Disclaimer: I'm allergic to protagonists who ignore red flags and make the worst decisions possible.
The book is fast-paced, but I guessed all the major plot twists.
The story follows Rachel, who just moved into her new house in Cornwall, which her husband has been renovating. On the same night, she meets Chloe, who casually lets herself in to "drop papers" from the estate agent. Despite Rachel's husband's warnings about Chloe, they start to bond. However, secrets loom large, and Rachel feels a presence watching her, driving her to the brink of sanity.
While the book was an easy read, I wasn't head over heels for the story. Here's why:
》As mentioned in my disclaimer, I can't stand protagonists who ignore blatant red flags. Rachel's life is full of ominous signs, yet she keeps putting herself at risk. It's infuriating.
》The first-person narrative from Rachel should mean she hears every conversation. Yet, when her son casually mentions "daddy's friend," she seems to miss it. In a third-person narrative, this might be acceptable, but not in first-person. It's just not believable.
》The blurb portrays Rachel as stronger and smarter than she actually is. It suggests she knows more than everyone assumes, but in reality, she's clueless.
》There are several plot holes and dropped plotlines. For instance, Rachel hears about a body under the flowerbed, finds it strange, and then it's never mentioned again.
》The ending aims to shock, but it's entirely predictable. Just think of the most shocking betrayal possible, and you've got it—even if it doesn't make complete sense.
Not everything was a miss, though. Here are a few things I liked:
》The portrayal of stalking and the accompanying nerve-chilling fear is spot-on. The constant self-doubt and questioning reality are well depicted.
》Rachel is sensible with finances, recognizing what is excessive and what is necessary, ensuring they don't go overboard.
Overall, I wasn't awed by the story, but I wasn't bored either. It held my attention.
2 stars
Thank you NetGalley, Sue Watson, and Bookouture for the advanced digital copy. Highly appreciated.