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Lies Within Me: the brilliant psychological thriller
Your attacker is murdered. Did you do it?When her friends drag Alice out to a speed-dating night, she has no inkling just how bad it will turn out to be.
The next day, Alice wakes up in a stranger’s house with no memory of the night’s events, just a terrible feeling.
After returning home, she finds a bloodied knife in her room. And hears the news that the man who must have drugged and assaulted her has been found dead.
Alice falls under suspicion. Not least from herself. But was she really capable of such an act?
And if she didn’t commit the crime, who did?
LIES WITHIN ME is a nail-biting standalone mystery suspense thriller by bestselling Australian writer Vanessa Garbin.
The full list of her books, in order of publication, is as
1. WHAT WE DID LAST NIGHT
2. THE LIES I TOLD HIM
3. YOUR EVERY MOVE.
4. THE STEPS WE TAKE
5. THEIR LITTLE SECRETS
6. NO FRIENDS OF MINE
7. FOR MY OWN GOOD
8. LIES WITHIN ME
If you like Karin Slaughter, Susan Lewis, Adele Parks, or Anna Willett, this twisty psychological thriller is for you!
The next day, Alice wakes up in a stranger’s house with no memory of the night’s events, just a terrible feeling.
After returning home, she finds a bloodied knife in her room. And hears the news that the man who must have drugged and assaulted her has been found dead.
Alice falls under suspicion. Not least from herself. But was she really capable of such an act?
And if she didn’t commit the crime, who did?
LIES WITHIN ME is a nail-biting standalone mystery suspense thriller by bestselling Australian writer Vanessa Garbin.
The full list of her books, in order of publication, is as
1. WHAT WE DID LAST NIGHT
2. THE LIES I TOLD HIM
3. YOUR EVERY MOVE.
4. THE STEPS WE TAKE
5. THEIR LITTLE SECRETS
6. NO FRIENDS OF MINE
7. FOR MY OWN GOOD
8. LIES WITHIN ME
If you like Karin Slaughter, Susan Lewis, Adele Parks, or Anna Willett, this twisty psychological thriller is for you!
- GenresThriller
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2024
181 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Garbin
13 books102 followersVanessa lives with her husband and their three children by the sea in Western Australia.
When she’s not writing, she can usually be found reading a good book with her cat Bruce curled on her lap.
Vanessa worked as a bookseller for several years and enjoyed being surrounded by books of all genres.
Her favourite authors are John Steinbeck, Daphne Du Maurier and Ray Bradbury, and in more recent times, Shari Lapena, Claire McGowan and Kimberly Belle.
When she’s not writing, she can usually be found reading a good book with her cat Bruce curled on her lap.
Vanessa worked as a bookseller for several years and enjoyed being surrounded by books of all genres.
Her favourite authors are John Steinbeck, Daphne Du Maurier and Ray Bradbury, and in more recent times, Shari Lapena, Claire McGowan and Kimberly Belle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 25, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and The Book Folks for approval for an advanced reader copy of this book.
Alice, recently separated from her cheating husband, is coerced into going to a speed-dating event by her friends. Once there, she catches the eye of a man who drugs her and takes her home unwillingly. When Alice wakes up, she has no recollection of what transpired and heads home to put herself together. Once home, she turns on the news and sees that the man who assaulted her was brutally murdered...and she has no idea if she was the person who killed him.
This book was definitely not what I expected! Lots of characters separated by short chapters made for a quick, fast-paced read. Despite there being a lot of characters to keep track of, they eventually were easy to distinguish from one another. I love thrillers where the characters are all interconnected in some way by the end, following tons of twists and turns. My jaw dropped to the floor several times, and this was hard for me to put down. I really had no idea who to trust, who was lying, or what was going to happen.
This definitely gave me Desperate Housewives vibes, only with darker subject matter. I do think there should have been some trigger warnings (there were depictions of drug facilitated sexual assault, along with shaming/language that unfortunately go along with it) due to the nature of the storyline. However, it was a very intriguing, gripping read and I was excited to see the author has several other books available to read.
