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The Makeover
An old house. A new marriage. A deadly obsession.
James Devery has fallen in love with his boss’s wife, the glamorous Mrs. Eastman. He dreams about her. He writes about her. He wants to be with her forever.
But that won’t be easy. Because James is just a young builder’s apprentice, hired to work on the Eastmans’ enormous mansion.
On the surface, it seems James doesn’t stand a chance. And yet… he suspects Mrs. Eastman isn’t entirely happy with her handsome, successful husband. The cracks in their marriage are starting to show, and James is determined to make the most of them.
Because he has a dark secret. A secret that means he can’t give Mrs. Eastman up, he absolutely must have her. And he’ll do anything – anything at all - to be with her.
What he doesn’t realise is his single-minded obsession will fuel a spiral of lust and treachery, taking all three to a hell beyond their wildest imaginings.
The Makeover – the shocking psychological thriller perfect for fans of Daniel Hurst, Kiersten Modglin, John Marrs.
James Devery has fallen in love with his boss’s wife, the glamorous Mrs. Eastman. He dreams about her. He writes about her. He wants to be with her forever.
But that won’t be easy. Because James is just a young builder’s apprentice, hired to work on the Eastmans’ enormous mansion.
On the surface, it seems James doesn’t stand a chance. And yet… he suspects Mrs. Eastman isn’t entirely happy with her handsome, successful husband. The cracks in their marriage are starting to show, and James is determined to make the most of them.
Because he has a dark secret. A secret that means he can’t give Mrs. Eastman up, he absolutely must have her. And he’ll do anything – anything at all - to be with her.
What he doesn’t realise is his single-minded obsession will fuel a spiral of lust and treachery, taking all three to a hell beyond their wildest imaginings.
The Makeover – the shocking psychological thriller perfect for fans of Daniel Hurst, Kiersten Modglin, John Marrs.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2024
625 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Matt McGregor
3 books37 followersMatt McGregor is a writer of psychological thrillers. Before becoming a writer, Matt taught English, ran a nonprofit, worked with maps, and worked in tech startups.
Now, he mostly spends his time inventing surprising ways to murder his characters, which is totally fine and nothing for you to worry about.
When he’s not writing in the third person, he likes to explore the local wilderness, swim in the sea, and play with his exhaustingly energetic young children.
Now, he mostly spends his time inventing surprising ways to murder his characters, which is totally fine and nothing for you to worry about.
When he’s not writing in the third person, he likes to explore the local wilderness, swim in the sea, and play with his exhaustingly energetic young children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
April 22, 2025
A very convoluted thriller that had surprises until the last page. Some of the situations in the book seemed highly unlikely or believable. It seems to be a good example of what happens when everyone hides their secrets.
October 2, 2024
This is...definitely a book.
The author tries to do a twisty thing that ends up being a really obvious from the go thing. I appreciated the try, though.
Our characters are very unbelievable and there's really no one to root for.
Main character is a door mat, though I think door mats may have more personality.
Unfortunately, this just didn't work for me.
* ARC via Publisher
The author tries to do a twisty thing that ends up being a really obvious from the go thing. I appreciated the try, though.
Our characters are very unbelievable and there's really no one to root for.
Main character is a door mat, though I think door mats may have more personality.
Unfortunately, this just didn't work for me.
* ARC via Publisher
September 29, 2024
"I turn but there's no one there. My heart is racing. I could have sworn it was him - the man I killed. I suppose this will be my fate: to always mistake the rustle of leaves for the whispers of ghosts. But who cares? I'm free, and that's all I ever wanted.
Now, I can finally live."
📘If you like:
Short chapters ✔️
Dual timeline / POV ✔️
Unreliable narrator ✔️
Diary entries ✔️
Marriage / family drama ✔️
The cover and plot of this book drew me in and I like that it has short chapters.
After the revelation about who the killer was, I had to go back and reread chapters on clues I have missed. The reading experience was a heady mix..Some things fell into place while others did not seem to add up and left me confused. Like it's unbelievable that some of the characters got away unscathed. But that's ok since some of the characters I don't really care much about. There wasn't enough of the back story or character development of our main characters. The ending was kinda rushed but still an overall decent enough thriller since I did not predict some of the twists.
Happy publication day and thank you to NetgAlley and the publishers for the arc! 🖤
2.85 ✨
Now, I can finally live."
📘If you like:
Short chapters ✔️
Dual timeline / POV ✔️
Unreliable narrator ✔️
Diary entries ✔️
Marriage / family drama ✔️
The cover and plot of this book drew me in and I like that it has short chapters.
After the revelation about who the killer was, I had to go back and reread chapters on clues I have missed. The reading experience was a heady mix..Some things fell into place while others did not seem to add up and left me confused. Like it's unbelievable that some of the characters got away unscathed. But that's ok since some of the characters I don't really care much about. There wasn't enough of the back story or character development of our main characters. The ending was kinda rushed but still an overall decent enough thriller since I did not predict some of the twists.
Happy publication day and thank you to NetgAlley and the publishers for the arc! 🖤
2.85 ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2025
The first half was mildly interesting but the further along the story got, the more convoluted and confusing it got. None of the characters really felt any different than each other and occasionally it was hard to remember who was who. By the time I got to the last 30% I felt like I had no idea what was going on and there was a lot of information just being shoved at me in an attempt to have a twist ending and to finish the story. It exhausted me to try and figure out who was who and what was going on and I honestly wouldn't recommend this one. I put it down quite a few times and found it difficult to pick back up and when I did, I had to remind myself what was even happening each time. It wasn't absolutely terrible but there are much better thrillers on the market at the moment to read instead of slogging through this one.
Thank you to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for the eARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for the eARC.
September 28, 2024
I enjoyed the plot and the playing with timelines, but the plot twists were not as surprising as I wanted them to be. The hints weren't too vague so it didn't really hide how things turned out, especially for an overthinker, such as myself. It was a pretty quick and well paced read, coming in at under 300 pages, it allows for minimal filler content, so things never strayed from the original plot lines.
Thank you to Matt McGregor, Inkubator Books, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is my honest review.
Thank you to Matt McGregor, Inkubator Books, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is my honest review.
July 9, 2025
An interesting read throughout! There is nonstop action which makes this a quick read. The author sprinkles hints along the way. The main twist is a good one too! This poor woman moves from a large NYC apartment to a temporary home in Montana with no transportation and an allowance. I would have walked to the nearest town and Ubered out of there! Especially after the not so subtle hints that I wasn’t welcome!
The author really spins a nice tale with surprises! I’ll be seeking him out for my future reading! The only thing that I didn’t like, well actually hated, is that the author added that one totally unnecessary chapter that ruined an otherwise nice book!
The author really spins a nice tale with surprises! I’ll be seeking him out for my future reading! The only thing that I didn’t like, well actually hated, is that the author added that one totally unnecessary chapter that ruined an otherwise nice book!
