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Watching Edie
THERE ARE SOME FRIENDS YOU’LL NEVER FORGET…NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY
BEFORE
Edie is the friend that Heather has always craved. But one night, it goes terrifyingly wrong. And what started as an innocent friendship ends in two lives being destroyed
AFTER
Sixteen years later, Edie is still rebuilding her life. But Heather isn’t ready to let her forget so easily. It’s no coincidence that she shows up when Edie needs her most.
NOW
Edie or Heather?
Heather or Edie?
Someone has to pay for what happened, but who will it be?
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2016
438 people are currently reading
12465 people want to read
About the author
Camilla Way
14 books690 followersCamilla Way was born in Greenwich, south-east London, and studied Modern English and French Literature at the University of Glamorgan. Her father was the poet and author Peter Way. Formerly Associate Editor of the teenage girls' magazine Bliss, she is currently an editor and writer on the men's style magazine Arena. Having lived in Cardiff, Bristol, Bath and Clerkenwell, she now lives in south-east London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,255 reviews
August 20, 2016
My reviews can also be seen at: http://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpre...
My legs were really bothering me yesterday and so I spent a lot of time with my feet up reading. I was so into this book, that I ended up staying up late to finish it.
Pregnant and alone, thirty-three year old Edie has a lot on her mind. So when the doorbell rings and she opens the door one day, she is completely surprised when she sees who's standing on the other side. It's her former best friend, Heather. They haven't seen each other in almost seventeen years. Edie has imagined and dreaded this reunion over the years. Now that the moment has arrived, she is in shock and has no idea what to say to the one person she hoped to never see again.
Edie and Heather met when they were sixteen. While Edie had an easy time making friends, this wasn't the case for Heather. When Edie shows an interest in being friends, Heather can't believe it. Quickly they become close, but the friendship is always a bit lopsided with Heather a bit needier. Her home life is no better. They had moved to the town when Heather was ten for a "fresh start" after a tragedy rocked their family.
For awhile things are better for Heather, her friendship with Edie makes her so happy. But when Edie finds a boyfriend and starts hanging out with him and his friends, things start to change. But Heather doesn't want things to change, she doesn't want to lose Edie. Heather will do anything to keep from losing her.
However, not only do things change but everything goes horribly wrong. Betrayal and anger sets things in motion that changes both of their lives completely. Secrets that they have both kept all of these years. But who betrayed who? Why has Heather chosen to find Edie now?
What exactly happened all those years ago?
After that first visit, Edie avoids Heather but feels like she sees her everywhere she goes. But a few months later, Heather returns just when Edie has sunken far into feelings of hopelessness as a new mother. Edie doesn't understand the feelings she's having and why motherhood is so hard. Helpless to refuse the help that Heather offers, she even begs her to stay. But when she starts to come out of the black hole she had fallen into and her thinking clears, she starts to wonder about the timing of Heather's return. Was it coincidence or was she just waiting for the perfect moment to come back? After everything that happened in the past, what does she truly want? And now that she's back in her life, will Edie be able to get her out of it?
The book alternates between Before and After and is told from both Edie and Heather's point of view. In the beginning I had a bit of a hard time figuring out who's point of view it was but it didn't take very long to catch on.
I think this is a really good psychological thriller. Full of suspense, with a clever and unique plot. Lots of little twists throughout the book made it even more enjoyable. It shows the darker side of friendship, obsession, and betrayal. That not everything is always what it seems. I would be positive I had figured something important out and and the author would throw a curve-ball into the mix and I would be back to trying to figure out just what was going on. I did not see the ending coming at all.
A gripping book. I was captivated by the story from start to finish. I hope to read more from Camilla Way very soon.
Thank you to NetGalley, Camilla Way, and Harper Collins for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
My legs were really bothering me yesterday and so I spent a lot of time with my feet up reading. I was so into this book, that I ended up staying up late to finish it.
Pregnant and alone, thirty-three year old Edie has a lot on her mind. So when the doorbell rings and she opens the door one day, she is completely surprised when she sees who's standing on the other side. It's her former best friend, Heather. They haven't seen each other in almost seventeen years. Edie has imagined and dreaded this reunion over the years. Now that the moment has arrived, she is in shock and has no idea what to say to the one person she hoped to never see again.
Edie and Heather met when they were sixteen. While Edie had an easy time making friends, this wasn't the case for Heather. When Edie shows an interest in being friends, Heather can't believe it. Quickly they become close, but the friendship is always a bit lopsided with Heather a bit needier. Her home life is no better. They had moved to the town when Heather was ten for a "fresh start" after a tragedy rocked their family.
For awhile things are better for Heather, her friendship with Edie makes her so happy. But when Edie finds a boyfriend and starts hanging out with him and his friends, things start to change. But Heather doesn't want things to change, she doesn't want to lose Edie. Heather will do anything to keep from losing her.
However, not only do things change but everything goes horribly wrong. Betrayal and anger sets things in motion that changes both of their lives completely. Secrets that they have both kept all of these years. But who betrayed who? Why has Heather chosen to find Edie now?
What exactly happened all those years ago?
After that first visit, Edie avoids Heather but feels like she sees her everywhere she goes. But a few months later, Heather returns just when Edie has sunken far into feelings of hopelessness as a new mother. Edie doesn't understand the feelings she's having and why motherhood is so hard. Helpless to refuse the help that Heather offers, she even begs her to stay. But when she starts to come out of the black hole she had fallen into and her thinking clears, she starts to wonder about the timing of Heather's return. Was it coincidence or was she just waiting for the perfect moment to come back? After everything that happened in the past, what does she truly want? And now that she's back in her life, will Edie be able to get her out of it?
The book alternates between Before and After and is told from both Edie and Heather's point of view. In the beginning I had a bit of a hard time figuring out who's point of view it was but it didn't take very long to catch on.
I think this is a really good psychological thriller. Full of suspense, with a clever and unique plot. Lots of little twists throughout the book made it even more enjoyable. It shows the darker side of friendship, obsession, and betrayal. That not everything is always what it seems. I would be positive I had figured something important out and and the author would throw a curve-ball into the mix and I would be back to trying to figure out just what was going on. I did not see the ending coming at all.
A gripping book. I was captivated by the story from start to finish. I hope to read more from Camilla Way very soon.
Thank you to NetGalley, Camilla Way, and Harper Collins for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 15, 2019
Watching Edie by Camilla Way is a 2016 Berkley publication.
A psychological thriller done right!
The past few months have been very hectic in my household- so I’ve been either catching up on my holiday books before the season is over, or going through my TBR pile and pulling out a few books that have slipped down the list so that I can read them at my leisure, instead of being on a deadline.
I remember when this book was making the rounds on Goodreads, I was very intrigued, but the wait time at the library was so long, I decided to try back later. Three years later, I still had a short wait, but I must say it was well worth it.
Edie’s life hasn’t turned out quite as planned. The once popular girl, now finds herself pregnant, living alone, with very little emotional support. Then out of the clear blue sky, Heather, an old friend from her school days, one she would rather not ever see again, pops up at her door, just when Edie is at her most vulnerable.
From there, the reader is taken back and forth through time as Heather and Edie’s relationship developed, keeping one on edge, wondering just what monumental thing came between them all those years ago, and worried about what will happen now that Heather has wormed her way back into Edie’s life.
Heather is obviously a bit obsessed with Edie. While at times she seems to be a great, supportive friend, the reader senses something is off about Heather. Does she mean to do Edie harm? Is the baby in danger? Is she out for revenge, or is she just a lonely woman who needs a friend?
This is a stellar novel of suspense! The author did a fantastic job at creating a taut, sinister, creepy atmosphere, while building the tension at such an excruciating pace, I was sitting on the edge of seat from start to finish.
Yet, I never fully guessed the direction the story would take me, until the shocking conclusion.
This is the way a good psychological thriller should progress, in my opinion. There were no over the top twists tossed in for mere shock value. The story is smart, tense, and emotional. There are a few very important topics addressed and I found the story had a lingering effect on me.
Overall, if you are still a bit wary of psychological thrillers, unable to decipher the good ones from the many sub par offerings in an overcrowded genre, I think this one is a very safe bet. I’m going to press the ‘recommend’ button for this one.
4.5 stars
A psychological thriller done right!
The past few months have been very hectic in my household- so I’ve been either catching up on my holiday books before the season is over, or going through my TBR pile and pulling out a few books that have slipped down the list so that I can read them at my leisure, instead of being on a deadline.
I remember when this book was making the rounds on Goodreads, I was very intrigued, but the wait time at the library was so long, I decided to try back later. Three years later, I still had a short wait, but I must say it was well worth it.
Edie’s life hasn’t turned out quite as planned. The once popular girl, now finds herself pregnant, living alone, with very little emotional support. Then out of the clear blue sky, Heather, an old friend from her school days, one she would rather not ever see again, pops up at her door, just when Edie is at her most vulnerable.
From there, the reader is taken back and forth through time as Heather and Edie’s relationship developed, keeping one on edge, wondering just what monumental thing came between them all those years ago, and worried about what will happen now that Heather has wormed her way back into Edie’s life.
Heather is obviously a bit obsessed with Edie. While at times she seems to be a great, supportive friend, the reader senses something is off about Heather. Does she mean to do Edie harm? Is the baby in danger? Is she out for revenge, or is she just a lonely woman who needs a friend?
This is a stellar novel of suspense! The author did a fantastic job at creating a taut, sinister, creepy atmosphere, while building the tension at such an excruciating pace, I was sitting on the edge of seat from start to finish.
Yet, I never fully guessed the direction the story would take me, until the shocking conclusion.
This is the way a good psychological thriller should progress, in my opinion. There were no over the top twists tossed in for mere shock value. The story is smart, tense, and emotional. There are a few very important topics addressed and I found the story had a lingering effect on me.
Overall, if you are still a bit wary of psychological thrillers, unable to decipher the good ones from the many sub par offerings in an overcrowded genre, I think this one is a very safe bet. I’m going to press the ‘recommend’ button for this one.
