hometown on the southern coast of England. When her estranged parents die within a week of each other, she reluctantly returns to bury them, only to find herself as reviled in the community as they were revered.
Of course, the locals didn’t really know her parents. Nobody did.
Then a warm welcome emerges from the sea of cold Leanne. Beckett’s best friend when they were younger, and now a super-fan. Only… Beckett is pretty sure she’s never met her before in her life.
But as Beckett battles increasing hostility from the locals and the terrifying return of long-buried childhood memories, Leanne is just what she a safe harbour from the storm… Isn’t she?
It’s been over a decade since renowned author Beckett Ryan set foot in her bleak childhood hometown on the southern coast of England. When her estranged parents die within a week of each other, she reluctantly returns to bury them, only to find herself as reviled in the community as they were revered.
Of course, the locals didn’t really know her parents. Nobody did.
Then a warm welcome emerges from the sea of cold Leanne. Beckett’s best friend when they were younger, and now a super-fan. Only… Beckett is pretty sure she’s never met her before in her life.
But as Beckett battles increasing hostility from the locals and the terrifying return of long-buried childhood memories, Leanne is just what she a safe harbour from the storm… Isn’t she?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
1229 people are currently reading
8209 people want to read
About the author
Kit Duffield
2 books58 followersFor as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated by the things that frighten us.
As a writer, I channel that fascination into chilling psychological thrillers with gripping plots and killer twists. Sitting somewhere between Gillian Flynn and Shirley Jackson, my stories are inspired by our fears, obsessions and the things we see in the dark.
Kit Duffield is not my real name.
As a writer, I channel that fascination into chilling psychological thrillers with gripping plots and killer twists. Sitting somewhere between Gillian Flynn and Shirley Jackson, my stories are inspired by our fears, obsessions and the things we see in the dark.
Kit Duffield is not my real name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
September 5, 2024
Writer Beckett Ryan reluctantly returns to Heaviport, the gateway to the English Riviera, it’s been ten years since she last set foot there. Beckett feels very unwelcome in the town of her birth, as amongst other things, a heavy weight of suspicion hangs over her regarding her parents deaths. Why do the residents of the town have such a high opinion of them, especially her headteacher father Harold, when it’s evident that Beckett so obviously doesn’t. In addition, why is Leanne watching her so closely?
I find that this is easy to get into as it’s tense and puzzling from the start. The pace is good throughout with a plot that changes direction, keeping me intrigued. There’s plenty of atmosphere, partly to do with the place and some buildings but also there’s a creepy, spooky sensation which becomes claustrophobic and cloying. I like the confusion especially about the past, delving into what is true and what’s not. There are shocks in store as it’s clear secrets have been suppressed and so it’s unsettling at times. There are plenty of twists, a couple are maybe no huge surprise but others are.
I’m not sure if this is a debut but if it is, it’s a very promising one in my opinion as it’s a good psychological thriller.
Amazon Prime First Read - September 2024. I know. What a shock reading it in the actual month!!!! 😂
I find that this is easy to get into as it’s tense and puzzling from the start. The pace is good throughout with a plot that changes direction, keeping me intrigued. There’s plenty of atmosphere, partly to do with the place and some buildings but also there’s a creepy, spooky sensation which becomes claustrophobic and cloying. I like the confusion especially about the past, delving into what is true and what’s not. There are shocks in store as it’s clear secrets have been suppressed and so it’s unsettling at times. There are plenty of twists, a couple are maybe no huge surprise but others are.
I’m not sure if this is a debut but if it is, it’s a very promising one in my opinion as it’s a good psychological thriller.
Amazon Prime First Read - September 2024. I know. What a shock reading it in the actual month!!!! 😂
September 10, 2024
3.5/5
I got this because of amazon first reads! It's my first time using the feature so I'm pleasantly surprised.
The first 50% of the book was pretty mid - Not too much happened and I just wasn't really vibing with it.
Once things actually started happening then it got really exciting - the twists were pretty predictable but I didn't mind because it was keeping my interest.
The author, who I think this is their first book, did an amazing job at creating an atmosphere.
In the end I did enjoy this read and once it picked up the pace then it got exciting and pretty good
I got this because of amazon first reads! It's my first time using the feature so I'm pleasantly surprised.
The first 50% of the book was pretty mid - Not too much happened and I just wasn't really vibing with it.
