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Nominee for Readers' Favorite Mystery & Thriller (2023)Two women. An office filled with secrets. One terrible crime that can't be taken back.
Dawn Schiff is strange. At least, everyone thinks so at Vixed, the nutritional supplement company where Dawn works as an accountant. She never says the right thing. She has no friends. And she is always at her desk at precisely 8:45 a.m.
So when Dawn doesn't show up to the office one morning, her coworker Natalie Farrell—beautiful, popular, top sales rep five years running—is surprised. Then she receives an unsettling, anonymous phone call that changes everything…
It turns out Dawn wasn't just an awkward outsider—she was being targeted by someone close. And now Natalie is irrevocably tied to Dawn as she finds herself caught in a twisted game of cat and mouse that leaves her wondering: who's the real victim?
But one thing is incredibly clear: somebody hated Dawn Schiff. Enough to kill.
The Coworker is a tense, unputdownable thriller from New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden that explores the dark ways the past can echo through the present―with deadly consequences.
Dawn Schiff is strange. At least, everyone thinks so at Vixed, the nutritional supplement company where Dawn works as an accountant. She never says the right thing. She has no friends. And she is always at her desk at precisely 8:45 a.m.
So when Dawn doesn't show up to the office one morning, her coworker Natalie Farrell—beautiful, popular, top sales rep five years running—is surprised. Then she receives an unsettling, anonymous phone call that changes everything…
It turns out Dawn wasn't just an awkward outsider—she was being targeted by someone close. And now Natalie is irrevocably tied to Dawn as she finds herself caught in a twisted game of cat and mouse that leaves her wondering: who's the real victim?
But one thing is incredibly clear: somebody hated Dawn Schiff. Enough to kill.
The Coworker is a tense, unputdownable thriller from New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden that explores the dark ways the past can echo through the present―with deadly consequences.
333 pages, Paperback
First published August 23, 2023
39178 people are currently reading
299378 people want to read
About the author
Freida McFadden
62 books246k followers#1 New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publisher's Weekly, and Amazon Charts bestselling author Freida McFadden is a practicing physician specializing in brain injury who has penned multiple Kindle bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. She lives with her family and possessed cat in a centuries-old three-story home overlooking the ocean, with staircases that creak and moan with each step, and nobody could hear you if you scream. Unless you scream really loudly, maybe.
Note that I am maxed out on friends, so I apologize in advance that I can't friend anyone back!
Note that I am maxed out on friends, so I apologize in advance that I can't friend anyone back!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43,385 reviews
December 24, 2025
I’m officially joined to fan girls who devour everything Freida McFadden releases including her post it notes with shopping list! I’m ashamed myself for not creating extra time to binge read Housemaid series that might be about drown in my piling up to-be-read list. As a honest confession this is my first book of the author but I can guarantee it won’t be the last! ( I still plan to sleep less and read more till my contact lenses destroy themselves for diving into her previous works)
But let’s put her popular books and previous works aside to discuss “Co-worker”: fast pacing, grey cell destroyer, mind number, nail biter, nerve bender, scream shouter thriller you may possibly read in one sitting till you cannot feel your legs and head gets hurt! The unreliable characterization makes you guess till the end: which woman tells the truth, which one is the villanelle or both of them are angel and there’s someone sinister targeting them.
The big twist that revealing at the end of part one was obvious from the beginning but the second and third ones revealing at end of part three and epilogue were very well executed.
The plot revolves around two polar opposite coworkers who share cubicles next to each other. Natalie Farrell : a golden girl of sales team, with her Margot Robbie’s Barbie appearance like shiny beautiful blonde hair, blue eyes, stylish clothes, genuine, friendly manners and Dawn Schiff: strange, shy, possibly on spectrum young woman, social inept, detail oriented accountant, obsessed in turtles, wearing shapeless clothes two sized big for her, in shapeless haircut and tortoiseshell glasses giving nerdish meets weird vibes.
Dawn is always punctual, schedules everything in her daily life including color of her food she eats, bathroom and lunch breaks. But her coworker Nathalie realizes she’s not at her cubicle in this morning which is unusual before she leaves her a message that they have to discuss important issue. She also sends the same message to their boss who is already sick of Dawn’s antics.
But Natalie gets more worried at each minute after she answers an office call hearing Dawn whimpering to help her, then abruptly ends the call.
Natalie gets intrigued, deciding to stop by Dawn’s place to make sure she’s okay but when she intrudes the place: finding the door unlocked, seeing the horrible view in the living room makes her scream!
Did something happen to Dawn? What Nathalie gets herself into?
As we read the correspondences between Dawn and her only friend Mia for last six months, Dawn draws a very horrific portrait of Natalie who keeps bullying her at workspace and who might have motive to get hurt.
When we read from Natalie’s POV who might be close to crush down from the walls coming up on her, she seems like a flawed person with high ambitions and wrong and instant choices. She keeps insisting she was nice to Dawn. Was she really? Could she have violent tendencies and not so innocent as she seems? What about poor Dawn who suffered enough? Which part should we believe: emails of Dawn or Natalie’s POV? You have to get copy to find out!