4.5 stars
March 31, 2019
i came across a copy of this arc at work a while back, before there were too many reviews of it up on here. i couldn't tell, from an admittedly cursory assessment, whether it was creepy psychological suspense or a more heartwarming story of female friendships overcoming past betrayals and reigniting when one was in need of support. i decided to pass on it, because i didn't need another book to read, especially one that i was already iffy about. and then once more people started reviewing it, and it became clear that it was, in fact, creepy psychological suspense, i was all "oops," and when the publisher offered to send me a copy, i was quick to accept because you're rarely in the position to unmake mistakes you have made, and you gotta take every opportunity to second-guess decisions and make things right.
which is kind of fitting, considering the themes of this book.
it's about two women whose paths cross years after their teenage friendship ended messily. the details of the mess are shrouded in mystery, and true to the genre, the reader is kept in page-turning suspense, teased and manipulated throughout the meat of the book, until the final reveal.
the book is told through alternating POVs and timeframes. heather narrates the "before" sections and edie narrates the "after."
in the "before," we see heather as a lonely girl - she's friendless and overweight, socially awkward and prone to violent fugue states, with an unsatisfying home life in which each family member drifts in their own path, interacting frostily, if at all. a childhood tragedy ended any expectation for emotional support, and heather's only source of approval is by doing well in school. and then edie moves to town, and she's all bold and beautiful charisma, and she and heather just click and form a fierce friendship. and then edie meets a boy, which is never a good thing for female friendships of differing social desirability.
in the "after", edie is a waitress whose one-night-stand resulted in a pregnancy she's going through alone, having never told the married man she slept with that he knocked her up. in the throes of postpartum depression, vulnerable and exhausted, heather suddenly arrives on her doorstep and edie gratefully relinquishes herself and her daughter to heather's care, despite the seventeen-year pause on their friendship and the reasons for their parting ways. as edie slowly comes back to herself, she starts noticing a troubling, obsessive cast to heather's behavior, and begins to actively fear for her safety.
the biggest trick the author manages is the trick of sympathies. both characters, in their separate narratives, are equally sympathetic. and yet you know that something devastating happened, and one of them is to blame, but suspicion shifts focus from chapter to chapter, as each character's potential to do harm/motive to hurt the other solidifies.
it's like Megan Abbott writing Misery, and it's nicely done.
the reveal makes sense both as what ended their friendship and how they became the women they became in the after. i did frown at the final-final scene, which didn't seem to make sense until so my frown was adjusted into a thoughtful "hmmmm...." noise.
all told, it is very satisfying psych suspense, and i'm glad i got a second chance to give this a go.
come to my blog!
which is kind of fitting, considering the themes of this book.
it's about two women whose paths cross years after their teenage friendship ended messily. the details of the mess are shrouded in mystery, and true to the genre, the reader is kept in page-turning suspense, teased and manipulated throughout the meat of the book, until the final reveal.
the book is told through alternating POVs and timeframes. heather narrates the "before" sections and edie narrates the "after."
in the "before," we see heather as a lonely girl - she's friendless and overweight, socially awkward and prone to violent fugue states, with an unsatisfying home life in which each family member drifts in their own path, interacting frostily, if at all. a childhood tragedy ended any expectation for emotional support, and heather's only source of approval is by doing well in school. and then edie moves to town, and she's all bold and beautiful charisma, and she and heather just click and form a fierce friendship. and then edie meets a boy, which is never a good thing for female friendships of differing social desirability.
in the "after", edie is a waitress whose one-night-stand resulted in a pregnancy she's going through alone, having never told the married man she slept with that he knocked her up. in the throes of postpartum depression, vulnerable and exhausted, heather suddenly arrives on her doorstep and edie gratefully relinquishes herself and her daughter to heather's care, despite the seventeen-year pause on their friendship and the reasons for their parting ways. as edie slowly comes back to herself, she starts noticing a troubling, obsessive cast to heather's behavior, and begins to actively fear for her safety.
the biggest trick the author manages is the trick of sympathies. both characters, in their separate narratives, are equally sympathetic. and yet you know that something devastating happened, and one of them is to blame, but suspicion shifts focus from chapter to chapter, as each character's potential to do harm/motive to hurt the other solidifies.
it's like Megan Abbott writing Misery, and it's nicely done.
the reveal makes sense both as what ended their friendship and how they became the women they became in the after. i did frown at the final-final scene, which didn't seem to make sense until so my frown was adjusted into a thoughtful "hmmmm...." noise.
all told, it is very satisfying psych suspense, and i'm glad i got a second chance to give this a go.
come to my blog!
August 18, 2016
"The night hovers."
And watchful eyes do peer into windows. Nothing you have done and nothing that you will ever do will go unnoticed.
Edie steps onto the page with heavy-laden feet. You see, she's been a hard working waitress for some time taking on extra shifts for extra money. The swollen, achy feet can attest to that, including the fact that she is pregnant and alone. Another unmentionable secret to add to the pile of lies looming in the background. The baby's father is married and unaware. Edie prefers it that way.
Camilla Way invites you into the minimal prenatal care and the overwhelming thrust of the birth. Little Maya becomes a stranger in her mother's arms. Edie has always been unprepared for life and the wrapped little bundle becomes too much. Edie is falling into the dark abyss of no return.
Enter Heather from long ago. Heather, who can inhale every breath of air within a ten block radius, and the same once-upon-a-time girl who can turn bones into jelly. Heather to the rescue and Edie adrift in a sea of helplessness. A great combo until it no longer is.
Camilla Way draws you into this little scenario with a jagged secret held out slightly to the side of every step taken in this story. Ms. Way opens your eyes to the fact that both Edie and Heather have a clouded past and this fact rolls in with all the thunder and lightning your mind can hold. Edie and Heather will engage in a battle of the minds that will shift your thinking back and forth like the ricocheting of a whirling ball in a heated volley. Who is who and what is what here?
This was a fast-paced read that contains well-sculpted characters who leave you frustrated, perplexed, aggravated, but yet unable to walk away. It's certainly an enjoyable read in which the plot is blurred in just the right places. Kudos to Ms. Way for laying out a finely crafted storyline in which all is not quite as once perceived. Looking forward to her next offering with arms extended widely.
And watchful eyes do peer into windows. Nothing you have done and nothing that you will ever do will go unnoticed.
Edie steps onto the page with heavy-laden feet. You see, she's been a hard working waitress for some time taking on extra shifts for extra money. The swollen, achy feet can attest to that, including the fact that she is pregnant and alone. Another unmentionable secret to add to the pile of lies looming in the background. The baby's father is married and unaware. Edie prefers it that way.
Camilla Way invites you into the minimal prenatal care and the overwhelming thrust of the birth. Little Maya becomes a stranger in her mother's arms. Edie has always been unprepared for life and the wrapped little bundle becomes too much. Edie is falling into the dark abyss of no return.
Enter Heather from long ago. Heather, who can inhale every breath of air within a ten block radius, and the same once-upon-a-time girl who can turn bones into jelly. Heather to the rescue and Edie adrift in a sea of helplessness. A great combo until it no longer is.
Camilla Way draws you into this little scenario with a jagged secret held out slightly to the side of every step taken in this story. Ms. Way opens your eyes to the fact that both Edie and Heather have a clouded past and this fact rolls in with all the thunder and lightning your mind can hold. Edie and Heather will engage in a battle of the minds that will shift your thinking back and forth like the ricocheting of a whirling ball in a heated volley. Who is who and what is what here?
This was a fast-paced read that contains well-sculpted characters who leave you frustrated, perplexed, aggravated, but yet unable to walk away. It's certainly an enjoyable read in which the plot is blurred in just the right places. Kudos to Ms. Way for laying out a finely crafted storyline in which all is not quite as once perceived. Looking forward to her next offering with arms extended widely.
August 10, 2016
Find all my reviews on my blog: https://thesuspenseisthrillingme.com
Date Read: 08/06/16
Pub Date: 08/02/16
4 STARS
Beautiful, creative, a little wild… Edie was the kind of girl who immediately caused a stir when she walked into your life. And she had dreams back then—but it didn’t take long for her to learn that things don’t always turn out the way you want them to.
Now, at thirty-three, Edie is working as a waitress, pregnant and alone. And when she becomes overwhelmed by the needs of her new baby and sinks into a bleak despair, she thinks that there’s no one to turn to…
But someone’s been watching Edie, waiting for the chance to prove once again what a perfect friend she can be. It’s no coincidence that Heather shows up on Edie’s doorstep, just when Edie needs her the most. So much has passed between them—so much envy, longing, and betrayal. And Edie’s about to learn a new lesson: those who have hurt us deeply—or who we have hurt—never let us go, not entirely…
This book turned out to be COMPLETELY different than I expected, which wasn’t a bad thing. Once you’ve read enough psychological suspense/thrillers, you eventually need something to spice your TBR list up and keep you on your toes. This is a tricky book to review without giving anything away, so I’m going to try and keep it as brief and vague as possible. I’d go as far as saying your experience might be heightened if you avoid reviews altogether until finishing it for yourself.
This is going to sound weird and might not make sense, but I guessed the big twist that occurs at the end very early on in the book. It’s not obvious in any way, but for some reason I questioned one aspect and turns out that is what led me to the reveal. That said, I still felt like I got the whopping punch delivered because I didn’t expect this to be that type of book before I began reading it. I know this whole review is confusing, and I apologize for it, but I’m grateful I was still able to feel some of that shock value while having figured out the finale. If a book can still be considered a fantastic read without having to depend on a “Gone Girl-esque Twist”, that means it was a worthy read in my ranks.
There were a few sections that felt to drag on a bit, even though the book was under 300 pages. I think if a few of these sections had been cut (maybe 30 or so pages), this would have been a 5 STAR read for me. This read is a slow build; even though I was hooked from the prologue, the author takes her time to get us where she wants us before dropping the bomb shell. This was a compulsive read for me; I finished most of the story in one sitting. I’d highly recommend this one to people who are sick of all the Gone Girl comparisons, who are sick of the word “Girl” in every book title, and who enjoy a good read that can stand on it’s own. I’m very excited to see what Camilla Way comes out with next and will be keeping my eyes peeled until then!
* I received my copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks Berkley; you always know which books I’ll love!❤
Date Read: 08/06/16
Pub Date: 08/02/16
4 STARS
Beautiful, creative, a little wild… Edie was the kind of girl who immediately caused a stir when she walked into your life. And she had dreams back then—but it didn’t take long for her to learn that things don’t always turn out the way you want them to.
