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The Artful Anna Harris: A Novel
'Highsmith herself would raise a glass' - SARAH HILARY
'Drew me in from the very first page and had me hooked throughout' - PHILIPPA EAST
'An intriguing cat and mouse game, which will keep you reading into the early hours' - TINA BAKER
'You are quite the chameleon, aren't you? You could wear anything, do anything, and yet you choose plain, plain, plain. Is it all a front for a secret life?'
When the vivacious Sofia Carstairs arrives in her sleepy country village, Anna knows her life will never be the same again. Her new best friend is carefree, elegant and intoxicating. Her life doesn't revolve around church flower arrangements or Sunday lunches with the in-laws. Sofia reminds Anna of the person she used to be, before she worked so hard to fit in that she practically disappeared.
But is it enough to just be Sofia's friend? Anna wonders what it would be like to be Sofia, if only for a little while. But once Anna starts pretending, she finds it easy to pretend the rules don't apply to her. How far will Anna go to get what she wants? And what will she do to those who stand in her way?
Full of sharp observations and shocking twists, The Artful Anna Harris is perfect for readers looking for the next The Talented Mr Ripley.
'Drew me in from the very first page and had me hooked throughout' - PHILIPPA EAST
'An intriguing cat and mouse game, which will keep you reading into the early hours' - TINA BAKER
'You are quite the chameleon, aren't you? You could wear anything, do anything, and yet you choose plain, plain, plain. Is it all a front for a secret life?'
When the vivacious Sofia Carstairs arrives in her sleepy country village, Anna knows her life will never be the same again. Her new best friend is carefree, elegant and intoxicating. Her life doesn't revolve around church flower arrangements or Sunday lunches with the in-laws. Sofia reminds Anna of the person she used to be, before she worked so hard to fit in that she practically disappeared.
But is it enough to just be Sofia's friend? Anna wonders what it would be like to be Sofia, if only for a little while. But once Anna starts pretending, she finds it easy to pretend the rules don't apply to her. How far will Anna go to get what she wants? And what will she do to those who stand in her way?
Full of sharp observations and shocking twists, The Artful Anna Harris is perfect for readers looking for the next The Talented Mr Ripley.
368 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 30, 2026
If you love messy characters who make an art out of making bad decisions after bad decisions, this book is for you! The ending was very suspenseful and the book was a hoot! 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
February 26, 2026
This was dubbed a modern twist on The Talented Mr Ripley and my interest was immediately piqued. I was lucky enough to have gone to Vipers 2026 Spring Launch at the tail end of 2025 and got to hear Tracy Marin talk about her debut and she’s every bit as sharp and witty as you’d expect from the way this has been written.
We start out meeting our protagonist Anna, she’s left her old life behind and settled into sleepy village life with her partner Ben and shaping herself to fit as the doting daughter in law, this is all shaken up when Sofia moves to the village and Anna’s infatuation with her starts. The age old “do I want to be friends with her or do I want to BE her?”. Anna seemingly will put a mask on to fit any social situation and likes to try on lives to see how they fit. But Anna has a past she seems to struggle to keep pushed down and every so often we see glimpses of the real Anna Harris.
I haven’t read a book quite like this in some time with the way our protagonist (who absolutely isn’t reliable) is walking us through the crime and deceit where I truly felt attached to what should be a deeply unlikeable character. Morton has somehow created Anna Harris flaws and all but managed to keep her somewhat lovable and then I’m under Anna’s spell. Spectacular in my eyes. This was such a good fun read and there’s no guessing games involved because Anna will keep you up to speed page by page of the real time going’s on and every character that comes along uncovers a little bit more of her whilst adding twists to this incredible debut. I had to remind myself this is Mortons debut because it reads like she has an extensive back catalogue building to this.
A story of lies, infatuation , deception and manipulation, I’m glad it made it onto my 2026 reading pile and now I need to know, what’s next for Tracy Morton because I turned the last page and immediately wanted more!
We start out meeting our protagonist Anna, she’s left her old life behind and settled into sleepy village life with her partner Ben and shaping herself to fit as the doting daughter in law, this is all shaken up when Sofia moves to the village and Anna’s infatuation with her starts. The age old “do I want to be friends with her or do I want to BE her?”. Anna seemingly will put a mask on to fit any social situation and likes to try on lives to see how they fit. But Anna has a past she seems to struggle to keep pushed down and every so often we see glimpses of the real Anna Harris.