The romance part of the book was a little agitating especially the climax part where big revelations come out but the ending was satisfying even though it had small plot holes, needing more explanations.
Overall: I just couldn’t put it down and enjoy the wild ride even though both characters are not much engaging. Riveting pacing, mind games, representation of cerebral palsy, bullying, suicide, on the spectrum is thought provoking approach to these sensitive issues. I cannot wait to go blind and read more works of the author in near future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for sharing this unputdownable thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
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But let’s put her popular books and previous works aside to discuss “Co-worker”: fast pacing, grey cell destroyer, mind number, nail biter, nerve bender, scream shouter thriller you may possibly read in one sitting till you cannot feel your legs and head gets hurt! The unreliable characterization makes you guess till the end: which woman tells the truth, which one is the villanelle or both of them are angel and there’s someone sinister targeting them.
The big twist that revealing at the end of part one was obvious from the beginning but the second and third ones revealing at end of part three and epilogue were very well executed.
The plot revolves around two polar opposite coworkers who share cubicles next to each other. Natalie Farrell : a golden girl of sales team, with her Margot Robbie’s Barbie appearance like shiny beautiful blonde hair, blue eyes, stylish clothes, genuine, friendly manners and Dawn Schiff: strange, shy, possibly on spectrum young woman, social inept, detail oriented accountant, obsessed in turtles, wearing shapeless clothes two sized big for her, in shapeless haircut and tortoiseshell glasses giving nerdish meets weird vibes.
Dawn is always punctual, schedules everything in her daily life including color of her food she eats, bathroom and lunch breaks. But her coworker Nathalie realizes she’s not at her cubicle in this morning which is unusual before she leaves her a message that they have to discuss important issue. She also sends the same message to their boss who is already sick of Dawn’s antics.
But Natalie gets more worried at each minute after she answers an office call hearing Dawn whimpering to help her, then abruptly ends the call.
Natalie gets intrigued, deciding to stop by Dawn’s place to make sure she’s okay but when she intrudes the place: finding the door unlocked, seeing the horrible view in the living room makes her scream!
Did something happen to Dawn? What Nathalie gets herself into?
As we read the correspondences between Dawn and her only friend Mia for last six months, Dawn draws a very horrific portrait of Natalie who keeps bullying her at workspace and who might have motive to get hurt.
When we read from Natalie’s POV who might be close to crush down from the walls coming up on her, she seems like a flawed person with high ambitions and wrong and instant choices. She keeps insisting she was nice to Dawn. Was she really? Could she have violent tendencies and not so innocent as she seems? What about poor Dawn who suffered enough? Which part should we believe: emails of Dawn or Natalie’s POV? You have to get copy to find out!
The romance part of the book was a little agitating especially the climax part where big revelations come out but the ending was satisfying even though it had small plot holes, needing more explanations.
Overall: I just couldn’t put it down and enjoy the wild ride even though both characters are not much engaging. Riveting pacing, mind games, representation of cerebral palsy, bullying, suicide, on the spectrum is thought provoking approach to these sensitive issues. I cannot wait to go blind and read more works of the author in near future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for sharing this unputdownable thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
September 8, 2023
My IQ just dropped 37 points.
Everything I learned about turtles in this book was without my consent.
Everything I learned about turtles in this book was without my consent.
September 3, 2023
This was fine it just didn’t really wow me 😕
September 26, 2023
i think she liked turtles
October 2, 2023
a more appropriate title would have been “the turtle”
September 1, 2023
Mcfadden is finally back after some let-downs. This was a fast-paced thriller for sure. I liked the characters, which is great after being so dissatisfied with the characters in never lie and ward d. Even if the main character had her flaws, I felt they were explained better and there was some character development (at least a bit). I must admit I saw the twist coming, but was still curious about how it all would play out, so it was a breeze reading. In the afterword McFadden writes that she’s worked on this book for over 20 (!) years and that shows as I couldn’t find no obvious plot holes, and it was told convincingly. Maybe there was a bit too much spoon-feeding when it came to Dawn who obviously was on the spectrum, but from what I read it wasn’t too stereotypical, and I wasn’t annoyed by the way McFadden described her personality. There was actually a lovely moment in the end and I found myself tearing up. How often does that happen in your standard psychological thriller?
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc
July 2, 2023
Sorry, but this was the worst book I’ve read by the author. At this point, I think she’s focusing too much on quantity (getting books out more frequently) rather than quality. There are several of hers I’ve enjoyed, but the last few have just been disappointing.
October 1, 2023
I.... this is silly. First, this was done on audio. The narrator sounds like a robot no matter what speed. It's awful.
One character is clearly autistic coded, but then the writing for the other MC is exactly the same as the other, not differentiating between them in personality. I kept having to try to remember who the heck we are even babbling about.
This also went on way too long. And the twists were absolutely absurd. There's absolutely zero way any of this would happen. (Yes, yes, I know it's fiction. It's still goofy.)