Now, at thirty-three, Edie is working as a waitress, pregnant and alone. And when she becomes overwhelmed by the needs of her new baby and sinks into a bleak despair, she thinks that there’s no one to turn to…
But someone’s been watching Edie, waiting for the chance to prove once again what a perfect friend she can be. It’s no coincidence that Heather shows up on Edie’s doorstep, just when Edie needs her the most. So much has passed between them—so much envy, longing, and betrayal. And Edie’s about to learn a new lesson: those who have hurt us deeply—or who we have hurt—never let us go, not entirely…
This book turned out to be COMPLETELY different than I expected, which wasn’t a bad thing. Once you’ve read enough psychological suspense/thrillers, you eventually need something to spice your TBR list up and keep you on your toes. This is a tricky book to review without giving anything away, so I’m going to try and keep it as brief and vague as possible. I’d go as far as saying your experience might be heightened if you avoid reviews altogether until finishing it for yourself.
This is going to sound weird and might not make sense, but I guessed the big twist that occurs at the end very early on in the book. It’s not obvious in any way, but for some reason I questioned one aspect and turns out that is what led me to the reveal. That said, I still felt like I got the whopping punch delivered because I didn’t expect this to be that type of book before I began reading it. I know this whole review is confusing, and I apologize for it, but I’m grateful I was still able to feel some of that shock value while having figured out the finale. If a book can still be considered a fantastic read without having to depend on a “Gone Girl-esque Twist”, that means it was a worthy read in my ranks.
There were a few sections that felt to drag on a bit, even though the book was under 300 pages. I think if a few of these sections had been cut (maybe 30 or so pages), this would have been a 5 STAR read for me. This read is a slow build; even though I was hooked from the prologue, the author takes her time to get us where she wants us before dropping the bomb shell. This was a compulsive read for me; I finished most of the story in one sitting. I’d highly recommend this one to people who are sick of all the Gone Girl comparisons, who are sick of the word “Girl” in every book title, and who enjoy a good read that can stand on it’s own. I’m very excited to see what Camilla Way comes out with next and will be keeping my eyes peeled until then!
* I received my copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks Berkley; you always know which books I’ll love!❤
February 20, 2023
What a novel! Camilla way really knows what she’s doing, and delivered a dark, twisty story that kept me invested. I loved the characters Way created, and the two POVs from then and now worked really well. The novel portrayed obsessive love convincingly and the chilly atmosphere felt real. Well done!
January 22, 2022
I occasionally listen to audio books and Watching Edie by Camilla Way was perfect in this format - ideal for long car journeys and long breaks between instalments. The plot is straightforward, there are few characters and the writing is clear cut.
Edie is attractive, down to earth, kind and popular. Heather is awkward, needy and shunned by her school friends. They strike up an unlikely friendship when Edie moves down from Manchester and starts at Heather's school.
The story jumps from the past i.e. the beginnings of this turbulent friendship and their entanglement with the wrong crowd, drugs and unsuitable relationships, to the present day. Something awful and life changing has obviously occurred. The reveal is gradual, unsettling and expertly managed.
There's loads of tension and real momentum to the narrative.
The audio book uses two readers for the two main characters. This works excellently, the voices are perfect, you can clearly hear and picture Edie and Heather and this really adds to the story ............ certainly not always the case with audio books where the narrator can kill a book stone dead!
A satisfying and involving listen.
Edie is attractive, down to earth, kind and popular. Heather is awkward, needy and shunned by her school friends. They strike up an unlikely friendship when Edie moves down from Manchester and starts at Heather's school.
The story jumps from the past i.e. the beginnings of this turbulent friendship and their entanglement with the wrong crowd, drugs and unsuitable relationships, to the present day. Something awful and life changing has obviously occurred. The reveal is gradual, unsettling and expertly managed.
There's loads of tension and real momentum to the narrative.
The audio book uses two readers for the two main characters. This works excellently, the voices are perfect, you can clearly hear and picture Edie and Heather and this really adds to the story ............ certainly not always the case with audio books where the narrator can kill a book stone dead!
A satisfying and involving listen.
May 20, 2016
Before....
Edie is the new girl at the High School in the small town of Fremton. She has natural
beauty -- and is naturally well liked by other students. She is socially -appropriate...
could be considered popular... But is comfortable enough in her skin to mix with all types of friends. She doesn't measure who she is by having to hang out with the 'cool kids'.
Heather, is actually one of the first students Edie meets. Heather feels lucky to be talking to such a beautiful new girl in school - she makes it her mission to become fast best friends. Edie is willing to be Heathers friend ( she doesn't know many people yet).
Heather doesn't glide through social circles easy. Not only is she over-weight..she's constantly judging others and/or herself. Her classmates don't warm to her easily.
Although these two teenage girls are very different from one another,
Edie and Heather 'do' share a common experience from having had trauma in their childhood. There strongest connection is their being able to relate to each other's unhappy family lives.
When Edie meets a boy she likes - Conner - ( hot-throb-dominant -bad-boy) -Edie begins to fall under Conner's spell of alcohol, drugs, sex, and late nights.
The girls friendship don't just suffer minor challenges over 'a guy'... rather a horrific
tragedy happens. Edie moves away from the town - in with her uncle-
After.....
Sixteen years later....Heather knocks on Edie's door. What the hell does she want???
Edie is pregnant - single - working as a waitress - she has enough problems to deal with -- and she sure does not want this old friend - whom she ended on bad terms anywhere near her....
BUT... Edie weakens. After her baby arrives along with postpartum depression - and lacking for money ...she lets Heather back into her life.
Edie even begins to question herself if she has misinterpreted things from years ago with Heather.
We, as the readers begin to question who is unstable. This story sometimes reminded me of the movie "Single White Female" with Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh. It had the same pulse-pounding psychological shocker ending.
The BIG question I'm left with...."what are the chances that an old injure friendship can work a 2nd time around 16 years later?"
Great one sitting read!!!
Thank You Berkley Publishing Group, Netgalley, and Camilla Way
Edie is the new girl at the High School in the small town of Fremton. She has natural
beauty -- and is naturally well liked by other students. She is socially -appropriate...
could be considered popular... But is comfortable enough in her skin to mix with all types of friends. She doesn't measure who she is by having to hang out with the 'cool kids'.
Heather, is actually one of the first students Edie meets. Heather feels lucky to be talking to such a beautiful new girl in school - she makes it her mission to become fast best friends. Edie is willing to be Heathers friend ( she doesn't know many people yet).
Heather doesn't glide through social circles easy. Not only is she over-weight..she's constantly judging others and/or herself. Her classmates don't warm to her easily.
Although these two teenage girls are very different from one another,
Edie and Heather 'do' share a common experience from having had trauma in their childhood. There strongest connection is their being able to relate to each other's unhappy family lives.
When Edie meets a boy she likes - Conner - ( hot-throb-dominant -bad-boy) -Edie begins to fall under Conner's spell of alcohol, drugs, sex, and late nights.
The girls friendship don't just suffer minor challenges over 'a guy'... rather a horrific
tragedy happens. Edie moves away from the town - in with her uncle-
After.....
Sixteen years later....Heather knocks on Edie's door. What the hell does she want???
Edie is pregnant - single - working as a waitress - she has enough problems to deal with -- and she sure does not want this old friend - whom she ended on bad terms anywhere near her....
BUT... Edie weakens. After her baby arrives along with postpartum depression - and lacking for money ...she lets Heather back into her life.
Edie even begins to question herself if she has misinterpreted things from years ago with Heather.
We, as the readers begin to question who is unstable. This story sometimes reminded me of the movie "Single White Female" with Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh. It had the same pulse-pounding psychological shocker ending.
The BIG question I'm left with...."what are the chances that an old injure friendship can work a 2nd time around 16 years later?"
Great one sitting read!!!
Thank You Berkley Publishing Group, Netgalley, and Camilla Way
July 19, 2016
This was a pretty great read. The author twisted and skewed this frequently used plot line into something different and kind of unexpected.
The story literally opens with Edie answering the door to her past - Heather. Friends in high school, something horrible happened that ripped them apart and they haven’t seen each other since. Immediately, you can feel the awkward tension and the uncomfortable feeling lurking in the air. Edie is creeped out by Heather and who can blame her? What kind of person just shows up after all this time and their history?
The author doesn’t spell out the horrific event in so many words, but you know there's the underlying obsession and infatuation. She strings the reader along, revealing bits and pieces here and there. Building you up to believe one thing is happening, when in reality it’s something completely different. I really liked the way she chose to tell the story - the girl’s past is told through Heather’s eyes and the current time is through Edie’s eyes.
“We don’t need anyone else, do we?”
I don’t want to give anything away because it would ruin the experience, but I’ll just say that things aren’t always as they seem. Edie is a mess and you can’t help but to wonder how she went from a student with dreams of art school to living in a crappy apartment, working as a waitress, with single parenthood looming. And Heather, wow. She’s a stalker no-doubt. Who sits across the street from someone’s house and just lurks? And why?
Turns out, the truth is pretty darn sad. I felt for both of these characters in different ways. I will say, the feelings I had at the end were completely differently from the feelings and thoughts I had in the beginning and even the middle of this story.
*ARC provided by Berkley NAL and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
The story literally opens with Edie answering the door to her past - Heather. Friends in high school, something horrible happened that ripped them apart and they haven’t seen each other since. Immediately, you can feel the awkward tension and the uncomfortable feeling lurking in the air. Edie is creeped out by Heather and who can blame her? What kind of person just shows up after all this time and their history?
The author doesn’t spell out the horrific event in so many words, but you know there's the underlying obsession and infatuation. She strings the reader along, revealing bits and pieces here and there. Building you up to believe one thing is happening, when in reality it’s something completely different. I really liked the way she chose to tell the story - the girl’s past is told through Heather’s eyes and the current time is through Edie’s eyes.
“We don’t need anyone else, do we?”
I don’t want to give anything away because it would ruin the experience, but I’ll just say that things aren’t always as they seem. Edie is a mess and you can’t help but to wonder how she went from a student with dreams of art school to living in a crappy apartment, working as a waitress, with single parenthood looming. And Heather, wow. She’s a stalker no-doubt. Who sits across the street from someone’s house and just lurks? And why?
Turns out, the truth is pretty darn sad. I felt for both of these characters in different ways. I will say, the feelings I had at the end were completely differently from the feelings and thoughts I had in the beginning and even the middle of this story.
