I never imagined I'd be living in Jemima Eden's world. As her new assistant, I'm suddenly part of a life I've only ever dreamed of. After years of barely scraping by, juggling temp jobs and failed auditions, it feels like my chance to finally be someone.
But the closer I get to Jemima, the more I realise that her glossy life is just another performance. Behind the dazzling smile and happy marriage to her thoughtful husband George, there's a darkness I never expected.
Before long, I’m slipping into Jemima's life in ways I never anticipated. Wearing her clothes, speaking her lines, becoming the woman I've always admired from afar. It's intoxicating, but dangerous. Where does Jemima end and Kim begin?
When tragedy strikes, I'm faced with an impossible choice. How far am I willing to go to protect Jemima's secrets… and my own? In this world of smoke and mirrors, can I trust anyone, even myself?
One thing's certain… nothing in this house is what it seems, least of all me.
Becky Alexander is a non-fiction book editor by day and writes dark, twisty thrillers by night. Being more inclined to hiding behind a screen, Becky has always been fascinated by the psychology of actors - just why do they put themselves in the spotlight and face all that competition and rejection? To find out, Becky started acting classes and has recently taken part in her first play - which was as terrifying as expected.
Becky is a Curtis Brown novel writing course alumni (course led by Charlotte Mendelson). Her first novel, Someone Like You, is about ambitious, driven women and what they will do to get success. Any resemblance to living people is purely intentional...
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this Kindle ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Read in a few hours while babysitting, this is a fast paced mystery that reminds us to be careful what we wish for.
Kim takes a position as an assistant to a famous actress, Jemima Eden. Jemima is dramatic, narcissistic and difficult to please, but Kim plugs on. She has an ulterior motive, she longs to be an actress herself, and feels this may be the first step in the ladder to success. At first this is a dream job, a peek behind the curtain of luxury and wealth. But, not all is what is seems. As the story progresses we unpack some sinister thrills and devious plots.
Perfect for Freida McFadden lovers, I recommend picking it up when released in September.
This fast paced mystery reminds you everything is open to interpretation. The pov approach gives the story more realism and ensures as a reader you are kept guessing as to who is telling and seeing the truth. The funsl twistvat the end turned this into a 4 for me. Up that point it was just a story about the acting world. I enjoyed the reveal of the actress . The assistant Kim at points felt ger actions and thoughts weren't realistic. It was a quick read perfect for readers who like strong women focused mystery. Thank you netgallery and publisher and author.
I really likedan this story. It kept you Guessing all the way through. Who to told the truth? And the Main characters were so nuanced, i really wanted to dig deeper and know much more about them. So a book with twists and turns that i recommend to Everyone. Thank you to netgalley for this e arc, the opinion about the book is my own
Kim takes a position as an assistant to the famous actor Jemima Eden. This is a tough gig as Jemima is not an easy person to be around, she is quite reclusive, overly dramatic, and extremely narcissistic.
In the beginning Kim thinks she has fallen on her feet with this role, in the past she has struggled regarding a career moving from job to job and never accomplishing the success which she has craved.
Kim also has dreams of an acting career, and it is through Jemima and her husband George that Kim gets her chance to begin a career she has always wanted. As the book progresses it seems apparent that these two women may be more a like than either of them thinks and what results may bring them closer together, a surprise for both.
The suspense and tension of this mystery along with some twists will keep you reading until the end. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy.
I am telling you this is the perfect weekend read with really unlikeable adult egotistical characters.
The book is short. The writing is gripping. One famous actress. One struggling upcoming wannabe actress who has no luck so far working as the actress’ PA. The handsome actor husband.
Well… something looking too perfect is hiding the most scariest darkest sides. You will know what it is towards the end.
The beginning of the book gives a very strong “The Housemaid” vibes but by the end of the first half, things start getting really messy.
Read this book more as a domestic fictional drama rather than a thriller fast paced read.
I had so much fun reading this one! The unexpected events towards the ending makes the read a good one!