Please, I can't handle this.
One character is clearly autistic coded, but then the writing for the other MC is exactly the same as the other, not differentiating between them in personality. I kept having to try to remember who the heck we are even babbling about.
This also went on way too long. And the twists were absolutely absurd. There's absolutely zero way any of this would happen. (Yes, yes, I know it's fiction. It's still goofy.)
Please, I can't handle this.
August 29, 2023
My favorite McFadden book so far. Two unreliable female MCs keep me guessing to the end.
Dawn Shiff in accounting is obsessed with turtles, a little odd and a bit OCD. Dawn is always at her desk at 8:45 a.m. until the day she isn't. No one knows her whereabouts. This is very out of character for her. When Dawn's phone rings, Natalie Farrell, the pretty sales rep answers it and hears "Help me!" before the line goes dead.
The Coworker is told in two parts. The first part is good at getting to know the characters. I enjoy the back-and-forth email exchanges that reveal their personalities. In the second half, I couldn't listen fast enough. A body. A suspect. The past. I need answers!
This is my third book by McFadden and I'm glad the author didn't include a dumb/naive MC this time around. The story is well paced so it was a pretty good popcorn thriller in my opinion.
I enjoyed listening to Alyson Krawchuk performance but I thought the voices of the two MCs were a bit difficult to tell apart. (I can hear the pages turning and some other noises. Hopefully, the final edition will be better.) 3.5⭐
Thank you Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for my ALC.
Published Aug 29, 2023.
Dawn Shiff in accounting is obsessed with turtles, a little odd and a bit OCD. Dawn is always at her desk at 8:45 a.m. until the day she isn't. No one knows her whereabouts. This is very out of character for her. When Dawn's phone rings, Natalie Farrell, the pretty sales rep answers it and hears "Help me!" before the line goes dead.
The Coworker is told in two parts. The first part is good at getting to know the characters. I enjoy the back-and-forth email exchanges that reveal their personalities. In the second half, I couldn't listen fast enough. A body. A suspect. The past. I need answers!
This is my third book by McFadden and I'm glad the author didn't include a dumb/naive MC this time around. The story is well paced so it was a pretty good popcorn thriller in my opinion.
I enjoyed listening to Alyson Krawchuk performance but I thought the voices of the two MCs were a bit difficult to tell apart. (I can hear the pages turning and some other noises. Hopefully, the final edition will be better.) 3.5⭐
Thank you Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for my ALC.
Published Aug 29, 2023.
May 13, 2025
4.00!
I very much prefer Freida's older releases to her newer ones because I actually enjoyed this one. It had me hooked!! Like, I was so invested that the day I started the audiobook, I consumed it to the point where I was 60% done with the book. Her books have crack because no matter how they are—good or bad—you just can't put them down, and you can always count on them to get you out of your slump and make sure you at least have a good time. Like, I don't know how she does it, but she did it!! I was more invested in this one than her past two releases. Also, I loved the obsession with turtles, but the lore got too much at times.
Dawn—her turtle knowledge scares me. She reminds me of that character from The Good Place who used to be on the pathway and had his whole frog collection, because Dawn was literally him but in a different font. Also, she may be the only Freida FMC that wasn't dumb?? But ugh, no—she was dumb once or twice. I liked how her character was written and how well it shaped the story and, obviously, how it blended with the plot. Natalie—uff, I hate her so much. There was literally no excuse for what she did, and the worst part was that she didn't even learn shit, so her whole trauma spiral was deserved. I love the unreliable narrator trope, and this being played out here made me like it even more. Caleb—damn. The characters were well written because I was honestly so invested in their conflicts that I stopped my mental investigation, lost track, and was surprised by the plot twists!
As for the plot—I don't wanna spoil it, so I won't get into it, but it had me very intrigued and invested. The plot twists caught me off guard and were good!! So I was happy with that... Fast forward to the ending, and the way everything was resolved was very unrealistic?? Like, what was the point of it all? It really made me consider giving this a three, but since I liked the majority of the book, I'm sticking to a four. The ending was not it.
Overall, an enjoyable experience!
___
The audiobook for this has been returned 5 times on Libby and it's just gave me 3 days before it leaves 😔 it's now or never. Squeezing this in before the new one comes out tmrw!
I very much prefer Freida's older releases to her newer ones because I actually enjoyed this one. It had me hooked!! Like, I was so invested that the day I started the audiobook, I consumed it to the point where I was 60% done with the book. Her books have crack because no matter how they are—good or bad—you just can't put them down, and you can always count on them to get you out of your slump and make sure you at least have a good time. Like, I don't know how she does it, but she did it!! I was more invested in this one than her past two releases. Also, I loved the obsession with turtles, but the lore got too much at times.