I haven’t read a book quite like this in some time with the way our protagonist (who absolutely isn’t reliable) is walking us through the crime and deceit where I truly felt attached to what should be a deeply unlikeable character. Morton has somehow created Anna Harris flaws and all but managed to keep her somewhat lovable and then I’m under Anna’s spell. Spectacular in my eyes. This was such a good fun read and there’s no guessing games involved because Anna will keep you up to speed page by page of the real time going’s on and every character that comes along uncovers a little bit more of her whilst adding twists to this incredible debut. I had to remind myself this is Mortons debut because it reads like she has an extensive back catalogue building to this.
A story of lies, infatuation , deception and manipulation, I’m glad it made it onto my 2026 reading pile and now I need to know, what’s next for Tracy Morton because I turned the last page and immediately wanted more!
August 7, 2026
This book is diabolical fun. The main character is completely unhinged but in a strange way I was kind of cheering for her. So enjoyable and excellent on audio, too. Thank you, Libro.fm for a copy of this thriller!
July 9, 2026
I actually had a funny interaction with the author when I shared this book's release on Instagram. She replied, *"You might be glad your name is spelt differently when you meet her!"* ... I can confidently say she was absolutely right. :))))
From the very beginning, Anna felt like one of the most unreliable narrators I've read in a while. Every time I thought I had her figured out, she'd lie, manipulate someone or reveal another layer of herself that made me question everything I'd read before.
Anna has a seemingly perfect life, a fiancé, a loving future in-laws and a quiet life in an English village. But appearances can be deceiving and before long she's juggling secrets, lies, questionable decisions and relationships that become increasingly complicated. Watching everything slowly spiral out of control was honestly the best part of the book.
I also really enjoyed how morally gray Anna was(n't). She isn't your typical thriller heroine, and that's exactly what made her so entertaining to follow. I never knew what she was going to do next, and while I certainly didn't agree with many of her choices, I couldn't stop turning the pages to see how far she would take things.
There were a couple of moments where I had to stop and think because the twists, deception and shifting perspectives became a little confusing, but everything eventually came back together.
My only small complaint is the ending. It wasn't bad by any means, I just found myself wishing for one final twist or an extra chapter that packed a little more punch.
Overall, this was an entertaining psychological thriller with an unforgettable main character, plenty of deception and enough twists to keep me guessing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
From the very beginning, Anna felt like one of the most unreliable narrators I've read in a while. Every time I thought I had her figured out, she'd lie, manipulate someone or reveal another layer of herself that made me question everything I'd read before.
Anna has a seemingly perfect life, a fiancé, a loving future in-laws and a quiet life in an English village. But appearances can be deceiving and before long she's juggling secrets, lies, questionable decisions and relationships that become increasingly complicated. Watching everything slowly spiral out of control was honestly the best part of the book.
I also really enjoyed how morally gray Anna was(n't). She isn't your typical thriller heroine, and that's exactly what made her so entertaining to follow. I never knew what she was going to do next, and while I certainly didn't agree with many of her choices, I couldn't stop turning the pages to see how far she would take things.
There were a couple of moments where I had to stop and think because the twists, deception and shifting perspectives became a little confusing, but everything eventually came back together.
My only small complaint is the ending. It wasn't bad by any means, I just found myself wishing for one final twist or an extra chapter that packed a little more punch.
Overall, this was an entertaining psychological thriller with an unforgettable main character, plenty of deception and enough twists to keep me guessing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
July 28, 2026
The Artful Anna Harris was an easy 5⭐️ for me!
Holy con-lady! I LOVED Anna! She’s cunning, manipulative and everything I want in a con artist protagonist. I couldn’t help but root for her, even when I absolutely shouldn’t have. I’m fascinated by con artists, grifters and fraudsters, so a thriller centred around a morally grey woman reinventing herself and staying one step ahead of everyone around her was always going to be right up my alley.
Marketed as The Talented Mr. Ripley if Tom Ripley were a young woman today, this absolutely delivered on that comparison. Watching Anna slip so effortlessly into different versions of herself, manipulate those around her and blur the lines between truth and lies was endlessly entertaining. She’s one of those characters you know you probably shouldn’t be cheering for, yet somehow you are anyway.
I struggled to put this down and finished it in just over 24 hours. I listened to the audiobook, and the narration elevated an already brilliant story. Every character had their own distinct voice, making it effortless to know who was speaking while pulling me even further into the story. It felt like I was experiencing Anna rather than simply listening to someone read the book.
I’ve said this plenty of times this year, but my goodness… 2026 is debut season! This is yet another debut that never once felt like a debut. If this is what Tracy Maton can do in her debut, I’ll be first in line for whatever she writes next.