October 1, 2024
This was a fast-paced book about a couple, Richard and Virginia, who move from New York to an inherited mansion in Montana. The mansion is being renovated, so they move into the tiny rancher next door, but are surprised to find Richard's sister already ensconced. She's immature, lazy, and definitely doesn't like Virginia.
There is an understory of how the land once belonged to indigenous people and/or the ranch hand/overseer (I was confused by his role). There was also background to show that Richard's father was not a nice man, and that his wife Virginia has an ulterior motive for moving with Richard. The chapters alternate entries from a journal that Virginia finds, that apparently belonged to an intern working on the mansion.
It's best if you go into this book blind, because publisher's summary is a little misleading. Once the twists are revealed, it all comes together for the surprise ending.
Thanks to Booksprout and Inkubator Books for an advance reader's copy.
There is an understory of how the land once belonged to indigenous people and/or the ranch hand/overseer (I was confused by his role). There was also background to show that Richard's father was not a nice man, and that his wife Virginia has an ulterior motive for moving with Richard. The chapters alternate entries from a journal that Virginia finds, that apparently belonged to an intern working on the mansion.
It's best if you go into this book blind, because publisher's summary is a little misleading. Once the twists are revealed, it all comes together for the surprise ending.
Thanks to Booksprout and Inkubator Books for an advance reader's copy.
September 9, 2024
Virginia is trying to start life over with her husband in a new place. James is obsessed with his bosses’ wife. Their paths and lives filled with deceit will collide in unexpected ways. But when will the truth come out and what will it be?
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
The description actually felt a little deceptive for this book, but in spite of this I really enjoyed the read. I binged this book in one night, and I felt like it was worth it. I do think some adjustment to the description would make the plot clearer to readers.
The novel is comprised of not only multiple points of views but also multiple points in time. The additional point in time isn’t obvious at first though, and once I realized that tidbit I was really drawn into intersection of the primary characters and how it would play out in the plot!
I did not like any of the characters but I was eager to know what was going to happen to them and what the connections were. At one point early on I wondered if Virginia was just losing her mind or if her husband was gaslighting her. About 3/4 of the way through the novel I had a good prediction of the connections though, which proved to be correct. But what happened with those connections at the end I did not see coming!
I think the plot was well done, a good slow unfolding of the characters, their secrets and connections. If you are someone who wants fast paced constant action, this would not be the book for you. But lovers of a good mystery will enjoy this book.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
The description actually felt a little deceptive for this book, but in spite of this I really enjoyed the read. I binged this book in one night, and I felt like it was worth it. I do think some adjustment to the description would make the plot clearer to readers.
The novel is comprised of not only multiple points of views but also multiple points in time. The additional point in time isn’t obvious at first though, and once I realized that tidbit I was really drawn into intersection of the primary characters and how it would play out in the plot!
I did not like any of the characters but I was eager to know what was going to happen to them and what the connections were. At one point early on I wondered if Virginia was just losing her mind or if her husband was gaslighting her. About 3/4 of the way through the novel I had a good prediction of the connections though, which proved to be correct. But what happened with those connections at the end I did not see coming!
I think the plot was well done, a good slow unfolding of the characters, their secrets and connections. If you are someone who wants fast paced constant action, this would not be the book for you. But lovers of a good mystery will enjoy this book.
October 8, 2024
I really enjoy a good psychological thriller, almost as much as a psychological horror. The Makeover was a good and twisty thriller despite the fact I guessed one of the twists. What I did really enjoy was the writing and pacing. It was easy to follow and get into. The down side for me were a lot of the characters I personally didn’t care for that much. I don’t know if this is a good or bad thing. What I mean is on the one hand they are written well with their personalities but due to this as a reader I wasn’t that bothered who lived, who died or who was tricking who. Strangely though it didn’t affect my overall enjoyment of the narrative itself. I say strangely because anyone who knows me, knows I love a good character driven plot.
I definitely think this is a good read for fans of the genre. It’s well paced, the twists and turns are timed well as well and generally well concealed. I did like the different points of view in chapters as well. All in all a strong 4.
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours my copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
I definitely think this is a good read for fans of the genre. It’s well paced, the twists and turns are timed well as well and generally well concealed. I did like the different points of view in chapters as well. All in all a strong 4.
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours my copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
October 8, 2024
I loved this blurb. I like thrillers in which the key story revolves around a house or apartment, though I feel like The Makeover was more character-driven.
I liked the tricky use of timelines and diary entries in this. The short chapters make the book fast-paced and super quick to get into; this is very much a “thank you for distracting me from the world book”, LOL!
I honestly quite like bad characters that behave badly, and this book is filled with them.
The twists were easy to figure out from the get-go, not a deterrent for me at all, but the story went in a kind of predictable manner, so I would advise going into this book with the mentality of enjoying the writing more than the surprises.
I liked the tricky use of timelines and diary entries in this. The short chapters make the book fast-paced and super quick to get into; this is very much a “thank you for distracting me from the world book”, LOL!
I honestly quite like bad characters that behave badly, and this book is filled with them.
The twists were easy to figure out from the get-go, not a deterrent for me at all, but the story went in a kind of predictable manner, so I would advise going into this book with the mentality of enjoying the writing more than the surprises.
October 15, 2024
GREAT PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER FOR SPOOKY SEASON 👻
This book was such a page turner. 5 stars !
This author did such a Great job with the characters. The plot. And that unforeseen twist! This is a first from this author but won’t be my last! I love this publisher, Inkubator, they always have the best psychological thrillers!
This book was such a page turner. 5 stars !
This author did such a Great job with the characters. The plot. And that unforeseen twist! This is a first from this author but won’t be my last! I love this publisher, Inkubator, they always have the best psychological thrillers!
September 5, 2024
Rating
★★★★
4.1 out of 5 Stars
Review
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing this ARC.
The Makeover is a psychological thriller revolving around the protagonist, James Devery, a builder’s apprentice with many many secrets, including but not limited to a growing obsession with Mrs Eastman.
Who is Mrs Eastman? His boss's wife. What begins as mere infatuation escalates into a toxic obsession as James notices the "cracks" in Mrs. Eastman’s seemingly perfect marriage. James convinces himself that like anyother protagonist he must be the one to "rescue" her. What follows is a harrowing tale of obssesive stalking and dangerous plans being made as we watch James spiral into madness, dragging all three characters into a web of lust, betrayal, and fatal consequences.
This story fits perfectly in the domestic thriller genre, but with the added layers of class divide and manipulation. James's increasingly erratic behavior, coupled with the toxic dynamic between Mr. and Mrs. Eastman, makes for a slow-burn thriller.
Pros:
Interesting Plot: The forbidden romance angle, between a married woman and her husbands employee, combined with a working-class protagonist versus a wealthy power couple, adds depth to the psychological tension. The fact that the story is written from the perspective of the stalker who is aware of the difference between him and his "love interest" make it very interesting to watch as he tries to justify his obsession.