Dawn—her turtle knowledge scares me. She reminds me of that character from The Good Place who used to be on the pathway and had his whole frog collection, because Dawn was literally him but in a different font. Also, she may be the only Freida FMC that wasn't dumb?? But ugh, no—she was dumb once or twice. I liked how her character was written and how well it shaped the story and, obviously, how it blended with the plot. Natalie—uff, I hate her so much. There was literally no excuse for what she did, and the worst part was that she didn't even learn shit, so her whole trauma spiral was deserved. I love the unreliable narrator trope, and this being played out here made me like it even more. Caleb—damn. The characters were well written because I was honestly so invested in their conflicts that I stopped my mental investigation, lost track, and was surprised by the plot twists!
As for the plot—I don't wanna spoil it, so I won't get into it, but it had me very intrigued and invested. The plot twists caught me off guard and were good!! So I was happy with that... Fast forward to the ending, and the way everything was resolved was very unrealistic?? Like, what was the point of it all? It really made me consider giving this a three, but since I liked the majority of the book, I'm sticking to a four. The ending was not it.
Overall, an enjoyable experience!
___
The audiobook for this has been returned 5 times on Libby and it's just gave me 3 days before it leaves 😔 it's now or never. Squeezing this in before the new one comes out tmrw!
June 30, 2023
Hi. I am so done with reading books that make fun of autistic coded characters. I can't put up with it any longer. This entire book was just explaining what a freak the author thinks that Dawn is for her autistic traits. Good lord. People claim to be so open minded and loving to autistic people, but then proceed to mock every single thing they do. I'm over it.
July 14, 2023
Freida has once again delivered an incredibly binge-worthy and fast-paced read in her latest book. True to her style, she skillfully lured me into a false sense of security with a seemingly predictable plot, only to blindside me with a major twist. It's this ability to keep readers on their toes that sets Freida apart.
One of the standout aspects of the story was the portrayal of Dawn with autism. I think many readers will either like or dislike her character. In my instance I did find her likeable enough.
There was one minor issue that slightly detracted from the overall enjoyment. The recurring mention of "turtles" became a bit excessive, and by the time Chapter 5 rolled around, I found myself growing weary of it. Freida certainly ensured that turtles would forever be associated with this book in my mind. Nevertheless, this minor gripe did not overshadow the strengths of the storyline.
In terms of the writing style, I must admit that it differed somewhat from her previous works, and there were moments when I didn't particularly resonate with it. Despite this, I still found myself engrossed in the story, largely due to the engaging storyline.
This book definitely too me on an emotional rollercoaster, expertly weaving a gripping psychological thriller. The pace never lets up, and kept me captivated from beginning to end. And speaking of the ending, it was an unexpected twist that left me in awe. The narration on this book was not the best and voice came over monotonous at times, but still gripped me enough to continue.
In conclusion, Freida's latest book is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers who crave an exhilarating ride. While the abundance of turtle references and the occasional issue with the writing style may have dampened my experience slightly, the strength of the plot and the skillful characterization make up for it. Prepare to be enthralled by this suspenseful tale that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.
Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen and review this ARC.
One of the standout aspects of the story was the portrayal of Dawn with autism. I think many readers will either like or dislike her character. In my instance I did find her likeable enough.
There was one minor issue that slightly detracted from the overall enjoyment. The recurring mention of "turtles" became a bit excessive, and by the time Chapter 5 rolled around, I found myself growing weary of it. Freida certainly ensured that turtles would forever be associated with this book in my mind. Nevertheless, this minor gripe did not overshadow the strengths of the storyline.
In terms of the writing style, I must admit that it differed somewhat from her previous works, and there were moments when I didn't particularly resonate with it. Despite this, I still found myself engrossed in the story, largely due to the engaging storyline.
This book definitely too me on an emotional rollercoaster, expertly weaving a gripping psychological thriller. The pace never lets up, and kept me captivated from beginning to end. And speaking of the ending, it was an unexpected twist that left me in awe. The narration on this book was not the best and voice came over monotonous at times, but still gripped me enough to continue.
In conclusion, Freida's latest book is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers who crave an exhilarating ride. While the abundance of turtle references and the occasional issue with the writing style may have dampened my experience slightly, the strength of the plot and the skillful characterization make up for it. Prepare to be enthralled by this suspenseful tale that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.
Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen and review this ARC.
September 1, 2023
3.5⭐️ Freida McFadden is really out there saving the world one thriller at a time 😭🫶🏼
haha I love how criminally obtuse Frieda McFadden's characters can be with their deadpan dialogues and ironic thoughts 😅 I find them so bloody funny 🤭
I saw some of the twists coming, still loved all those twists 😩
haha I love how criminally obtuse Frieda McFadden's characters can be with their deadpan dialogues and ironic thoughts 😅 I find them so bloody funny 🤭
I saw some of the twists coming, still loved all those twists 😩
August 21, 2023
I think it’s safe to say that I’m a McFadden fan. I enjoy her books, as they provide mindless entertainment (usually). This book however, seemed to tackle a couple of heavy topics along with the thrills. I’m usually left feeling overly excited after having just read one of her books, this one not so much. Maybe I resonated too much with our main character Dawn? Maybe I’m too familiar with characters like Natalie? Either way, I think I was hoping for something a little different…
This story starts off with Dawn Schiff not showing up for work one day. This is very odd as Dawn is always very prompt, meticulous, and never misses work. Natalie, her coworker decides to go looking for her. Natalie seems very worried about Dawn, and insists that she was always kind to her while other people in the office were not. However, Dawn has emails that she wrote to a friend that prove otherwise…
I can see where McFadden was going with this book, as we are all tired of bullies. We are tired of bullies getting away with everything with no repercussions, while the those of us who get bullied continue to suffer. Where is the justice?!