I absolutely loved this one and raced through it! Kim is the new Personal Assistant for actress Jemma and husband, George. What a luxurious lifestyle they enjoy; it's so much different from her own with housemate, Max and his incessant partying! She even occasionally stays in their basement after Jemma gives her a bag of clothes to be given to charity and discovers some have never even been worn so why shouldn't SHE enjoy them? And they actually look a bit alike so should she dye her own hair red as well?? Great cast, great storyline with lots of twists and unexpected "what??" moments! Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Not the thriller I was expecting, but more of a domestic drama and the title disappointed me. It just does not make a good fit. The characters are not particularly likeable either but I am sure this was the authors intention. I kept reading though despite these minor irritations and am glad I did so.
The female protagonists are Kim, the would be actress who gets a job as PA to Jemima Eden a famous actress. Life is not as it seems on the surface for Jemima and her husband George as Kim discovers as she becomes more and more entrenched in the couples life.
The suspense kept me interested and the ending is a good and for me unexpected twist. Fans of domestic drama will enjoy this quick read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a quick and engaging read that I finished o er the course of a few hours. I didn’t feel that the story matched the title and synopsis at all, though. The story centers primarily on Kim, a young wanna-be actress who takes a role as a personal assistant to a famous actress named Jemima. You get some chapters told from Jemima’s POV as well.
This is an interesting read because nothing really happens for much of it but it reads in a tense manner where I felt like something big would happen at any moment. When the action does take place it happens abruptly but it works after the build up. None of these characters is all that likable but the book is really about playing a role and the things people do for success so I felt that their likability (or lack thereof) was intentional and fit with the story. The ending didn’t exactly tie everything up but I wasn’t dissatisfied with it.
Overall, this was a unique read that was captivating even in the parts where nothing big was happening. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’m not sure why this book was advertised as a mystery/thriller on NetGalley. The mystery seemed to be when would the thrilling parts start. There was really no action until 85% in and even that was downplayed and not very page turning. The storyline itself was fine but I felt like the characters were very inconsistent. The title of this book and the blurb don’t fit the actual story at all.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing this book, with my honest review below.
The Other Mrs. Eden was an exploration of two sides of the same coin in Jemima and Kim, a successful but reclusive actress and a struggling up and coming one, respectively. While billed as a mystery & thriller, and definitely having some mystery tones to it, I found this to be a good book about the grass being greener on the other side and the complexity that exists beneath a placid surface.
Kim is hired on as a PA for actress Jemima, who she bears a passing resemblance to. Struggling with her dream of acting Kim takes advantage of the perks of the job including Jemima’s castoff wardrobe and sneakily makes her home in the basement of Jemima’s mansion. The other massive perk is that Kim quickly builds a friend group and the start of a solid acting career due to her exposure to the business through Jemima. But when she starts getting closer to George, Jemima’s husband, and deeper into Jemima’s life she quickly realizes that things aren’t always as great as they seem from afar.
Solidly written with a very interesting premise, I was unsure if this would go into obsessive thriller category or something more sinister. Ultimately this became a book about support amongst other things. I would read this not for thriller reasons but rather for the suspense of mystery and for a good character study.
On occasion I find a book that turns out to be much better than I was expecting it to be. The Other Mrs. Eden was one of those books. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did, nor did I expect it to grip me enough that I devoured it in less than 24 hours.
Kim Conner is a young woman whose life has not been easy. At one time she was an aspiring actress, but life conspired against her and she had to leave drama to take care of her sickly mother. When her mother died, she was all alone in the world. Trying to make ends meet, she moved in with a friend and took what jobs she could find.
That all changes when she's sent by the agency to Jemima Eden. Jemima is a star of the small screen. In her 30s, roles are starting to dry up. Is it age? Or is it Jemima herself? Her fairy-tale marriage to George, a character actor, is fraught with rumors and innuendo. Kim shows up after another of her personal assistants was fired, and although Kim has no experience, Jemima takes her on as an employee.