Well-Paced Suspense: The pacing slowly builds, creating a sense of unease as James becomes more unhinged. It effectively mirrors his mental state, making the reader feel the mounting pressure as he begins as a seeming normal person we might see everyday and devolves into raging madness.
Character Depth: As previously mentioned, the fact that the novel is from James's perspective is a huge plus poin as we watch his internal dialogue and walk the path to madness and delusion along with him. One might even consider him an unreliable narrator.
Cons:
Predictability in Some Areas: While the novel does have surprises, certain elements, such as the crumbling marriage and James’s obsession, feel familiar within the genre and may be predictable for seasoned thriller readers. After all, the domestic thriller genre has no derth of obsessive stalkers and cheating wives.
One-Dimensional Side Characters: Some secondary characters, including Mr. Eastman, could have been developed more. He comes off as a generic antagonist without much exploration of his personality.
Conclusion
The Makeover offers an absorbing psychological thriller with compelling characters and representation of toxic relationships. Its blend of suspense, manipulation, and moral ambiguity makes it perfect for fans of domestic thrillers. Despite some predictable elements, the novel's sharp twists keep the reader hooked till the very end.
Recommended for readers who enjoy dark, character-driven psychological thrillers that explore the destructive power of desire and obsession.
★★★★
4.1 out of 5 Stars
Review
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing this ARC.
The Makeover is a psychological thriller revolving around the protagonist, James Devery, a builder’s apprentice with many many secrets, including but not limited to a growing obsession with Mrs Eastman.
Who is Mrs Eastman? His boss's wife. What begins as mere infatuation escalates into a toxic obsession as James notices the "cracks" in Mrs. Eastman’s seemingly perfect marriage. James convinces himself that like anyother protagonist he must be the one to "rescue" her. What follows is a harrowing tale of obssesive stalking and dangerous plans being made as we watch James spiral into madness, dragging all three characters into a web of lust, betrayal, and fatal consequences.
This story fits perfectly in the domestic thriller genre, but with the added layers of class divide and manipulation. James's increasingly erratic behavior, coupled with the toxic dynamic between Mr. and Mrs. Eastman, makes for a slow-burn thriller.
Pros:
Interesting Plot: The forbidden romance angle, between a married woman and her husbands employee, combined with a working-class protagonist versus a wealthy power couple, adds depth to the psychological tension. The fact that the story is written from the perspective of the stalker who is aware of the difference between him and his "love interest" make it very interesting to watch as he tries to justify his obsession.
Well-Paced Suspense: The pacing slowly builds, creating a sense of unease as James becomes more unhinged. It effectively mirrors his mental state, making the reader feel the mounting pressure as he begins as a seeming normal person we might see everyday and devolves into raging madness.
Character Depth: As previously mentioned, the fact that the novel is from James's perspective is a huge plus poin as we watch his internal dialogue and walk the path to madness and delusion along with him. One might even consider him an unreliable narrator.
Cons:
Predictability in Some Areas: While the novel does have surprises, certain elements, such as the crumbling marriage and James’s obsession, feel familiar within the genre and may be predictable for seasoned thriller readers. After all, the domestic thriller genre has no derth of obsessive stalkers and cheating wives.
One-Dimensional Side Characters: Some secondary characters, including Mr. Eastman, could have been developed more. He comes off as a generic antagonist without much exploration of his personality.
Conclusion
The Makeover offers an absorbing psychological thriller with compelling characters and representation of toxic relationships. Its blend of suspense, manipulation, and moral ambiguity makes it perfect for fans of domestic thrillers. Despite some predictable elements, the novel's sharp twists keep the reader hooked till the very end.
Recommended for readers who enjoy dark, character-driven psychological thrillers that explore the destructive power of desire and obsession.
November 3, 2024
A good old fashioned mystery. Family secrets, lovers to enemies, etc, etc. There's some good stuff here.
March 12, 2025
I really liked this book, I couldn’t pick what the plot twist was going to be every-time I guessed something it was most of the time wrong. There was a lot to take in and a lot of clues along the way that I didn’t pick up on until I figured out who the murder was. Kept me on my toes.
September 18, 2024
I'll start by saying this book has short chapters and I appreciate that. It is however a slow burn so if you're not into that then this book isn't for you. I was confused as to what was going on at first but later in the story it all comes together and had me gasping! 3.5 stars. I enjoyed it.
October 11, 2024
Book Information
The Makeover
By
Matt McGregor.
Genre - Psychological thriller.
Pages - 275 Pages.
Tropes -
Unreliable Narrator.
Hidden identity.
Infidelity.
Available on Kindle Unlimited - Yes and available now.
Available Formats - Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover.
Publishing Information -
Published on 29h September 2024 by Inkubator Books.
Format in Which i Read - Kindle.
Where my copy come From - Zooloo's Book Tours.
POVs - Dual POV - Virginia and James.
Dual Timeline - Dual timeline.
1st or 3rd Person - 1st Person.
HEA or Cliffhanger - Wrapped up, just one question remaining.
Series or Standalone - This is a standalone.
Trigger Warnings - This book does have some content that people may find triggering, such as loss of a parent and infidelity.
My Initial Thoughts
The chapters are short and written in an engaging way to encourage you to keep reading. Where Virginia is a here and now timeline throughout, James is in diary entries, giving more depth and mystery. As psychological thriller is absolutely one of my all time favourite genres, i was looking forward to the promise of this one, and the cover is very eye catching, it also doesn't give to much away.
Plot
The plot is engaging, laced with secrets, lies and hidden history. This plot was quite easy to guess what was going on and hidden beneath, and i felt quite let down by the ending. The chapters make it very easy to read at a quick pace, and keep you thinking one more chapter.
Characters
The characters were not unlikeable in the slightest, everyone had lies and secrets.
Recommend
i recommend this to anyone that would like a quick, easy read and enjoy the genre psychological thrillers.
Favourite Quotes
" I'm almost shocked to see what I've done. So many lives have been completely shattered, all because of me."
Favourite Chapter/s
Chapter 65.
Summed up in one sentence
A plot that just takes a full round circle.
Overall Wrap up
The way the the POVs was written in different formats made the book flow in a unique way. Some twists were somewhat unexpected but they made complete sense. Honestly I think the last chapter could of just been left out and it was unnecessary. There was nothing new just plot the plot back to step one. I felt like there was one question left answered with regards to Simone. It was a quick read and i have of course read worse.
Stars.
3
The Makeover
By
Matt McGregor.
Genre - Psychological thriller.
Pages - 275 Pages.
Tropes -
Unreliable Narrator.
Hidden identity.
Infidelity.
Available on Kindle Unlimited - Yes and available now.
Available Formats - Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover.
Publishing Information -
Published on 29h September 2024 by Inkubator Books.
Format in Which i Read - Kindle.
Where my copy come From - Zooloo's Book Tours.
POVs - Dual POV - Virginia and James.
Dual Timeline - Dual timeline.
1st or 3rd Person - 1st Person.
HEA or Cliffhanger - Wrapped up, just one question remaining.
Series or Standalone - This is a standalone.