This is book is divided into two parts. I really enjoyed Part I, but Part II- not as much. It did have some nice twists, but they just didn’t “wow” me like I thought they would. All in all, this is a fun read- and I will be looking out for more from McFadden in the future!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own. Publication date: August 29, 2023.
Genre~ Mystery & Thrillers
This story starts off with Dawn Schiff not showing up for work one day. This is very odd as Dawn is always very prompt, meticulous, and never misses work. Natalie, her coworker decides to go looking for her. Natalie seems very worried about Dawn, and insists that she was always kind to her while other people in the office were not. However, Dawn has emails that she wrote to a friend that prove otherwise…
I can see where McFadden was going with this book, as we are all tired of bullies. We are tired of bullies getting away with everything with no repercussions, while the those of us who get bullied continue to suffer. Where is the justice?!
This is book is divided into two parts. I really enjoyed Part I, but Part II- not as much. It did have some nice twists, but they just didn’t “wow” me like I thought they would. All in all, this is a fun read- and I will be looking out for more from McFadden in the future!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own. Publication date: August 29, 2023.
Genre~ Mystery & Thrillers
July 18, 2023
Well, well, well, what do we have here? A completely entertaining, gripping, and shocking read by Freida McFadden. I was completely entertained and enjoyed the characters, their exploits, their personalities, and motivations. They are mainly an unlikeable bunch and I enjoyed watching one of them view herself as the entitled victim the entire book.
Dawn Schiff (is she on the spectrum?) is a turtle loving accountant who works in an office filled with secrets. She arrives at 8:45 a.m. every day without fail. Dawn is viewed as awkward by her co-workers. Thankfully she can correspond with a friend in her spare time as she doesn't have any friends in the office. Natalie Farrell is the golden girl of the office. She is the top sales rep and out for number one!
Oh, what tangled webs we weave....
When Dawn, who is never late, does not show up for work one morning, it sets off alarms. Then Natalie receives a startling phone call....and we are off to the races! Natalie finds herself in some seriously hot water and for once, can't sweet talk herself out of trouble.
This was an enjoyable cat-and-mouse that had me wanting more. I know when I read a Freida McFadden book that I am going to be entertained and shocked. I had a guess where things were going but I enjoyed how McFadden took me there while throwing in some twists along the way. Plus, I learned a thing or two about turtles.
#TheCoworker #NetGalley #FreidaMcFadden #DreamscapeMedia
Thank you to Dreamscape Media, Hollywood Upstairs Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Dawn Schiff (is she on the spectrum?) is a turtle loving accountant who works in an office filled with secrets. She arrives at 8:45 a.m. every day without fail. Dawn is viewed as awkward by her co-workers. Thankfully she can correspond with a friend in her spare time as she doesn't have any friends in the office. Natalie Farrell is the golden girl of the office. She is the top sales rep and out for number one!
Oh, what tangled webs we weave....
When Dawn, who is never late, does not show up for work one morning, it sets off alarms. Then Natalie receives a startling phone call....and we are off to the races! Natalie finds herself in some seriously hot water and for once, can't sweet talk herself out of trouble.
This was an enjoyable cat-and-mouse that had me wanting more. I know when I read a Freida McFadden book that I am going to be entertained and shocked. I had a guess where things were going but I enjoyed how McFadden took me there while throwing in some twists along the way. Plus, I learned a thing or two about turtles.
#TheCoworker #NetGalley #FreidaMcFadden #DreamscapeMedia
Thank you to Dreamscape Media, Hollywood Upstairs Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
April 12, 2024
This book was superglued to my hand. I swear.
I will say that Part 1 was incredibly binge-able. I could NOT put it down. The writing isn’t anything crazy stellar but a good popcorn read for sure.
Part 2 went downhill fast for me as there were just too many coincidences to neatly wrap this up. I can’t go into detail without spoiling but I could see where the story was going and the little details surrounding it made me have to suspend belief at times.
I actually really liked that this book didn’t have any filler. Everything seemed like it belonged and was important to drive the plot forward.
Not super original but still fun to read. Short chapters and a binge-able part 1 will be great for any thriller lover. My second book by the author and I will pick up more from her in the future.
3⭐️
I will say that Part 1 was incredibly binge-able. I could NOT put it down. The writing isn’t anything crazy stellar but a good popcorn read for sure.
Part 2 went downhill fast for me as there were just too many coincidences to neatly wrap this up. I can’t go into detail without spoiling but I could see where the story was going and the little details surrounding it made me have to suspend belief at times.