This is a perfect thriller if you want something quick and shocking to read!
Alice, recently separated from her cheating husband, is coerced into going to a speed-dating event by her friends. Once there, she catches the eye of a man who drugs her and takes her home unwillingly. When Alice wakes up, she has no recollection of what transpired and heads home to put herself together. Once home, she turns on the news and sees that the man who assaulted her was brutally murdered...and she has no idea if she was the person who killed him.
This book was definitely not what I expected! Lots of characters separated by short chapters made for a quick, fast-paced read. Despite there being a lot of characters to keep track of, they eventually were easy to distinguish from one another. I love thrillers where the characters are all interconnected in some way by the end, following tons of twists and turns. My jaw dropped to the floor several times, and this was hard for me to put down. I really had no idea who to trust, who was lying, or what was going to happen.
This definitely gave me Desperate Housewives vibes, only with darker subject matter. I do think there should have been some trigger warnings (there were depictions of drug facilitated sexual assault, along with shaming/language that unfortunately go along with it) due to the nature of the storyline. However, it was a very intriguing, gripping read and I was excited to see the author has several other books available to read.
This is a perfect thriller if you want something quick and shocking to read!
January 29, 2024
Lies Within Me is a fast-paced psychological thriller that will keep you turning the pages. The first chapter will absolutely have you hooked. The truth is slowly revealed through multiple POVS
The plot centers around a women, Alice, who following her separation from a cheating spouse, is forced into a speed dating situation. Only, the person she meets turns out to be pure evil. When she can’t recall events of the night before, her world shatters when she learns he is found dead.
As the characters' stories intertwine, the pieces of the puzzle begin falling into place. Disturbing events from the past collide with the dangers of the present.
I found myself totally engrossed in this thriller. The pacing and suspense made it almost impossible to put down. The characters come across as realistic and complex, haunted by their flaws and regrets. Even the unlikable characters are portrayed in a way that made me invested in their story.
If you like a fast-paced, can’t put down, multiple POV thriller, then this is MUST ADD to your to-be-read list!!
The plot centers around a women, Alice, who following her separation from a cheating spouse, is forced into a speed dating situation. Only, the person she meets turns out to be pure evil. When she can’t recall events of the night before, her world shatters when she learns he is found dead.
As the characters' stories intertwine, the pieces of the puzzle begin falling into place. Disturbing events from the past collide with the dangers of the present.
I found myself totally engrossed in this thriller. The pacing and suspense made it almost impossible to put down. The characters come across as realistic and complex, haunted by their flaws and regrets. Even the unlikable characters are portrayed in a way that made me invested in their story.
If you like a fast-paced, can’t put down, multiple POV thriller, then this is MUST ADD to your to-be-read list!!
February 7, 2024
Book 10 for the year. I was given the chance to read this ARC through Netgalley. I really enjoyed this book. The chapters were short and each chapter represented a different characters pov. I wasn't expecting the ending, so many twists and turns. I probably would have given this 5 stars but the ending was kind of abrupt to me. There was all this stuff leading up to the end and once at the end, it just sort of ended it all rather, well, bluntly. I definitely recommend this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
February 7, 2024
"Lies Within Me" is an emotionally gripping psychological thriller that gives you insight into a murder from the perspective of all those close to it.
Alice, still sulking over the separation from her cheating husband Simon, is dragged out into a night of speed dating by her friends. Unfortunately for her, the man she ends up going home with that night ends up dead and she is in possession of a knife covered in blood. With no recollection of the events that transpired, Alice is looking for answers.
Vanessa Garbin created a story that takes you on a wild ride through revelation after revelation and the painful Alice experience. Pleasant read for anyone looking forward to a story short enough to read in one sitting, yet detailed enough to keep you enthralled.
Thank you to Vanessa Garbin and The Book Folks for the ARC. Hopefully I can add the physical copy to my collection soon!