Kim is somewhat the voyeur in the Edens' marriage. George seems charming and willing to take a backseat to his wife's fame. Jemima is erratic. She disappears for a couple of days to a "spa" and the press is all over it as an interlude with her former costar, Rory. Kim attempts to handle the press and the drama surrounding Jemima, while trying to get her own life together.
Book: The Other Mrs Eden Author: Becky Alexander Publishing Date: September 11, 2024 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨️(3.5/5) Review: Trigger warning: Scenes of DV, SA, & miscarriage. What I liked: - the writing style - plot idea - fast-paced - the cover What I didn't like: - the execution of the plot - NOT a thriller - Mediocre - Most of the characters were horrible. - The title doesn't fit the plot Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, & the Author for this ARC. *All thoughts and opinions are my own.* #TheOtherMrsEden #NetGalley
I recently received an ARC of Becky Alexander's book, The Other Mrs. Eden; it will be released on September 11th. Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and the author; this review reflects my honest opinion. The Other Mrs. Eden is told from two perspectives: that of Kim Connor, an aspiring yet unemployed actress and temporary personal assistant to the famous yet volatile Jemima Eden, an established actress, and that of Jemima. It seems as Jemima's star quality is diminishing; she is constantly contacting her agent about available parts. The storyline provides some insights into the competitive nature of the acting industry, how fleeting fame can be, how publicity can positively or negatively impact a career and how one event can create a bond between two unlikely individuals. The Other Mrs. Eden is a fast-paced entertaining read, a definite page turner. 3.5 stars.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #StormPublishing for the book #TheOtherMrsEden by #BeckyAlexander. Kim is a struggling actress who lands a job as a personal assistant with Jemima, who is an actress. Kim puts up with a lot thinking this could be her “in” in the acting world. She gets kicked out of her home and starts staying in Jemima’s basement, unknown to Jemima and her husband George. George seems to take a liking to Kim and wants to help her out. But just how far is Kim willing to go to get what she wants? I enjoyed this book and recommend it.
This unique plot will keep you guessing right until the end . And you won’t guess what happens. Both Jemima and Kim are well developed characters who each go through their own journey. One a successful actress, the other the wanna be PA. This well paced novel was a fun read, I was bamboozled at the end!
"The Other Mrs. Eden" by Becky Alexander is a compelling domestic thriller that masterfully intertwines the glitz of Hollywood with the dark secrets of a troubled marriage.
The novel offers a fascinating glimpse into the often-hidden realities of Hollywood actors, exploring the pressures, facades, and moral compromises they face. Alexander's storytelling is engaging and was a quick, easy read for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing a free, advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This fast paced thriller is the perfect example that shows that everything isn’t exactly how it seems.
The mystery and the suspense of this book will keep you guessing until the very end, at the end of each chapter you’ll want to know what’s happening next.
I had fun reading this book and the drama that happened around the end was the highlight for me!
Thank you Becky Alexander, Storm Publishing & NetGalley for an e-ARC.
An amazing and zany book about a young 23 year old Kim Conner who was looking for a job. Her mom had died and she had no one left in her life. She didn't know her father and now she found herself living in Max's apartment and sharing the bills even thought he had rich parents that paid everything for him. Just as she thought she would never find anything that would help sustain her let alone get her, her own apartment as far as a job was concerned she got an interview for a private assistant job for a famous actress. Things were looking up. Thankfully, Kim got the job. She started working right away and the hours would be all the time depending on when and if Jemima Eden needed her. This would take a great deal of getting used to and getting fired a couple of times but between George Eden and Kim herself to get Jemima to concede and let Kim keep her job. Jemima was an extremely hard person to work for so Kim did what she asked for and then tried to get out of the way. Jemima showed her the basement for her to work out of, and soon after Kim had to move into without anyone noticing. During a fancy dinner party that Kim had to organize for Jemima it came out that Kim was actually an actress and she was looking for an agent. George, by the way, was the one that started this ball in motion. Knowing full well that Jemima's agent was at the party he was directing the question and statement to her. Elle was dumbfounded and when Jem asked Kim to step forward Elle was put on the spot. She told her to send her, her tapes and head shots and she would see what she could do for her.
The next thing Kim knew was Jem had a job in Scotland and the entire time they were there George took this time to constantly start texting Kim to find out how both (His) girls were. Kim thought it to be a bit weird but she didn't think it too weird, so she answered him. During this time is when Kim gets her first acting job, small part but she got a part right there on Jemima show. You might say she wasn't happy about it. Kim also made very good friendships with some of the crew members. Ones that would be valuable down the road.
When they got back George had found out that she was in fact living there in the basement. He wasn't happy about it but he said that he wouldn't say anything. Later that evening she heard the two of them arguing very loudly.
This was a book about a rich woman and how being famous had changed her and her relationship with people and with her husband. It gives you the feel of that if you only had money, power, fame,and the house and things that with all of that then you would really have everything. I am not sure that is true. I actually don't believe that that is true at all. Some people think that would mean you would be happy, money and things don't make you happy!
Kudos to Becky Alexander this book gives you a lot to think about and you kept me riveted. Thank you for sharing this with us!
In The Other Mrs. Eden, Becky Alexander crafts a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dangerous allure of identity and the blurred lines between admiration and obsession. The novel centers on Kim, a struggling actress who lands a coveted position as the assistant to Jemima Eden, a glamorous woman whose seemingly perfect life has captivated Kim from a distance. What begins as an exciting opportunity soon spirals into a disturbing exploration of ambition, deception, and the dark side of the lives we envy.
Fans of psychological thrillers will find themselves drawn to Kim’s unreliable narration as she becomes increasingly enmeshed in Jemima’s world. Alexander deftly weaves tension throughout the novel, keeping readers on edge as they question Kim’s motives and sanity. The plot is rich with psychological complexity, as Kim slowly morphs from a hopeful outsider into a mirror image of the woman she once admired. The way Alexander unravels Kim’s transformation is both unsettling and deeply engrossing, making readers question how far Kim will go to secure the life she covets.
Character development is a strong suit in The Other Mrs. Eden. Kim’s initial vulnerability and desire for success are relatable, but as she begins to slip into Jemima’s shoes—both figuratively and literally—her character arc becomes increasingly twisted. Her complex relationship with Jemima, which vacillates between admiration and jealousy, is fraught with tension and keeps readers guessing about Kim’s true intentions. Jemima, on the other hand, is portrayed as both enigmatic and deeply flawed, a woman whose perfect facade crumbles as her secrets come to light. The dynamics between the two women, as well as the peripheral characters like Jemima’s husband George, add layers to the psychological intrigue.
The plot is a slow burn, but one that builds momentum as secrets are revealed and the tension between Kim and Jemima reaches its breaking point. Readers who enjoy stories about the disintegration of identity, envy, and psychological manipulation will find plenty to savor here. Alexander’s atmospheric writing draws readers into the world of high society, where everything sparkles on the surface, but nothing is as it seems. The themes of performance, identity, and self-deception are deftly explored, making this a thought-provoking read as well as a suspenseful one.
Ultimately, The Other Mrs. Eden is a masterful blend of psychological suspense and character-driven drama. It keeps readers questioning the nature of truth and identity until the very end. Becky Alexander has crafted a tale that will appeal to fans of dark, twisted thrillers that leave you reeling, wondering just how well we know ourselves—or anyone else.
I am honestly, not one-hundred percent sure what I just read. For one thing, the title of this book makes no sense. There is no "other" Mrs. Eden, so it's puzzling why the author would choose to name the book that. In fact, I spent the majority of this book waiting for something to happen that would toss Jemima out of the role and Kim into it.
Then we have the synopsis that feels like it was written for a different book entirely. Yes, Kim starts wearing Jemima's clothes - the cast off ones that Jemima told her to sort through for things to make herself look "more presentable" before taking the rest to be donated to charity shops. Yes, she "speaks her lines" but that is only because Kim is Jemima's understudy for a play they are both in (which considering their supposed age difference doesn't make sense that Kim would be the understudy for both Jemima's character, the older sister, as well as that of the younger sister).
Now these things, I could probably have overlooked had any of the main characters had any redeeming qualities between them. Instead we have George, the supposed faithful and loving husband to Jemima who has no qualms about saying and acting inappropriately towards Kim, the down on her luck personal assistant, who after getting kicked out of her apartment, ends up living in Jemima's basement without her knowledge. Although I will say, the fact that Kim dyes her hair the same color as Jemima's and starts copying some of her mannerisms (only whilst acting thank God, but still). And finally, we have Jemima herself who is such a narcissistic trainwreck that you almost find yourself rooting for her to fail. There are many times throughout this story where she lashes out at Kim for seemingly no reason at all, just to apologize moments later. And let's not talk about the lengths she goes to to try and sabotage Kim's acting future.
There was a twist at the end, that I suppose was meant to be shocking, but by that point I didn't care about the characters or what happened to them, and I still don't understand why Jemima did what she did, or more to the point why Kim went along with it. It just didn't add up, and the author trying to paint Jemima in a better light came, in my opinion, way too late. On the plus side, this was a quick read, and I enjoyed the author's writing style if not the contents of the story, so at least there is that.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Other Mrs Eden by Becky Alexander is a sequel to Someone Like You. I know it's not listed and I know you can read them as stand-alone but they are literally related! The same as Someone Like You, this didn't feel like a psychological thriller but more like a family drama with a thriller ending!
What can I say, after finishing this book, I can say with confidence, that I love Becky Alexander's writing style! It's something about it! It takes me in straight from the first page! The characters play together so nicely even though the dynamics are heated, the author kept my interest all the way through. I literally didn't have any idea where all this was heading as I was too busy to enjoy the story instead of guessing. So all in all I added Becky Alexander to my favourite author list!
In Someone Like You, we meet Jemima a newly starting actress who is looking for her first big role. In this book, Jemima is a well-known and well-respected access who has been quiet for a while but is ready to get back on the field. She has her Diva attitude (which probably comes in the package :D) but we can feel that there is something deeper to this story! Kim, her new assistant is struggling with her money so she is ready to accept the attitude and everything else just to stay above the water so she never shares her dream - to be an actress. George, Jemima's husband is there to support and protect and he is the one who decides to help Kim with some contacts to get her name out as an actress.
I absolutely enjoyed the dynamics between them three. It was so interesting to see development and I was madly curious where all this was going. I think I understand why the name of this book is The Other Mrs Eden but at the same time, I feel if I will explain I will spoil the book so you will need to figure it out yourself.
I believe if you read just this one, you would have conflicted feelings about Jemima but if you read first Someone Like You and then this, you can understand her so much better. Her character is so strong. I am not even talking about excitement to see the progress she made!
Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this copy! Expected publication September 11, 2024
"The Other Mrs Eden" is a captivating psychological thriller that delves deep into the themes of identity, ambition, and the often deceptive nature of outward appearances.
The story's protagonist, Kim, is brilliantly written. Her journey from a struggling temp worker to becoming enmeshed in the glamorous world of Jemima Eden is both believable and enthralling. Alexander does an excellent job of portraying Kim's gradual transformation, making her internal conflicts and motivations feel authentic and relatable.
One of the novel's strongest points is its exploration of the blurred lines between admiration and obsession. The way Kim slowly begins to adopt Jemima's mannerisms, style, and even her life is masterfully portrayed, creating a sense of unease that builds throughout the story.
The author's prose is crisp and engaging, effortlessly pulling the reader into the glittering yet treacherous world of the Edens. The pacing is well-managed, with revelations and twists doled out at just the right moments to keep the pages turning.
The supporting characters, particularly Jemima and her husband George, are intriguingly complex. Alexander peels back their layers gradually, revealing the cracks beneath their perfect façade in a way that adds depth to the overall narrative.
Where the book truly shines is in its psychological aspects. The exploration of identity, the allure of stepping into someone else's life, and the consequences of losing oneself in the process are all handled with nuance and insight.
While the plot is generally strong, there are a few moments where the suspension of disbelief is stretched a bit thin. Some of the later plot twists, while exciting, don't quite have the solid foundation that would make them entirely convincing.
Despite this minor shortcoming, "The Other Mrs Eden" is a thoroughly enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of domestic noir and psychological thrillers. Becky Alexander has delivered a gripping tale of deception, ambition, and the dangerous allure of living someone else's life.
There is something dark and brooding with a sinister feeling lurking just beneath the surface in this story. I would classify this book as a domestic drama with an air of mystique. It is not really a thriller. The tension is there, but you are not sure where this tension is coming from.
Kim needs a job. When she is hired by the famous actress, Jemima Eden, as her PA, she is over the moon. It does not take long for her to figure out this is not going to be the dream job she hoped for. Demanding and overbearing is putting it mildly when you describe this diva known as Jemima. I do not believe that I have ever seen two more unlikeable characters than Jemima and her husband, George. George is also a famous actor, but maybe not quite as famous as his wife. Jemima is a narcissist who is beyond needy. George is just downright creepy. I was getting serial killer vibes from him the whole time. Poor Kim is the only normal one in a house filled with so much ego that I am surprised the house can hold them. I know this incredible dislike of characters is by design by the author, so kudos to the author for making them so downright dislikeable.
You know there is some dark undercurrent at work in this house, but you are not exactly sure what it is until the fantastical ending which will leave your mouth agape. At first I was puzzled about the title, but when I dug a little deeper into my thoughts, I realized (or at least I think I am right) that there are two Mrs. Eden's. One lives outside the four walls and puts on her happy face, and the other one is living a very strange life behind the four walls of her home.
I have to give this one five stars because it held me captive for an entire evening. Also the tension was tight enough to choke you, which is always a plus in a drama/mystery.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story is told between the 2 POV's of the 2 main characters; Kim, the personal assistant, and Jemima Eden the movie star. Kim has just started working as Jemima's PA. Jemima comes across as the typical Hollywood diva- demanding, petty, self-centered. Kim seems to be hard-working, and willing to put up with a lot because she is one paycheck away from being homeless. However, as the story progresses, Kim seems a little more selfish as well. But since this book is about people who go after what they want above all else, the characterization was perfect.
This is a quick read that was somewhat enjoyable. I was in need of an entertaining book that wasn't too dark, or needed much thought, and this was perfect. I wanted to know how the story would unfold, and what the outcome would be. However, there were a few eye-rolling moments at some of the decisions and plot twists. There are moments where the author tries to humanize Jemima, but there was not any build up to it and it seemed forced had a jarring effect on me. I could not rectify these characteristics to Jemima at 85% into the book when there was no build up or hints about this side of her character.
This book is entertaining, and I did want to know what happened. Give it a try if you are looking for an easy read.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. THis is my honest and voluntary review.
I want to thank Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
“ But the closer I get to Jemima, the more I realise that her glossy life is just another performance…” OK, I want you to imagine that you’re the assistant to your favorite actress. Now, I want you to imagine that this actress is a moody, egotistical, revered individual who simultaneously seems to be slowly sliding from her Hollywood pedestal and is hellbent on taking you with her on that slide. But what if everything isn’t all that it seems? What if your favorite actress-turned-boss has a whole different side to her that you’ve begun to see, one that is vulnerable and perhaps even… afraid?
Jemima and Kim may seem to have so many differences on the outside but when it all comes down to it, the two are alike. This read was incredibly enjoyable, making it easy to finish in less than a week (busy life schedule and all). The characters were likable and dynamic enough that you could see their growth over time, and the dialogue wasn’t repetitive at all. I do at times wondered more about Kim and her backstory, wishing it had been more fleshed out so we could have got a bit more to her as a character, but it didn’t take too much away from the story not having that.
This book contains scenes of domestic violence, miscarriage and sexual assault.
Jemima is a star actress, Kim is her PA with a want to become an actress and then there’s George, Jemima’s husband. He’s sweet, a little overbearing yet has a sense of mystery about him.
The story circles around the three main characters, Jemima, Kim and George; their lavish lifestyle, the world of stardom & all the chaos it brings.
I felt the story dragged on for too long in parts, where I felt like I was reading the same thing numerous times.
There is a twist as the story comes to its conclusion but the ending is rushed and makes no sense. The twist is somewhat alarming, but there was no real shock value to it.
There is also a brief mention of a sexual encounter of Kim & a random waiter that is over as quickly as it begins; two lines from memory.
The title of the book is very misleading as there is no “other Mrs. Eden” and the synopsis feels like it’s been written for an entirely different book.
The story is a quick read & the author’s writing style is enjoyable, just not so much the content of the story. It’s all just a bit too mediocre.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a quick read that kept me engaged, but overall, I found the story lacking something. I didn’t particularly warm to any of the characters, which made it difficult to fully invest in the plot. The story primarily follows Kim, who takes on a role as an assistant to the famous actor Jemima Eden. Jemima, however, is far from likeable—she's overly dramatic and extremely narcissistic.
At first, Kim feels lucky to have landed the job, hoping it might help her pursue her own dream of becoming an actress. But it quickly becomes clear that Jemima has no intention of supporting her and sabotages her efforts at every turn, even though Kim shows real talent.
The twist in the story was, unfortunately, a major letdown for me. It felt so unrealistic, and I found it hard to believe that any real detective would fall for such a poorly handled version of events. This significantly lowered the rating for me—I would have rated it 2 stars, but its fast pace and engaging style nudged it up to 3.
Overall, it’s an easy and engaging read, but it fell short in terms of believability and character development.
The Other Mrs Eden by Becky Alexander turned out to be a different experience than what I anticipated based on the title and synopsis. As an avid reader of thrillers, I found it both predictable and oddly paced, with the story taking its time to establish the characters before moving on to the action and twists that typically define the genre.
This book dedicates a lot more time to character development than the usual fast-paced thriller, so if you enjoy a deep dive into characters and haven’t read many thrillers before, this might be a good fit for you. However, despite the extensive setup, I was left unsatisfied with the conclusion. Some character motivations felt underexplored, and several hinted-at backstories were left unresolved. Whether this was intended as a setup for a sequel, red herrings, or simply overlooked, it remains unclear.
Overall, while The Other Mrs Eden had potential, the drawn-out pacing and lack of a fully satisfying conclusion left me wanting more.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is quite a quick read and i'm not entirely sure where the title fitted in but it was quite enjoyable. Kim was an aspiring actress although she hadn't done any acting since school which I thought was a bit strange, she took a job as PA to a famous actress, the egotistical diva, Jemima Eden. Kim worked from a small basement room in the luxurious home owned by Jemima and her actor husband George, she was hoping that this might give her a leg up into the close knit acting fraternity. Kim wasn't easy to work with but usually the affable George was on hand to smooth the rough waters. When Kim does get a small break into the acting world and a group of friends that she never thought possible but things that she had dreamed of, Jemima became even more needy, trying her best to put a spoke in the wheels for Kim. The story plods along until a surprise flip at the end, perhaps Kim and Jemima had more in common than they first thought. Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.
If you would have asked me before I started the book and solely based on the cover and title, I would have given you a completely different story than the author decided to write. This was a nice surprise.
The author emphasises something that known in real life too: people acting a part. They are not the same people behind closed doors. They can turn the charm on and off depending on their ulterior motives...
I liked the premise, getting a glimpse behind the scenes of the movie world. Actors being diva's, beginning actors trying to find the right contacts to boost their career, manipulation,...
Every character here is out to get something for themselves. Some are more delicate about it than others, but in the end they have the same goal: to get what they want.
Throughout the book, you feel tension building. You just have to wait to find out what is is all about.