Holy con-lady! I LOVED Anna! She’s cunning, manipulative and everything I want in a con artist protagonist. I couldn’t help but root for her, even when I absolutely shouldn’t have. I’m fascinated by con artists, grifters and fraudsters, so a thriller centred around a morally grey woman reinventing herself and staying one step ahead of everyone around her was always going to be right up my alley.
Marketed as The Talented Mr. Ripley if Tom Ripley were a young woman today, this absolutely delivered on that comparison. Watching Anna slip so effortlessly into different versions of herself, manipulate those around her and blur the lines between truth and lies was endlessly entertaining. She’s one of those characters you know you probably shouldn’t be cheering for, yet somehow you are anyway.
I struggled to put this down and finished it in just over 24 hours. I listened to the audiobook, and the narration elevated an already brilliant story. Every character had their own distinct voice, making it effortless to know who was speaking while pulling me even further into the story. It felt like I was experiencing Anna rather than simply listening to someone read the book.
I’ve said this plenty of times this year, but my goodness… 2026 is debut season! This is yet another debut that never once felt like a debut. If this is what Tracy Maton can do in her debut, I’ll be first in line for whatever she writes next.
March 5, 2026
Oh Anna Harris. Aren’t you quite the enigma?
When we first meet Anna, she’s living a content yet nondescript life in a quiet Somerset village. Her partner is Ben, a good, kind man and his family and friends have welcomed Anna into their lives with warmth and generosity. But still. Something is missing, but what? So when the charismatic and confident Sofia enters her life, Anna sees an opportunity to recall the person she once was. And who she could be again…
This book took me completely by surprise, in a spectacular way. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but definitely not this. On first appearances Anna seems like Mrs Average, although there is a hint of reservation about her, a sense that what you see is not quite what you get. But once you start unpeeling those layers, you’ll be in for one hell of a shock.
This is such a clever story, it’s essentially a crime novel but told from the view of the protagonist. And it’s written so well that despite knowing that you shouldn’t, you still feel empathy for Anna. Well I did anyway, I’m not sure what that says about me! I found her intoxicating, like a chameleon blending in with her surroundings wherever she went. I honestly couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what she would get up to next.
If you want to dive into a wonderfully twisty read that will grab you right from the start, then look no further.
When we first meet Anna, she’s living a content yet nondescript life in a quiet Somerset village. Her partner is Ben, a good, kind man and his family and friends have welcomed Anna into their lives with warmth and generosity. But still. Something is missing, but what? So when the charismatic and confident Sofia enters her life, Anna sees an opportunity to recall the person she once was. And who she could be again…
This book took me completely by surprise, in a spectacular way. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but definitely not this. On first appearances Anna seems like Mrs Average, although there is a hint of reservation about her, a sense that what you see is not quite what you get. But once you start unpeeling those layers, you’ll be in for one hell of a shock.
This is such a clever story, it’s essentially a crime novel but told from the view of the protagonist. And it’s written so well that despite knowing that you shouldn’t, you still feel empathy for Anna. Well I did anyway, I’m not sure what that says about me! I found her intoxicating, like a chameleon blending in with her surroundings wherever she went. I honestly couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what she would get up to next.
If you want to dive into a wonderfully twisty read that will grab you right from the start, then look no further.
March 2, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
Struggled a bit with this one. Think it just went over my head and I didn't fully engage with characters.
The ending of this book confused me a bit, but then the main character is an unreliable narrator so I guess it was not going to be a happy ending 🤣
There were some moments of dark humour, sadness and a few deaths (I'll say no more) thrown in to this story and it was a good debut novel.
I felt sorry for Anna at times during this book, it's clear she never fitted it and tried so hard to the point she is totally unhinged at some points. But she's not the only one who dabbles at someone else's identity. There are definitely a few secrets in this book.
Struggled a bit with this one. Think it just went over my head and I didn't fully engage with characters.
The ending of this book confused me a bit, but then the main character is an unreliable narrator so I guess it was not going to be a happy ending 🤣
There were some moments of dark humour, sadness and a few deaths (I'll say no more) thrown in to this story and it was a good debut novel.
I felt sorry for Anna at times during this book, it's clear she never fitted it and tried so hard to the point she is totally unhinged at some points. But she's not the only one who dabbles at someone else's identity. There are definitely a few secrets in this book.