I actually really liked that this book didn’t have any filler. Everything seemed like it belonged and was important to drive the plot forward.
Not super original but still fun to read. Short chapters and a binge-able part 1 will be great for any thriller lover. My second book by the author and I will pick up more from her in the future.
3⭐️
August 31, 2023
I won’t say turtles!
But this one did not work for me.
I don’t mind unreliable characters but I think that the author was too lazy to learn more about neurodivergent behaviour. The way she portrayed it here was poorly executed.
This would be ok if we were in the 70’s or 80’s, as not much was known about it.
Anyways… yes, this was another fast read, and I liked the structure, but the twists were not that great and the plot became silly.
Quality does not seem to be the goal.
The audiobook that I received from the library was of the worst quality, and the narrator sounded robotic. It was hard to distinguish between the two characters.
Paperback (Poison Pen Press): 368 pages
Ebook (Kindle): 349 pages (default)
Audiobook narrated by Alyson Krawchuk 8.2 hours (normal speed)
But this one did not work for me.
I don’t mind unreliable characters but I think that the author was too lazy to learn more about neurodivergent behaviour. The way she portrayed it here was poorly executed.
This would be ok if we were in the 70’s or 80’s, as not much was known about it.
Anyways… yes, this was another fast read, and I liked the structure, but the twists were not that great and the plot became silly.
Quality does not seem to be the goal.
The audiobook that I received from the library was of the worst quality, and the narrator sounded robotic. It was hard to distinguish between the two characters.
Paperback (Poison Pen Press): 368 pages
Ebook (Kindle): 349 pages (default)
Audiobook narrated by Alyson Krawchuk 8.2 hours (normal speed)
July 13, 2023
A toxic workplace within a corporate company allowing bullying to permeate their tiny little cubicles makes for a psychological nightmare.
“Secrets bind people close together…”
With unloveable characters all the way to the end and turtles all the way down, my head is spinning…for real! This author is one of my favorites, but with a character like Dawn in love with everything turtles got under my shell. When she crawls under everyone else’s skin, as an accountant, she was thoroughly annoying, and she is missing. Presumed dead by evidence in her home, one of her bullies Natalie is arrested.
When Natalie is arrested for her murder, the plot thickens and derails the story to unlikely twists. Good job! You built a mystery around turtles and e-mails that left an incriminating path, but that ending!!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this ARC in exchange for my review!
“Secrets bind people close together…”
With unloveable characters all the way to the end and turtles all the way down, my head is spinning…for real! This author is one of my favorites, but with a character like Dawn in love with everything turtles got under my shell. When she crawls under everyone else’s skin, as an accountant, she was thoroughly annoying, and she is missing. Presumed dead by evidence in her home, one of her bullies Natalie is arrested.
When Natalie is arrested for her murder, the plot thickens and derails the story to unlikely twists. Good job! You built a mystery around turtles and e-mails that left an incriminating path, but that ending!!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this ARC in exchange for my review!
July 12, 2023
THIS IS A FUCKING MASTERPIECE. Queen Freida you’ve done it again. One million stars. I devoured this book in less than 10hrs.
September 9, 2023
I was SO excited to get an advanced copy of Freida’s new book, especially since it’s set in the workplace!!! The twists were amazing in classic Freida style and it was fast paced and an easy read.
However it wasn’t Frieda’s best, this one felt quite vanilla compared to her other books and to other thrillers, the main character wasn’t likeable at all and honestly neither were the supporting characters.
And honestly if I saw one more turtle reference I was going to throw my kindle 🐢
However it wasn’t Frieda’s best, this one felt quite vanilla compared to her other books and to other thrillers, the main character wasn’t likeable at all and honestly neither were the supporting characters.
And honestly if I saw one more turtle reference I was going to throw my kindle 🐢
November 10, 2024
Mało satysfakcjonujące, ale na szczęście nie tak odklejone jak w innych thrillerach Freidy.
September 23, 2023
This had so much potential, but was lacking.
The most infuriating thing about this book is that the characters repeat themselves CONSTANTLY. Like, I don’t need to hear the same thoughts you just had chewed up and regurgitated. I do not need a reminder every time someone speaks that they have a heavy Boston accent, because this takes place in Boston.
I did not like the way people spoke about Dawn. She was (in my neurodivergent opinion) autistic-coded. But every single character (with the exception of Caleb) spoke about her as if she was an alien on earth. I understand she’s different, I understand she’s strange, but the way the author wrote about her really made me feel like she hates anyone who isn’t neurotypical. So what if she loves turtles? Indulge her every once in a while and let her ramble. So she can’t read people/take a hint/look you in the eyes? Not everyone is able to do those things. I also struggle intensely in social situations, but treating her like she was a nuisance was a little much. I also did not like how everyone referred to her as a toddler. Autistic people are not just giant toddlers.