Trigger Warnings - This book does have some content that people may find triggering, such as loss of a parent and infidelity.
My Initial Thoughts
The chapters are short and written in an engaging way to encourage you to keep reading. Where Virginia is a here and now timeline throughout, James is in diary entries, giving more depth and mystery. As psychological thriller is absolutely one of my all time favourite genres, i was looking forward to the promise of this one, and the cover is very eye catching, it also doesn't give to much away.
Plot
The plot is engaging, laced with secrets, lies and hidden history. This plot was quite easy to guess what was going on and hidden beneath, and i felt quite let down by the ending. The chapters make it very easy to read at a quick pace, and keep you thinking one more chapter.
Characters
The characters were not unlikeable in the slightest, everyone had lies and secrets.
Recommend
i recommend this to anyone that would like a quick, easy read and enjoy the genre psychological thrillers.
Favourite Quotes
" I'm almost shocked to see what I've done. So many lives have been completely shattered, all because of me."
Favourite Chapter/s
Chapter 65.
Summed up in one sentence
A plot that just takes a full round circle.
Overall Wrap up
The way the the POVs was written in different formats made the book flow in a unique way. Some twists were somewhat unexpected but they made complete sense. Honestly I think the last chapter could of just been left out and it was unnecessary. There was nothing new just plot the plot back to step one. I felt like there was one question left answered with regards to Simone. It was a quick read and i have of course read worse.
Stars.
3
November 28, 2024
A captivating, puzzling read that's hard to put down! I picked this up on a whim and finished it in a single night, only taking breaks to stare at the wall and try to figure out what on earth was going on.
The main narrator is a woman with a secret who is married to a wealthy, busy man with skeletons of his own. They're moving from New York to Montana to start a family and save their marriage from the distance growing between them. Upon arriving in Montana and awaiting renovations to be done on their new family home, a secret sister is waiting, along with a melange of confusion, betrayal, and unreliable narrators with secrets and agendas all their own.
The pacing of this book was exactly what I love in a mystery, although it did breadcrumb for longer than expected, which at times could be frustrating. It was worth the read, although with the similarity in names, I was pretty confused after the first twist in separating who actually did what and how that reflects on how we look at each character. I kept having to reflect and mentally correct what I actually knew of each character so far, which I could see some readers struggling with.
By what seemed to be the initial conclusion, the author did leave some gaps in logic, especially how a would-be rescuer showed up to a remote cabin in the nick of time, and why the whole story wasn't told in truth to the authorities. It didn't take away from the overall story too much, but did feel rushed and patchworked into a convenient bow, which didn't do justice to how the rest of the book was set up. Then the final conclusion hit, which had me dropping my jaw!
I truly enjoyed the book. I was happily lost in figuring out the puzzle and how each small interaction layered into others. In the end, I was stuck pondering the book well after I'd finished, and honestly, I look forward to reading more from this author!
******
Thank you, NetGalley, for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The main narrator is a woman with a secret who is married to a wealthy, busy man with skeletons of his own. They're moving from New York to Montana to start a family and save their marriage from the distance growing between them. Upon arriving in Montana and awaiting renovations to be done on their new family home, a secret sister is waiting, along with a melange of confusion, betrayal, and unreliable narrators with secrets and agendas all their own.
The pacing of this book was exactly what I love in a mystery, although it did breadcrumb for longer than expected, which at times could be frustrating. It was worth the read, although with the similarity in names, I was pretty confused after the first twist in separating who actually did what and how that reflects on how we look at each character. I kept having to reflect and mentally correct what I actually knew of each character so far, which I could see some readers struggling with.
By what seemed to be the initial conclusion, the author did leave some gaps in logic, especially how a would-be rescuer showed up to a remote cabin in the nick of time, and why the whole story wasn't told in truth to the authorities. It didn't take away from the overall story too much, but did feel rushed and patchworked into a convenient bow, which didn't do justice to how the rest of the book was set up. Then the final conclusion hit, which had me dropping my jaw!
I truly enjoyed the book. I was happily lost in figuring out the puzzle and how each small interaction layered into others. In the end, I was stuck pondering the book well after I'd finished, and honestly, I look forward to reading more from this author!
******
Thank you, NetGalley, for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 21, 2024
The Makeover by Matt Mcgregor
Virginia loves her new life in Montana. That’s about to change.
James Devery has fallen in love with his boss’s wife, the glamorous Mrs. Eastman. He dreams about her. He writes about her. He wants to be with her forever.
But that won’t be easy. Because James is just a young builder’s apprentice hired to work on the Eastmans’ enormous mansion.
On the surface, it seems James doesn’t stand a chance. And yet he suspects Mrs. Eastman isn’t entirely happy with her handsome, successful husband. The cracks in their marriage are starting to show, and James is determined to make the most of them.
Because he has a dark secret, a secret that means he can’t give Mrs. Eastman up, he absolutely must have her. And he’ll do anything – anything at all - to be with her.
What he doesn’t realise is his single-minded obsession will fuel a spiral of lust and treachery, taking all three to hell beyond their wildest imaginings.
The Makeover has an interesting plot but sadly for me it missed the wow factor. I found the book quite confusing in places as there are two timelines that intertwine throughout the story, suddenly you go from real time to being in the past with no acknowledgement. I also found the story slow, it lacked suspense and i personally found parts of it fanciful.
I am glad that other reviewers have enjoyed this book.
I want to thank publishers Inkubator Books, author Matt Mcgregor and Zooloos Tours for a copy to read and review.
Virginia loves her new life in Montana. That’s about to change.
James Devery has fallen in love with his boss’s wife, the glamorous Mrs. Eastman. He dreams about her. He writes about her. He wants to be with her forever.
But that won’t be easy. Because James is just a young builder’s apprentice hired to work on the Eastmans’ enormous mansion.
On the surface, it seems James doesn’t stand a chance. And yet he suspects Mrs. Eastman isn’t entirely happy with her handsome, successful husband. The cracks in their marriage are starting to show, and James is determined to make the most of them.
Because he has a dark secret, a secret that means he can’t give Mrs. Eastman up, he absolutely must have her. And he’ll do anything – anything at all - to be with her.
What he doesn’t realise is his single-minded obsession will fuel a spiral of lust and treachery, taking all three to hell beyond their wildest imaginings.
The Makeover has an interesting plot but sadly for me it missed the wow factor. I found the book quite confusing in places as there are two timelines that intertwine throughout the story, suddenly you go from real time to being in the past with no acknowledgement. I also found the story slow, it lacked suspense and i personally found parts of it fanciful.
I am glad that other reviewers have enjoyed this book.
I want to thank publishers Inkubator Books, author Matt Mcgregor and Zooloos Tours for a copy to read and review.
November 5, 2024
I loved the look of this read right from spotting that front cover! Love me a bit of DIY and really fancied that that was blood and not paint on the brush!
This was a bit of a mixed read for me though.
Firstly, it took me a little while to get used to the writing style.