Once things actually started happening then it got really exciting - the twists were pretty predictable but I didn't mind because it was keeping my interest.
The author, who I think this is their first book, did an amazing job at creating an atmosphere.
In the end I did enjoy this read and once it picked up the pace then it got exciting and pretty good
November 14, 2024
This book is as unsettling as it's cover.
When I first downloaded it, something about that cover just stuck with me and gave me the creeps.
After 10 years away, Beckett Ryan is returning to her hometown. Both her parents have died within a week of each other. While suspicious, Beckett knows little about the recent happenings of her parents, she has been estranged for some time. In fact- no one knows much about her parents.
The town is hostile towards Beckett to say the least, and just when the isolation feels all encompassing, Leanne enters.
Leanne claims to be have been Beckett's best friend, something Beckett has NO recollection of.
Armed with twists and turns and unreliable narration, this one kept me guessing. It was a solid read and enjoyable.
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaway and Amazon Publishing for this e-book win!
When I first downloaded it, something about that cover just stuck with me and gave me the creeps.
After 10 years away, Beckett Ryan is returning to her hometown. Both her parents have died within a week of each other. While suspicious, Beckett knows little about the recent happenings of her parents, she has been estranged for some time. In fact- no one knows much about her parents.
The town is hostile towards Beckett to say the least, and just when the isolation feels all encompassing, Leanne enters.
Leanne claims to be have been Beckett's best friend, something Beckett has NO recollection of.
Armed with twists and turns and unreliable narration, this one kept me guessing. It was a solid read and enjoyable.
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaway and Amazon Publishing for this e-book win!
September 3, 2024
Rating: 2.3/5
There is a fair amount to like about "Pretty Little Thing". There are times when there is a genuine sense of intrigue regarding the various personal histories of the central characters. There are moments of palpable tension. The pace of the novel is generally sound and ensures that it remains readable throughout. However, in spite of these positive aspects, "Pretty Little Thing" still falls well short of the best books in the genre.
The key problem is that the very premise upon which the story is built stretches credulity too far. The consequence of constructing a plot on such unstable foundations is that cracks develop elsewhere too. The end result is a novel with good ideas, but patchy execution.
There is a fair amount to like about "Pretty Little Thing". There are times when there is a genuine sense of intrigue regarding the various personal histories of the central characters. There are moments of palpable tension. The pace of the novel is generally sound and ensures that it remains readable throughout. However, in spite of these positive aspects, "Pretty Little Thing" still falls well short of the best books in the genre.
The key problem is that the very premise upon which the story is built stretches credulity too far. The consequence of constructing a plot on such unstable foundations is that cracks develop elsewhere too. The end result is a novel with good ideas, but patchy execution.
October 26, 2024
Deliciously creepy, I loved it!
If you are a fan of twisty books then you’ll enjoy this one. The book intrigued me from the first chapter and the pacing continued to be fast throughout the entire book.
I had a few guesses but they weren’t 100% accurate and I kept being surprised with new revelations.
A fun entertaining thriller read with a touch of spooky and creepy scenes.
I also enjoyed the personal growth of the main character Beckett. She came a long way and over came a lot of her Demons whilst facing persecution and judgement from the people of her home town.
Thank you to Kit Duffield for the EARC!
If you are a fan of twisty books then you’ll enjoy this one. The book intrigued me from the first chapter and the pacing continued to be fast throughout the entire book.
I had a few guesses but they weren’t 100% accurate and I kept being surprised with new revelations.
A fun entertaining thriller read with a touch of spooky and creepy scenes.
I also enjoyed the personal growth of the main character Beckett. She came a long way and over came a lot of her Demons whilst facing persecution and judgement from the people of her home town.
Thank you to Kit Duffield for the EARC!
December 17, 2024
This started off as a 5-star book for me, but quickly fell to 3 and then 1, but since it really kept me in the beginning I decided to give it 2.
The premise was intriguing and could go many different ways, but I think the majority of the effort was put into trying to make it shocking, but it failed even at that. Of course there were parts that were fast-paced and very interesting, but that was limited to the first half of the book, where the author played with some very interesting ideas regarding the image many men present on the outside versus to their family, especially daughters. Around the 60% mark, it all started going downhill. Don't get me wrong, I am not above skipping a few logic jumps and turning a black eye on some plot holes, providing that there is a reason to. Reading this book ended up being a joyless chore.