*ARC provided by Berkley NAL and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
September 5, 2018
I loved the author's newest book, The Lies We Told, so much I immediately ordered this one. I ended up enjoying this one as well and think Camilla Way does an awesome job at telling these creepy but entertaining stories.
Edie is pregnant and alone when a friend from her past comes back into her life. She tries to avoid her but Heather is there for Edie when she needs her most. And let's just say things start to get weird.
I was thoroughly entertained and I loved the dual timelines of Edie in the present and Heather's perspective of what happened when they were teenagers. I'll admit even as I was enjoying the story, I couldn't help but think the premise is fairly basic and not really anything we haven't seen before. However, by the end of the novel I came to realize the author managed to craft a complex tale with many layers. I highly recommend giving this book a chance. I read this a few days ago and I'm still thinking about it.
Edie is pregnant and alone when a friend from her past comes back into her life. She tries to avoid her but Heather is there for Edie when she needs her most. And let's just say things start to get weird.
I was thoroughly entertained and I loved the dual timelines of Edie in the present and Heather's perspective of what happened when they were teenagers. I'll admit even as I was enjoying the story, I couldn't help but think the premise is fairly basic and not really anything we haven't seen before. However, by the end of the novel I came to realize the author managed to craft a complex tale with many layers. I highly recommend giving this book a chance. I read this a few days ago and I'm still thinking about it.
June 11, 2016
Oh well what can I say about Watching Edie?
I got to the end and sat there thinking “What do I do now?”
Look psychological thrillers are a dime a dozen these days because its a popular genre (for good reason) and because there are so many themes to explore all under that heading. Some are truly awful, some are mediocre, some are intriguingly popcorn to read and some are brilliant. Then you have ones like Watching Edie – which is brilliant but also reminds you that these things can still surprise you. Rip your heart out, throw it on the ground and stomp all over it. Thats what Watching Edie does, in a clever, evocative, haunting way. Its all in the writing, the character driven story which is entirely addictive but also beautiful, sublimely plotted and just won’t let go.
The story of Edie and Heather is told “Now” and “Then” and the author creates a memorable narrative strand for each, two voices telling one story, leading you towards one of the most heart stopping, stunning, heart wrenching conclusions I have read this year. You can feel it coming with every beat of that soon to be stomped on heart but when it arrives it will likely stop you in your tracks. “We want to know how you feel – RIGHT NOW” say the Killer Reads team at one point in the proof before the “After” and they only give you one word to do it with. You try it. YOU TRY IT! I came up with one and sent it but I’m telling you right now it does not even BEGIN to cover what I was actually feeling because I’m not sure there is a word for it.
Watching Edie does what a good psychological thriller is supposed to do and that actually very few writers pull off with such authentic, surprising, passion inducing BAM. Camilla Way has a way with words and an intensely true eye for character study, both Edie and Heather are entirely believable – this is a tale of obsession and friendship and many other things – but probably the main emotional hit of it comes from the fact that the whole messy, intense sum of it could be plucked from real life. Nothing in Watching Edie is unlikely and the author never tries to hide. It is stunning in its graceful simplicity.
Digging deep into the depths of the human psyche, with a haunting look at how events change our lives, make us different, lead us to tragedy, Watching Edie is a gorgeously insightful, rollercoaster ride of emotional turmoil. Really really REALLY good.
Highly Recommended.
“Its no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then” – Lewis Carroll. Alice in Wonderland.
Indeed.
September 6, 2019
I don't know why I didn't get to this book sooner. I certainly wish I had of done. It's a great premise, fabulous plot and twists that kept me spinning.
The thing is, the author drips enough that you need to keep reading and sniffing where the final trail leads you. It's a guessing game what "happened" so you're shouting " come on, what was it".
Edie is new in the area. Happy in her own skin. A social kind of person, fits in with anyone, pretty too and attracts attention although she's not aware of this and neither does she use it to her advantage.
Opposites attract.
Heather is the first friend she makes.
Not very social, doesn't mix easy. Over weight and she has some background.
Edie is happy with her new friend.
Heather is too.
It's a dark complex read for many reasons. It certainly kept me awake reading into the early hours when I should have been asleep.
I'm trying very hard to not give spoilers away. Once you have read this you will understand why.
The last book I read by this author I loved. I wondered if she could at least nail it again for me.
Yes! She did.
She can't write fast enough for me. I just loved it.
My thanks to the Harper Collins UK via Net Galley for my copy and also to Goodreads for my paperback copy which I shall treasure.
The thing is, the author drips enough that you need to keep reading and sniffing where the final trail leads you. It's a guessing game what "happened" so you're shouting " come on, what was it".
Edie is new in the area. Happy in her own skin. A social kind of person, fits in with anyone, pretty too and attracts attention although she's not aware of this and neither does she use it to her advantage.
Opposites attract.
Heather is the first friend she makes.
Not very social, doesn't mix easy. Over weight and she has some background.
Edie is happy with her new friend.
Heather is too.
It's a dark complex read for many reasons. It certainly kept me awake reading into the early hours when I should have been asleep.
I'm trying very hard to not give spoilers away. Once you have read this you will understand why.
The last book I read by this author I loved. I wondered if she could at least nail it again for me.
Yes! She did.
She can't write fast enough for me. I just loved it.
My thanks to the Harper Collins UK via Net Galley for my copy and also to Goodreads for my paperback copy which I shall treasure.
September 4, 2016
For a debut book, this was really good! At age 16, Edie and Heather are best friends. Until something happens. Seventeen years later, with neither of their lives as they had envisioned them, they meet again. I thought both characters were very well-written and very believable. At times, I trusted Edie and other times, Heather. And then Heather would creep me out, and Edie would seem so cruel. I liked them and then I didn't like them. With the ending came clarity of hindsight and feelings of sadness and satisfaction.
October 6, 2017
Top 50 Books of 2016!
Camilla Way delivers a dark hypnotic psychological thriller debut, WATCHING EDIE, a smashing, brilliantly crafted suspense, portraying the dark side of friendships. Keeping readers glued to the pages—With pulse-pounding intensity, building to a stunning climax --you do not see coming.
Spellbinding, every character is deeply flawed. The past and present - Combustion! From "Then" (Heather), to "Now" (Edie). From high school to seventeen years later.
Two unlikely friends. Obsession--reminiscent of Single White Female, and The Roommate, a tragedy tears these two apart. It has simmered for years, and now a slow-burning threat is waiting to surface and DESTROY!
In high school, Edie, the popular beautiful one. Heather, the heavy, social outcast misfit. The link: a dangerous controlling boyfriend, Connor. Heather is the overly protector of Edie. Friendship, betrayal, lies, hurts jealousy, revenge, guilt, drugs, control—toxic relationships. A tragedy, the unspeakable. Edie leaves town for good and runs away to London.
It all goes back to the Wrexham Quarry. Edie still dreams about Heather. Night after night her sleeping mind replays what happened between them in Fremton. She sees all of them at the quarry. Heather, Connor, Niall, Rabbitt, Boyo, Tully and the others.
The night Edie left for good, memories slamming into her one after another; the confusion, panic, the awful, terrifying screams as everything had spiraled out of control. Sometimes she imagined it was all a mistake. Whatever it is that Heather wants from her now, nothing can change that.
Here in her flat, seventeen years vanish, meaningless compared to the unforgettable horror of that night. The memories slam her. She was staring into the face she once hoped never to see again for the rest of her life.
What does Heather want from Edie? Why now? The fear. Payback is a bitch.
“The people who remain a part of us, those people who have hurt us very deeply or whom we have hurt, never letting us go, not entirely.”
Creepy, chilling, spine-tingling After seventeen years without a word from Heather, Edie is 33 years old, a single mom, a waitress living in southeast London. Heather shows up and does not mention the past, and slowly interjects herself into Edie's life and her daughter, Maya. When will the ball drop? What is she waiting for? Does she lower her guard?
With many red herrings, innovative clever writing, and lots of twists, and turns; the author keeps readers in suspense guessing throughout. Which are the victim and the villain? Who is good and who is evil?
The roof scene was outstanding! You will be holding your breath to the very last word, to find out who and how the bomb will drop. The big mystery (yes, it is huge): What went down at the quarry all those years ago? What will happen now? Read it to find out. You will not be sorry.
WATCHING EDIE is Superb! An addictive tale of deceit and obsession. Move this one to the top of your list. This twisted tale definitely should be compared to Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train. I liked it, even more.
2016 Top Psychological Thriller List (movie worthy). For fans of Mary Kubica, Laura Lippman, Chevy Stevens, Paula Treick DeBoard, Julia Heaberlin and Paula Daly. Watch out, the past never dies.
A special thank you to Penguin/NAL and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 5 Stars +
JDCMustReadBooks
Camilla Way delivers a dark hypnotic psychological thriller debut, WATCHING EDIE, a smashing, brilliantly crafted suspense, portraying the dark side of friendships. Keeping readers glued to the pages—With pulse-pounding intensity, building to a stunning climax --you do not see coming.
Spellbinding, every character is deeply flawed. The past and present - Combustion! From "Then" (Heather), to "Now" (Edie). From high school to seventeen years later.
Two unlikely friends. Obsession--reminiscent of Single White Female, and The Roommate, a tragedy tears these two apart. It has simmered for years, and now a slow-burning threat is waiting to surface and DESTROY!
In high school, Edie, the popular beautiful one. Heather, the heavy, social outcast misfit. The link: a dangerous controlling boyfriend, Connor. Heather is the overly protector of Edie. Friendship, betrayal, lies, hurts jealousy, revenge, guilt, drugs, control—toxic relationships. A tragedy, the unspeakable. Edie leaves town for good and runs away to London.
“At first I used to see Heather everywhere. Connor too, of course. From the corner of my eye I’d catch a glimpse of one, or the other of them, and there’d be that sharp, cold lurch that would leave me sick and shaken long after I’d realized that it had been an illusion; just a stranger with similar hair or the same way of walking.
Whenever it happened I’d go somewhere busy and lose myself among the crowds, roaming the southeast London streets until I’d reassured myself that all that was very far away and long ago. A small West Midlands town a million miles from here. And the doorbell rings and rings as I’d always known it would one day.
Because there she is (Heather) standing on her doorstep, staring at her (Edie). There, after all, this time, is Heather. And she had imagined this, dreamed of this, dreaded this, so many hundreds of times for so many years that the reality is both surreal and anticlimactic. They stand in silence, two thirty-three-year-old versions of the girls we'd once been."
It all goes back to the Wrexham Quarry. Edie still dreams about Heather. Night after night her sleeping mind replays what happened between them in Fremton. She sees all of them at the quarry. Heather, Connor, Niall, Rabbitt, Boyo, Tully and the others.
The night Edie left for good, memories slamming into her one after another; the confusion, panic, the awful, terrifying screams as everything had spiraled out of control. Sometimes she imagined it was all a mistake. Whatever it is that Heather wants from her now, nothing can change that.
Here in her flat, seventeen years vanish, meaningless compared to the unforgettable horror of that night. The memories slam her. She was staring into the face she once hoped never to see again for the rest of her life.
What does Heather want from Edie? Why now? The fear. Payback is a bitch.
“The people who remain a part of us, those people who have hurt us very deeply or whom we have hurt, never letting us go, not entirely.”
Creepy, chilling, spine-tingling After seventeen years without a word from Heather, Edie is 33 years old, a single mom, a waitress living in southeast London. Heather shows up and does not mention the past, and slowly interjects herself into Edie's life and her daughter, Maya. When will the ball drop? What is she waiting for? Does she lower her guard?
With many red herrings, innovative clever writing, and lots of twists, and turns; the author keeps readers in suspense guessing throughout. Which are the victim and the villain? Who is good and who is evil?
The roof scene was outstanding! You will be holding your breath to the very last word, to find out who and how the bomb will drop. The big mystery (yes, it is huge): What went down at the quarry all those years ago? What will happen now? Read it to find out. You will not be sorry.
WATCHING EDIE is Superb! An addictive tale of deceit and obsession. Move this one to the top of your list. This twisted tale definitely should be compared to Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train. I liked it, even more.
2016 Top Psychological Thriller List (movie worthy). For fans of Mary Kubica, Laura Lippman, Chevy Stevens, Paula Treick DeBoard, Julia Heaberlin and Paula Daly. Watch out, the past never dies.
A special thank you to Penguin/NAL and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 5 Stars +
JDCMustReadBooks
May 3, 2016
Psychological thriller that will mess with your head.
Both outcasts, teenagers Heather and Edie are drawn together over their crumbling home lives. Overweight and unstylish, Heather is socially awkward and tries too hard to make friends. She becomes immediately enthralled with Edie, the new beautiful girl at school who is nice to her. The two girls realize that they share a lot in common and become fast friends. However, their friendship changes when Edie begins dating Connor, and the results of Edie and Connor's relationship leads to traumatic events and unforgivable consequences.
16 years later, Heather shows up on Edie's doorstep wanting to reestablish their friendship. Heather appears to be obsessed with Edie, whereas Edie just wants to bury the past.
Watching Edie is told in two narrative strands: "before" and "after", alternating between Edie and Heather's points of view. The shifting changes in time and POV will keep you guessing about the truth about the events of the past.
I received this book from Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Both outcasts, teenagers Heather and Edie are drawn together over their crumbling home lives. Overweight and unstylish, Heather is socially awkward and tries too hard to make friends. She becomes immediately enthralled with Edie, the new beautiful girl at school who is nice to her. The two girls realize that they share a lot in common and become fast friends. However, their friendship changes when Edie begins dating Connor, and the results of Edie and Connor's relationship leads to traumatic events and unforgivable consequences.
16 years later, Heather shows up on Edie's doorstep wanting to reestablish their friendship. Heather appears to be obsessed with Edie, whereas Edie just wants to bury the past.
Watching Edie is told in two narrative strands: "before" and "after", alternating between Edie and Heather's points of view. The shifting changes in time and POV will keep you guessing about the truth about the events of the past.
I received this book from Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2016
4.5 stars
Loved it!!
This is a solid thriller with flawed characters and buried secrets. The author does a wonderful job keeping the reader guessing as to who is the most dysfunctional and who has the most secrets to reveal.
I was really impressed by the structure and pace of how this read. Told from each of the main characters points of view, but in different time periods. Edie's version was told in the present tense where Heather's was told in the past. Both time periods doing an excellent job of peeling back the layers of who these characters were and how the events of the past shaped them for who they are in present day. Eventually the past secrets are revealed, and while I did have my suspicions, I have to say the author went there and then some.
This story read true to me, which I think is one of the biggest compliments you can give an author. I believed these characters. Their reactions and emotions rang true. whether it was their past selves or their present.
I have a new author to add to my 'keep an eye on' list, and highly recommend that you give this a read as well. I don't think you will be disappointed!
ARC through NetGalley
Loved it!!
This is a solid thriller with flawed characters and buried secrets. The author does a wonderful job keeping the reader guessing as to who is the most dysfunctional and who has the most secrets to reveal.
I was really impressed by the structure and pace of how this read. Told from each of the main characters points of view, but in different time periods. Edie's version was told in the present tense where Heather's was told in the past. Both time periods doing an excellent job of peeling back the layers of who these characters were and how the events of the past shaped them for who they are in present day. Eventually the past secrets are revealed, and while I did have my suspicions, I have to say the author went there and then some.
This story read true to me, which I think is one of the biggest compliments you can give an author. I believed these characters. Their reactions and emotions rang true. whether it was their past selves or their present.
I have a new author to add to my 'keep an eye on' list, and highly recommend that you give this a read as well. I don't think you will be disappointed!
ARC through NetGalley
August 28, 2019
EXCERPT: I have imagined this, dreamed of this, dreaded this, so many hundreds of times for so many years that the reality is both entirely surreal and anti-climactic. I see and hear life continuing on this ordinary London street on this ordinary afternoon - cars and people, children playing down the street, a dog barking - as if from far away, and as I stare into her face the sour taste of fear creeps around the back of my tongue. I open my mouth but no words come and we stand in silence for a while, two thirty-three-year-old versions of the girls we had once been.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Beautiful, creative, a little wild… Edie was the kind of girl who immediately caused a stir when she walked into your life. And she had dreams back then—but it didn’t take long for her to learn that things don’t always turn out the way you want them to.
Now, at thirty-three, Edie is working as a waitress, pregnant and alone. And when she becomes overwhelmed by the needs of her new baby and sinks into a bleak despair, she thinks that there’s no one to turn to…
But someone’s been watching Edie, waiting for the chance to prove once again what a perfect friend she can be. It’s no coincidence that Heather shows up on Edie’s doorstep, just when Edie needs her the most. So much has passed between them—so much envy, longing, and betrayal. And Edie’s about to learn a new lesson: those who have hurt us deeply—or who we have hurt—never let us go, not entirely…
MY THOUGHTS: Just as the long awaited reunion between Edie and Heather was anti-climactic, so was my reaction to Watching Edie.
The book alternates between Before and After and is told from both Edie and Heather's point of view. However, it is not always initially clear whose point of view you are reading...and I found this frustrating.
There are lots of little twists throughout the book, but early on I had my suspicions of just how this played out, and I was mostly right. Now, that is not always a minus in my ratings, but in this case I found that the book dragged in places, particularly where the author was trying to skirt around some event or fact which would have given us a clue as to what was going on.
I didn't particularly like either of the main characters, and while I really wouldn't classify this as a psychological thriller (a. it is not particularly thrilling; and b. the only real psychological aspect is that both these people need psychiatric help), it does have an element of mystery to it.
I found it difficult to connect to this book and the whole reading experience left me feeling... grubby. 2.5 *
THE AUTHOR: Camilla Way was born in Greenwich, south-east London, and studied Modern English and French Literature at the University of Glamorgan. Her father was the poet and author Peter Way. Formerly Associate Editor of the teenage girls' magazine Bliss, she is currently an editor and writer on the men's style magazine Arena. Having lived in Cardiff, Bristol, Bath and Clerkenwell, she now lives in south-east London.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper-Collins via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Watching Edie by Camilla Way. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own opinion.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Beautiful, creative, a little wild… Edie was the kind of girl who immediately caused a stir when she walked into your life. And she had dreams back then—but it didn’t take long for her to learn that things don’t always turn out the way you want them to.
Now, at thirty-three, Edie is working as a waitress, pregnant and alone. And when she becomes overwhelmed by the needs of her new baby and sinks into a bleak despair, she thinks that there’s no one to turn to…
But someone’s been watching Edie, waiting for the chance to prove once again what a perfect friend she can be. It’s no coincidence that Heather shows up on Edie’s doorstep, just when Edie needs her the most. So much has passed between them—so much envy, longing, and betrayal. And Edie’s about to learn a new lesson: those who have hurt us deeply—or who we have hurt—never let us go, not entirely…
MY THOUGHTS: Just as the long awaited reunion between Edie and Heather was anti-climactic, so was my reaction to Watching Edie.
The book alternates between Before and After and is told from both Edie and Heather's point of view. However, it is not always initially clear whose point of view you are reading...and I found this frustrating.
There are lots of little twists throughout the book, but early on I had my suspicions of just how this played out, and I was mostly right. Now, that is not always a minus in my ratings, but in this case I found that the book dragged in places, particularly where the author was trying to skirt around some event or fact which would have given us a clue as to what was going on.
I didn't particularly like either of the main characters, and while I really wouldn't classify this as a psychological thriller (a. it is not particularly thrilling; and b. the only real psychological aspect is that both these people need psychiatric help), it does have an element of mystery to it.
I found it difficult to connect to this book and the whole reading experience left me feeling... grubby. 2.5 *
THE AUTHOR: Camilla Way was born in Greenwich, south-east London, and studied Modern English and French Literature at the University of Glamorgan. Her father was the poet and author Peter Way. Formerly Associate Editor of the teenage girls' magazine Bliss, she is currently an editor and writer on the men's style magazine Arena. Having lived in Cardiff, Bristol, Bath and Clerkenwell, she now lives in south-east London.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper-Collins via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Watching Edie by Camilla Way. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own opinion.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
September 23, 2016
3.5★
I expected more. The format was great, Before and After, with alternating points of view between Heather (Before) and Edie (After). The story moved along over the years from high school and some unspeakable ‘events’, which are hinted at with constant teases and references, to many years later.
It’s those events that I expected more from. The struggles both girls had with their families and the great difference in their natures was well described. Heather is dowdy, frumpy and unpopular. Edie is sexy, colourful and a magnet for attention.
But Edie has troubles at home and for some reason likes Heather, who has a real crush on her. Edie has a crush on Conner, though, a perfect bad boy with dreadful friends and vile habits, all of which Heather would like to save Edie from.
Heather tells all of the back story (Before) from high school, while Edie tells the story of when they meet again as adults (After).
As schoolgirls, both have family problems at home. After Heather’s little sister dies (which we learn early), Heather remembers:
“I guess from the outside it might have looked like we were shutting out the world to find comfort in each other, but it wasn’t like that at all. My mum and dad cleaved like a stricken tree, me like a lost squirrel hopping between the two halves. Dad had never looked at me the same way after it happened and Mum didn’t either, but it was different with her. With Mum I knew in my heart that she wished it was Lydia who had come home safe and sound that day, not me.”
Pretty rough feeling to live with. Her dad fixes watches and clocks.
“For all the clocks in our house, time never moves on for any of us; we’re all held fast in that day ten summers ago, unable or unwilling to leave it behind.”
In Edie’s After chapters, she is alone in a London flat, pregnant and sick, when Heather makes her unwelcome reappearance in her life. At this point, the story takes on tones of the movie “Single White Female” and a bit of “Misery”, the Kathy Bates movie where she pretty much captures the injured James Caan.
Fairly early in the book, Edie has the baby and Heather moves in and takes over. It appears she may have been stalking Edie for a long time, and she’s a strong young woman at a time when Edie is weak, sick, and depressed. Diving-under-the-doona-depressed. [Doona – quilt, duvet or similar]
“With Heather it was as if, for the first time in my life, I could be myself, could tell her anything and she would still think I was great. It had been the most comforting friendship I had ever had. And then I think about how, slowly, everything had changed, and the horror of that final night comes rushing towards me like an express train and I curl up into a ball, my eyes tight shut, my hands over my ears trying desperately to block the memories out. I don’t know why she has come to help me now, after all this time, after all that happened then . . . “
There are a few scary scenes, a few nail-biting circumstances. Overall, I still felt a little disappointed at the end.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the preview copy from which I’ve quoted, so there may be changes.
I expected more. The format was great, Before and After, with alternating points of view between Heather (Before) and Edie (After). The story moved along over the years from high school and some unspeakable ‘events’, which are hinted at with constant teases and references, to many years later.
It’s those events that I expected more from. The struggles both girls had with their families and the great difference in their natures was well described. Heather is dowdy, frumpy and unpopular. Edie is sexy, colourful and a magnet for attention.
But Edie has troubles at home and for some reason likes Heather, who has a real crush on her. Edie has a crush on Conner, though, a perfect bad boy with dreadful friends and vile habits, all of which Heather would like to save Edie from.
Heather tells all of the back story (Before) from high school, while Edie tells the story of when they meet again as adults (After).
As schoolgirls, both have family problems at home. After Heather’s little sister dies (which we learn early), Heather remembers:
“I guess from the outside it might have looked like we were shutting out the world to find comfort in each other, but it wasn’t like that at all. My mum and dad cleaved like a stricken tree, me like a lost squirrel hopping between the two halves. Dad had never looked at me the same way after it happened and Mum didn’t either, but it was different with her. With Mum I knew in my heart that she wished it was Lydia who had come home safe and sound that day, not me.”
Pretty rough feeling to live with. Her dad fixes watches and clocks.
“For all the clocks in our house, time never moves on for any of us; we’re all held fast in that day ten summers ago, unable or unwilling to leave it behind.”
In Edie’s After chapters, she is alone in a London flat, pregnant and sick, when Heather makes her unwelcome reappearance in her life. At this point, the story takes on tones of the movie “Single White Female” and a bit of “Misery”, the Kathy Bates movie where she pretty much captures the injured James Caan.
Fairly early in the book, Edie has the baby and Heather moves in and takes over. It appears she may have been stalking Edie for a long time, and she’s a strong young woman at a time when Edie is weak, sick, and depressed. Diving-under-the-doona-depressed. [Doona – quilt, duvet or similar]
“With Heather it was as if, for the first time in my life, I could be myself, could tell her anything and she would still think I was great. It had been the most comforting friendship I had ever had. And then I think about how, slowly, everything had changed, and the horror of that final night comes rushing towards me like an express train and I curl up into a ball, my eyes tight shut, my hands over my ears trying desperately to block the memories out. I don’t know why she has come to help me now, after all this time, after all that happened then . . . “
There are a few scary scenes, a few nail-biting circumstances. Overall, I still felt a little disappointed at the end.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the preview copy from which I’ve quoted, so there may be changes.
August 6, 2019
Nerve Jangling from Beginning to End!
I’m entirely unprepared for what’s waiting for me beyond the heavy, wide front door and when I open it the world seems to tilt and I have to grip the doorframe to stop myself from falling. Because there she is, standing on my doorstep, staring back at me. There, after all this time, is Heather.
And I have imagined this, dreamed of this, dreaded this, so many hundreds of times for so many years that the reality is both entirely surreal and anticlimactic. I see and hear life continuing on this ordinary London street on this ordinary afternoon—cars and people passing, children playing down the street, a dog barking—as if from far away, and as I stare into her face the sour taste of fear creeps around the back of my tongue. I open my mouth, but no words come and we stand in silence for a while, two thirty-three-year-old versions of the girls we’d once been.
It’s she who speaks first. “Hello, Edie,”she says.
********
Watching Edie by Camilla Way is laid out in alternating chapters. After and Before , feeding the reader with small glimpses of intense and nerve wracking scenes, following a friendship between Edie and Heather, never knowing what will happen next! And what happened in the past (Before) between them that brings us to this place we find ourselves in now (After)? I found myself absorbed in this book and had time permitted I'd have read it in one sitting. And the conclusion? I had not seen that coming! It was a bit abrupt, leaving me hanging but it was powerful nonetheless.
If you haven't read Camilla Way's most recent novel, The Lies We Told..... GRAB IT AND READ IT!
It absolutely blew my mind and knocked me clean out of the tree!
I'm going to be reading more by this talented author!
I’m entirely unprepared for what’s waiting for me beyond the heavy, wide front door and when I open it the world seems to tilt and I have to grip the doorframe to stop myself from falling. Because there she is, standing on my doorstep, staring back at me. There, after all this time, is Heather.
And I have imagined this, dreamed of this, dreaded this, so many hundreds of times for so many years that the reality is both entirely surreal and anticlimactic. I see and hear life continuing on this ordinary London street on this ordinary afternoon—cars and people passing, children playing down the street, a dog barking—as if from far away, and as I stare into her face the sour taste of fear creeps around the back of my tongue. I open my mouth, but no words come and we stand in silence for a while, two thirty-three-year-old versions of the girls we’d once been.
It’s she who speaks first. “Hello, Edie,”she says.
********
Watching Edie by Camilla Way is laid out in alternating chapters. After and Before , feeding the reader with small glimpses of intense and nerve wracking scenes, following a friendship between Edie and Heather, never knowing what will happen next! And what happened in the past (Before) between them that brings us to this place we find ourselves in now (After)? I found myself absorbed in this book and had time permitted I'd have read it in one sitting. And the conclusion? I had not seen that coming! It was a bit abrupt, leaving me hanging but it was powerful nonetheless.
If you haven't read Camilla Way's most recent novel, The Lies We Told..... GRAB IT AND READ IT!
It absolutely blew my mind and knocked me clean out of the tree!
I'm going to be reading more by this talented author!
August 9, 2016
Before and after. Heather and Edie. High school best friends, one awkward and lonely, the other beautiful and rebellious. Then something terrible happens, and they go their separate ways. But what happened? Fast-forward 17 years, and Edie is a new mother, alone, and unable to care for her new baby. Suddenly, Heather is there, ready to help. But after so many years apart, how did she know?
WATCHING EDIE was amazing psychological suspense. I did not want to put this book down! The story is about a friendship gone terribly wrong between Edie and Heather. An incident occurred that tore them apart, but what happened isn't revealed until the end. Heather tells the story before "it" happened, and Edie tells the after. Alternating between the two time periods and also the not knowing "it" part kept me glued to the pages.
This was a well-written novel, sad, dark, emotional. What character can be trusted? Some great twists in this book, and when it was all said and done, I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, seriously! Gah! A great read. Haunting. 4.5 stars!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
WATCHING EDIE was amazing psychological suspense. I did not want to put this book down! The story is about a friendship gone terribly wrong between Edie and Heather. An incident occurred that tore them apart, but what happened isn't revealed until the end. Heather tells the story before "it" happened, and Edie tells the after. Alternating between the two time periods and also the not knowing "it" part kept me glued to the pages.
This was a well-written novel, sad, dark, emotional. What character can be trusted? Some great twists in this book, and when it was all said and done, I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, seriously! Gah! A great read. Haunting. 4.5 stars!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2016
Watching Edie tells the story of Edie and Heather who first met when Edie moved to a new school as a teenager. Heather turns up on Edie's doorstep 16 years after the two women last saw each other. The past is revealed from Heather's point of view while the present is narrated by Edie. It is clear from the start that something terrible must have happened all those years ago. I've read several books recently with this devastating-secret-from-the-past plot and the constant switch between present and past, which seems to be used so frequently now, so I was a bit nervous whether this would deliver. It did. Camilla Way created a great cast of dysfunctional people and developed an intriguing plotline with several subplots that left me wondering right to the end whom I should trust and what exactly was happening and had happened. Apart from Monica, who is Edie's neighbor, I can safely say I didn't actually like any of the characters. But that didn't matter at all. This is a great story if you enjoy flawed characters. I was so impressed how the author managed to make me change my feelings towards Heather and Edie throughout the story. A very enjoyable British psychological suspense story.
Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2016
Actual rating 3.5/5 stars.
I received this on a read to review basis from NetGalley. Thank you to the author, Camilla Way, and the publisher,Harper Collins, for this opportunity.
Watching Edie has one of the most interesting narrative structures I have ever read in a book and immediately grabbed my attention. The segments located in the present are directed through Edie's perspective, whilst the past segments are addressed through Heather's. Edie is the stereotypical bad girl: short skirts, overly made-up face, troubled home-life, petty law-breaker and a bad boy love interest. Heather portrays her polar opposite. The unlikely duo form a friendship that often borders on the obsessive, that is, until the events that haunt the majority of the book fracture their teenage relationship and the pair become untethered from one another. This loss is felt keenly by both and continues to plague their adult lives.
The events that led to their estrangement shadowed my reading of this and kept me gripped throughout this fast-paced read. I awaited the sections focused on their teenage lives with baited breath to learn more about their fractured relationship. What I discovered was that no one was completely morally good and all were partially at fault in this dark and brooding tale. My favourite type of read is where the good and bad binaries become blurred and morality becomes ambiguous, and this definitely fits into that category.
The grand reveal was shocking and completely unanticipated. My star rating was lowered only from 4 to 3.5 stars as I wasn't completely content with the ending. I felt that justice wasn't served appropriately and Edie, the character I felt the most affinity with, was left discontent and alone. I wasn't expecting a happy-ever-after ending, but the closure the book attempted to deliver wasn't what I perceived as fair or just. The dark subject matters that emerge in this book led to this being a disturbing read and the ending did not relate with the emotional trauma that both protagonists have been plagued with throughout the novel. Both are disturbed, both have been mistreated and both have behaved immorally themselves, and yet neither seem to be given the chance to properly confront their own emotions.
The ending might not have been one I completely agreed with but the majority of the story had me persecuted by my quest to puzzle out the mystery that tyrannized the characters and to align my moral code to allow these characters, that became so beloved, to be seen in a semblance of a good light. This is a thrilling read that I sped through in the space of a few hours and I became emotionally invested in all the characters in the book. I am keeping my fingers crossed that a sequel is on the cards!
I received this on a read to review basis from NetGalley. Thank you to the author, Camilla Way, and the publisher,Harper Collins, for this opportunity.
Watching Edie has one of the most interesting narrative structures I have ever read in a book and immediately grabbed my attention. The segments located in the present are directed through Edie's perspective, whilst the past segments are addressed through Heather's. Edie is the stereotypical bad girl: short skirts, overly made-up face, troubled home-life, petty law-breaker and a bad boy love interest. Heather portrays her polar opposite. The unlikely duo form a friendship that often borders on the obsessive, that is, until the events that haunt the majority of the book fracture their teenage relationship and the pair become untethered from one another. This loss is felt keenly by both and continues to plague their adult lives.
The events that led to their estrangement shadowed my reading of this and kept me gripped throughout this fast-paced read. I awaited the sections focused on their teenage lives with baited breath to learn more about their fractured relationship. What I discovered was that no one was completely morally good and all were partially at fault in this dark and brooding tale. My favourite type of read is where the good and bad binaries become blurred and morality becomes ambiguous, and this definitely fits into that category.
The grand reveal was shocking and completely unanticipated. My star rating was lowered only from 4 to 3.5 stars as I wasn't completely content with the ending. I felt that justice wasn't served appropriately and Edie, the character I felt the most affinity with, was left discontent and alone. I wasn't expecting a happy-ever-after ending, but the closure the book attempted to deliver wasn't what I perceived as fair or just. The dark subject matters that emerge in this book led to this being a disturbing read and the ending did not relate with the emotional trauma that both protagonists have been plagued with throughout the novel. Both are disturbed, both have been mistreated and both have behaved immorally themselves, and yet neither seem to be given the chance to properly confront their own emotions.
The ending might not have been one I completely agreed with but the majority of the story had me persecuted by my quest to puzzle out the mystery that tyrannized the characters and to align my moral code to allow these characters, that became so beloved, to be seen in a semblance of a good light. This is a thrilling read that I sped through in the space of a few hours and I became emotionally invested in all the characters in the book. I am keeping my fingers crossed that a sequel is on the cards!
July 28, 2016
3.5 Stars. A story revolving around an unhealthy friendship. The chapters alternate between Heather's perspective as a teenager and Edie's perspective as an adult. A traumatic event destroyed their friendship, but seventeen years later Heather reinserts herself into Edie's life.
After (33 years old):Edie is shocked when Heather shows up at her door. The past trauma they shared comes rushing back to her. What could Heather possibly want after what happened between them? She quickly dismisses Heather, but Heather arrived in London at a vulnerable time in Edie's life. After Edie gives birth, she is hit hard by postpartum depression, which is further compounded by resurfacing memories. Heather seizes this opportunity to worm her way back into Edie's life and take control.
Before (16 years old): Heather zeroes in on Edie the moment she sees her. Heather has always been an outsider, even in her own family. She is different from her classmates and is constantly bullied. When she sees the beautiful new girl registering for school, she sees the chance to finally have a friend. Soon after their friendship develops, Edie becomes infatuated with an older boy, Connor. Heather is jealous when she sees her one chance at friendship begin to drift away. She sees it as her duty to protect Edie from Connor.
Watching Edie reminded me of I Let You Go —not in the super twisty sense, but the writing style and the domestic drama/suspense split. I was more engaged with the Before chapters leading up to the mysterious event than I was with the After chapters that constantly allude to the event. The After chapters focus heavily on Edie's pregnancy and struggles with postpartum depression. Edie's PPD is empathetically handled, but I really wanted to get back to Heather! Edie occasionally thinks about the past, but she isn't able to tell the reader what happened that day since she isn't ready to deal with it.
Heather's creepy obsessiveness is the star of the Before chapters. Heather has strict parents who resent her for something that happened to her younger sister. They expect her to study hard and go to medical school. Heather's dedication to her schoolwork is pushed aside when Edie, a rebel and talented artist, becomes her main priority. Heather latches on to Edie at the first sign of affection and Edie relishes in the feeling of being idolized. Both girls showed a lot of promise in high school and I was desperate to know what happened to lead them to their sad present-day circumstances.
I appreciated the evenness of the story. Forced romances are my least favorite part of suspense novels, but the potential for romance in this book was gradual and made sense. There were no moments that felt completely out of left field. The characters weren't overly memorable (especially the after version of Edie) and it was sometimes too easy to put down, but it did make me feel something. It was really sad in a way that I didn't expect! This story is a good reminder that situations and relationships are sometimes more complex than they first appear. Recommended for those looking for a good book to read on a rainy day.
______________________________
I received this book for free from Penguin Random House First to Read in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The publication date is August 2, 2016.
“I’ll look after you. Don’t worry. I’ll always look after you.”
After (33 years old):Edie is shocked when Heather shows up at her door. The past trauma they shared comes rushing back to her. What could Heather possibly want after what happened between them? She quickly dismisses Heather, but Heather arrived in London at a vulnerable time in Edie's life. After Edie gives birth, she is hit hard by postpartum depression, which is further compounded by resurfacing memories. Heather seizes this opportunity to worm her way back into Edie's life and take control.
Before (16 years old): Heather zeroes in on Edie the moment she sees her. Heather has always been an outsider, even in her own family. She is different from her classmates and is constantly bullied. When she sees the beautiful new girl registering for school, she sees the chance to finally have a friend. Soon after their friendship develops, Edie becomes infatuated with an older boy, Connor. Heather is jealous when she sees her one chance at friendship begin to drift away. She sees it as her duty to protect Edie from Connor.
"You don’t know, do you, when you’re a kid, how hard it is being a grown-up? All you want is to be a grown-up too. I thought I’d be so much better at it than [my mom] was, and now that I am one, I realize how stupid that was.”
Watching Edie reminded me of I Let You Go —not in the super twisty sense, but the writing style and the domestic drama/suspense split. I was more engaged with the Before chapters leading up to the mysterious event than I was with the After chapters that constantly allude to the event. The After chapters focus heavily on Edie's pregnancy and struggles with postpartum depression. Edie's PPD is empathetically handled, but I really wanted to get back to Heather! Edie occasionally thinks about the past, but she isn't able to tell the reader what happened that day since she isn't ready to deal with it.
Heather's creepy obsessiveness is the star of the Before chapters. Heather has strict parents who resent her for something that happened to her younger sister. They expect her to study hard and go to medical school. Heather's dedication to her schoolwork is pushed aside when Edie, a rebel and talented artist, becomes her main priority. Heather latches on to Edie at the first sign of affection and Edie relishes in the feeling of being idolized. Both girls showed a lot of promise in high school and I was desperate to know what happened to lead them to their sad present-day circumstances.
He never speaks about her, but you can somehow see the memory of her there still, in his eyes and his smile, the way they do remain a part of us, those people who have hurt us very deeply or whom we have hurt, never letting us go, not entirely.
I appreciated the evenness of the story. Forced romances are my least favorite part of suspense novels, but the potential for romance in this book was gradual and made sense. There were no moments that felt completely out of left field. The characters weren't overly memorable (especially the after version of Edie) and it was sometimes too easy to put down, but it did make me feel something. It was really sad in a way that I didn't expect! This story is a good reminder that situations and relationships are sometimes more complex than they first appear. Recommended for those looking for a good book to read on a rainy day.
______________________________
I received this book for free from Penguin Random House First to Read in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The publication date is August 2, 2016.
August 24, 2016
Watching Edie is a powerful psychological thriller that will keep you up to all hours of the night, this was one well written novel for Camilla Way i found the plot to be well rounded & precise to the point of the two main characters Edie & Heather.
The story flips between Edie & Heather in the before & after sequence i was a bit confused in the beginning as to who i was reading about but worked it out Quickly.
Edie was at home dealing with her life & problems when she suddenly gets a knock at the door as someone from her past turns up unexpectedly as soon as she sees Heather she starts to panic as she & heather have a past she doesn't want to go back to What Does THE past between them hold & WHY DOESN'T SHE WANT TO Re Live
IT??
Soon Edie asks Heather to move in with her & her daughter so Heather accepts but then things start to change before Edie knows its been months so she asks her to leave as the place is to small for all of them, suddenly Heather's face turns nasty like knives are being thrown at her meanwhile Edie has anxiety crawling through her like flames of fire the dread goes through her body every time Heather is around.
We find out that Edie has been having problems with the bottle & an ex boyfriend Connor he has been using her & gets her into drugs as well as alcohol i felt for Heather at the end & was gasping at the end just getting my breath back did not see it coming at all.
Congrats Camilla way for writing a powerful psychological thrill that keeps me wanting more could not put this one down.
The story flips between Edie & Heather in the before & after sequence i was a bit confused in the beginning as to who i was reading about but worked it out Quickly.
