Holy heck, Batman! She’s Not Sorry was one shocking, mind-bender of a book! A riveting tale of domestic suspense, it was twistier and darker than any Kubica novel that I’ve read yet. From panic-inducing events to a superb cast of characters, I was pulled into the story from the very first word. What I didn’t expect, however, was how the deep foreboding and unparalleled unease would keep me reading late into the night. More than suspenseful, the plot took all of my expectations and ran them down before backing over them once again.
The storyline was, by far, the biggest home run for what is sure to be one of the best books of the year. Broken up into two parts, there is simply no way that you’ll be able to guess the brilliantly blinding first twist. Through a plot both well-written and skillfully laid out, the mildly slow burn first half quickly caught fire into an explosion of dread. Even the somewhat unresolved conclusion worked perfectly for me, as it left me utterly speechless as I gasped with the final well-timed reveal.
As for the characters, they all felt wholly believable, but also entirely suspicious. With so many secrets percolating just below the surface, it was difficult to decide who to trust as the words unfurled before me. Quite frankly, the impeccably molded personas struck just the right chord and, much like in real life, I was oblivious to what was right in front of my nose. Unfortunately, I can’t say much more or I’ll surely spoil the plot. Just trust me when I say that these individuals were spellbinding in all of their chilling perfection.
By the end, Kubica had me wrapped around her little finger. From the multiple storylines to the deft pacing, each turn in the plot had me second guessing my intuition. In all honesty, I’m overjoyed that I did. After all, without that doubting voice in my head, I wouldn’t have had the payoff of a twist that literally dropped my jaw to the floor. All I know is that Kubica is now firmly ensconced on my auto-buy author list, so be sure to grab this book as soon as it hits store shelves. You won’t regret it in the least. Rating of 5+ stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Meghan Michaels is a hard-working critical care nurse and devoted single mom following her recent divorce. One day, a young woman named Caitlin Beckett is brought into her ward following a suicide attempt. This news is hard for Meghan to hear. After all, her own family history is filled with pain from just such an act. Even worse, however, is the method Caitlin had attempted. Jumping from a bridge to train tracks below, the image in Meghan’s brain is difficult to swallow. Quite frankly, it’s a miracle that Caitlin is even alive.
But when Meghan runs into her former high school friend, Natalie, all thoughts of Caitlin are pushed to the back of her mind. Meeting at her divorce support group, they quickly get reacquainted over drinks. Talk quickly turns to both of their lives, but it’s the large bruise on Natalie’s head that bothers Meghan the most. Is it possible that Natalie’s world is much more dangerous than her own? Could her ex pose a threat? And what can the caring, empathetic Meghan do to help?
As Meghan continues to care for Caitlin while also opening her arms to a terrified Natalie, the police show up at the hospital with startling news. It seems Caitlin didn’t jump—she was pushed. Suddenly, the close connection Meghan has made with the Becketts threatens to drown her. Is it possible that the allowing Caitlin’s predicament through Meghan’s defenses could actually endanger her life as well as that of her daughter? Or does Natalie’s presence in her life more of a risk? One thing is for sure, Meghan’s world is not nearly as safe as she once imagined.
Thank you to Mary Kubica, Park Row, and BookishFirst for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DAY: April 2, 2024
Scroll down for my potential plot spoiling premise.
Trigger warning: suicide, getting scammed, kidnapping, a fatal shooting, mention of: death of a sibling, domestic abuse