I'm really not sure what it was about it, as I love a dual timeline and multi pov format and this had all that going on, but for some reason I just took a while to settle into it.
Secondly, the characters were a bit hit and miss for me.
I really didn't like the husband - Richard - I felt quite on edge around him and didn't trust him at all.
Also, at first, James really made me feel uncomfortable - I didn't understand why he was so obsessed - but as the story unfold, the characters all came into their own and the development worked well overall.
Once I'd got into this one, I found that I did race through it.
There were secrets and lies and twists in abundance and even when things were revealed, there was still a final twist for us to come to terms with!!
This is the first book I've read by this author and although it wasn't quite a firm gripping read, I'd love to see more from them in the future.
This was a bit of a mixed read for me though.
Firstly, it took me a little while to get used to the writing style.
I'm really not sure what it was about it, as I love a dual timeline and multi pov format and this had all that going on, but for some reason I just took a while to settle into it.
Secondly, the characters were a bit hit and miss for me.
I really didn't like the husband - Richard - I felt quite on edge around him and didn't trust him at all.
Also, at first, James really made me feel uncomfortable - I didn't understand why he was so obsessed - but as the story unfold, the characters all came into their own and the development worked well overall.
Once I'd got into this one, I found that I did race through it.
There were secrets and lies and twists in abundance and even when things were revealed, there was still a final twist for us to come to terms with!!
This is the first book I've read by this author and although it wasn't quite a firm gripping read, I'd love to see more from them in the future.
October 7, 2024
I couldn't find any other listings on Goodreads for Mcgregor, is this a debut?
The Makeover is a pacey thriller that's told from multiple POV. Unreliable narrators, an unexpected sister and hidden agendas lead the way with Mcgregor taking us on a twisty roller-coaster ride woven with secrets, lies and retribution.
Just when you think it's all over and your heart can stop racing there's one final twist at the end, one final twist that I did not see coming!
A gripping plot, great characters and an enjoyable suspense fuelled read.
The Makeover is a pacey thriller that's told from multiple POV. Unreliable narrators, an unexpected sister and hidden agendas lead the way with Mcgregor taking us on a twisty roller-coaster ride woven with secrets, lies and retribution.
Just when you think it's all over and your heart can stop racing there's one final twist at the end, one final twist that I did not see coming!
A gripping plot, great characters and an enjoyable suspense fuelled read.
October 15, 2024
What a page turner! I felt completely tense the entire time I was reading this as I was expecting a murderer to turn up at any moment. The writing really portrayed the feelings of paranoia felt by Virginia and meant I was convinced that everyone was trying to kill her. I was completely intrigued by James and what he was doing. I’m so glad I picked up this book and will be encouraging others to do so too!
October 23, 2024
That prologue was something, I knew then from onwards, I would be devouring this book. It is told by two characters. I really liked Virginia, I do wished she was more open with her feelings. I couldn’t stand Richard, he is one complete idiot. The story is fantastic, the authors descriptions were so vivid. I wish I could live there with all the wildlife. As I read on, I was more gripped by the darkness and lies. I absolutely loved the book, definitely entertained by the surprising twists.
August 4, 2025
Book Information
The Makeover
By
Matt McGregor.
Genre - Psychological thriller.
Pages - 275 Pages.
Tropes -
Unreliable Narrator.
Hidden identity.
Infidelity.
Available on Kindle Unlimited - Yes and available now.
Available Formats - Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover.
Publishing Information -
Published on 29h September 2024 by Inkubator Books.
Format in Which i Read - Kindle.
Where my copy come From - Zooloo's Book Tours.
POVs - Dual POV - Virginia and James.
Dual Timeline - Dual timeline.
1st or 3rd Person - 1st Person.
HEA or Cliffhanger - Wrapped up, just one question remaining.
Series or Standalone - This is a standalone.
Trigger Warnings - This book does have some content that people may find triggering, such as loss of a parent and infidelity.
My Initial Thoughts
The chapters are short and written in an engaging way to encourage you to keep reading. Where Virginia is a here and now timeline throughout, James is in diary entries, giving more depth and mystery. As psychological thriller is absolutely one of my all time favourite genres, i was looking forward to the promise of this one, and the cover is very eye catching, it also doesn't give to much away.
Plot
The plot is engaging, laced with secrets, lies and hidden history. This plot was quite easy to guess what was going on and hidden beneath, and i felt quite let down by the ending. The chapters make it very easy to read at a quick pace, and keep you thinking one more chapter.
Characters
The characters were not unlikeable in the slightest, everyone had lies and secrets.
Recommend
i recommend this to anyone that would like a quick, easy read and enjoy the genre psychological thrillers.
Favourite Quotes
" I'm almost shocked to see what I've done. So many lives have been completely shattered, all because of me."
Favourite Chapter/s
Chapter 65.
Summed up in one sentence
A plot that just takes a full round circle.
Overall Wrap up
The way the the POVs was written in different formats made the book flow in a unique way. Some twists were somewhat unexpected but they made complete sense. Honestly I think the last chapter could of just been left out and it was unnecessary. There was nothing new just plot the plot back to step one. I felt like there was one question left answered with regards to Simone. It was a quick read and i have of course read worse.
Stars.
3
The Makeover
By
Matt McGregor.
Genre - Psychological thriller.
Pages - 275 Pages.
Tropes -
Unreliable Narrator.
Hidden identity.
Infidelity.
Available on Kindle Unlimited - Yes and available now.
Available Formats - Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover.
Publishing Information -
Published on 29h September 2024 by Inkubator Books.
Format in Which i Read - Kindle.
Where my copy come From - Zooloo's Book Tours.
POVs - Dual POV - Virginia and James.
Dual Timeline - Dual timeline.
1st or 3rd Person - 1st Person.
HEA or Cliffhanger - Wrapped up, just one question remaining.
Series or Standalone - This is a standalone.
Trigger Warnings - This book does have some content that people may find triggering, such as loss of a parent and infidelity.
My Initial Thoughts
The chapters are short and written in an engaging way to encourage you to keep reading. Where Virginia is a here and now timeline throughout, James is in diary entries, giving more depth and mystery. As psychological thriller is absolutely one of my all time favourite genres, i was looking forward to the promise of this one, and the cover is very eye catching, it also doesn't give to much away.
Plot
The plot is engaging, laced with secrets, lies and hidden history. This plot was quite easy to guess what was going on and hidden beneath, and i felt quite let down by the ending. The chapters make it very easy to read at a quick pace, and keep you thinking one more chapter.
Characters
The characters were not unlikeable in the slightest, everyone had lies and secrets.
Recommend
i recommend this to anyone that would like a quick, easy read and enjoy the genre psychological thrillers.
Favourite Quotes
" I'm almost shocked to see what I've done. So many lives have been completely shattered, all because of me."
Favourite Chapter/s
Chapter 65.
Summed up in one sentence
A plot that just takes a full round circle.