Natalie was insufferable. From being the “cheating husband stealer” to ignoring her clients, she was just a lot. It’s true that childhood bullies become adult bullies, and clearly the whole Amelia thing did not change Natalie in any way, shape, or form. She claims she did the 5K every year in hopes to make up for the Amelia incident, but she shows no personal growth. She still bullies, she still uses her looks to get ahead, she still thinks she can have anyone she wants no matter their relationship status, she still sucks. Clearly, someone k!lling themselves because of her had zero effect on her. Also: you’re thirty years old. Stop using the whole “boyfriend/girlfriend points” thing. You are not twelve. It also makes me chuckle that her parents fully knew how horrible she was, and yet no consequences were given.
I’ll admit, the twist at the end threw me. Did I expect it? No. Was it interesting? Yes. But believe me when I say that it would not be that easy to talk someone down. Natalie had no experience, and in my opinion, macing someone about to off themselves is not a good idea.
Dawn was a manipulative, borderline sociopathic who wanted revenge for a thirteen year old crime. Natalie was a narcissist, with an ego the size of Texas, and a horrible personality to match. Seth was a cheating man-whore, who kind of deserves to go through the ringer on his divorce (seriously, he cheated with someone FIFTEEN years younger), and who supports workplace bullying/gaslights victims. Caleb is a grieving brother who didn’t want violence, yet was okay ultimately wrecking a few lives to get revenge. (He was probably the most sane person in this whole thing).
I’d also like to touch on the whole Tara thing. It’s insane that after this entire ordeal, the two ringleaders would be in a silent agreement to hide the fact that Dawn murdered Tara. Seriously, if you want to prove you had any ounce of innocence, go to the cops.
In the end, I agree that seventeen is old enough to know not to bully someone; but as stated previously, Natalie clearly has never had any consequences for anything ever. Dawn clearly needs some professional help, and Seth/Caleb should be held accountable in some sense.
My final thoughts: this was a clusterfuck of half baked, over complicated pieces that did not flow or entertain much. The self monologues hold all the explaining, when everything could be fixed with more conversations that have actual meaning. Barely 2 star worthy, in my opinion.
The most infuriating thing about this book is that the characters repeat themselves CONSTANTLY. Like, I don’t need to hear the same thoughts you just had chewed up and regurgitated. I do not need a reminder every time someone speaks that they have a heavy Boston accent, because this takes place in Boston.
I did not like the way people spoke about Dawn. She was (in my neurodivergent opinion) autistic-coded. But every single character (with the exception of Caleb) spoke about her as if she was an alien on earth. I understand she’s different, I understand she’s strange, but the way the author wrote about her really made me feel like she hates anyone who isn’t neurotypical. So what if she loves turtles? Indulge her every once in a while and let her ramble. So she can’t read people/take a hint/look you in the eyes? Not everyone is able to do those things. I also struggle intensely in social situations, but treating her like she was a nuisance was a little much. I also did not like how everyone referred to her as a toddler. Autistic people are not just giant toddlers.
Natalie was insufferable. From being the “cheating husband stealer” to ignoring her clients, she was just a lot. It’s true that childhood bullies become adult bullies, and clearly the whole Amelia thing did not change Natalie in any way, shape, or form. She claims she did the 5K every year in hopes to make up for the Amelia incident, but she shows no personal growth. She still bullies, she still uses her looks to get ahead, she still thinks she can have anyone she wants no matter their relationship status, she still sucks. Clearly, someone k!lling themselves because of her had zero effect on her. Also: you’re thirty years old. Stop using the whole “boyfriend/girlfriend points” thing. You are not twelve. It also makes me chuckle that her parents fully knew how horrible she was, and yet no consequences were given.
I’ll admit, the twist at the end threw me. Did I expect it? No. Was it interesting? Yes. But believe me when I say that it would not be that easy to talk someone down. Natalie had no experience, and in my opinion, macing someone about to off themselves is not a good idea.
Dawn was a manipulative, borderline sociopathic who wanted revenge for a thirteen year old crime. Natalie was a narcissist, with an ego the size of Texas, and a horrible personality to match. Seth was a cheating man-whore, who kind of deserves to go through the ringer on his divorce (seriously, he cheated with someone FIFTEEN years younger), and who supports workplace bullying/gaslights victims. Caleb is a grieving brother who didn’t want violence, yet was okay ultimately wrecking a few lives to get revenge. (He was probably the most sane person in this whole thing).
I’d also like to touch on the whole Tara thing. It’s insane that after this entire ordeal, the two ringleaders would be in a silent agreement to hide the fact that Dawn murdered Tara. Seriously, if you want to prove you had any ounce of innocence, go to the cops.
In the end, I agree that seventeen is old enough to know not to bully someone; but as stated previously, Natalie clearly has never had any consequences for anything ever. Dawn clearly needs some professional help, and Seth/Caleb should be held accountable in some sense.
My final thoughts: this was a clusterfuck of half baked, over complicated pieces that did not flow or entertain much. The self monologues hold all the explaining, when everything could be fixed with more conversations that have actual meaning. Barely 2 star worthy, in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2023
Our book club's October pick.