July 14, 2026
I inhaled this debut and it had me questioning every character and second-guessing every decision. 😮💨🤯
Anna is one of those unforgettable characters you can’t stop thinking about. She’s complicated, captivating, and walking a dangerous line between the life she has and the life she secretly craves. Just when you think you’ve figured things out… the story pulls the rug right out from under you. 👏🖤
If you’re a fan of:
✨ morally gray characters
🏡 idyllic villages hiding dark secrets
👀 shocking twists
📖 “just one more chapter” reads
…then you NEED this book on your TBR! Trust me, this is one you’re going to want everyone to be talking about. 🙌📚
Anna is one of those unforgettable characters you can’t stop thinking about. She’s complicated, captivating, and walking a dangerous line between the life she has and the life she secretly craves. Just when you think you’ve figured things out… the story pulls the rug right out from under you. 👏🖤
If you’re a fan of:
✨ morally gray characters
🏡 idyllic villages hiding dark secrets
👀 shocking twists
📖 “just one more chapter” reads
…then you NEED this book on your TBR! Trust me, this is one you’re going to want everyone to be talking about. 🙌📚
August 5, 2026
A fun and twisty mystery in the style of a Patricia Highsmith novel. I love interesting main characters and Anna is certainly one of those! We meet Anna and her lovely boyfriend Ben along with Ben's mother Dee and his brother and sisters. Anna is happy to have found herself as part of a nice and devoted family. She also has a best friend named Sophie. But Anna isn't an ordinary person and we quickly find that out when Sophie revels she is disgusted with Anna's habit of making fun of Ben and his family. The pacing and the way the tension unfolds is very well done. Part of the story is about Anna having two miscarriages and feeling uncertain about trying again-something relatable to a lot of women.
The intrigue in the story ramps up when Anna meets Mark, a handsome art therapist that she starts to see on days she takes her future mother in-law to physical therapy. Mark ,(like Anna) has secrets and Anna is attracted to him while she is smart enough to not trust him. Anna also begins a friendship with an ill elderly woman named Jan and how all of these come together is the fun part of this book. I don't have to like a main character to find them interesting and I didn't exactly like Anna but found her to be fun and wanted her to end up happy. I also liked the side characters: cheerful Ben, his sweet mother Dee and rich, lonely Jan who maybe wasn't as naive as people may have thought. I did think the ending came about a little abruptly but all in all, I enjoyed and highly recommend this very different thriller. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC for review.
The intrigue in the story ramps up when Anna meets Mark, a handsome art therapist that she starts to see on days she takes her future mother in-law to physical therapy. Mark ,(like Anna) has secrets and Anna is attracted to him while she is smart enough to not trust him. Anna also begins a friendship with an ill elderly woman named Jan and how all of these come together is the fun part of this book. I don't have to like a main character to find them interesting and I didn't exactly like Anna but found her to be fun and wanted her to end up happy. I also liked the side characters: cheerful Ben, his sweet mother Dee and rich, lonely Jan who maybe wasn't as naive as people may have thought. I did think the ending came about a little abruptly but all in all, I enjoyed and highly recommend this very different thriller. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC for review.
July 10, 2026
Dark, cunning, and addictive!
The Artful Anna Harris is an unsettling thriller that explores the dangerous allure of reinvention, the intoxicating pull of obsession, and the devastating consequences of believing you can become someone else without losing yourself in the process.
The prose is sharp and intense. The characters are deceptive, morally ambiguous, and impulsive. And the plot is a slow-burning descent into a world of identity, manipulation, secrets, desire, grief, lies, betrayal, fractured psyches, and shocking twists.
Overall, The Artful Anna Harris is a clever, atmospheric, compelling debut by Maton that has left me eager to read whatever brilliantly twisted story she comes up with next.
The Artful Anna Harris is an unsettling thriller that explores the dangerous allure of reinvention, the intoxicating pull of obsession, and the devastating consequences of believing you can become someone else without losing yourself in the process.
The prose is sharp and intense. The characters are deceptive, morally ambiguous, and impulsive. And the plot is a slow-burning descent into a world of identity, manipulation, secrets, desire, grief, lies, betrayal, fractured psyches, and shocking twists.
Overall, The Artful Anna Harris is a clever, atmospheric, compelling debut by Maton that has left me eager to read whatever brilliantly twisted story she comes up with next.
March 15, 2026
Well, this little cracker of a book has certainly kept me glued to my seat for the past few evenings.
Synopsis:
Anna Harris seems to have it all. Living in a picturesque English village with a doting boyfriend with his supportive family close by, she has a job as a primary school teaching assistant.
But Anna Harris is not who she appears and rather than enjoying the quiet life, she craves
excitement.
When the outspoken and adventurous Sophia Carstairs moves into the village, Anna is drawn to her like a moth to a flame as Sophia reminds her so much of her younger self.
To spice things up, Anna creates another persona; a more exciting and interesting version of herself. But will this supposed bit of fun not only bring up her past but wreck her relationship and ruin her future?