My biggest problem was how unlikable and at times even annoying were the characters. It made it hard not only to feel bad for them but also caring about what happens to them. Moreover, I don't really understand why the author thought that he was in a position to handle so many female characters. I actually hadn't noticed that this was a book written by a man, not until about 50% where everything seemed incredibly weird to me and I guess it makes sense why the characters were this way.
The premise was intriguing and could go many different ways, but I think the majority of the effort was put into trying to make it shocking, but it failed even at that. Of course there were parts that were fast-paced and very interesting, but that was limited to the first half of the book, where the author played with some very interesting ideas regarding the image many men present on the outside versus to their family, especially daughters. Around the 60% mark, it all started going downhill. Don't get me wrong, I am not above skipping a few logic jumps and turning a black eye on some plot holes, providing that there is a reason to. Reading this book ended up being a joyless chore.
My biggest problem was how unlikable and at times even annoying were the characters. It made it hard not only to feel bad for them but also caring about what happens to them. Moreover, I don't really understand why the author thought that he was in a position to handle so many female characters. I actually hadn't noticed that this was a book written by a man, not until about 50% where everything seemed incredibly weird to me and I guess it makes sense why the characters were this way.
September 19, 2024
Pretty Little Thing by Kit Duffield - 3.5 Stars
Pretty Little Thing by Kit Duffield is a debut psychological thriller that delves into the eerie and unsettling return of Beckett Ryan, a renowned author, to her bleak childhood hometown. When Beckett returns to bury her estranged parents, she’s met with hostility from the locals and a strange reunion with Leanne, a woman who claims to have been her best friend, though Beckett doesn’t remember her. As Beckett grapples with the resurfacing of disturbing childhood memories and the growing tension in the town, she clings to Leanne as her only safe harbor. But is Leanne who she claims to be?
The novel creates a chilling, claustrophobic atmosphere that kept me on edge from start to finish. The dark themes and the exploration of disturbing relationships were engrossing, particularly the portrayal of Beckett’s complex family dynamics and the creeping suspicion surrounding her father. The way the author explored the idea that not all "nice" people are as they appear was one of the more compelling aspects of the story.
The twists in the middle of the book are where Duffield truly shines. The sudden revelations had me gasping out loud, completely caught off guard by the direction the story took. However, the final twist felt forced and overly dramatic, reminding me of writers on platforms like Wattpad who insert plot twists just for the sake of adding more drama. It was a bit of a letdown after such a strong build-up.
While the pacing and atmosphere were spot-on, the character development left me feeling detached. I never fully connected with Beckett or Leanne, which made it hard to care about their fates. The intrigue surrounding Beckett’s past was what kept me invested, but emotionally, I felt disconnected from the characters, save for a bit of intrigue regarding her father.
Overall, Pretty Little Thing is a spooky and disturbing thriller with an immersive, eerie setting that Kit Duffield expertly crafts. Her potential as a writer is clear, with a solid sense of atmosphere and suspense, but the far-fetched plot points and lack of emotional attachment to the characters made this book a bit patchy in execution. It’s a promising debut, and while it didn’t fully deliver for me, it’s definitely worth checking out for fans of psychological thrillers.
Pretty Little Thing by Kit Duffield is a debut psychological thriller that delves into the eerie and unsettling return of Beckett Ryan, a renowned author, to her bleak childhood hometown. When Beckett returns to bury her estranged parents, she’s met with hostility from the locals and a strange reunion with Leanne, a woman who claims to have been her best friend, though Beckett doesn’t remember her. As Beckett grapples with the resurfacing of disturbing childhood memories and the growing tension in the town, she clings to Leanne as her only safe harbor. But is Leanne who she claims to be?
The novel creates a chilling, claustrophobic atmosphere that kept me on edge from start to finish. The dark themes and the exploration of disturbing relationships were engrossing, particularly the portrayal of Beckett’s complex family dynamics and the creeping suspicion surrounding her father. The way the author explored the idea that not all "nice" people are as they appear was one of the more compelling aspects of the story.
The twists in the middle of the book are where Duffield truly shines. The sudden revelations had me gasping out loud, completely caught off guard by the direction the story took. However, the final twist felt forced and overly dramatic, reminding me of writers on platforms like Wattpad who insert plot twists just for the sake of adding more drama. It was a bit of a letdown after such a strong build-up.