Edie was at home dealing with her life & problems when she suddenly gets a knock at the door as someone from her past turns up unexpectedly as soon as she sees Heather she starts to panic as she & heather have a past she doesn't want to go back to What Does THE past between them hold & WHY DOESN'T SHE WANT TO Re Live
IT??
Soon Edie asks Heather to move in with her & her daughter so Heather accepts but then things start to change before Edie knows its been months so she asks her to leave as the place is to small for all of them, suddenly Heather's face turns nasty like knives are being thrown at her meanwhile Edie has anxiety crawling through her like flames of fire the dread goes through her body every time Heather is around.
We find out that Edie has been having problems with the bottle & an ex boyfriend Connor he has been using her & gets her into drugs as well as alcohol i felt for Heather at the end & was gasping at the end just getting my breath back did not see it coming at all.
Congrats Camilla way for writing a powerful psychological thrill that keeps me wanting more could not put this one down.
September 1, 2023
Wow. I didn't think that this would make cry.
Oh, the injustice of it all. Truly heartbreaking.
Edie is a cool girl. Heather is the weird girl. And they were bestfriends. Until the night everything changes. A friendship marred in betrayal and lies. Years later, Heather is back in Edie's life, she doesn't like it but she's got no choice. Heather is the only one who can help her. She's the only one who cares. But does she really care? What happened in the quarry all those years ago?
I love the two POVs, the jump in the timelines—from past to present. We got two versions of events. Before the tragedy struck and the aftermath. Both of the characters had their reasons and I can't help but sympathise. After all, love is a strong driving force. It keeps us alive and breaks us at the same time. Making us crazy, making us do crazy things. And love is the common denominator in Edie and Heather's story.
I cried. The twist at the end wasn't something I expected. But the tears kept falling and my heart kept breaking.
Oh, the injustice of it all. Truly heartbreaking.
Edie is a cool girl. Heather is the weird girl. And they were bestfriends. Until the night everything changes. A friendship marred in betrayal and lies. Years later, Heather is back in Edie's life, she doesn't like it but she's got no choice. Heather is the only one who can help her. She's the only one who cares. But does she really care? What happened in the quarry all those years ago?
I love the two POVs, the jump in the timelines—from past to present. We got two versions of events. Before the tragedy struck and the aftermath. Both of the characters had their reasons and I can't help but sympathise. After all, love is a strong driving force. It keeps us alive and breaks us at the same time. Making us crazy, making us do crazy things. And love is the common denominator in Edie and Heather's story.
I cried. The twist at the end wasn't something I expected. But the tears kept falling and my heart kept breaking.
June 5, 2016
Talk about dysfunctional people! Not a character here - with the exception of an infant - is without flaws, most of them dead serious. And now that I think about it, I'm far from sure that baby girl will turn out okay.
Central to this psychological drama are one-time "friends" Edie and Heather; the former is beautiful and popular, the latter, not so much. As the story begins, they've long since gone their separate ways; Edie - now in her mid-30s - is living alone, working as a waitress and pregnant. The father isn't in the picture at all, and after daughter Maya is born, Edie just can't handle dealing with her.
Enter Heather, who suspiciously appears at Edie's door at the perfect moment. No, Edie isn't happy to see her - their parting of the ways years earlier was, to put it mildly, less than pleasant. Edie is so emotionally fragile, though, that she comes to accept the help that Heather seems to give willingly. But as readers might suspect, it's much more complicated.
Chapters shift back and forth from the present to the days of their friendship. I'm not always a fan of that technique (one that's fast becoming overused, IMHO), but it works perfectly here as the author slowly and tantalizingly reveals details of Heather and Edie's roller-coaster relationship and the roles their families played in the whole scenario. I was chomping at the bit, for instance, to find out more about Heather's little sister and the get the nitty gritty on the quarry incident that caused the rift (make that a chasm) between the two girls. By the end, of course, I learned just about everything that happened back then - and none of it is pretty.
But that end - which, at 304 pages, came quickly - turned out to be not quite everything for me. Although the story is so engrossing that I had a tough time putting it down, I was left with a few niggling questions (none of which I can mention here without spoiling things for other readers). One or two I can chalk up to the story's taking place in England, where particular situations may be quite different from here in the US of A; but others left me scratching my head (hence 4 stars instead of 5). Still, this is a book well worth reading, and I thank the author and publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Central to this psychological drama are one-time "friends" Edie and Heather; the former is beautiful and popular, the latter, not so much. As the story begins, they've long since gone their separate ways; Edie - now in her mid-30s - is living alone, working as a waitress and pregnant. The father isn't in the picture at all, and after daughter Maya is born, Edie just can't handle dealing with her.
Enter Heather, who suspiciously appears at Edie's door at the perfect moment. No, Edie isn't happy to see her - their parting of the ways years earlier was, to put it mildly, less than pleasant. Edie is so emotionally fragile, though, that she comes to accept the help that Heather seems to give willingly. But as readers might suspect, it's much more complicated.
Chapters shift back and forth from the present to the days of their friendship. I'm not always a fan of that technique (one that's fast becoming overused, IMHO), but it works perfectly here as the author slowly and tantalizingly reveals details of Heather and Edie's roller-coaster relationship and the roles their families played in the whole scenario. I was chomping at the bit, for instance, to find out more about Heather's little sister and the get the nitty gritty on the quarry incident that caused the rift (make that a chasm) between the two girls. By the end, of course, I learned just about everything that happened back then - and none of it is pretty.
But that end - which, at 304 pages, came quickly - turned out to be not quite everything for me. Although the story is so engrossing that I had a tough time putting it down, I was left with a few niggling questions (none of which I can mention here without spoiling things for other readers). One or two I can chalk up to the story's taking place in England, where particular situations may be quite different from here in the US of A; but others left me scratching my head (hence 4 stars instead of 5). Still, this is a book well worth reading, and I thank the author and publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2016
I had seen a lot of positive feedback about this book and I'm always keen to discover new authors, so in I went. And I was not disappointed.
Watching Edie is a story of two girls with a shared past. The story presents itself in two narratives. We have the present told from Edie's point of view and in the past from Heather's point of view. Edie and Heather meet when they are young teenagers almost embarking on adulthood. Heather has had a somewhat repressed kind of upbringing with her strict parents. Edie, a new girl in a small bleak town, is a breath of fresh air. To Heather she seems exciting, wondrous and something to aspire to be.
What follows is a tale of friendship, obsessive behaviour and breakdowns as the story unfolds and things become much clearer. Many a time I thought I knew where it was all going but it concludes brilliantly with a shocking reveal. It's cleverly done and totally compelling as a read. There's plenty of twists and turns and throughout I kept feeling for either one girl or the other. I was constantly changing sides as more and more snippets were revealed.
Watching Edie is a brilliant psychological thriller and I don't say that lightly. It's a saturated area so to come out shining in and amongst many is an achievement in itself. Of course, it's only my opinion so a suggestion of go and read and see what I'm talking about is put out there. And be careful who you choose to friend if you're a young adult!!
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this brilliant ARC.
Watching Edie is a story of two girls with a shared past. The story presents itself in two narratives. We have the present told from Edie's point of view and in the past from Heather's point of view. Edie and Heather meet when they are young teenagers almost embarking on adulthood. Heather has had a somewhat repressed kind of upbringing with her strict parents. Edie, a new girl in a small bleak town, is a breath of fresh air. To Heather she seems exciting, wondrous and something to aspire to be.
What follows is a tale of friendship, obsessive behaviour and breakdowns as the story unfolds and things become much clearer. Many a time I thought I knew where it was all going but it concludes brilliantly with a shocking reveal. It's cleverly done and totally compelling as a read. There's plenty of twists and turns and throughout I kept feeling for either one girl or the other. I was constantly changing sides as more and more snippets were revealed.
Watching Edie is a brilliant psychological thriller and I don't say that lightly. It's a saturated area so to come out shining in and amongst many is an achievement in itself. Of course, it's only my opinion so a suggestion of go and read and see what I'm talking about is put out there. And be careful who you choose to friend if you're a young adult!!
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this brilliant ARC.
July 7, 2016
If like me you love a psychological thriller with unlikeable and disturbed characters, a dark secret lurking in the background lots of twists and turns and a tense and gripping page turner then this should be your next read. 4.5 stars
July 29, 2016
3.5 stars.
This is a quick, compulsive read and a better-than-average thriller. What makes it stand out is the characterization--it's interesting to see both the main characters (Edie and Heather) in the past and present, and from each other's point of view. I especially thought Edie's postpartum depression was well written, as well as Heather's home life.
I devoured it quickly, and will look for Way's next book.
I received this review copy from the publisher on NetGalley. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review; I appreciate it!
This is a quick, compulsive read and a better-than-average thriller. What makes it stand out is the characterization--it's interesting to see both the main characters (Edie and Heather) in the past and present, and from each other's point of view. I especially thought Edie's postpartum depression was well written, as well as Heather's home life.
I devoured it quickly, and will look for Way's next book.
I received this review copy from the publisher on NetGalley. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review; I appreciate it!
July 11, 2016
This no si is written in the "before" and "after". After is the present day.
Edie is the new girl at High School. Heather goes to the same school and is one of the first students to meet Edie.
Edie is charming and beautiful and it's not long before she has made more friends and has a boyfriend.
Heather is a bit on the heavy sides do Edie is her only friend.
Sixteen years later Edie is working as a waitress and is heavily pregnant. When she opens her flat door one night she is shocked to find Heather on her doorstep. They have not seen each other since Edie left their hometown.
The events that have happened in the before and after are shocking, heart wrenching and it's twists surprised me.
A well written novel that I highly recommend.
I would like to thank Net Galley, Harper Collins UK - Harper Fiction and the author Camilla Way for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Edie is the new girl at High School. Heather goes to the same school and is one of the first students to meet Edie.
Edie is charming and beautiful and it's not long before she has made more friends and has a boyfriend.
Heather is a bit on the heavy sides do Edie is her only friend.
Sixteen years later Edie is working as a waitress and is heavily pregnant. When she opens her flat door one night she is shocked to find Heather on her doorstep. They have not seen each other since Edie left their hometown.
The events that have happened in the before and after are shocking, heart wrenching and it's twists surprised me.
A well written novel that I highly recommend.
I would like to thank Net Galley, Harper Collins UK - Harper Fiction and the author Camilla Way for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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