What a ride reading this book was. Told through a first person narrative, I found Anna pretty hard to like due to her narcissistic tendencies and lack of a moral compass. I was, however, fully invested and engrossed in her story and I didn’t have to suspend my belief to thoroughly enjoy this book.
It’s a bit tricky to discuss anything about the plot without giving spoilers away but if you enjoy a dark, psychological thriller that’ll keep you up late reading, then this is the book for you.
Thank you to @viperbooks and @tracymaton for sending me this brilliant advanced copy for my honest review.
UK Publication Date : March 2026
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Synopsis:
Anna Harris seems to have it all. Living in a picturesque English village with a doting boyfriend with his supportive family close by, she has a job as a primary school teaching assistant.
But Anna Harris is not who she appears and rather than enjoying the quiet life, she craves
excitement.
When the outspoken and adventurous Sophia Carstairs moves into the village, Anna is drawn to her like a moth to a flame as Sophia reminds her so much of her younger self.
To spice things up, Anna creates another persona; a more exciting and interesting version of herself. But will this supposed bit of fun not only bring up her past but wreck her relationship and ruin her future?
What a ride reading this book was. Told through a first person narrative, I found Anna pretty hard to like due to her narcissistic tendencies and lack of a moral compass. I was, however, fully invested and engrossed in her story and I didn’t have to suspend my belief to thoroughly enjoy this book.
It’s a bit tricky to discuss anything about the plot without giving spoilers away but if you enjoy a dark, psychological thriller that’ll keep you up late reading, then this is the book for you.
Thank you to @viperbooks and @tracymaton for sending me this brilliant advanced copy for my honest review.
UK Publication Date : March 2026
Bookmail • Bookstagram • Bookblogger • Book recommendation • Love Reading • Reading community
November 2, 2025
Anna has a past, but now lives in a lovely village with a lovely partner and all the English countryside beauty you could imagine. That is until Sofia turns up, Sofia reminds Anna of the past and they have a whirlwind friendship that throws Anna back in to being how she was on one side and staying the loving partner in the other.
I found this book quite good fun but this was ruined by the ending. There is very little point writing all these wonderful characters and ending so abruptly with little resolved. Could have been 5 and now is 3.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book quite good fun but this was ruined by the ending. There is very little point writing all these wonderful characters and ending so abruptly with little resolved. Could have been 5 and now is 3.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A fantastic debut and a breath of fresh air, Anna the antihero is an unlikeable FMC, but you can't help but be completely engrossed in her story. It has some great twists and is definitely a fast paced, page turner that you can't help but pick up and continue. It's hard to do an in-depth review without giving away the story which is in my opinion best experienced going in blind! But it is 100% fun and incredibly enjoyable!
July 1, 2026
This is a debut novel by Tracy Maton. I am a fan of Patricia Highsmith and so apparently is Maton. I enjoyed this book quite a lot.
The plot : young woman in a rural village whose social group seems to consist mainly of her partners family. She makes a new friend and almost instantly becomes they become best friends. This plays out over the first 40% of the e-book. The dialogue is good. As this part of the book would seem a tad slow for me the dialogue really kept my interest.
I did find myself wondering when something would happen and when something finally did happen it was a “whoa what?!?” Moment for me.
From then on you see that all is not as it seems with Anna Harris and her life.
But the writer doesn’t come out and tell all she leaves little snips here and there of Anna’s POV or her memory of things past that made me want to know more.
This is one of those novels that I more or less have some things figured out early on but it absolutely did not detract from the tension the writer was building.
I honestly didn’t find it that dark more like the Agatha Christie books I used to read. Even Mary Stewart with much more of an edge. There are secrets yes. Family that was a bit cloying. I really wanted Anna to succeed. (Mr Ripley or Strangers on a Train) I can see the influence of Marin’s love of Highsmith’s novels.
I highly recommend this debut novel. I will definitely pick up the next novel this woman writes too.
And I really wonder is there going to be more of Anna Harris. Really I do hope there is.
Thank you to NetGalley who provided the ARC
The plot : young woman in a rural village whose social group seems to consist mainly of her partners family. She makes a new friend and almost instantly becomes they become best friends. This plays out over the first 40% of the e-book. The dialogue is good. As this part of the book would seem a tad slow for me the dialogue really kept my interest.
I did find myself wondering when something would happen and when something finally did happen it was a “whoa what?!?” Moment for me.
From then on you see that all is not as it seems with Anna Harris and her life.
But the writer doesn’t come out and tell all she leaves little snips here and there of Anna’s POV or her memory of things past that made me want to know more.