While the pacing and atmosphere were spot-on, the character development left me feeling detached. I never fully connected with Beckett or Leanne, which made it hard to care about their fates. The intrigue surrounding Beckett’s past was what kept me invested, but emotionally, I felt disconnected from the characters, save for a bit of intrigue regarding her father.
Overall, Pretty Little Thing is a spooky and disturbing thriller with an immersive, eerie setting that Kit Duffield expertly crafts. Her potential as a writer is clear, with a solid sense of atmosphere and suspense, but the far-fetched plot points and lack of emotional attachment to the characters made this book a bit patchy in execution. It’s a promising debut, and while it didn’t fully deliver for me, it’s definitely worth checking out for fans of psychological thrillers.
October 10, 2024
Beckett has been living in London and has had some success working as an author.
When both her parents die within days of each other she has to return to her home town to settle their affairs. She hasn’t been home in many years and has no intention of staying there any longer than she has too.
A chilling psychological thriller that I couldn’t put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
When both her parents die within days of each other she has to return to her home town to settle their affairs. She hasn’t been home in many years and has no intention of staying there any longer than she has too.
A chilling psychological thriller that I couldn’t put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2025
⭐4⭐
As an avid reader of thrillers often described as "chilling", "creepy" and "not to be read at bedtime" I'm so pleased to have finally found one that really is chilling!
Beckett's memories and dreams from her childhood are, indeed, creepy and her past is traumatic, which is why she hasn't returned to her childhood home in over a decade. Now that both her parents have died within quick succession of each other, it is up to reluctant single-child Beckett to sort out the estate.
The haunting atmosphere of Beckett's past is excellently written from the moment Duffield has her step through the front door. Pulling past and present, dreams and reality and long forgotten memories together, Duffield spins a tale that makes readers wonder how reliable is Beckett, how trustworthy is her childhood friend, Leanne, and why is she so inexplicably drawn to Leanne's boyfriend?
I would have awarded this book 5 stars, however I felt the ending was a bit rushed and too much happened in the last 15% of the book. That said, it wrapped the story up well and didn't leave any unanswered questions.
If you enjoy dual POV, unreliable narrators, creepy houses, traumatic pasts, chilling prose and twists and turns, then Pretty Little Thing is the novel for you!
As an avid reader of thrillers often described as "chilling", "creepy" and "not to be read at bedtime" I'm so pleased to have finally found one that really is chilling!
Beckett's memories and dreams from her childhood are, indeed, creepy and her past is traumatic, which is why she hasn't returned to her childhood home in over a decade. Now that both her parents have died within quick succession of each other, it is up to reluctant single-child Beckett to sort out the estate.
The haunting atmosphere of Beckett's past is excellently written from the moment Duffield has her step through the front door. Pulling past and present, dreams and reality and long forgotten memories together, Duffield spins a tale that makes readers wonder how reliable is Beckett, how trustworthy is her childhood friend, Leanne, and why is she so inexplicably drawn to Leanne's boyfriend?
I would have awarded this book 5 stars, however I felt the ending was a bit rushed and too much happened in the last 15% of the book. That said, it wrapped the story up well and didn't leave any unanswered questions.
If you enjoy dual POV, unreliable narrators, creepy houses, traumatic pasts, chilling prose and twists and turns, then Pretty Little Thing is the novel for you!
September 21, 2024
My Kindle First pick of the month by a new author to me. I knocked one star off as I found, approaching the ending, that things went a bit too much off-tangent for me and I found it a little far-fetched. Till then I'd been pretty much on board with it, which I need to be to really enjoy a story.
The fact Beckett didn't recall her best friend as a kid I also found implausible. I still remember names of any kids I was close to from primary school !! AND the ones I disliked, so I can't see her forgetting her little pal. I stopped liking her too much when she sort of went after Leanne's chap. That's not cricket. Neither is going through a near-stranger's phone !! Then she mentioned a pregnancy scare and having one the previous year as well, which I have NO sympathy for. Once is careless but 2 is just dumb ! No excuse for it these days.
I do think some readers will lose their collective s**t because the C word is uttered a couple of times. I can just imagine the comments.....it's never bothered me that much but I know it tends to be really offensive to some people !