Alice, still sulking over the separation from her cheating husband Simon, is dragged out into a night of speed dating by her friends. Unfortunately for her, the man she ends up going home with that night ends up dead and she is in possession of a knife covered in blood. With no recollection of the events that transpired, Alice is looking for answers.
Vanessa Garbin created a story that takes you on a wild ride through revelation after revelation and the painful Alice experience. Pleasant read for anyone looking forward to a story short enough to read in one sitting, yet detailed enough to keep you enthralled.
Thank you to Vanessa Garbin and The Book Folks for the ARC. Hopefully I can add the physical copy to my collection soon!
February 22, 2024
Thanks netgalley for a copy of this in return for an honest review!
From the very start of this I was hooked. The storytelling, using different characters' perspectives is amazing!
There were a lot of characters and stories to follow however I didn’t find it confusing at all as each character had a unique voice.
This book had me playing detective, second-guessing every character! I trusted NO ONE!
I read another review that mentions desperate housewives vibes and I totally see that! With the drama and gossip that stirs around!
There’s some heavy topics that I would maybe check for some trigger warnings before reading!
But overall, it's a gripping read that'll keep you turning pages late into the night. I read this in a couple of hours!
I can’t wait to read more from this author!
From the very start of this I was hooked. The storytelling, using different characters' perspectives is amazing!
There were a lot of characters and stories to follow however I didn’t find it confusing at all as each character had a unique voice.
This book had me playing detective, second-guessing every character! I trusted NO ONE!
I read another review that mentions desperate housewives vibes and I totally see that! With the drama and gossip that stirs around!
There’s some heavy topics that I would maybe check for some trigger warnings before reading!
But overall, it's a gripping read that'll keep you turning pages late into the night. I read this in a couple of hours!
I can’t wait to read more from this author!
February 20, 2024
I love books about influencer or instagram moms!
Alice needs better friends, by far! Simon needs to get it together and stop being a jerk. Nina needs to not be sleeping with married men.
The other girls need to be better people.
Alice is date raped and her ex-husband Simon saw her with the man right before it happened. He knows and hates the guy.
Alice wakes up and slinks out the house and comes home to her bestie and former mother in law shaming her for her walk of shame.
Then later that day a man is murdered!
It is just one wonderful twist after another the whole way through. I absolutely loved this.
Alice needs better friends, by far! Simon needs to get it together and stop being a jerk. Nina needs to not be sleeping with married men.
The other girls need to be better people.
Alice is date raped and her ex-husband Simon saw her with the man right before it happened. He knows and hates the guy.
Alice wakes up and slinks out the house and comes home to her bestie and former mother in law shaming her for her walk of shame.
Then later that day a man is murdered!
It is just one wonderful twist after another the whole way through. I absolutely loved this.
February 19, 2024
Against her better judgement, mother-of-two and recently separated Alice Whitton goes to a speed-dating event and, unfortunately, is paired with a serial rapist, who drugs her, takes her home and sexually assaults her. After returning home, she finds a bloodied knife in her bed and then hears, on the news, that the man has been murdered. She quickly falls under suspicion, not least from herself, but was she really capable of such an act? And if it wasn’t her, who killed him?
I like Vanessa’s writing and this is another gripping, fast paced thriller. There’s a nicely mixed cast of supporting characters, almost all of them with their own secrets to keep and the book keeps you guessing, turning one over and then another, until you’re not quite sure who it could be. Alice is a good character, though her financial situation felt a bit odd (her soon to be ex-husband is a self-made millionaire, so surely she would expect a good alimony deal?) and her worry over the events always reads as believable. There are a run of twists towards the end and the final one, I have to admit, took me by surprise. Recommended.
I like Vanessa’s writing and this is another gripping, fast paced thriller. There’s a nicely mixed cast of supporting characters, almost all of them with their own secrets to keep and the book keeps you guessing, turning one over and then another, until you’re not quite sure who it could be. Alice is a good character, though her financial situation felt a bit odd (her soon to be ex-husband is a self-made millionaire, so surely she would expect a good alimony deal?) and her worry over the events always reads as believable. There are a run of twists towards the end and the final one, I have to admit, took me by surprise. Recommended.