This is one of those novels that I more or less have some things figured out early on but it absolutely did not detract from the tension the writer was building.
I honestly didn’t find it that dark more like the Agatha Christie books I used to read. Even Mary Stewart with much more of an edge. There are secrets yes. Family that was a bit cloying. I really wanted Anna to succeed. (Mr Ripley or Strangers on a Train) I can see the influence of Marin’s love of Highsmith’s novels.
I highly recommend this debut novel. I will definitely pick up the next novel this woman writes too.
And I really wonder is there going to be more of Anna Harris. Really I do hope there is.
Thank you to NetGalley who provided the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Artful Anna Harris
is a spectacular debut that’s compelling, twisty, and surprising. In giving the reader free access to Anna’s thoughts, Tracy Maton’s exploration of her main character’s psyche, deep dark secrets, and destructive modus operandi are equally genius as they are wicked and addictive. A sinister must read!
July 9, 2026
Thank you to NetGally for the advanced copy of this book. I’m not sure what to say. I think I liked it. It is very different from anything I’ve read. There was a little difficulty with the language and some of the phrases. Fortunately I like variety.
July 19, 2026
I enjoyed reading about the devious Anna Harris. The pace dips a bit after the first “incident,” but things pick up again after Anna makes a new friend. Not sure if the author is planning another installment, but I would definitely read another book in this series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for making an advanced copy available.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for making an advanced copy available.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
style didn't work for me
July 6, 2026
Very fun!
Hard to compete with the real Ripley but an excellent proxy
3.5 stars rounded up
Hard to compete with the real Ripley but an excellent proxy
3.5 stars rounded up
July 7, 2026
This story kept me reading and trying to figure out what would happen next! Lots of interesting twists and turns! Not the ending I was expecting! Definitely worth the read!
July 18, 2026
The first half was a nice thriller but I didn’t get the big deal. The second half was a wild ride and I totally understood the praise. Very well done.
July 20, 2026
This book took me completely by surprise. Well crafted, well written, engaging intelligent propulsive with a deliciously satisfying end. An entertaining read that’s worth your time and effort.
August 16, 2026
The storylines felt a little disjointed
Read
August 18, 2026Third book I’ve read in six months with the same basic premise. It was okay but I probably won’t recommend it.
March 13, 2026
4.5 ⭐
Thank you to @viper.books for the proof copy. This book is OUT NOW!
Anna has found herself living in a quaint, sleepy village with her boyfriend. Swallowed into the mundane lives of her in laws and the inhabitants of the community. She isn't unhappy, but this isn’t the life she remembers choosing. Then Sophia Carstairs moves into the village and Anna is reminded of the freedom she once had. When she was rebellious and carefree. But is Anna willing to throw away her future for some fun? Is the grass greener on the other side? Perhaps leading two lives is more enticing than one. Anna isn’t a bad person. She just wants to try it out …
••••
I loved this story. With its short chapters, fast pace and unique premise, I was fully invested from only a few pages in. I found the writing addictive and each chapter pulled me futher in.
Anna was such an interesting character. She was intelligent, sharp, and (sometimes) very relatable. But she was also selfish, impulsive and shameless. Did she make some questionable choices? Yes. Did she find herself in some sticky situations? Also yes. Did I like her? I think I actually did. I could appreciate her unsettled feelings, her longing for more and to not want to just fit in a box. I also felt for her when she was vulnerable and life threw some tough challenges her way. But at the same time I was shocked with some of her actions and her lack of remorse. But as with any story, everything becomes clearer as you read on.
The relationships that Anna developed were interesting and distinctive which added to the narrative.
And that ending 👀.
This is definitely a twisty story that somehow felt quite comical but also very serious.
Side Note - Beware of the cows! 🐄
Also, the chapter titles were a great touch, cleverly tying into the events that followed.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book … Don’t we all wish we could be someone else for a little while? Maybe not to the same extent as Anna 👀 , but it does sound like fun. Such a compelling premise for a story and, love her or hate her, Anna was unforgettable.
“Pretend always was my favourite game.”
Thank you to @viper.books for the proof copy. This book is OUT NOW!
Anna has found herself living in a quaint, sleepy village with her boyfriend. Swallowed into the mundane lives of her in laws and the inhabitants of the community. She isn't unhappy, but this isn’t the life she remembers choosing. Then Sophia Carstairs moves into the village and Anna is reminded of the freedom she once had. When she was rebellious and carefree. But is Anna willing to throw away her future for some fun? Is the grass greener on the other side? Perhaps leading two lives is more enticing than one. Anna isn’t a bad person. She just wants to try it out …
••••
I loved this story. With its short chapters, fast pace and unique premise, I was fully invested from only a few pages in. I found the writing addictive and each chapter pulled me futher in.