This is my first time reading Freida McFadden, but judging on my enjoment, it probably won't be the last one.
It was interesting and different in a way, although I would prefer if it didn't have an epilogue.
I will probably write my review early in the morning tomorrow.
This is my first time reading Freida McFadden, but judging on my enjoment, it probably won't be the last one.
It was interesting and different in a way, although I would prefer if it didn't have an epilogue.
I will probably write my review early in the morning tomorrow.
December 9, 2023
hated it. This is now the second book of McFadden's that was VERY similar to another popular thriller book.
December 3, 2023
4.5 stars
This was my first read by this author and I thought it was great.
I picked this one because I haven't read many, if any, thrillers with a workplace setting and I loved that. The story follows two timelines, one in the present and the other six months prior, leading up to the present day. That's something I happen to love in thrillers and I think it was done so well here.
I had some theories while reading this, but the author did a great job at making me second guess myself. She also made me second guess how I feel about the characters. But even when I found them unlikable and their actions very questionable, to say the least, she managed to make me care about them and their relationships.
I listened to the audio version and really enjoyed it. I've seen some negative reviews about the narration but, luckily, it worked for me and helped me stay engaged in the story.
This was my first read by this author and I thought it was great.
I picked this one because I haven't read many, if any, thrillers with a workplace setting and I loved that. The story follows two timelines, one in the present and the other six months prior, leading up to the present day. That's something I happen to love in thrillers and I think it was done so well here.
I had some theories while reading this, but the author did a great job at making me second guess myself. She also made me second guess how I feel about the characters. But even when I found them unlikable and their actions very questionable, to say the least, she managed to make me care about them and their relationships.
I listened to the audio version and really enjoyed it. I've seen some negative reviews about the narration but, luckily, it worked for me and helped me stay engaged in the story.
July 26, 2023
1.5 ✩
If audiobook availability hadn't been an option, this book would probably end up being a dnf for me. It's puzzling why authors sometimes pen narratives spanning nearly 300 pages where seemingly nothing of consequence unfolds. I won't give away any plot points, but I must say it didn't leave the impact the author intended; at times, it came across as rather juvenile and overly desperate to gain seriousness.
Moreover, the plot was strikingly predictable, resembling the pattern in all her other works that I've read, and even the attempt at a different perspective in part two couldn't deceive me, as it was familiar territory.
The characters lacked intrigue and failed to captivate my interest. Furthermore, the portrayal of autism was woefully inadequate, with no acknowledgment of the character's autism except for mocking autistic traits as "weird" which was really disheartening.
The incessant use of the word "turtle" throughout the book became incredibly grating. I genuinely wish I had a physical copy, just to satisfy my curiosity about how many times this word was mentioned.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
If audiobook availability hadn't been an option, this book would probably end up being a dnf for me. It's puzzling why authors sometimes pen narratives spanning nearly 300 pages where seemingly nothing of consequence unfolds. I won't give away any plot points, but I must say it didn't leave the impact the author intended; at times, it came across as rather juvenile and overly desperate to gain seriousness.
Moreover, the plot was strikingly predictable, resembling the pattern in all her other works that I've read, and even the attempt at a different perspective in part two couldn't deceive me, as it was familiar territory.
The characters lacked intrigue and failed to captivate my interest. Furthermore, the portrayal of autism was woefully inadequate, with no acknowledgment of the character's autism except for mocking autistic traits as "weird" which was really disheartening.
The incessant use of the word "turtle" throughout the book became incredibly grating. I genuinely wish I had a physical copy, just to satisfy my curiosity about how many times this word was mentioned.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2025
Rounded up to 3 stars because, hey, it kept me entertained enough to finish in three hours. But Freida… ALL that drama, and for WHAT? Just to serve me an ending as disappointing as a soggy fry? I feel bamboozled.
Let me continue my journey with Freida
My Freida McFadden Ratings:
Want To Know A Secret 3.75 Stars
The Housemaid- 3.5 Stars
The Co-Worker- 3 Stars
Never Lie- 3 Stars
Let me continue my journey with Freida
My Freida McFadden Ratings:
Want To Know A Secret 3.75 Stars
The Housemaid- 3.5 Stars
The Co-Worker- 3 Stars
Never Lie- 3 Stars
July 29, 2023
Not a popular opinion but I feel pretty strongly that this was a let down. I’m officially calling it quits on Frieda after this one. The story was so ludicrous at times it was laughable. I threw my phone in the car when yet another chapter talked about fucking turtles. What do turtles have to do with a murder and coworkers? Absolutely nothing, that’s what. Yet they’re mentioned more in this book than any relevant plot point. It gave me “The Maid” vibes, a main character that’s arguably on the spectrum and has a strange affect / weird obsession. Not my cup of tea but I wish it wasn’t so. I received an advanced copy of this audiobook from NetGalley and Dreamscape AudioBooks, thank you for sharing it with me and I apologize for the visceral reaction but it really was that bad.
September 3, 2023
3.5 stars Contains approximately 864 more turtles than I expected.
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