One proper random thing made me highlight it.....the mention of frozen mice.....WTF ?? I did mention in a note I saved that perhaps this is geared more toward a YA audience. I think it was bits of the dialogue that made me write that...a bit juvenile. And something a character related later in the story I'd have thought was flattering myself, and quite sweet, but Beckett had her knickers in a right twist about it. And the youth of today like to find offence in anything they can, whereas I didn't get what all the fuss was about !
Then a whole passage mentioning the Ryans and their all being teachers was rehashed in almost the exact same words a few pages further on, which I found most peculiar !
Not too many errors I spotted. The odd missed question mark, ringer and not wringer, flare not flair, asshole not arsehole, the English way !!
I might read another by him but I wouldn't pay full-price, meaning he wouldn't be a writer I race back to.
The fact Beckett didn't recall her best friend as a kid I also found implausible. I still remember names of any kids I was close to from primary school !! AND the ones I disliked, so I can't see her forgetting her little pal. I stopped liking her too much when she sort of went after Leanne's chap. That's not cricket. Neither is going through a near-stranger's phone !! Then she mentioned a pregnancy scare and having one the previous year as well, which I have NO sympathy for. Once is careless but 2 is just dumb ! No excuse for it these days.
I do think some readers will lose their collective s**t because the C word is uttered a couple of times. I can just imagine the comments.....it's never bothered me that much but I know it tends to be really offensive to some people !
One proper random thing made me highlight it.....the mention of frozen mice.....WTF ?? I did mention in a note I saved that perhaps this is geared more toward a YA audience. I think it was bits of the dialogue that made me write that...a bit juvenile. And something a character related later in the story I'd have thought was flattering myself, and quite sweet, but Beckett had her knickers in a right twist about it. And the youth of today like to find offence in anything they can, whereas I didn't get what all the fuss was about !
Then a whole passage mentioning the Ryans and their all being teachers was rehashed in almost the exact same words a few pages further on, which I found most peculiar !
Not too many errors I spotted. The odd missed question mark, ringer and not wringer, flare not flair, asshole not arsehole, the English way !!
I might read another by him but I wouldn't pay full-price, meaning he wouldn't be a writer I race back to.
September 6, 2025
Wow! Another fab read from Kit. He really knows how to write a gripping and plot driven book. This one has it all, short chapters, a little mixed media and a fantastic plot. Gutted I’ve finished all his books now but I can’t wait to see what he has in store in the near future.
September 8, 2024
I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review
Pretty Little Thing is the story of Beckett Ryan and her journey back to her small home town to bury her parents. While there, she runs into a mysterious woman who claims she is her best friend from childhood….but Beckett has no idea who this person is.
This book has suspense, plot twists and turns and kept me reading long after I should have gone to sleep. I loved getting to know each character as the story progressed. The character development is top notch. I loved some characters, hated some and wasn’t sure how I felt about others. That is one of the things I look for in a thriller - characters that are complicated enough that you aren’t sure how to feel about them, “Do I like them? Do I hate them? Should I hate them?” I particularly enjoyed the character of Naomi and would love to see Kit write another book with her as the main character. She really needs a book of her own and to tell her story. I felt there was so much more to her.
Kit created a compelling atmosphere in which I became fully immersed. I swear I could see and smell the town, its buildings and even its inhabitants. Despite the tense scenes in Beckett’s childhood home, I want to visit that house in real life and could see each room as if I was standing in it.
This is a great story that I cannot recommend enough. A full 5 out 5 stars - read this one, you wont regret it.
Pretty Little Thing is the story of Beckett Ryan and her journey back to her small home town to bury her parents. While there, she runs into a mysterious woman who claims she is her best friend from childhood….but Beckett has no idea who this person is.
This book has suspense, plot twists and turns and kept me reading long after I should have gone to sleep. I loved getting to know each character as the story progressed. The character development is top notch. I loved some characters, hated some and wasn’t sure how I felt about others. That is one of the things I look for in a thriller - characters that are complicated enough that you aren’t sure how to feel about them, “Do I like them? Do I hate them? Should I hate them?” I particularly enjoyed the character of Naomi and would love to see Kit write another book with her as the main character. She really needs a book of her own and to tell her story. I felt there was so much more to her.
Kit created a compelling atmosphere in which I became fully immersed. I swear I could see and smell the town, its buildings and even its inhabitants. Despite the tense scenes in Beckett’s childhood home, I want to visit that house in real life and could see each room as if I was standing in it.
This is a great story that I cannot recommend enough. A full 5 out 5 stars - read this one, you wont regret it.
September 3, 2024
I fell into the trap of reading an Amazon First Read when short of alternatives. At least it was set in the UK but Heaviport was unlike anywhere I have visited on the south coast. The plot involved a famous but troubled writer returning to her hometown for the funeral of her esteemed parents. The locals are hostile thinking she has neglected them when she’s struggling to come to terms with their historic abuse of her. Things get really silly as she meets a best friend she doesn’t remember and realises her ‘imaginary friend’ has returned to torment her. Ridiculously histrionic - the author’s desire to shock overrides any attempt to make the plot convincing.
February 16, 2025
DO NOT listen to this at night. CREEPY CREEPY CREEPY
December 10, 2024
When author Beckett Ryan’s parents die within a week of one another she returns to her home town after 10 years away. With Beckett having very few memories of her childhood she is surprised when Leanne introduces herself as her childhood best friend, especially when the rest of the town are being hostile towards her. The residents have a very high opinion of her family, especially her father , headteacher Harold.
There is plenty of suspense and plot twists in this book, it’s quite atmospheric and it kept me intrigued from the first pages. This is an easy read which I easily flew through, I especially enjoyed the chapters reverting back to Becketts childhood and the mystery surrounding her suppressed memories. The ending really let this book down for me but would still recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for my eARC
There is plenty of suspense and plot twists in this book, it’s quite atmospheric and it kept me intrigued from the first pages. This is an easy read which I easily flew through, I especially enjoyed the chapters reverting back to Becketts childhood and the mystery surrounding her suppressed memories. The ending really let this book down for me but would still recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for my eARC
October 27, 2024
I found this book a little heavy going to start with. The descriptions, though beautifully done, felt quite laboured. However, once the story got going, it did grip me.
The book follows the story of Beckett Ryan heading home to deal with the aftermath of her estranged parents' deaths. In an intricately woven tale of deception and darkness, she confronts past secrets that threaten to destroy her present.
I have deducted a star as I felt the book went on too long and I'm not quite sure about the ending. But overall it was a really enjoyable read and I would definitely check out more of this author's work.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
The book follows the story of Beckett Ryan heading home to deal with the aftermath of her estranged parents' deaths. In an intricately woven tale of deception and darkness, she confronts past secrets that threaten to destroy her present.
I have deducted a star as I felt the book went on too long and I'm not quite sure about the ending. But overall it was a really enjoyable read and I would definitely check out more of this author's work.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
October 7, 2024
I enjoyed this book. I didn’t see a lot of the twists coming and the storyline was interesting. The setting was spooky and the narration was great. And Im glad there was a good ending. 😊
January 5, 2025
Once again I wasn't too sure at the very beginning, but I was soon hooked. The twists were so unexpected! Very clever and I will read this author again 😍
Read
January 15, 2025Interesting twists and turns.
January 21, 2025
Twist after twist
August 26, 2025
It was much creepier than something I’d normally choose, but I really enjoyed it
December 1, 2024
Fast-paced and thrilling, but the ending is clunky and forced. I had to suspend a lot of disbelief. At times I don’t mind that, but I seem to mind in the thriller genre when so many endings try to be shocking for shock’s sake.
November 24, 2024
It was a good book, the reveal was a bit meh, but then the ending was really good!
October 23, 2025
3.5. Dark… listened on audio which gave away some clues!!
February 28, 2025
Beckett goes home after her terrible parents die. Everyone is acting weird and awful. The first half is okay but it picks up towards the last half. The very end is bad though. Bad like wtaf? What did I just read?? why on earth was she remain friends with that stupid weirdo? None of this makes sense. I couldn’t suspend belief enough to rock with this book.
So far I’m interested but I cannot stand Leann’s weird sad clingy ass. She’s an obsessive loser who won’t leave Beckett alone. I guess we’ll figure out what her angle is soon. It doesn’t make sense that Beckett would believe some stranger that walks up to her out of nowhere and claims to be her best friend from childhood. So what we used to be friends I don’t remember you and we’re not friends now. The end. That part doesn’t make much. Beckett doesn’t stand up for herself enough but I guess that’s part of the plot device.
So far I’m interested but I cannot stand Leann’s weird sad clingy ass. She’s an obsessive loser who won’t leave Beckett alone. I guess we’ll figure out what her angle is soon. It doesn’t make sense that Beckett would believe some stranger that walks up to her out of nowhere and claims to be her best friend from childhood. So what we used to be friends I don’t remember you and we’re not friends now. The end. That part doesn’t make much. Beckett doesn’t stand up for herself enough but I guess that’s part of the plot device.
September 2, 2024
For me the middle was the best part.
The twists it had it the middle were crazy good. But then the “twist” at the end just felt strange to me. Call me crazy, but it felt like those writers in Wattpad who update every couple of weeks, so had felt like there hasn’t been drama in a while so wanted to chuck something in.
The middle was amazing, I literally gasps at the twist. But that was it.
I felt no attachment to any of the characters, didn’t feel sad or happy, or like, love or hate anyone at any point. (Except dad ofcourse) but was all very meh to me.
It’s a shame as I really wanted to love it
The twists it had it the middle were crazy good. But then the “twist” at the end just felt strange to me. Call me crazy, but it felt like those writers in Wattpad who update every couple of weeks, so had felt like there hasn’t been drama in a while so wanted to chuck something in.
The middle was amazing, I literally gasps at the twist. But that was it.
I felt no attachment to any of the characters, didn’t feel sad or happy, or like, love or hate anyone at any point. (Except dad ofcourse) but was all very meh to me.
It’s a shame as I really wanted to love it
September 27, 2024
Did not enjoy. Ridiculous plot, badly written. It appeared the author wanted to cram as many silly twists in as possible. Is he from the USA? It sounded like it, although supposedly about an English coastal town. But perhaps it was in order to appeal to an American audience on Amazon.
October 13, 2024
'"Of course we've met Beckett. I'm your best friend"'
Well, that was quite the thrill. I picked up Pretty Little Thing on a bit of a whim, liked the title, loved the creepy cover, and was looking for a bit of a psychological thriller for an afternoon of entertainment, and that, I got. In Pretty Little Thing, we meet Beckett Ryan, as she goes back to her sleepy little hometown after both her parents die and she needs to handle the estate. We quickly learn that the town has turned Beckett's dad into a bit of a hero, and blames Beckett for the deaths of her parents as she left them alone and never looked back. As Beckett stays in town to handle her affairs, the town seems to be against her at every turn, except for the strange Leanne, who claims to be her best friend, and her boyfriend Kai, who appears to have a strangely comforting effect on Beckett. As memories of her own past start to surface, Beckett needs to figure out who is friend, and who is foe.
So, the first part of the book was a little slow, but my goodness did it have all the creepy vibes. Creepy in a very real sense, with Beckett reliving some of her childhood trauma and nightmares in the old, creaky mansion on the edge of the town she grew up in, cliffs crumbling at just a few steps away. The (to me somewhat more than I usually like) freaky nightmares, visions and occurrences, made me think of a movie I once watched: El Orfanato, similarly dark and mysterious. Another thing that made the beginning interesting was the character of Leanne, as it is so hard to place her. Similarly, the omnipresent threat of the neighbours and 'mob' of the village, adds to the atmosphere.
It is the second part of the book where the pace really picks up and as reader you are thrown from following one line of thinking to another, never quite sure who you should believe, who you can trust, and honestly, who is who. I liked the rollercoaster it presented, but I feel more time could have been spent on certain details to make things just ever so slightly more believable and less reliant on convenient happenstance. All in all, I would recommend this one for someone who is looking for a quick and easy read that will keep them guessing, even after the book is finished.
Well, that was quite the thrill. I picked up Pretty Little Thing on a bit of a whim, liked the title, loved the creepy cover, and was looking for a bit of a psychological thriller for an afternoon of entertainment, and that, I got. In Pretty Little Thing, we meet Beckett Ryan, as she goes back to her sleepy little hometown after both her parents die and she needs to handle the estate. We quickly learn that the town has turned Beckett's dad into a bit of a hero, and blames Beckett for the deaths of her parents as she left them alone and never looked back. As Beckett stays in town to handle her affairs, the town seems to be against her at every turn, except for the strange Leanne, who claims to be her best friend, and her boyfriend Kai, who appears to have a strangely comforting effect on Beckett. As memories of her own past start to surface, Beckett needs to figure out who is friend, and who is foe.