Anna was such an interesting character. She was intelligent, sharp, and (sometimes) very relatable. But she was also selfish, impulsive and shameless. Did she make some questionable choices? Yes. Did she find herself in some sticky situations? Also yes. Did I like her? I think I actually did. I could appreciate her unsettled feelings, her longing for more and to not want to just fit in a box. I also felt for her when she was vulnerable and life threw some tough challenges her way. But at the same time I was shocked with some of her actions and her lack of remorse. But as with any story, everything becomes clearer as you read on.
The relationships that Anna developed were interesting and distinctive which added to the narrative.
And that ending 👀.
This is definitely a twisty story that somehow felt quite comical but also very serious.
Side Note - Beware of the cows! 🐄
Also, the chapter titles were a great touch, cleverly tying into the events that followed.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book … Don’t we all wish we could be someone else for a little while? Maybe not to the same extent as Anna 👀 , but it does sound like fun. Such a compelling premise for a story and, love her or hate her, Anna was unforgettable.
“Pretend always was my favourite game.”
July 13, 2026
Really enjoyed reading this book - lots of plot twists. I could visualise all of the characters, well written a good easy holiday read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was an incredibly compelling psychological thriller that completely drew me in from the very first chapters.
Anna is one of the most intriguing protagonists I’ve come across. I very quickly became immersed in her life and circumstances, initially feeling a great deal of sympathy for her situation. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Anna has a much darker, more complex side lurking beneath the surface.
What I found particularly fascinating was the gradual shift in my perception of her. As her behaviour becomes more questionable, and at times increasingly unhinged, I was constantly reassessing her motives and trying to make sense of her actions. The psychological depth of her character is what makes this such a great read. Rather than presenting a straightforward villain or victim, Anna is far more layered and unpredictable.
The tension builds steadily throughout, and I genuinely had no idea where the story was heading or what Anna might do next. That unpredictability made it almost impossible to put the book down. Each chapter left me wanting just one more, eager to see how far she would go and what the consequences might be.
This is a gripping, unsettling, and thoroughly absorbing read, the kind of psychological thriller that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished it. It is a fantastic debut novel and
I'm very much looking forward to reading more from Tracy Maton in the future.
Anna is one of the most intriguing protagonists I’ve come across. I very quickly became immersed in her life and circumstances, initially feeling a great deal of sympathy for her situation. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Anna has a much darker, more complex side lurking beneath the surface.
What I found particularly fascinating was the gradual shift in my perception of her. As her behaviour becomes more questionable, and at times increasingly unhinged, I was constantly reassessing her motives and trying to make sense of her actions. The psychological depth of her character is what makes this such a great read. Rather than presenting a straightforward villain or victim, Anna is far more layered and unpredictable.
The tension builds steadily throughout, and I genuinely had no idea where the story was heading or what Anna might do next. That unpredictability made it almost impossible to put the book down. Each chapter left me wanting just one more, eager to see how far she would go and what the consequences might be.
This is a gripping, unsettling, and thoroughly absorbing read, the kind of psychological thriller that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished it. It is a fantastic debut novel and
I'm very much looking forward to reading more from Tracy Maton in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Artful Anna Harris is a brilliant debut, a clever, witty, anxiety-filled whirlwind of a book that I couldn't get enough of. I felt so on edge through 80% of it and there was so much unpredictability that it was difficult to put down at times!
We meet Anna, a teaching assistant and church-helper, partner to kind, attentive Ben, an all-round good member of the community. But when Sofia walks through those church doors one day, Anna's whole world shifts. She reminds her of who she used to be, before she worked so hard to fit in. She loves Sofia so much that she becomes her friend. So much that she wants to be her. So much so that eventually, she does exactly that.
Lies, deceit and secrets swirl around such an engaging storyline, and things escalate to the point where Anna's whole life could come crashing down if she took one wrong step. The tension and unease I felt as she leads a double life, reinvents herself and discovers that she's not the only one who is a good liar, really sucked me in. Even though Anna wasn't a likeable character by normal standards, I couldn't help but be fascinated by her and her flaws, as well as everything she was doing. It's deep, compelling and so incredibly addictive, especially the second half.
The book is inspired by The Talented Mr Ripley, so if you love the idea of a modern twist on the classic, you will love this! A brand new author on my radar and I am very excited for whatever comes next from her!
We meet Anna, a teaching assistant and church-helper, partner to kind, attentive Ben, an all-round good member of the community. But when Sofia walks through those church doors one day, Anna's whole world shifts. She reminds her of who she used to be, before she worked so hard to fit in. She loves Sofia so much that she becomes her friend. So much that she wants to be her. So much so that eventually, she does exactly that.