Overall Wrap up
The way the the POVs was written in different formats made the book flow in a unique way. Some twists were somewhat unexpected but they made complete sense. Honestly I think the last chapter could of just been left out and it was unnecessary. There was nothing new just plot the plot back to step one. I felt like there was one question left answered with regards to Simone. It was a quick read and i have of course read worse.
Stars.
3
October 31, 2024
ARC provided by Inkubator Books in exchange for an honest review.
In The Makeover, Matt McGregor crafts a delightful and heartwarming narrative that explores the transformative power of love, self-discovery, and personal growth. This engaging contemporary fiction novel invites readers into the lives of its relatable characters, delivering a story filled with humor, emotion, and plenty of surprises along the way.
The protagonist, whose journey we follow, is on a quest for self-improvement and reinvention. McGregor skillfully portrays the challenges of navigating a world that often places unrealistic expectations on appearances and self-worth. The author’s keen insights into the complexities of identity and the societal pressures surrounding beauty resonate throughout the narrative, making it relatable for anyone who has ever felt the need for a change.
As the story unfolds, the protagonist embarks on a journey that involves not just physical changes but also a deeper exploration of self-acceptance and personal values. McGregor’s writing shines when depicting these moments of vulnerability and strength, allowing readers to connect with the character on an emotional level. The character's growth is authentic and beautifully rendered, offering a message of empowerment that lingers long after the final page.
The supporting cast adds depth and charm to the narrative, with each character bringing their own quirks and perspectives to the story. Their interactions provide a mix of humor and heartfelt moments that enrich the protagonist’s journey. McGregor balances lighthearted banter with more serious themes, creating a well-rounded reading experience that keeps readers engaged and invested.
The romantic element of the story is equally compelling, featuring a budding relationship that unfolds naturally and sweetly. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and their connection feels genuine and relatable. McGregor expertly navigates the ups and downs of love, reminding readers that true beauty comes from within and that the right partner sees beyond the surface.
The Makeover is a charming and uplifting read that tackles important themes with grace and humor. Matt McGregor’s engaging writing style and relatable characters make this novel a delightful addition to the contemporary fiction genre. Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted romance or a story of personal transformation, this book delivers on all fronts.
In The Makeover, Matt McGregor crafts a delightful and heartwarming narrative that explores the transformative power of love, self-discovery, and personal growth. This engaging contemporary fiction novel invites readers into the lives of its relatable characters, delivering a story filled with humor, emotion, and plenty of surprises along the way.
The protagonist, whose journey we follow, is on a quest for self-improvement and reinvention. McGregor skillfully portrays the challenges of navigating a world that often places unrealistic expectations on appearances and self-worth. The author’s keen insights into the complexities of identity and the societal pressures surrounding beauty resonate throughout the narrative, making it relatable for anyone who has ever felt the need for a change.
As the story unfolds, the protagonist embarks on a journey that involves not just physical changes but also a deeper exploration of self-acceptance and personal values. McGregor’s writing shines when depicting these moments of vulnerability and strength, allowing readers to connect with the character on an emotional level. The character's growth is authentic and beautifully rendered, offering a message of empowerment that lingers long after the final page.
The supporting cast adds depth and charm to the narrative, with each character bringing their own quirks and perspectives to the story. Their interactions provide a mix of humor and heartfelt moments that enrich the protagonist’s journey. McGregor balances lighthearted banter with more serious themes, creating a well-rounded reading experience that keeps readers engaged and invested.
The romantic element of the story is equally compelling, featuring a budding relationship that unfolds naturally and sweetly. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and their connection feels genuine and relatable. McGregor expertly navigates the ups and downs of love, reminding readers that true beauty comes from within and that the right partner sees beyond the surface.
The Makeover is a charming and uplifting read that tackles important themes with grace and humor. Matt McGregor’s engaging writing style and relatable characters make this novel a delightful addition to the contemporary fiction genre. Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted romance or a story of personal transformation, this book delivers on all fronts.
October 9, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Matt McGregor’s “The Makeover” is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark recesses of obsession, desire, and betrayal. Known for his ability to craft intricate and suspenseful narratives, McGregor delivers a story that is as unsettling as it is compelling.
The novel centers around James Devery, a young builder’s apprentice who becomes infatuated with his boss’s wife. James’s obsession with her grows as he works on the Eastmans’ enormous mansion, as he sees cracks in her marriage. Driven by a dark secret with an unyielding desire to be with Mrs. Eastman, James’s actions set off a chain of events that spiral into violence.
The plot is meticulously crafted, with each chapter revealing new layers of intrigue and tension, keeping readers captivated.
“The Makeover” explores themes of obsession, power dynamics, and the destructive nature of unchecked desires. McGregor delves into the psychological complexities of his characters, particularly James, whose single-minded pursuit of Mrs. Eastman leads to unforeseen consequences.
The novel also examines the facade of perfection in relationships and the hidden turmoil that often lies beneath the surface.
McGregor’s writing is sharp and evocative, perfectly capturing the tension and unease that permeate the story. His ability to create vivid, multi-dimensional characters adds depth to the narrative, making the reader deeply invested in their fates. The dialogue is crisp and realistic, reflecting the psychological underpinnings of the characters’ interactions. McGregor’s pacing is impeccable, with each chapter ending on a note that compels you to keep reading.
“The Makeover” is a standout psychological thriller that offers a chilling exploration of obsession and its consequences. Matt McGregor has crafted a novel that is both thought-provoking and suspenseful, with a plot that twists and turns in unexpected ways. This book is a must-read for fans of the genre who enjoy delving into the darker aspects of human nature.
Matt McGregor has proven his prowess in the psychological thriller genre with “The Makeover.” This novel is a testament to his ability to weave complex, emotionally charged narratives that resonate long after the final page.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a gripping, thought-provoking read.
Matt McGregor’s “The Makeover” is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark recesses of obsession, desire, and betrayal. Known for his ability to craft intricate and suspenseful narratives, McGregor delivers a story that is as unsettling as it is compelling.
The novel centers around James Devery, a young builder’s apprentice who becomes infatuated with his boss’s wife. James’s obsession with her grows as he works on the Eastmans’ enormous mansion, as he sees cracks in her marriage. Driven by a dark secret with an unyielding desire to be with Mrs. Eastman, James’s actions set off a chain of events that spiral into violence.
The plot is meticulously crafted, with each chapter revealing new layers of intrigue and tension, keeping readers captivated.
“The Makeover” explores themes of obsession, power dynamics, and the destructive nature of unchecked desires. McGregor delves into the psychological complexities of his characters, particularly James, whose single-minded pursuit of Mrs. Eastman leads to unforeseen consequences.
The novel also examines the facade of perfection in relationships and the hidden turmoil that often lies beneath the surface.
McGregor’s writing is sharp and evocative, perfectly capturing the tension and unease that permeate the story. His ability to create vivid, multi-dimensional characters adds depth to the narrative, making the reader deeply invested in their fates. The dialogue is crisp and realistic, reflecting the psychological underpinnings of the characters’ interactions. McGregor’s pacing is impeccable, with each chapter ending on a note that compels you to keep reading.