So, the first part of the book was a little slow, but my goodness did it have all the creepy vibes. Creepy in a very real sense, with Beckett reliving some of her childhood trauma and nightmares in the old, creaky mansion on the edge of the town she grew up in, cliffs crumbling at just a few steps away. The (to me somewhat more than I usually like) freaky nightmares, visions and occurrences, made me think of a movie I once watched: El Orfanato, similarly dark and mysterious. Another thing that made the beginning interesting was the character of Leanne, as it is so hard to place her. Similarly, the omnipresent threat of the neighbours and 'mob' of the village, adds to the atmosphere.
It is the second part of the book where the pace really picks up and as reader you are thrown from following one line of thinking to another, never quite sure who you should believe, who you can trust, and honestly, who is who. I liked the rollercoaster it presented, but I feel more time could have been spent on certain details to make things just ever so slightly more believable and less reliant on convenient happenstance. All in all, I would recommend this one for someone who is looking for a quick and easy read that will keep them guessing, even after the book is finished.
October 6, 2024
Book Review 📖 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Kit Duffield’s Pretty Little Thing is a gripping psychological thriller that combines eerie atmosphere with a deeply unsettling plot. The story follows Beckett Ryan, a successful author who reluctantly returns to her coastal hometown after the sudden deaths of her estranged parents. It’s been years since Beckett set foot in the town, but when she arrives, she’s met with cold hostility from the locals, who revered her parents despite not truly knowing them. 😨
As Beckett navigates the suffocating tension, an unexpected figure emerges: Leanne, a woman claiming to be her childhood best friend. The only problem? Beckett has no memory of ever meeting her. 😳 Leanne, now Beckett’s self-proclaimed super-fan, quickly becomes her only ally in a town filled with judgmental stares. But as unsettling memories from Beckett’s past resurface, the question lingers—can Leanne really be trusted? Or is there something far more sinister lurking beneath the surface? 🕵️♀️
Duffield masterfully weaves suspense throughout the novel, building tension with each chapter as Beckett’s grip on reality starts to unravel. The mystery deepens with every turn, especially as long-buried childhood memories threaten to destroy Beckett’s sense of self. “Sometimes, when you look into your past, your past looks back at you…” becomes a haunting reminder of the secrets Beckett has tried to forget. 👀
Leanne’s character is both comforting and unsettling, leaving readers guessing about her true intentions. Pretty Little Thing is a slow-burn thriller, packed with psychological twists and a chilling atmosphere. Perfect for fans of eerie, character-driven mysteries that keep you questioning reality until the final page. 🌊🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
For lovers of dark, psychological suspense, this book is a must-read!
#kitduffield #prettylittlething #thriller #newrelease
Kit Duffield’s Pretty Little Thing is a gripping psychological thriller that combines eerie atmosphere with a deeply unsettling plot. The story follows Beckett Ryan, a successful author who reluctantly returns to her coastal hometown after the sudden deaths of her estranged parents. It’s been years since Beckett set foot in the town, but when she arrives, she’s met with cold hostility from the locals, who revered her parents despite not truly knowing them. 😨
As Beckett navigates the suffocating tension, an unexpected figure emerges: Leanne, a woman claiming to be her childhood best friend. The only problem? Beckett has no memory of ever meeting her. 😳 Leanne, now Beckett’s self-proclaimed super-fan, quickly becomes her only ally in a town filled with judgmental stares. But as unsettling memories from Beckett’s past resurface, the question lingers—can Leanne really be trusted? Or is there something far more sinister lurking beneath the surface? 🕵️♀️
Duffield masterfully weaves suspense throughout the novel, building tension with each chapter as Beckett’s grip on reality starts to unravel. The mystery deepens with every turn, especially as long-buried childhood memories threaten to destroy Beckett’s sense of self. “Sometimes, when you look into your past, your past looks back at you…” becomes a haunting reminder of the secrets Beckett has tried to forget. 👀
Leanne’s character is both comforting and unsettling, leaving readers guessing about her true intentions. Pretty Little Thing is a slow-burn thriller, packed with psychological twists and a chilling atmosphere. Perfect for fans of eerie, character-driven mysteries that keep you questioning reality until the final page. 🌊🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
For lovers of dark, psychological suspense, this book is a must-read!
#kitduffield #prettylittlething #thriller #newrelease
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