Lies, deceit and secrets swirl around such an engaging storyline, and things escalate to the point where Anna's whole life could come crashing down if she took one wrong step. The tension and unease I felt as she leads a double life, reinvents herself and discovers that she's not the only one who is a good liar, really sucked me in. Even though Anna wasn't a likeable character by normal standards, I couldn't help but be fascinated by her and her flaws, as well as everything she was doing. It's deep, compelling and so incredibly addictive, especially the second half.
The book is inspired by The Talented Mr Ripley, so if you love the idea of a modern twist on the classic, you will love this! A brand new author on my radar and I am very excited for whatever comes next from her!
March 20, 2026
A psychological thriller featuring Anna, a “chameleon” living a stifling, quiet village life with her boyfriend. When the glamorous Sofia Carstairs arrives, she inspires Anna to shed her mundane persona, leading to a dangerous, manipulative double life and shocking twists.
Themes:
Obsession,
Deception
Social conformity
Identity
Throughout the book we are inside Anna’s head and I loved being there. In a seemingly boring life with a family that felt she didn’t fit, Anna started seeing Mark, but posing as Sofia, her friend who she began obsessing over.
Who is Mark? Do we really know him? Was he tricking Anna the whole time? I felt that we didn’t find a lot out about him and his upbringing, why did he feel the need to lie about his identity? Would he have tried to kill Anna towards the end? Were they so similar?
Even though I felt that Anna wasn’t happy in her relationship with Ben, and she seemed to feel she didn’t fit into his family, in the end, this didn’t seem to be the case.
Anna is a troubled, messed up person, she says herself that she believes she is not a psychopath, but I am not convinced.
I couldn’t wait to see how the author had chosen to end this book, is she caught? Does she get away with all of her wrong doings?
It is a very clever and a really fabulous read, I highly recommend it ✨
Themes:
Obsession,
Deception
Social conformity
Identity
Throughout the book we are inside Anna’s head and I loved being there. In a seemingly boring life with a family that felt she didn’t fit, Anna started seeing Mark, but posing as Sofia, her friend who she began obsessing over.
Who is Mark? Do we really know him? Was he tricking Anna the whole time? I felt that we didn’t find a lot out about him and his upbringing, why did he feel the need to lie about his identity? Would he have tried to kill Anna towards the end? Were they so similar?
Even though I felt that Anna wasn’t happy in her relationship with Ben, and she seemed to feel she didn’t fit into his family, in the end, this didn’t seem to be the case.
Anna is a troubled, messed up person, she says herself that she believes she is not a psychopath, but I am not convinced.
I couldn’t wait to see how the author had chosen to end this book, is she caught? Does she get away with all of her wrong doings?
It is a very clever and a really fabulous read, I highly recommend it ✨
May 17, 2026
‘A female twist of The Talented Mr Ripley’ - the review which peeked my interest in this book and The Artful Anna Harris certainly lived up to my high expectations.
This was the slow burning, understated tale of Anna Harris and the complex character she is. I was gobsmacked that this was a debut novel. It was very accomplished.
I loved it right up to about 80% and then I rushed to finish that night, and then was awake for ages thinking about it! I re-read the last 20% again, much slower this time, and still feel slightly frustrated. Absolutely not with the ending itself; I’m totally onboard with the ‘open’ ending a tale like this needs but I have far too many unanswered questions. Part of me loves a book that has me overthinking but most of me wants to sit down with the very talented Tracy Maton and refuse to let her leave until she has answered all my outstanding questions!
I’ve flitted between four and five stars for this book but have landed on five as I much prefer to be agonising over the ending than not caring and simply moving on to the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers Serpent’s Tail and Viper for the eARC of this book.
This was the slow burning, understated tale of Anna Harris and the complex character she is. I was gobsmacked that this was a debut novel. It was very accomplished.
I loved it right up to about 80% and then I rushed to finish that night, and then was awake for ages thinking about it! I re-read the last 20% again, much slower this time, and still feel slightly frustrated. Absolutely not with the ending itself; I’m totally onboard with the ‘open’ ending a tale like this needs but I have far too many unanswered questions. Part of me loves a book that has me overthinking but most of me wants to sit down with the very talented Tracy Maton and refuse to let her leave until she has answered all my outstanding questions!
I’ve flitted between four and five stars for this book but have landed on five as I much prefer to be agonising over the ending than not caring and simply moving on to the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers Serpent’s Tail and Viper for the eARC of this book.
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