“The Makeover” is a standout psychological thriller that offers a chilling exploration of obsession and its consequences. Matt McGregor has crafted a novel that is both thought-provoking and suspenseful, with a plot that twists and turns in unexpected ways. This book is a must-read for fans of the genre who enjoy delving into the darker aspects of human nature.
Matt McGregor has proven his prowess in the psychological thriller genre with “The Makeover.” This novel is a testament to his ability to weave complex, emotionally charged narratives that resonate long after the final page.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a gripping, thought-provoking read.
October 14, 2024
Here is my review for The Makeover by Matt McGregor
This was an easy book to get into so I got into it straight away right from the start. Virginia is married to Ricard, who has a lot of money and they were living in Manhattan, New York but have moved to Frostwood, Montana. It’s gorgeous as they are near the mountains and the glaciers so their estate is one of the closest to them. They are currently living in the house on the estate whilst their mansion is being renovated. James, one of the apprentice’s on the mansion building site is madly in love with Mrs Eastman and has spoken to her a few times but she doesn’t know about his obsession yet. One Saturday morning, he walked down to invite her for a cup of coffee. She went with him to the mansion but fled when he kissed her. This is a really intriguing psychological thriller which dragged me in and kept hold of me until the end. It was written in a diary style, with each chapter named after the person who had written it, i.e. Virginia, James, etc. It was well written and extremely well plotted out. The author possibly thought out the idea for this story in advance as it is so outstanding and I have read nothing like it before. I don’t believe I have read this author before either but I would be interested in reading more of his work.
Blurb :
Virginia loves her new life in Montana. That’s about to change.
James Devery has fallen in love with his boss’s wife, the glamorous Mrs. Eastman. He dreams about her. He writes about her. He wants to be with her forever.
But that won’t be easy. Because James is just a young builder’s apprentice, hired to work on the Eastmans’ enormous mansion.
On the surface, it seems James doesn’t stand a chance. And yet… he suspects Mrs. Eastman isn’t entirely happy with her handsome, successful husband. The cracks in their marriage are starting to show, and James is determined to make the most of them.
Because he has a dark secret. A secret that means he can’t give Mrs. Eastman up, he absolutely must have her. And he’ll do anything – anything at all - to be with her.
What he doesn’t realise is his single-minded obsession will fuel a spiral of lust and treachery, taking all three to a hell beyond their wildest imaginings.
The Makeover – the shocking psychological thriller perfect for fans of Daniel Hurst, Kiersten Modglin, John Marrs.
This was an easy book to get into so I got into it straight away right from the start. Virginia is married to Ricard, who has a lot of money and they were living in Manhattan, New York but have moved to Frostwood, Montana. It’s gorgeous as they are near the mountains and the glaciers so their estate is one of the closest to them. They are currently living in the house on the estate whilst their mansion is being renovated. James, one of the apprentice’s on the mansion building site is madly in love with Mrs Eastman and has spoken to her a few times but she doesn’t know about his obsession yet. One Saturday morning, he walked down to invite her for a cup of coffee. She went with him to the mansion but fled when he kissed her. This is a really intriguing psychological thriller which dragged me in and kept hold of me until the end. It was written in a diary style, with each chapter named after the person who had written it, i.e. Virginia, James, etc. It was well written and extremely well plotted out. The author possibly thought out the idea for this story in advance as it is so outstanding and I have read nothing like it before. I don’t believe I have read this author before either but I would be interested in reading more of his work.
Blurb :
Virginia loves her new life in Montana. That’s about to change.
James Devery has fallen in love with his boss’s wife, the glamorous Mrs. Eastman. He dreams about her. He writes about her. He wants to be with her forever.
But that won’t be easy. Because James is just a young builder’s apprentice, hired to work on the Eastmans’ enormous mansion.
On the surface, it seems James doesn’t stand a chance. And yet… he suspects Mrs. Eastman isn’t entirely happy with her handsome, successful husband. The cracks in their marriage are starting to show, and James is determined to make the most of them.
Because he has a dark secret. A secret that means he can’t give Mrs. Eastman up, he absolutely must have her. And he’ll do anything – anything at all - to be with her.
What he doesn’t realise is his single-minded obsession will fuel a spiral of lust and treachery, taking all three to a hell beyond their wildest imaginings.
The Makeover – the shocking psychological thriller perfect for fans of Daniel Hurst, Kiersten Modglin, John Marrs.
October 16, 2024
Matt McGregor’s The Makeover is a psychological thriller that delves into obsession, manipulation, and the dangerous allure of desire. The story follows James Devery, a young builder’s apprentice with a dark secret, who becomes fixated on his boss's glamorous wife, Mrs. Eastman. Though he seems insignificant in the grand scheme of the Eastmans' world, James is determined to insert himself into their marriage, exploiting the cracks he perceives between the couple.
From the opening, we are introduced to the seemingly perfect life of Mrs. Eastman and her husband Richard. As they fly over Montana, heading toward their sprawling mansion, tension simmers beneath their interactions. Mrs. Eastman, Virginia, is already grappling with doubts about her marriage—her insecurities and fears set a foreboding tone that hints at the deeper unraveling of their lives. This initial scene introduces the stark contrast between the picturesque setting and the tumultuous undercurrents of emotion that will soon explode into a terrifying spiral of deceit and betrayal.
As the plot unfolds, McGregor masterfully intertwines psychological tension with character development. James is a complex antihero—young, calculating, and disturbingly single-minded in his pursuit of Mrs. Eastman. His dark obsession intensifies as he ingratiates himself into their lives, leaving readers both repelled by his actions and curious about how far he will go. Meanwhile, Virginia's emotional fragility becomes a central point of tension, as she struggles to reconcile her failing marriage with the idyllic life she thought she’d found.
Readers who love thrillers with intricate character dynamics will be drawn to The Makeover for its slow-burn suspense and unsettling portrait of a love triangle gone awry. With its vivid portrayal of obsession and moral ambiguity, the book keeps you on edge as it spirals toward its shocking conclusion. This is a story that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy character-driven narratives and dark twists that leave a lingering chill long after the last page is turned.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From the opening, we are introduced to the seemingly perfect life of Mrs. Eastman and her husband Richard. As they fly over Montana, heading toward their sprawling mansion, tension simmers beneath their interactions. Mrs. Eastman, Virginia, is already grappling with doubts about her marriage—her insecurities and fears set a foreboding tone that hints at the deeper unraveling of their lives. This initial scene introduces the stark contrast between the picturesque setting and the tumultuous undercurrents of emotion that will soon explode into a terrifying spiral of deceit and betrayal.
As the plot unfolds, McGregor masterfully intertwines psychological tension with character development. James is a complex antihero—young, calculating, and disturbingly single-minded in his pursuit of Mrs. Eastman. His dark obsession intensifies as he ingratiates himself into their lives, leaving readers both repelled by his actions and curious about how far he will go. Meanwhile, Virginia's emotional fragility becomes a central point of tension, as she struggles to reconcile her failing marriage with the idyllic life she thought she’d found.