February 1, 2024
First I want to thank NetGalley, The Book Folks and Vanessa Garbin for my ARC of Lies Within Me.
This was my first book by Vanessa Garbin and it certainly won’t be my last! Right from the prologue this book drew me in. I liked the different POVs and how we got to see the story unfold from each character. Alice was a great main character and made me feel all the things. I was sad and hurt by everything this woman endured. I was also proud of how strong she was for keeping it all together for her kids.
This book had me hooked! I was guessing and second guessing every single character in it! Everyone has secrets and everyone will do whatever it takes to protect their families. I never saw the ending coming! This was a great read and I look forward to reading more from Vanessa. If you’re looking for a fast paced thriller that you wont be able to put down, this book is for you!
This was my first book by Vanessa Garbin and it certainly won’t be my last! Right from the prologue this book drew me in. I liked the different POVs and how we got to see the story unfold from each character. Alice was a great main character and made me feel all the things. I was sad and hurt by everything this woman endured. I was also proud of how strong she was for keeping it all together for her kids.
This book had me hooked! I was guessing and second guessing every single character in it! Everyone has secrets and everyone will do whatever it takes to protect their families. I never saw the ending coming! This was a great read and I look forward to reading more from Vanessa. If you’re looking for a fast paced thriller that you wont be able to put down, this book is for you!
January 25, 2024
This is a gripping, immersive novel, full of psychologically astute characters, and dark, deceptive plot devices. It's beautifully written and delivers a firm emotional punch.
The author writes from the different perspectives of her characters using voices which have the ability to chill as they hint at their own dark pasts. And I was caught out more times than I care to admit by the subtley revealed red herrings.
I loved this book. It is captivating and totally absorbing with believable characters and more twists and turns than a corkscrew. It's a book where one holds one's breath for far too long until finally and embarrassingly gasping out loud. With more secrets and lies than the average UK politician, it is a story that is going to linger with me for a long time.
The author writes from the different perspectives of her characters using voices which have the ability to chill as they hint at their own dark pasts. And I was caught out more times than I care to admit by the subtley revealed red herrings.
I loved this book. It is captivating and totally absorbing with believable characters and more twists and turns than a corkscrew. It's a book where one holds one's breath for far too long until finally and embarrassingly gasping out loud. With more secrets and lies than the average UK politician, it is a story that is going to linger with me for a long time.
January 29, 2024
Lies Within Me is a fast-paced psychological thriller that will keep you turning the pages. The first chapter will absolutely have you hooked. The truth is slowly revealed through multiple POVS
The plot centers around a women, Alice, who following her separation from a cheating spouse, is forced into a speed dating situation. Only, the person she meets turns out to be pure evil. When she can’t recall events of the night before, her world shatters when she learns he is found dead.
As the characters' stories intertwine, the pieces of the puzzle begin falling into place. Disturbing events from the past collide with the dangers of the present.
I found myself totally engrossed in this thriller. The pacing and suspense made it almost impossible to put down. The characters come across as realistic and complex, haunted by their flaws and regrets. Even the unlikable characters are portrayed in a way that made me invested in their story.
If you like a fast-paced, can’t put down, multiple POV thriller, then this is MUST ADD to your to-be-read list!!
The plot centers around a women, Alice, who following her separation from a cheating spouse, is forced into a speed dating situation. Only, the person she meets turns out to be pure evil. When she can’t recall events of the night before, her world shatters when she learns he is found dead.
As the characters' stories intertwine, the pieces of the puzzle begin falling into place. Disturbing events from the past collide with the dangers of the present.
I found myself totally engrossed in this thriller. The pacing and suspense made it almost impossible to put down. The characters come across as realistic and complex, haunted by their flaws and regrets. Even the unlikable characters are portrayed in a way that made me invested in their story.
If you like a fast-paced, can’t put down, multiple POV thriller, then this is MUST ADD to your to-be-read list!!
November 1, 2024
4.25-4.5 stars. Multiple POVs (but only one timeline!). I was never quite sure where this was going. Some decent red herrings. May need to suspend disbelief a smidge, but a quick read that kept my attention.
February 17, 2024
Lies Within Me - Vanessa Garbin
An entertaining read. I give it 3 1/2 stars but had to round up. There were a lot of characters to keep track of. It was cleverly written though.
An entertaining read. I give it 3 1/2 stars but had to round up. There were a lot of characters to keep track of. It was cleverly written though.
March 5, 2024
First book from this author and largely impressed!!
For me, it is hard to find a book that totally immerses me to giving it a 5 ⭐️ so this is another very good 4 ⭐️ read and has opened up more opportunities for books by this author.
Alice, Simon and their children - separated due to Simon’s cheating, Alice’s friends rally around to help her get over Simon by going speed dating. However, when this ends in a traumatic experience whereby Alice is drugged and raped her whole life falls apart. Alice wakes in his house and later finds out on her return home that he was murdered. Alice suspects every person in her life as the murder weapon is found in her bed. Who are her friends. Who would betray her like that. Did she kill him. Is she capable of murder. Alice suffers time lapse due to the drugs given and is unable to come to terms with what happened or if she was the one who killed her attacker. Multiple POVs and twists and guessing ‘ who done it ‘. Really quick chapters, not a long book - devoured within a day. I did suspect the real ‘ killer ‘ but that’s nothing against the plot or the twists as the plot is fantastic throughout building such strong characters.
Only criticism is - Simon and Nina - infidelity in general in books boils me but the fact they got their happy ending and Simon didn’t get to re-kindle with Alice (although she still got her happy ending) annoyed me, but that’s personal preference and not everything is a fairytale ending.
If you want a quick fast paced and short thriller with multiple POVs and short chapters this book is absolutely for you.
For me, it is hard to find a book that totally immerses me to giving it a 5 ⭐️ so this is another very good 4 ⭐️ read and has opened up more opportunities for books by this author.
Alice, Simon and their children - separated due to Simon’s cheating, Alice’s friends rally around to help her get over Simon by going speed dating. However, when this ends in a traumatic experience whereby Alice is drugged and raped her whole life falls apart. Alice wakes in his house and later finds out on her return home that he was murdered. Alice suspects every person in her life as the murder weapon is found in her bed. Who are her friends. Who would betray her like that. Did she kill him. Is she capable of murder. Alice suffers time lapse due to the drugs given and is unable to come to terms with what happened or if she was the one who killed her attacker. Multiple POVs and twists and guessing ‘ who done it ‘. Really quick chapters, not a long book - devoured within a day. I did suspect the real ‘ killer ‘ but that’s nothing against the plot or the twists as the plot is fantastic throughout building such strong characters.
Only criticism is - Simon and Nina - infidelity in general in books boils me but the fact they got their happy ending and Simon didn’t get to re-kindle with Alice (although she still got her happy ending) annoyed me, but that’s personal preference and not everything is a fairytale ending.
If you want a quick fast paced and short thriller with multiple POVs and short chapters this book is absolutely for you.
January 28, 2024
Lies within me is a psychological thriller that centres around Alice, a recently single mother who is trying to move on after her husband betrayed her. When she meets a man during a speed dating event, it all goes horribly wrong.
I liked the premise of this book more than the execution. The book is written through multiple perspectives which is confusing at first but settles in once the story gets going. Alice is a likeable character but those around her are incredibly self-serving and frustrating. Simon and his family are awful, and I would have liked it if her friends’ plot lines were rounded out a bit more. This was my first read from this author but I will check out her previous works.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I liked the premise of this book more than the execution. The book is written through multiple perspectives which is confusing at first but settles in once the story gets going. Alice is a likeable character but those around her are incredibly self-serving and frustrating. Simon and his family are awful, and I would have liked it if her friends’ plot lines were rounded out a bit more. This was my first read from this author but I will check out her previous works.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 13, 2024
I LOVED this book! From the very first page it was intense! Definitely not a slow burn type of book, went straight in to pure brilliance. It had me guessing all the way through who the killer was, and it shocked me even more that Diane was the insta mummy and she was the one who killed her own son.
The only thing I would’ve loved to have seen is more of a back story on Diane , seems like there is more to her that could be said and why she is the way she is.
The only thing I would’ve loved to have seen is more of a back story on Diane , seems like there is more to her that could be said and why she is the way she is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
It was a quick read that sucked me from the beginning. There were twists at the end that I was not able to predict! Feels like it ended somewhat abruptly, or that it should have been a few chapters longer. However, I enjoy the author’s style of writing, so I added more of her books to my TBR list.
*TW: sexual assault—not graphic/detailed, only mentioned after it takes place.
It was a quick read that sucked me from the beginning. There were twists at the end that I was not able to predict! Feels like it ended somewhat abruptly, or that it should have been a few chapters longer. However, I enjoy the author’s style of writing, so I added more of her books to my TBR list.
*TW: sexual assault—not graphic/detailed, only mentioned after it takes place.
August 15, 2024
Fast paced but stupid.
February 27, 2024
Down the rabbit hole...
But in all seriousness, would the person who committed the murder please raise his or her hand now, because this is driving me completely crazy!
This story 'frustrated' me immensely - and I mean that in a positive way - because every now and then I had to laugh when the POV was changed again, obviously with a cliffhanger from the previous POV, leaving you no further in solving what happened here.
It is a relatively short story in terms of pages, but because of the constant POV changes - and the use of several POVs - the author builds up the tension so much that you don't really find out who the killer is until the end.
Several characters are introduced at a rapid pace: friends, an ex-husband, in-laws, police officers who have to unmask the killer from this hodgepodge of stories. Oh yes, a few Instagram posts are also included.
Written in simple language, the author changes the point of view every few pages, leaving the reader unable to 'figure out' who/what/how.
I found it a bit of a variation on the so-called "prisoner's dilemma", especially when several people make statements that are contradicted a little later in the story, either by the person himself, or because the story differs from the forensic data, or because a new statement from another person appears.
The point of view changes quickly - the chapters are short and told by the unreliable first-person narrator. So you don't get to know which of the characters is complaining, but one thing soon became clear to me: what a mess. None of the characters are likeable, and some are crazier than others.
How do you leave a babysitter friend for a whole night without notice, only to dismiss her for days on end with 'I'm too busy'? Or let your ex back into your house? What kind of morals do these people have? And what about hiding the murder weapon next to your father's house! (How can you not find a place to hide something in Australia!?)
- I really enjoyed it. - Where a simple murder turns into an improbable labyrinthine quest through the multiple POVs; the author keeps the strings constant and doesn't really give away any clues to make sure you keep reading.
I loved the ingenious plot structure, but I'm also quite glad that I don't have to have these people around me! And in my opinion, the policeman should be on his guard with his Alice....
Highly enjoyable, 4.5 stars.
Thank you The Book Folks for the review copy.
But in all seriousness, would the person who committed the murder please raise his or her hand now, because this is driving me completely crazy!
This story 'frustrated' me immensely - and I mean that in a positive way - because every now and then I had to laugh when the POV was changed again, obviously with a cliffhanger from the previous POV, leaving you no further in solving what happened here.
It is a relatively short story in terms of pages, but because of the constant POV changes - and the use of several POVs - the author builds up the tension so much that you don't really find out who the killer is until the end.
Several characters are introduced at a rapid pace: friends, an ex-husband, in-laws, police officers who have to unmask the killer from this hodgepodge of stories. Oh yes, a few Instagram posts are also included.
Written in simple language, the author changes the point of view every few pages, leaving the reader unable to 'figure out' who/what/how.
I found it a bit of a variation on the so-called "prisoner's dilemma", especially when several people make statements that are contradicted a little later in the story, either by the person himself, or because the story differs from the forensic data, or because a new statement from another person appears.
The point of view changes quickly - the chapters are short and told by the unreliable first-person narrator. So you don't get to know which of the characters is complaining, but one thing soon became clear to me: what a mess. None of the characters are likeable, and some are crazier than others.
How do you leave a babysitter friend for a whole night without notice, only to dismiss her for days on end with 'I'm too busy'? Or let your ex back into your house? What kind of morals do these people have? And what about hiding the murder weapon next to your father's house! (How can you not find a place to hide something in Australia!?)
- I really enjoyed it. - Where a simple murder turns into an improbable labyrinthine quest through the multiple POVs; the author keeps the strings constant and doesn't really give away any clues to make sure you keep reading.
I loved the ingenious plot structure, but I'm also quite glad that I don't have to have these people around me! And in my opinion, the policeman should be on his guard with his Alice....
Highly enjoyable, 4.5 stars.
Thank you The Book Folks for the review copy.
February 4, 2024
Note: I received a copy of this book from The Book Folks via NetGalley.
Alice's foray into speed dating takes a dark turn, plunging her into a nightmarish sequence of events. The morning after unfolds with a haunting lack of memory, replaced only by an ominous intuition. The stakes rise when a bloodied knife surfaces in her room, aligning eerily with news of the man she believes victimized her meeting an untimely demise.
I found the overall story to be quite engaging. However, I must admit the initial switch in points of view left me somewhat disoriented, it was crazy confusing to figure out who the different characters were.
Alice emerged as a character of considerable complexity. While I connected with her on several levels, I found myself grappling with the motivations behind some of her actions. Then again, considering the circumstances she faced, one could argue that a touch of eccentricity might be a universal response. Simon, on the other hand, stood out as an overwhelmingly reprehensible human being. Characters of his ilk never fail to irk me, and Simon was no exception.
One aspect I wished for was a bit more depth in the side characters. Tammy and Katie, in particular, felt somewhat like peripheral figures, added almost as an afterthought. On the other hand, Diana, while expertly characterized, left me with an unequivocal dislike. Her entire presence was, admittedly, off-putting, and I couldn't fathom how one could endure a mother-in-law of such reprehensible character.
The narrative's strength lay in its characterizations, even if some left me wanting more, and the portrayal of relationships and dynamics added layers of intrigue. In the end, the novel offered a compelling exploration of human behavior in the face of challenging circumstances, making it a worthwhile and easy read.
Alice's foray into speed dating takes a dark turn, plunging her into a nightmarish sequence of events. The morning after unfolds with a haunting lack of memory, replaced only by an ominous intuition. The stakes rise when a bloodied knife surfaces in her room, aligning eerily with news of the man she believes victimized her meeting an untimely demise.
I found the overall story to be quite engaging. However, I must admit the initial switch in points of view left me somewhat disoriented, it was crazy confusing to figure out who the different characters were.
Alice emerged as a character of considerable complexity. While I connected with her on several levels, I found myself grappling with the motivations behind some of her actions. Then again, considering the circumstances she faced, one could argue that a touch of eccentricity might be a universal response. Simon, on the other hand, stood out as an overwhelmingly reprehensible human being. Characters of his ilk never fail to irk me, and Simon was no exception.
One aspect I wished for was a bit more depth in the side characters. Tammy and Katie, in particular, felt somewhat like peripheral figures, added almost as an afterthought. On the other hand, Diana, while expertly characterized, left me with an unequivocal dislike. Her entire presence was, admittedly, off-putting, and I couldn't fathom how one could endure a mother-in-law of such reprehensible character.
The narrative's strength lay in its characterizations, even if some left me wanting more, and the portrayal of relationships and dynamics added layers of intrigue. In the end, the novel offered a compelling exploration of human behavior in the face of challenging circumstances, making it a worthwhile and easy read.
February 5, 2024
Thank you to The Book Folks and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Alice is living through the aftermath of a divorce from her serial cheater husband, Simon. One night, much to her dismay, her friends persuade her to attend a speed dating event where she meets Taite. After a series of misfortunes during the event, she awakes the next morning on the floor of what seems to be Taite's home. She has no recollection of how she got there but knows something awful happened. When contemplating going to the police to file a report, she hears on the news that Taite was found brutally murdered the same morning she left his place. After finding a bloody knife hidden in her bed, she starts to question whether she did this or if someone close to her is framing her.
This was a short book with a fast-moving plot so was easy to get into, however, the book generally lacked substance. There was minimal character development (and a few characters that felt unnecessary in general) and the multiple POV's were confusing at first as I had a hard time remembering who was who. With the book being so short, I felt like it could have handled more detail into some of the characters. Instead everything felt somewhat rushed.
Alice is living through the aftermath of a divorce from her serial cheater husband, Simon. One night, much to her dismay, her friends persuade her to attend a speed dating event where she meets Taite. After a series of misfortunes during the event, she awakes the next morning on the floor of what seems to be Taite's home. She has no recollection of how she got there but knows something awful happened. When contemplating going to the police to file a report, she hears on the news that Taite was found brutally murdered the same morning she left his place. After finding a bloody knife hidden in her bed, she starts to question whether she did this or if someone close to her is framing her.
This was a short book with a fast-moving plot so was easy to get into, however, the book generally lacked substance. There was minimal character development (and a few characters that felt unnecessary in general) and the multiple POV's were confusing at first as I had a hard time remembering who was who. With the book being so short, I felt like it could have handled more detail into some of the characters. Instead everything felt somewhat rushed.
August 4, 2024
WHY DOES THIS HAVE SUCH GOOD RATINGS 🫠
At first the idea of a shorter book appealed to me, that was until there was zero resolve to the whole goddam story. I mean, there was but it all felt soo rushed!
I was also immensely confused at multiple points because there was zero character development and so many different POVs that they just kind of meshed together. I know the point was to throw the reader off who the killer was but I just found it annoying.
The twists were not all that thrilling either, very easy to pick. If I can pick it then I'm sure anyone can..
At first the idea of a shorter book appealed to me, that was until there was zero resolve to the whole goddam story. I mean, there was but it all felt soo rushed!
I was also immensely confused at multiple points because there was zero character development and so many different POVs that they just kind of meshed together. I know the point was to throw the reader off who the killer was but I just found it annoying.
The twists were not all that thrilling either, very easy to pick. If I can pick it then I'm sure anyone can..
February 13, 2024
Pretty predictable. Multiple POVs, and I mean MULTIPLE. Kinda overwhelming in the beginning and by the ending, some seemed unnecessary. The “emails” were very similar to the way Freida McFadden used them in her story of The Coworker. If you hadn’t read Freida’s book, the “emails” would’ve led to a major plot twist. Fast paced which made it a quick and easy read.
January 1, 2026
Just finished this (and started it today). I wanted to start my year off with a nice quick read and this was the perfect way to do it! Very quick paced and I love that the chapters are told from many different characters perspectives. Well done.
April 8, 2024
Again, another “Thriller” that has very poor writing and poor execution (no pun intended). I wouldn’t waste your time with this book - a perfectly good premise with a woeful delivery.
April 23, 2024
Really enjoyed this book. Am now going to read her others.
May 5, 2024
This was good but too many characters with their own parts I had to go back a couple of times to figure out who was who
May 21, 2024
Good fast story. Love the ending
February 13, 2025
Loved it!!!
July 31, 2025
amazing book! multiple views. multiple characters!
February 19, 2025
Exciting, fast-moving thriller
The author’s unique writing style allows the reader to grasp how each character perceives the events and interactions in this psychological thriller. Each chapter is written in the first person of a different character. Lots of surprises and ah-ha moments throughout.
The author’s unique writing style allows the reader to grasp how each character perceives the events and interactions in this psychological thriller. Each chapter is written in the first person of a different character. Lots of surprises and ah-ha moments throughout.
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