Readers who love thrillers with intricate character dynamics will be drawn to The Makeover for its slow-burn suspense and unsettling portrait of a love triangle gone awry. With its vivid portrayal of obsession and moral ambiguity, the book keeps you on edge as it spirals toward its shocking conclusion. This is a story that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy character-driven narratives and dark twists that leave a lingering chill long after the last page is turned.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
October 2, 2024The Makeover by Matt McGregor, the book has two POV‘s one is Virginia who is married to the owner of the Montana ranch where the Manhattan couple relocated to. The other POV is James he is the lowest man on the totem pole for the construction team that is redoing the Montana home. Virginia was hesitant to move to such a wide open country but has resigned herself to it until they show up and she sees her husband Richard‘s step-sister has moved in and taken over there home. To make matters worse she spent her time antagonizing Virginia being rude and all out disrespectful. Virginia tries to give her the benefit of the doubt because she recently lost her only parent her mom but a person can only take so much. To add to the Jenuis stress she has secrets she is hiding in an ex who is searching for her for some reason he just got out of prison and her mom thinks she belongs with Steve as opposed to her rich husband Richard. Add to that her new home has a murderous history she knew nothing about everyone is rude to her and she can fine no ally in the wide open spaces of Montana but this is just the beginning. I am not going to say much about James’s POV as I don’t want to give any key plot points away just know he is newly graduated from high school summa cum laude but isn’t making this public as he has ulterior motives for being there and a clear plan in mind. Virginia is nearing her breaking point her husband takes everyone’s side except hers but things are going to get worse way before they get better and after solving one mystery the epilogue is a cliffhanger and OMG sign me up! To enjoy the story you will have to suspend belief but it is so worth it I really love this intricately plotted well put together story and despite the eyerolling moments and those moments you’re screaming at your phone and you’re in for a great read!#BookSprout, #IncubatorBooks,#MattMcGregor, #TheMakeover,
October 8, 2024
Thanks to the author for providing an ARC for this juicy domestic psychological thriller!
Virginia and Richard Eastman are trying to rekindle their marriage. To get a new start, the couple move to a beautiful estate in rural Montana. With Virginia now far from her familiar life in New York, the secrets she is keeping from her husband are coming back to haunt her. Isolated and alone, can Virginia keep her past life hidden?
Virginia is a great unreliable narrator and watching her life crumble and mental state deteriorate makes this a compelling read. In contrast, we have the mysterious character James, who tells his story through diary entries. The connection between Virginia and James unfolds gradually, and the dual perspectives flow smoothly without any confusion. When the "aha" moment comes, it highlights McGregor's skillful storytelling to blend two stories together even after much effort was made to keep readers guessing.
Some of the twists were predictable and I felt certain chapters really dragged, even though they are all relatively short. Although I appreciated how the pieces ultimately came together for a pretty crazy story overall, tracking the numerous characters and their stories could become difficult with how much their was to digest. Especially when a lot of the side characters lacked depth. The ending was also horribly cliché.
I'd recommend this to lovers of stories with domestic and psychological aspects. There's tons of drama and lots going on to keep you stimulated. I didn't find myself absolutely loving this, but it was entertaining nonetheless!
Virginia and Richard Eastman are trying to rekindle their marriage. To get a new start, the couple move to a beautiful estate in rural Montana. With Virginia now far from her familiar life in New York, the secrets she is keeping from her husband are coming back to haunt her. Isolated and alone, can Virginia keep her past life hidden?
Virginia is a great unreliable narrator and watching her life crumble and mental state deteriorate makes this a compelling read. In contrast, we have the mysterious character James, who tells his story through diary entries. The connection between Virginia and James unfolds gradually, and the dual perspectives flow smoothly without any confusion. When the "aha" moment comes, it highlights McGregor's skillful storytelling to blend two stories together even after much effort was made to keep readers guessing.
Some of the twists were predictable and I felt certain chapters really dragged, even though they are all relatively short. Although I appreciated how the pieces ultimately came together for a pretty crazy story overall, tracking the numerous characters and their stories could become difficult with how much their was to digest. Especially when a lot of the side characters lacked depth. The ending was also horribly cliché.
I'd recommend this to lovers of stories with domestic and psychological aspects. There's tons of drama and lots going on to keep you stimulated. I didn't find myself absolutely loving this, but it was entertaining nonetheless!
January 2, 2025
The makeover by Matt McGregor
4⭐️
I really liked a lot of this book, even down to the cover which grabbed me and made me want to join this tour.
It has a lot of the things I look for when choosing a book, physiological thriller, twists, well paced and different points of view from the characters.
At just under 300 pages it was quite a quick read and I couldn’t put it down once I started.
If your a thriller fan go and grab a copy!!
Thank you to @zooloosbooktours, @inkubatorbooks and the author for letting me review this book.
The blurb
Blurb
An old house. A new marriage. A deadly obsession.
James Devery has fallen in love with his boss’s wife, the glamorous Mrs. Eastman. He dreams about her. He writes about her. He wants to be with her forever.
But that won’t be easy. Because James is just a young builder’s apprentice, hired to work on the Eastmans’ enormous mansion.
On the surface, it seems James doesn’t stand a chance. And yet… he suspects Mrs. Eastman isn’t entirely happy with her handsome, successful husband. The cracks in their marriage are starting to show, and James is determined to make the most of them.
Because he has a dark secret. A secret that means he can’t give Mrs. Eastman up, he absolutely must have her. And he’ll do anything – anything at all - to be with her.
What he doesn’t realise is his single-minded obsession will fuel a spiral of lust and treachery, taking all three to a hell beyond their wildest imaginings.
4⭐️
I really liked a lot of this book, even down to the cover which grabbed me and made me want to join this tour.
It has a lot of the things I look for when choosing a book, physiological thriller, twists, well paced and different points of view from the characters.
At just under 300 pages it was quite a quick read and I couldn’t put it down once I started.
If your a thriller fan go and grab a copy!!
Thank you to @zooloosbooktours, @inkubatorbooks and the author for letting me review this book.
The blurb
Blurb
An old house. A new marriage. A deadly obsession.
James Devery has fallen in love with his boss’s wife, the glamorous Mrs. Eastman. He dreams about her. He writes about her. He wants to be with her forever.
But that won’t be easy. Because James is just a young builder’s apprentice, hired to work on the Eastmans’ enormous mansion.
On the surface, it seems James doesn’t stand a chance. And yet… he suspects Mrs. Eastman isn’t entirely happy with her handsome, successful husband. The cracks in their marriage are starting to show, and James is determined to make the most of them.
Because he has a dark secret. A secret that means he can’t give Mrs. Eastman up, he absolutely must have her. And he’ll do anything – anything at all - to be with her.
What he doesn’t realise is his single-minded obsession will fuel a spiral of lust and treachery, taking all three to a hell beyond their wildest imaginings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews