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The French Girl
They were six university students from Oxford--friends and sometimes more than friends--spending an idyllic week together in a French farmhouse. It was supposed to be the perfect summer getaway--until they met Severine, the girl next door.
For Kate Channing, Severine was an unwelcome presence, her inscrutable beauty undermining the close-knit group's loyalties amid the already simmering tensions. And after a huge altercation on the last night of the holiday, Kate knew nothing would ever be the same. There are some things you can't forgive, and there are some people you can't forget, like Severine, who was never seen again.
Now, a decade later, the case is reopened when Severine's body is found in the well behind the farmhouse. Questioned along with her friends, Kate stands to lose everything she's worked so hard to achieve as suspicion mounts around her. Desperate to resolve her own shifting memories and fearful she will be forever bound to the woman whose presence still haunts her, Kate finds herself buried under layers of deception with no one to set her free.
For Kate Channing, Severine was an unwelcome presence, her inscrutable beauty undermining the close-knit group's loyalties amid the already simmering tensions. And after a huge altercation on the last night of the holiday, Kate knew nothing would ever be the same. There are some things you can't forgive, and there are some people you can't forget, like Severine, who was never seen again.
Now, a decade later, the case is reopened when Severine's body is found in the well behind the farmhouse. Questioned along with her friends, Kate stands to lose everything she's worked so hard to achieve as suspicion mounts around her. Desperate to resolve her own shifting memories and fearful she will be forever bound to the woman whose presence still haunts her, Kate finds herself buried under layers of deception with no one to set her free.
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 20, 2018
627 people are currently reading
18974 people want to read
About the author
Lexie Elliott
5 books816 followersLexie Elliott has been writing for as long as she can remember, but she began to focus on it more seriously after she lost her banking job in 2009 due to the Global Financial Crisis. After some success in short story competitions, she began planning a novel. With two kids and a (new) job, it took some time for that novel to move from her head to the page, but the result was "The French Girl", which will be published by Berkley in February 2018 - available to pre-order now!
When she's not writing, Lexie can be found running, swimming or cycling whilst thinking about writing. In 2007 she swam the English Channel solo. She won't be doing that again. In 2015 she ran 100km, raising money for Alzheimer Scotland. She won't be doing that again either. But the odd triathlon or marathon isn't out of the question.
When she's not writing, Lexie can be found running, swimming or cycling whilst thinking about writing. In 2007 she swam the English Channel solo. She won't be doing that again. In 2015 she ran 100km, raising money for Alzheimer Scotland. She won't be doing that again either. But the odd triathlon or marathon isn't out of the question.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,512 reviews
October 13, 2017
*3.75 stars*
I know what you're thinking, another girl? If you’re anything like me, a reader with a nauseating amount of girl books earmarked as disappointments, you might’ve cringed when The French Girl hit your eyeline. Cue the resounding groan. But wait, turns out—maybe I shouldn’t be so quick to judge a book by its title—this is one girl that proves to be worthwhile, for the most part. I'm not saying there's Gone Girl greatness within these pages, but it's entertaining.
I have a feeling The French Girl won’t work for everyone. In fact, there might be quite a few readers who opt to throw in the towel, simply because of the pacing. Typically, I get bored easily and struggle with slower paced reads, but for some reason, not this time—shocker. The tempo is pretty even-keeled throughout and there are a few side stories—namely Kate’s fledgling headhunter firm—that detract from the main focus of the story, but I actually found myself enraptured.
Despite the slow pacing, it was this group of friends and their shifting dynamics that grabbed my attention. Six friends spent a week in the French countryside, ten years earlier, to celebrate their farewell to university life, and the trip ended with their neighbor—the mademoiselle next door—disappearing. Now, a decade later, it’s the discovery of the girl's body that sparks an investigation and lures these estranged friends back together. What really happened that fateful night?
Where I found Lexie Elliott's method to be successful was in casting doubt. Among the slow burning embers there were sparks of truth and tidbits of information sprinkled in that skewed my perception of what might have happened and who was involved. There was constant questioning on my part, even when the story veered off into unrelated and unneeded distraction territory.
Where this slow burn failed to deliver was the ending. A sluggishly-paced storyline like this one demands something impactful—a strong conclusion with a punch of shock or a jaw-dropping twist. Don’t get me wrong, what happens isn't horrible by any means, but it could and should have been so much more. Lexie Elliott's failure to knock me off-kilter felt like somewhat of a missed opportunity and the difference between what I would consider a memorable standout and an enjoyable, but forgettable experience.
Issues aside, I liked this author's writing enough to consider giving her the opportunity to really wow me with her next novel.
*Thank you to Berkley for putting this one on my radar! I had given up on the whole girl book phenomena, but something about the synopsis grabbed me. Not only did I receive a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review, but a pair of my very own red sunnies and scarf, for the next time I want to channel The French Girl or step back into this experience.
I know what you're thinking, another girl? If you’re anything like me, a reader with a nauseating amount of girl books earmarked as disappointments, you might’ve cringed when The French Girl hit your eyeline. Cue the resounding groan. But wait, turns out—maybe I shouldn’t be so quick to judge a book by its title—this is one girl that proves to be worthwhile, for the most part. I'm not saying there's Gone Girl greatness within these pages, but it's entertaining.
I have a feeling The French Girl won’t work for everyone. In fact, there might be quite a few readers who opt to throw in the towel, simply because of the pacing. Typically, I get bored easily and struggle with slower paced reads, but for some reason, not this time—shocker. The tempo is pretty even-keeled throughout and there are a few side stories—namely Kate’s fledgling headhunter firm—that detract from the main focus of the story, but I actually found myself enraptured.
Despite the slow pacing, it was this group of friends and their shifting dynamics that grabbed my attention. Six friends spent a week in the French countryside, ten years earlier, to celebrate their farewell to university life, and the trip ended with their neighbor—the mademoiselle next door—disappearing. Now, a decade later, it’s the discovery of the girl's body that sparks an investigation and lures these estranged friends back together. What really happened that fateful night?
Where I found Lexie Elliott's method to be successful was in casting doubt. Among the slow burning embers there were sparks of truth and tidbits of information sprinkled in that skewed my perception of what might have happened and who was involved. There was constant questioning on my part, even when the story veered off into unrelated and unneeded distraction territory.
Where this slow burn failed to deliver was the ending. A sluggishly-paced storyline like this one demands something impactful—a strong conclusion with a punch of shock or a jaw-dropping twist. Don’t get me wrong, what happens isn't horrible by any means, but it could and should have been so much more. Lexie Elliott's failure to knock me off-kilter felt like somewhat of a missed opportunity and the difference between what I would consider a memorable standout and an enjoyable, but forgettable experience.
Issues aside, I liked this author's writing enough to consider giving her the opportunity to really wow me with her next novel.
*Thank you to Berkley for putting this one on my radar! I had given up on the whole girl book phenomena, but something about the synopsis grabbed me. Not only did I receive a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review, but a pair of my very own red sunnies and scarf, for the next time I want to channel The French Girl or step back into this experience.
September 29, 2019
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
3.5 Stars
“We all have our secrets” was the first thing I read when I looked at the cover of the book. Then I flipped the book over and saw…
“You’ll never look at your friends the same way again”
Both of those sentences intrigued me and I was excited to get reading.
Six friends from University spend a blissful week on holiday in a French farmhouse. It’s almost a perfect week….
Well except for the fact that “the mademoiselle next door” they met, disappeared without a trace right after they left to go home to Britain.
“Severine, slim and lithe in a tiny black bikini, her walnut brown skim impossibly smooth in the sun, one hip cocked with the foot pointing away as if ready to saunter off the moment she lost interest”
Ten years later…
When Tom calls Kate, she realizes it’s been awhile since they last spoke. When he asks if she remembers “that summer”, she knows immediately what he’s talking about…
“They found her. Her body”
Kate isn’t really all that concerned. She’s focused on getting her legal head-hunter business off the ground. But as it turns out, Kate should be concerned. The French police are re-opening the case now that Severine’s body has been found. They want to talk to the group of friends again, since they were apparently the last people to see her.
Kate feels like Severine is haunting her….Kate knows she’s not really there but even thinking about Severine stirs up memories…. unwanted memories.
And it seems that the investigator from the French police, Monsieur Alain Moden keeps showing up and asking some hard questions. He says it’s just procedure…but then keeps popping up unexpectedly asking even more questions and making accusations. The group of friends all seem to have different memories of that holiday and they all have their own secrets…
Why did they argue the last night of their holiday? What are they hiding?
Over time things change and you may not remember them in the way they actually happened. Is it memory loss or deception disguised that way?
So what really happened to Severine?
“The French Girl” was a slow paced but interesting read. The plot was good; I just wish it was a bit heavier on the suspense. All in all a good debut novel that has me looking forward to more from Lexie Elliott.
Thank you, Berkley Books for providing an advanced readers copy of this book for me to read in exchange for my honest review.
3.5 Stars
“We all have our secrets” was the first thing I read when I looked at the cover of the book. Then I flipped the book over and saw…
“You’ll never look at your friends the same way again”
Both of those sentences intrigued me and I was excited to get reading.
Six friends from University spend a blissful week on holiday in a French farmhouse. It’s almost a perfect week….
Well except for the fact that “the mademoiselle next door” they met, disappeared without a trace right after they left to go home to Britain.
“Severine, slim and lithe in a tiny black bikini, her walnut brown skim impossibly smooth in the sun, one hip cocked with the foot pointing away as if ready to saunter off the moment she lost interest”
Ten years later…
When Tom calls Kate, she realizes it’s been awhile since they last spoke. When he asks if she remembers “that summer”, she knows immediately what he’s talking about…
“They found her. Her body”
Kate isn’t really all that concerned. She’s focused on getting her legal head-hunter business off the ground. But as it turns out, Kate should be concerned. The French police are re-opening the case now that Severine’s body has been found. They want to talk to the group of friends again, since they were apparently the last people to see her.
Kate feels like Severine is haunting her….Kate knows she’s not really there but even thinking about Severine stirs up memories…. unwanted memories.
And it seems that the investigator from the French police, Monsieur Alain Moden keeps showing up and asking some hard questions. He says it’s just procedure…but then keeps popping up unexpectedly asking even more questions and making accusations. The group of friends all seem to have different memories of that holiday and they all have their own secrets…
Why did they argue the last night of their holiday? What are they hiding?
Over time things change and you may not remember them in the way they actually happened. Is it memory loss or deception disguised that way?
So what really happened to Severine?
“The French Girl” was a slow paced but interesting read. The plot was good; I just wish it was a bit heavier on the suspense. All in all a good debut novel that has me looking forward to more from Lexie Elliott.
Thank you, Berkley Books for providing an advanced readers copy of this book for me to read in exchange for my honest review.
June 28, 2018
I'm consistently intrigued by books with a premise of wonderful experiences gone awry, and that's exactly what The French Girl promises. We see this set up more times than not in psychological thrillers today; a group of college friends plan some sort of vacation and something bad happens-usually a murder, or a sexual assault, or perhaps a kidnapping. In this case, it's a disappearance where the body turns up a decade after the fact and the group begins to get antsy. Obviously someone is hiding something, but just how many someones are involved? What do they know and what did they do? Lucky for us, those pesky police continue to show up, poke around, and not let the past stay buried!
I was rightly informed ahead of time to expect a slow burn type of pacing here. This is 100% true, and for some readers this will be a deal breaker. It isn't the type of psychological thriller that's begins slowly and then gradually picks up steam; The French Girl keeps an especially reluctant groove that loiters in some moments and almost stops full tilt in others. I particularly enjoy a good character driven, lackadaisical novel, but this was a little slow even for my liking. My main issues were tied to the lack of suspense this caused which led into a fairly predictable plot. Readers who aren't as tied to the mystery/suspense/thriller genre likely won't find that last portion an issue, and if you are generally pleased with most mainstream, commercial thrillers of the psychological variety you'll probably enjoy this one even more than I did.
While I did experience the above issues, it's also fair to note that, as a debut piece of fiction, the writing here was beautiful, creative, and of high quality. I found myself getting lost in some of the memories and moments where Kate is feeling haunted by Severine. These parts were the strongest and most fascinating, and I found myself looking forward to these portions the most. I'm highly intrigued by Elliott's writing and will certainly be awaiting her sophomore novel; girl's got talent! Recommended to readers who enjoy a fascinating slow burn with insightful characters.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy.
I was rightly informed ahead of time to expect a slow burn type of pacing here. This is 100% true, and for some readers this will be a deal breaker. It isn't the type of psychological thriller that's begins slowly and then gradually picks up steam; The French Girl keeps an especially reluctant groove that loiters in some moments and almost stops full tilt in others. I particularly enjoy a good character driven, lackadaisical novel, but this was a little slow even for my liking. My main issues were tied to the lack of suspense this caused which led into a fairly predictable plot. Readers who aren't as tied to the mystery/suspense/thriller genre likely won't find that last portion an issue, and if you are generally pleased with most mainstream, commercial thrillers of the psychological variety you'll probably enjoy this one even more than I did.
While I did experience the above issues, it's also fair to note that, as a debut piece of fiction, the writing here was beautiful, creative, and of high quality. I found myself getting lost in some of the memories and moments where Kate is feeling haunted by Severine. These parts were the strongest and most fascinating, and I found myself looking forward to these portions the most. I'm highly intrigued by Elliott's writing and will certainly be awaiting her sophomore novel; girl's got talent! Recommended to readers who enjoy a fascinating slow burn with insightful characters.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy.
February 15, 2018
3.5*
This is not a book that’s going to grab you in the first page...or even the first chapter for that matter. It’s a slow burn that builds in intensity as the storyline progresses. Before long you will be hooked and anxious to see how it all plays out!
Then: Ten years ago - there were six friends enjoying a much needed break from their studies at Oxford, choosing to vacation at a quaint farmhouse in France.
By the end of their holiday someone is missing.
Now: Ten years later, the remaining group of five have re-convened. This, after learning the remains of their missing friend Severine have been found in the bottom of a well in France...at the farmhouse.
The investigation is now reopened....
Kate is trying her best to move forward and put the past behind her. To forget what happened all those years ago. Only Severine won’t let her. Severine? Kate is haunted by the ghost of her dearest friend showing up at any given moment. These were my favorite parts of the book - when Severine would appear.
This is not a book that “wowed” me, but I did get drawn in and ultimately enjoyed it. I was hoping for a little more from the ending (just my twisted thinking) but overall it came together.
If you’re looking for a light, easy thriller then this might be the perfect read for you!
As always a fantastic traveling sister read!:)
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and Lexie Elliott for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
For this review and our full Traveling Sister Review please visit Brenda and Norma’s fabulous blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
This is not a book that’s going to grab you in the first page...or even the first chapter for that matter. It’s a slow burn that builds in intensity as the storyline progresses. Before long you will be hooked and anxious to see how it all plays out!
Then: Ten years ago - there were six friends enjoying a much needed break from their studies at Oxford, choosing to vacation at a quaint farmhouse in France.
By the end of their holiday someone is missing.
Now: Ten years later, the remaining group of five have re-convened. This, after learning the remains of their missing friend Severine have been found in the bottom of a well in France...at the farmhouse.
The investigation is now reopened....
Kate is trying her best to move forward and put the past behind her. To forget what happened all those years ago. Only Severine won’t let her. Severine? Kate is haunted by the ghost of her dearest friend showing up at any given moment. These were my favorite parts of the book - when Severine would appear.
This is not a book that “wowed” me, but I did get drawn in and ultimately enjoyed it. I was hoping for a little more from the ending (just my twisted thinking) but overall it came together.
If you’re looking for a light, easy thriller then this might be the perfect read for you!
As always a fantastic traveling sister read!:)
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and Lexie Elliott for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
For this review and our full Traveling Sister Review please visit Brenda and Norma’s fabulous blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
November 28, 2017
3.5 Stars
I found the French Girl to be a polarizing read. At times I was completely captivated, and then there were times when I was bored out of my mind, waiting for something to happen. I almost gave up on this one, but in the end I am glad I pushed through.
The French Girl is an extremely SLOW moving psychological thriller about a group of six friends who have to deal with the repercussions of the disappearance of the “mademoiselle next door” during their vacation to the French countryside years ago.
Fast Forward to the present: When the missing girl’s body is found 10 years later, 5 of the friends reunite in London. Accusations and tensions are at all time high, leading one friend, Kate Channing, questioning what she thought she knew. What Kate comes to discover is that while her eyes were open regarding some of her friends, she has been blind to others.She begins questioning her memory, and a times one starts to wonder if she’s fully sane.
What I liked about The French Girl is that it is told from only Kate’s perspective vs. all who were on the ill fated trip. Although it deals with an event that took place in the past, the narrative stays in the present. Unlike so many recent psychological thrillers, there were no flashbacks with reveals here and there or a new reveal offered when a new POV was shared. This element was quite refreshing! I also liked that the ending wasn’t neatly wrapped up, but at the same time I found the reveal of the murderer lacking.
I almost put this down when I first started reading it. I was disinterested and my mind would wander--rather than pay attention to the dynamics of the storyline, I kept thinking about what I was going to read next. However, the writing is strong, and Kate’s captivating voice and her friendships with Tom and Lara kept me invested. If you don’t enjoy books without much action, don’t read this. However, if you enjoy well-written character studies with a little bit of a mystery mixed in then check this out!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I found the French Girl to be a polarizing read. At times I was completely captivated, and then there were times when I was bored out of my mind, waiting for something to happen. I almost gave up on this one, but in the end I am glad I pushed through.
The French Girl is an extremely SLOW moving psychological thriller about a group of six friends who have to deal with the repercussions of the disappearance of the “mademoiselle next door” during their vacation to the French countryside years ago.
Fast Forward to the present: When the missing girl’s body is found 10 years later, 5 of the friends reunite in London. Accusations and tensions are at all time high, leading one friend, Kate Channing, questioning what she thought she knew. What Kate comes to discover is that while her eyes were open regarding some of her friends, she has been blind to others.She begins questioning her memory, and a times one starts to wonder if she’s fully sane.
What I liked about The French Girl is that it is told from only Kate’s perspective vs. all who were on the ill fated trip. Although it deals with an event that took place in the past, the narrative stays in the present. Unlike so many recent psychological thrillers, there were no flashbacks with reveals here and there or a new reveal offered when a new POV was shared. This element was quite refreshing! I also liked that the ending wasn’t neatly wrapped up, but at the same time I found the reveal of the murderer lacking.
I almost put this down when I first started reading it. I was disinterested and my mind would wander--rather than pay attention to the dynamics of the storyline, I kept thinking about what I was going to read next. However, the writing is strong, and Kate’s captivating voice and her friendships with Tom and Lara kept me invested. If you don’t enjoy books without much action, don’t read this. However, if you enjoy well-written character studies with a little bit of a mystery mixed in then check this out!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2018
i’m in the minority with my unenthusiastic response to this one, so feel free to dismiss my opinion outright. because not only did i read it wrong, apparently, but i was so dismayed at not having the same happy fun time with it as all the other readers that i put off writing my review and now it is many months and many books later and i can’t make sense of my notes, nor remember much about what wasn’t working for me here.
what i do remember is probably not helpful to someone reading the finished copy, but there were a lot of typos in the arc that were distracting. not the misspelling/unclosed parentheses kinds, but the “this is not the word you want” kinds, where “discreet” was used in place of “discrete” and “prevaricate” instead of “procrastinate,” etc. which wouldn’t even be worth mentioning ordinarily, since arcs always have a few errors and they’re usually caught and corrected during the editorial passes made before pub date, but there were more than usual this time, and the nature of them strikes me as more of a writing issue than a copyediting issue. so it's worth bringing up because i had another problem with the writing that may or may not be related - i’m not sure if it was an oversight now corrected or a deliberate writerly decision, but there was a lot of repetition in this book; words or phrases that would recur in too-close proximity - either within a few sentences or in the following paragraph, and it made for an unpleasant echo effect that also distracted me, pulling me out of the story.
these are minor quibbles, but if they affect the reader’s engagement in the story, they matter. a strong novel can recover from a reader’s attention-lapses. this one wasn’t giving me enough zazz to prevent me from noticing its missteps, whether they were arc-specific missteps or not.
maybe i’ve read too many books about groups of friends with seeeecrets, but this one was a little too slow and a little to predictable for me. i wasn’t interested in any of the romantic entanglements, past or present, so all of that anxious hand-wringing was wasted on me.
the struggles of kate’s legal headhunting firm were even less interesting to me than who was kissing whom, and do not get me started on that ghost. there was just a lot of clutter weighing down what was already a slow-paced book.
so, yeah, i read it wrong and it was a low three stars for me, although i kind of dug the unexpected resolution. not the who/why/howdunnit, because that was no shocker, but the fallout for the guilty party - an interesting choice, there.
so i'm grateful, as always, for the opportunity to read a book early, and i am even more grateful that i now have a pair of sunglasses that accurately informs curious passers-by of my gender and ancestry.
************************************
a fancy book package???
don't mind if i do!!
come to my blog!
what i do remember is probably not helpful to someone reading the finished copy, but there were a lot of typos in the arc that were distracting. not the misspelling/unclosed parentheses kinds, but the “this is not the word you want” kinds, where “discreet” was used in place of “discrete” and “prevaricate” instead of “procrastinate,” etc. which wouldn’t even be worth mentioning ordinarily, since arcs always have a few errors and they’re usually caught and corrected during the editorial passes made before pub date, but there were more than usual this time, and the nature of them strikes me as more of a writing issue than a copyediting issue. so it's worth bringing up because i had another problem with the writing that may or may not be related - i’m not sure if it was an oversight now corrected or a deliberate writerly decision, but there was a lot of repetition in this book; words or phrases that would recur in too-close proximity - either within a few sentences or in the following paragraph, and it made for an unpleasant echo effect that also distracted me, pulling me out of the story.
these are minor quibbles, but if they affect the reader’s engagement in the story, they matter. a strong novel can recover from a reader’s attention-lapses. this one wasn’t giving me enough zazz to prevent me from noticing its missteps, whether they were arc-specific missteps or not.
maybe i’ve read too many books about groups of friends with seeeecrets, but this one was a little too slow and a little to predictable for me. i wasn’t interested in any of the romantic entanglements, past or present, so all of that anxious hand-wringing was wasted on me.
the struggles of kate’s legal headhunting firm were even less interesting to me than who was kissing whom, and do not get me started on that ghost. there was just a lot of clutter weighing down what was already a slow-paced book.
so, yeah, i read it wrong and it was a low three stars for me, although i kind of dug the unexpected resolution. not the who/why/howdunnit, because that was no shocker, but the fallout for the guilty party - an interesting choice, there.
so i'm grateful, as always, for the opportunity to read a book early, and i am even more grateful that i now have a pair of sunglasses that accurately informs curious passers-by of my gender and ancestry.
************************************
a fancy book package???
don't mind if i do!!
come to my blog!
November 16, 2017
4 Stars.
“The French Girl” - A Slow-Burning, yet Addicting Read.
A Group of 6 friends from Uni are brought back together 10 years after a tragedy because a young French girl’s body is found, and they are the prime suspects. Severine was the mademoiselle next store: her body was found. She was loved, and hated. Was one of the 6 responsible for her death? None of them initially think so. But then doubt is cast. Tension ensues. No one is left unscathed. Kate Channing, one of the six, and is Inspector Modan’s main suspect, yet she knows she is innocent. Luckily she has a few people by her side, including Severine. Yes, you heard me, Severine.
Lexie Elliot’s “The French Girl” is a book about old friends, some who don’t even like each other, yet they are bound together: by gossip, jealousy and secrets.
Though this was a slower read, I felt the burn deep in my belly. It kept me reading late into the night. Kate, her old friend Tom and Severine intrigued me. I just had to know. How and why. I had my suspicions. You will have yours. I will say that I wanted and expected a little more, given that burn I felt deep inside. That being said, this book is worth the read. It is worth diving in. This girl is really darn interesting so give her a chance my friends, once you do, I want to hear about it.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Penguin Publishing Group and Lexie Elliot for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Edelweiss, Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Instagram on 11.16.17.
“The French Girl” - A Slow-Burning, yet Addicting Read.
A Group of 6 friends from Uni are brought back together 10 years after a tragedy because a young French girl’s body is found, and they are the prime suspects. Severine was the mademoiselle next store: her body was found. She was loved, and hated. Was one of the 6 responsible for her death? None of them initially think so. But then doubt is cast. Tension ensues. No one is left unscathed. Kate Channing, one of the six, and is Inspector Modan’s main suspect, yet she knows she is innocent. Luckily she has a few people by her side, including Severine. Yes, you heard me, Severine.
Lexie Elliot’s “The French Girl” is a book about old friends, some who don’t even like each other, yet they are bound together: by gossip, jealousy and secrets.
Though this was a slower read, I felt the burn deep in my belly. It kept me reading late into the night. Kate, her old friend Tom and Severine intrigued me. I just had to know. How and why. I had my suspicions. You will have yours. I will say that I wanted and expected a little more, given that burn I felt deep inside. That being said, this book is worth the read. It is worth diving in. This girl is really darn interesting so give her a chance my friends, once you do, I want to hear about it.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Penguin Publishing Group and Lexie Elliot for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Edelweiss, Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Instagram on 11.16.17.
February 18, 2018
3.5 stars
This novel revolves around six friends. Ten years ago they vacationed in a farmhouse in France where their week of leisure ended with the disappearance of the “mademoiselle next door”. They were all questioned as they were the last people to see her before she vanished. A decade later, the unsolved case has new evidence and the friends are put back in the spotlight of the investigation as they were the last to see her alive.
I enjoyed this slow burning psychological thriller. It was an easy, enjoyable, undemanding read that I quickly devoured. It was the exact type of uncomplicated novel that I was craving. While there were aspects of the storyline that seemed a bit far-fetched, I was able to look past those things and simply roll with the flow of the book.
I thought this was impressive for a debut novel and I would definitely be interested in reading more from this author.
This was a Traveling Sister read and it was a fun experience to discuss and speculate along the way! To find this review, along with the other Traveling Sister Read reviews, please visit Brenda and Norma’s fabulous blog at:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
A big thank you to Edelweiss, Berkley Books and Lexie Elliott for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This novel revolves around six friends. Ten years ago they vacationed in a farmhouse in France where their week of leisure ended with the disappearance of the “mademoiselle next door”. They were all questioned as they were the last people to see her before she vanished. A decade later, the unsolved case has new evidence and the friends are put back in the spotlight of the investigation as they were the last to see her alive.
I enjoyed this slow burning psychological thriller. It was an easy, enjoyable, undemanding read that I quickly devoured. It was the exact type of uncomplicated novel that I was craving. While there were aspects of the storyline that seemed a bit far-fetched, I was able to look past those things and simply roll with the flow of the book.
I thought this was impressive for a debut novel and I would definitely be interested in reading more from this author.
This was a Traveling Sister read and it was a fun experience to discuss and speculate along the way! To find this review, along with the other Traveling Sister Read reviews, please visit Brenda and Norma’s fabulous blog at:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
A big thank you to Edelweiss, Berkley Books and Lexie Elliott for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
February 1, 2018
2.5 They find her body in a well, Severine, the girl next door to the farmhouse where a group of college friends were staying. Ten years after they were first questioned by the police, when it was just a missing persons case. For Kate it was a difficult Remembrance, because it is after that they she and Seb parted, by his request. Now a policeman from France is coming to question them once again. What secrets are being hidden and who in the group knows the fate of the French girl?
What this book wasn't: It was not very suspenseful for one. Second, these people showed very little growth of character, acting more like they were still back in their college days, than the age they actually were now. Although there is a ghost or spirit of the murdered French girl I could never quite figure out why she was even there, it wasn't eerie at all. It wasn't convincing, I sussed out the killer and the reason quite early.
It was, however, thankfully a rather quick read and it was another sisters read with our usual wonderful discussions, though Jan and I were the outliers in the group who liked it much better than we two. It happens and may happen for you. Always best to form your own opinion on each and every book.
ARC from Edelweiss.
What this book wasn't: It was not very suspenseful for one. Second, these people showed very little growth of character, acting more like they were still back in their college days, than the age they actually were now. Although there is a ghost or spirit of the murdered French girl I could never quite figure out why she was even there, it wasn't eerie at all. It wasn't convincing, I sussed out the killer and the reason quite early.
It was, however, thankfully a rather quick read and it was another sisters read with our usual wonderful discussions, though Jan and I were the outliers in the group who liked it much better than we two. It happens and may happen for you. Always best to form your own opinion on each and every book.
ARC from Edelweiss.
February 23, 2018
Ten years ago, a group of college friends spent a few vacation days in a farmhouse in France. When they returned back to Oxford they learned that Severine, the girl next door from the place they stayed, had disappeared. Ten years later, Severine body is found and the investigation is reopened.
The book is narrated from the point of view of Kate, she was one of the college friends that went to the farmhouse vacation.
I found the story to be slow-paced. The novel focused on the friendship and relationship dynamics of the group of young professionals being investigated.
My favorite character was Modan, the detective from France. I would've love to have the novel narrated from his point of view.
Overall, I liked the novel and recommend it to readers of mysteries and contemporary fiction.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley
The book is narrated from the point of view of Kate, she was one of the college friends that went to the farmhouse vacation.
I found the story to be slow-paced. The novel focused on the friendship and relationship dynamics of the group of young professionals being investigated.
My favorite character was Modan, the detective from France. I would've love to have the novel narrated from his point of view.
Overall, I liked the novel and recommend it to readers of mysteries and contemporary fiction.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley
February 1, 2018
3.5 expect the unexpected stars to The French Girl! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2
Be forewarned thriller lovers, The French Girl moves along at its (her!) own pace. At the heart of this story was the interesting dynamics of a group of friends and a possible murder. They spent a summer together in France, and the girl next door disappeared. Were any of the friends involved, and what happened to Severine?
I suspected everyone while reading this, and I doubted each of my theories. I wish the book had gone out with a big bang, but it was more of a fizzle.
That said, overall, I found the book engaging and entertaining; almost a palate cleanser of sorts and a break from my more intense reads.
This was another fun Traveling Sister read! Please visit Brenda and Norma’s blog for Traveling Sisters’ combined reviews: http://twogirlslostinacouleereading.w...
The French Girl will be published on February 20, 2018. Thank you to Lexie Elliott, Berkley Books, and Edelweiss for the complimentary copy to review.
Be forewarned thriller lovers, The French Girl moves along at its (her!) own pace. At the heart of this story was the interesting dynamics of a group of friends and a possible murder. They spent a summer together in France, and the girl next door disappeared. Were any of the friends involved, and what happened to Severine?
I suspected everyone while reading this, and I doubted each of my theories. I wish the book had gone out with a big bang, but it was more of a fizzle.
That said, overall, I found the book engaging and entertaining; almost a palate cleanser of sorts and a break from my more intense reads.
This was another fun Traveling Sister read! Please visit Brenda and Norma’s blog for Traveling Sisters’ combined reviews: http://twogirlslostinacouleereading.w...
The French Girl will be published on February 20, 2018. Thank you to Lexie Elliott, Berkley Books, and Edelweiss for the complimentary copy to review.
November 29, 2017
Ten years ago Kate Channing and five of her friends had spent the week together in a French farmhouse. The trip was supposed to be the perfect getaway for the group and that was when they met Severine, the girl next door. For Kate Severine was an unwelcome presence among the group and after that week she went missing.
Now ten years later Severine's case has been reopened when her body was discovered in a well nearby the farmhouse that the group had visited. With a detective investigating the case old memories shift and suspicions mount. Kate is sure she had nothing to do with Severine's murder but the detective seems to be suspicious of her all the while she questions whether what she thinks happened with the rest of the group is true or not.
The French Girl by Lexie Elliott is a very slow build mystery/thriller read. The story within was an interesting one as it unfolded but for me the pacing is what set my overall rating for the book. I'm not a huge fan of a slow pace and this one took quite a bit of time leading the readers into what had gone on all those years before leaving me to rate this story at 3.5 stars.
I would say though that for those that enjoy a more slow build or for those with a tad more patience than myself that this one just may be more of a favorite. There were plenty of different possibilities for an outcome with this one that kept my interest until the second half when it picked up the pace and suspicions a bit more than the start.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Now ten years later Severine's case has been reopened when her body was discovered in a well nearby the farmhouse that the group had visited. With a detective investigating the case old memories shift and suspicions mount. Kate is sure she had nothing to do with Severine's murder but the detective seems to be suspicious of her all the while she questions whether what she thinks happened with the rest of the group is true or not.
The French Girl by Lexie Elliott is a very slow build mystery/thriller read. The story within was an interesting one as it unfolded but for me the pacing is what set my overall rating for the book. I'm not a huge fan of a slow pace and this one took quite a bit of time leading the readers into what had gone on all those years before leaving me to rate this story at 3.5 stars.
I would say though that for those that enjoy a more slow build or for those with a tad more patience than myself that this one just may be more of a favorite. There were plenty of different possibilities for an outcome with this one that kept my interest until the second half when it picked up the pace and suspicions a bit more than the start.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
November 12, 2017
A slow unraveling of a mystery involving a stunning French girl-Severine. Though the pace is slower, it does allow you to "get to know" the 6 friends who will ultimately all become suspects in Severine's murder. In the beginning I was having some difficulty figuring out which friend was telling the story. I think it would have been great to have one of the other friends point of view as well ! I was able to work through this and enjoy the book, so don't give up if you decide to read it.
A detective re-opens a 10 year-old case involving the missing girl, Severine, after her body is discovered in a well near a farmhouse in France. The group of 6 friends were all on holiday at the time and were the last ones to see her alive. They will be questioned many times by the inspector
Gossip and rumor threaten to hurt careers, businesses and friendships as the friends begin to suspect each other and emotions run high. Could it have been an accident? Was it intentional? Did jealousy play a role?
I really enjoyed the "paranomal" aspect that one of the friends was experiencing, but I would have liked that to be explained/explored more (it had me wondering about Kate and her well-being). I'm not sure if it was meant to be humorous, but too me it was!
In the end, I would recommend as a light mystery with a bit of a french twist! Fans of cozies, French settings, longtime friendships should really enjoy! I do look forward to Lexie Elliot's next novel and will be in line for it!
Thanks so much- Berkley Publishing for the book and opportunity to give my honest review.
A detective re-opens a 10 year-old case involving the missing girl, Severine, after her body is discovered in a well near a farmhouse in France. The group of 6 friends were all on holiday at the time and were the last ones to see her alive. They will be questioned many times by the inspector
Gossip and rumor threaten to hurt careers, businesses and friendships as the friends begin to suspect each other and emotions run high. Could it have been an accident? Was it intentional? Did jealousy play a role?
I really enjoyed the "paranomal" aspect that one of the friends was experiencing, but I would have liked that to be explained/explored more (it had me wondering about Kate and her well-being). I'm not sure if it was meant to be humorous, but too me it was!
In the end, I would recommend as a light mystery with a bit of a french twist! Fans of cozies, French settings, longtime friendships should really enjoy! I do look forward to Lexie Elliot's next novel and will be in line for it!
Thanks so much- Berkley Publishing for the book and opportunity to give my honest review.
February 26, 2018
Many thanks to the Berkley Publishing Group for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review. And, my apologies for not getting it posted until a few days after the release date!
Overall rating 3.5 stars
The French Girl definitely falls into the “Gone Girl/Girl on the Train” genre (both in content, and the fact that they both have “Girl” in the title!) Throughout the story, I was not quite sure what is going on and was waiting for a plot twist to reveal a big shocking solution to the mystery. For those who are fans of those books, and books in that genre, I think you should give this one a try.
Honestly, it may be good that I was selected to give this one an honest review because I tend to be kind of harsh with that genre. Because of this, I am a tough reader to please! So, with that in mind, the fact that I did enjoy this book and gave it a decent (if not a super high rating) should be pretty telling. If this book can at least partially impress a critic of this genre like me, then it will blow away those who are huge fans.
My favorite part of the book was the mystery and the investigation. I am getting close to spoiler territory here, so I won’t say much more than I was on the edge of my seat a few times and there were a couple of climatic scenes where I was holding my breath.
My least favorite part of the book were the characters. I thought they we kind of blah and didn’t develop much. In fact, by the end of the book there were at least a couple where I didn’t feel they had fleshed out enough to make their role believable. I understand that not every character has to have a vast and intricately developed backstory and that it is not necessary for them all to have dramatic development throughout the story, but I at least need to not find myself going “Oh, yeah, that person is back – wait, who are they? Oh, now they are talking about so-and-so like I know who that is, but I seem to only remember them mentioning their name, but I don’t remember anything else? Hmmmm”.
So, maybe not the strongest character driven book, but I think it is a decent effort in the “Girl” mystery genre and worth giving a shot for a few twists, turns, and suspenseful moments.
Overall rating 3.5 stars
The French Girl definitely falls into the “Gone Girl/Girl on the Train” genre (both in content, and the fact that they both have “Girl” in the title!) Throughout the story, I was not quite sure what is going on and was waiting for a plot twist to reveal a big shocking solution to the mystery. For those who are fans of those books, and books in that genre, I think you should give this one a try.
Honestly, it may be good that I was selected to give this one an honest review because I tend to be kind of harsh with that genre. Because of this, I am a tough reader to please! So, with that in mind, the fact that I did enjoy this book and gave it a decent (if not a super high rating) should be pretty telling. If this book can at least partially impress a critic of this genre like me, then it will blow away those who are huge fans.
My favorite part of the book was the mystery and the investigation. I am getting close to spoiler territory here, so I won’t say much more than I was on the edge of my seat a few times and there were a couple of climatic scenes where I was holding my breath.
My least favorite part of the book were the characters. I thought they we kind of blah and didn’t develop much. In fact, by the end of the book there were at least a couple where I didn’t feel they had fleshed out enough to make their role believable. I understand that not every character has to have a vast and intricately developed backstory and that it is not necessary for them all to have dramatic development throughout the story, but I at least need to not find myself going “Oh, yeah, that person is back – wait, who are they? Oh, now they are talking about so-and-so like I know who that is, but I seem to only remember them mentioning their name, but I don’t remember anything else? Hmmmm”.
So, maybe not the strongest character driven book, but I think it is a decent effort in the “Girl” mystery genre and worth giving a shot for a few twists, turns, and suspenseful moments.
November 13, 2017
3.5 Stars
A body is discovered....memories of past betrayals and relationships surface.... and old friends come together amidst secrets, lies and a long ago get together that ended badly for some.
Kate narrates the story as she struggles with her new start-up business, a persistent French investigator who searches for truth....AND a ghostly presence that haunts her.
Reminiscent, in part, of mysteries I've read in the past, but I must admit the writing kept me totally engaged despite early on predictability of the culprit.
THE FRENCH GIRL..... Entertaining debut.
Many thanks to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC coming February, 2018 in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2017
A bottle of wine, a crust of bread.......and a dead body that shows up after a ten year hiatus.
Perhaps a few French hens come into this mix as well as six university friends settle into a cozy farmhouse in the French countryside. Poolside is where they find themselves partaking in the good life. A planned getaway with a very unplanned aftermath.
Ah, and then there's Severine. An uninvited presence both when living and certainly when dead. Who is this raven-haired young neighbor woman slinking into a deck chair near the pool? Boundaries serve no purpose as Severine crosses the line and crosses the threshold into the private lives of these individuals.
Kate Channing is the voice of this novel by Lexie Elliott. She creates the backstepping of these young people as they moved about on this isolated farmhouse. Kate recalls the so-called innocent weekend, but she seems to hold back on some of the vital details. Make those intimate details in which certain people pressed themselves far closer to one another than one would expect.
Fast forward ten years: The twisted body of Severine is found at the bottom of a dry well on the farmhouse property. But wasn't she seen boarding a bus along the roadside on that very day of departure? No one could mistake the willowy presence of the statuesque Severine. A presence that will weave back and forth into the lives of these individuals like a fine French tapestry.....but this eye-catching tapestry is a maze of irregular knotted threads on the backside.
Enter the French detective, Alain Modan. Modan questions Kate in the office of her newly founded business in London. Scandal is the last thing on her agenda for the day. But reality sets in as Kate is brought up short. One of them is a murderer. One of them is as guilty as sin itself.
Lexie Elliott tells her tale through images that begin quite slowly with the heaviness of detail. I felt the weightiness of this undertaking as backstories were revealed in order to set the stage. Although perhaps necessary, it did slow down the intensity factor here. But, push on, dear reader. The plot does thicken into a palatable delight. And just when the final course arrives, the ending tanks. Not enough dessert wine to swallow that one down. That's why it's truly a 3.5 on my personal menu. Not enough creme in the creme brulee.
I would certainly read another offering by Lexie Elliott in the future. I wish to thank her and Berkley (Penguin Random House) for the opportunity to read The French Girl for an honest review.
Perhaps a few French hens come into this mix as well as six university friends settle into a cozy farmhouse in the French countryside. Poolside is where they find themselves partaking in the good life. A planned getaway with a very unplanned aftermath.
Ah, and then there's Severine. An uninvited presence both when living and certainly when dead. Who is this raven-haired young neighbor woman slinking into a deck chair near the pool? Boundaries serve no purpose as Severine crosses the line and crosses the threshold into the private lives of these individuals.
Kate Channing is the voice of this novel by Lexie Elliott. She creates the backstepping of these young people as they moved about on this isolated farmhouse. Kate recalls the so-called innocent weekend, but she seems to hold back on some of the vital details. Make those intimate details in which certain people pressed themselves far closer to one another than one would expect.
Fast forward ten years: The twisted body of Severine is found at the bottom of a dry well on the farmhouse property. But wasn't she seen boarding a bus along the roadside on that very day of departure? No one could mistake the willowy presence of the statuesque Severine. A presence that will weave back and forth into the lives of these individuals like a fine French tapestry.....but this eye-catching tapestry is a maze of irregular knotted threads on the backside.
Enter the French detective, Alain Modan. Modan questions Kate in the office of her newly founded business in London. Scandal is the last thing on her agenda for the day. But reality sets in as Kate is brought up short. One of them is a murderer. One of them is as guilty as sin itself.
Lexie Elliott tells her tale through images that begin quite slowly with the heaviness of detail. I felt the weightiness of this undertaking as backstories were revealed in order to set the stage. Although perhaps necessary, it did slow down the intensity factor here. But, push on, dear reader. The plot does thicken into a palatable delight. And just when the final course arrives, the ending tanks. Not enough dessert wine to swallow that one down. That's why it's truly a 3.5 on my personal menu. Not enough creme in the creme brulee.
I would certainly read another offering by Lexie Elliott in the future. I wish to thank her and Berkley (Penguin Random House) for the opportunity to read The French Girl for an honest review.
October 4, 2017
Well done Lexie Elliott! The French Girl is brilliant. I love the psychological suspense/thriller genre when the story is done well, and Elliott hits it out of the ballpark on her first try (amazingly enough, she is a debut author). The plot is clever, the main character is very likeable (how often does that happen in a thriller-most of the time I am saying who does this kind of stuff??), and the pacing of the story is perfect. I was turning the pages as fast as I could to see what was going to happen next.
Elliott managed to keep me on my toes as I was reading – characters were slowly falling apart, secrets were revealed, and loyalties were constantly being tested. The presence of Severine was ingenious and added an interesting layer to the story. The ending was outstanding; I don’t want to spoil the ending so I will simply say I was worried it might go one way and thankfully it did not (and the book was much better for it). I loved that the main character Kate was likeable and made decent choices. I get frustrated when I am reading in this genre because the main characters are so frequently crazy or highly unlikeable. Kate was a welcome and enjoyable change.
The French Girl addresses the issue of how memories and events can be skewed by the facts we know (and the facts we do not know) which is certainly a thought-provoking concept. This idea plays out well in this book and made me think about how that issue plays out in everyday life.
I highly, highly recommend The French Girl – it is a fantastic read. Block out time in your schedule before you start it because you will not want to put it down once you begin. Thanks to Berkley Publishing for my copy; all opinions are my own.
Elliott managed to keep me on my toes as I was reading – characters were slowly falling apart, secrets were revealed, and loyalties were constantly being tested. The presence of Severine was ingenious and added an interesting layer to the story. The ending was outstanding; I don’t want to spoil the ending so I will simply say I was worried it might go one way and thankfully it did not (and the book was much better for it). I loved that the main character Kate was likeable and made decent choices. I get frustrated when I am reading in this genre because the main characters are so frequently crazy or highly unlikeable. Kate was a welcome and enjoyable change.
The French Girl addresses the issue of how memories and events can be skewed by the facts we know (and the facts we do not know) which is certainly a thought-provoking concept. This idea plays out well in this book and made me think about how that issue plays out in everyday life.
I highly, highly recommend The French Girl – it is a fantastic read. Block out time in your schedule before you start it because you will not want to put it down once you begin. Thanks to Berkley Publishing for my copy; all opinions are my own.
February 25, 2018
3.5 Stars
I was lost in the grassy, weedy lush coulee reading The French Girl with seven of my Traveling Sisters and we ended up in different sides of the coulee at the end of this story.
The French Girl is an entertaining and fun slow moving maze of secrets and lies involving a messy mix of relationships between six friends, who on a summer vacation in France when they meet their neighbor Severine who goes missing. Things get even messier when 10 years later her remains are found.
Lexie Elliott does a really good job here with the dynamics between our main character Kate and her friends. Kate is an interesting narrator and we could see how she develops over time and see how her perspective changes as the investigation into Severine’s death causes her to look back to the weeks in France. Severine begins to haunt her and some of us really enjoyed that supernatural element to the story that added some fun to the story.
While some us were quite happy tangled up in the grassy coulee and liking the dynamics between these friends and enjoying the easy, mindless but interesting and entertaining story, two of my TS were tangled in the weeds and wondering why they didn’t struggle their way out of the coulee.
Published on February 20, 2018
Thank you Edelweiss, Berkley Publishing Group and Lexie Elliott for a copy to read and review.
All of our Traveling Sisters Reviews can be found on our sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
I was lost in the grassy, weedy lush coulee reading The French Girl with seven of my Traveling Sisters and we ended up in different sides of the coulee at the end of this story.
The French Girl is an entertaining and fun slow moving maze of secrets and lies involving a messy mix of relationships between six friends, who on a summer vacation in France when they meet their neighbor Severine who goes missing. Things get even messier when 10 years later her remains are found.
Lexie Elliott does a really good job here with the dynamics between our main character Kate and her friends. Kate is an interesting narrator and we could see how she develops over time and see how her perspective changes as the investigation into Severine’s death causes her to look back to the weeks in France. Severine begins to haunt her and some of us really enjoyed that supernatural element to the story that added some fun to the story.
While some us were quite happy tangled up in the grassy coulee and liking the dynamics between these friends and enjoying the easy, mindless but interesting and entertaining story, two of my TS were tangled in the weeds and wondering why they didn’t struggle their way out of the coulee.
Published on February 20, 2018
Thank you Edelweiss, Berkley Publishing Group and Lexie Elliott for a copy to read and review.
All of our Traveling Sisters Reviews can be found on our sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
March 8, 2018
Six friends celebrate their graduation from Oxford University at a farmhouse in France. The last night of their alcohol-fueled party turns disastrous after an uninvited nineteen-year-old neighbor goes missing from the house. The female, named Severine, had driven a wedge between the friends with her sexy looks and flirty disposition. The women felt threatened by the younger woman while the men returned her attention. After an investigation, it is not clear if anyone at the farmhouse had anything to do with her disappearance.
Ten years later, Severine’s body is found in a well outside of the farmhouse. Each of the friends is questioned by a French detective. Kate Channing is not concerned with the investigation but begins to unravel after repeated interrogations. Accusations and frictions slowly grow as each group member reveals what they remember from that night.
The French Girl is a debut novel by Lexie Elliott. I enjoyed this book and was quickly pulled into the story after reading the first chapter. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Ten years later, Severine’s body is found in a well outside of the farmhouse. Each of the friends is questioned by a French detective. Kate Channing is not concerned with the investigation but begins to unravel after repeated interrogations. Accusations and frictions slowly grow as each group member reveals what they remember from that night.
The French Girl is a debut novel by Lexie Elliott. I enjoyed this book and was quickly pulled into the story after reading the first chapter. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
February 11, 2018
This is the very definition of a two star book - it was okay, but completely unremarkable.
And gosh darn it, I really thought I'd like this one! I was in a total mystery/thriller mood. I wanted to wonder who did it and why. I wanted tension and secrets. What twists and turns were awaiting me?
What I got was ultimately disappointing. The French Girl is unfortunately not that suspenseful or exciting. I feel entirely unenthusiastic about it. All these secrets, a death from ten years in the past, the Severine-"ghost". It just feels inconsequential.
Like I'm so underwhelmed by it.
I don't even want to write about it. That's how flat I found everything. I sat down to write this review, then decided to do my taxes first. It was just that uninspiring to me. None of the characters sparked. I can't feel anything for Severine or thesix five.
And there's nothing truly bad about this, there really isn't. No glaring inconsistencies or major anger buttons. It's...functional? But I wanted to passionately care about what had happened to Severine, about Kate's future. And I didn't.
A successful read needs passion. A theoretically fine, yet unexciting mystery will lose every time to a flawed, but exhilarating thriller.
In the battle for my reading affections, The French Girl unfortunately couldn't win me over.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Berkley Books for the drc.
And gosh darn it, I really thought I'd like this one! I was in a total mystery/thriller mood. I wanted to wonder who did it and why. I wanted tension and secrets. What twists and turns were awaiting me?
What I got was ultimately disappointing. The French Girl is unfortunately not that suspenseful or exciting. I feel entirely unenthusiastic about it. All these secrets, a death from ten years in the past, the Severine-"ghost". It just feels inconsequential.
Like I'm so underwhelmed by it.
I don't even want to write about it. That's how flat I found everything. I sat down to write this review, then decided to do my taxes first. It was just that uninspiring to me. None of the characters sparked. I can't feel anything for Severine or the
And there's nothing truly bad about this, there really isn't. No glaring inconsistencies or major anger buttons. It's...functional? But I wanted to passionately care about what had happened to Severine, about Kate's future. And I didn't.
A successful read needs passion. A theoretically fine, yet unexciting mystery will lose every time to a flawed, but exhilarating thriller.
In the battle for my reading affections, The French Girl unfortunately couldn't win me over.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Berkley Books for the drc.
October 25, 2017
4/5 stars!
The French Girl is a remarkable debut by newcomer Lexie Elliot, who’s writing style can already be considered in the same ranks as Ruth Ware, Fiona Barton, and Paula Hawkins. The story takes place in the current day London, where Kate Channing receives a phone call from college friend Tom, about the French police re-opening up a case about a missing person; an acquaintance that they met during a vacation in France – Severine. Severine’s body has been found in the bottom of a closed-up well with clues leading up to the possibility of a murder charge being discussed. The problem is, Kate, her boyfriend Seb, and her friends Lara, Tom, Theo, and Caro were all the last ones to be linked to Severine. With the police re-opening the case, what will be discovered? Why do the police suspect that it could be one of them, and if someone has a secret – how willing are they to keep it under wraps? The French Girl single-handedly paints the picture of how wicked some people may go to get what they want, even if it means destroying the lives of others to get ahead.
The French Girl is going to be a polarizing book for many for a multitude of reasons but I am going to break down my thoughts and how it was painted for me and let’s see what you think:
1- This is a slow-burn light mystery, rather than an in-your-face suspense where you’ll have to check behind the shower curtain before going to bed. It took me awhile to sink my teeth in, but when I did, I was addicted. It’s also a light read, so you won’t even realize how quickly you are breezing through this, until it’s 1 AM and you realize you have to go to bed for work in the morning.
2- The characterizations of all the main and supporting characters are vividly drawn out, which is great because you end up being wrapped right into the chaos, without being lulled by the slow-pacing of the plot.
3- The French Girl gave me serious Ruth Ware vibes in terms of writing style (yassss!!!) and unreliable characters. The French Girl is what The Lying Game was trying to be but failed.
4- There was a lot of talk about the economic environment of England and the lack of job security, which peaked my interest. After a little research, I read that Lexie Elliott took up writing after losing her job in the Great Recession. I found this really intriguing because as a millennial, I have many people in my life who have been greatly affected by the economic downturn and still are. It was refreshing to read about characters who were going through situations that I could relate to and feel sympathy for.
5- Based on the previous point, as well as Ms. Elliott’s incredible characterizations, I was sooo into the cast of characters that she presented. I loved Kate and her trying to keep it together but slowly falling apart psyche; I loved some of the characters’ alcoholic tendencies covering up insecurities; I loved the minor love story taking place during the sequence of the plot, as it wasn’t overbearing and it maintained relevance; and lastly, I loved how wicked some of these characters truly are. It maintained my attention throughout the story.
Overall, The French Girl is a solid debut by a new author that I can’t wait to hear more from.
Thank you Berkley Publishing Publishing Group for my advanced copy for an honest review. It was a pleasure.
You can also follow me on Instagram | @scared_str8
The French Girl is a remarkable debut by newcomer Lexie Elliot, who’s writing style can already be considered in the same ranks as Ruth Ware, Fiona Barton, and Paula Hawkins. The story takes place in the current day London, where Kate Channing receives a phone call from college friend Tom, about the French police re-opening up a case about a missing person; an acquaintance that they met during a vacation in France – Severine. Severine’s body has been found in the bottom of a closed-up well with clues leading up to the possibility of a murder charge being discussed. The problem is, Kate, her boyfriend Seb, and her friends Lara, Tom, Theo, and Caro were all the last ones to be linked to Severine. With the police re-opening the case, what will be discovered? Why do the police suspect that it could be one of them, and if someone has a secret – how willing are they to keep it under wraps? The French Girl single-handedly paints the picture of how wicked some people may go to get what they want, even if it means destroying the lives of others to get ahead.
The French Girl is going to be a polarizing book for many for a multitude of reasons but I am going to break down my thoughts and how it was painted for me and let’s see what you think:
1- This is a slow-burn light mystery, rather than an in-your-face suspense where you’ll have to check behind the shower curtain before going to bed. It took me awhile to sink my teeth in, but when I did, I was addicted. It’s also a light read, so you won’t even realize how quickly you are breezing through this, until it’s 1 AM and you realize you have to go to bed for work in the morning.
2- The characterizations of all the main and supporting characters are vividly drawn out, which is great because you end up being wrapped right into the chaos, without being lulled by the slow-pacing of the plot.
3- The French Girl gave me serious Ruth Ware vibes in terms of writing style (yassss!!!) and unreliable characters. The French Girl is what The Lying Game was trying to be but failed.
4- There was a lot of talk about the economic environment of England and the lack of job security, which peaked my interest. After a little research, I read that Lexie Elliott took up writing after losing her job in the Great Recession. I found this really intriguing because as a millennial, I have many people in my life who have been greatly affected by the economic downturn and still are. It was refreshing to read about characters who were going through situations that I could relate to and feel sympathy for.
5- Based on the previous point, as well as Ms. Elliott’s incredible characterizations, I was sooo into the cast of characters that she presented. I loved Kate and her trying to keep it together but slowly falling apart psyche; I loved some of the characters’ alcoholic tendencies covering up insecurities; I loved the minor love story taking place during the sequence of the plot, as it wasn’t overbearing and it maintained relevance; and lastly, I loved how wicked some of these characters truly are. It maintained my attention throughout the story.
Overall, The French Girl is a solid debut by a new author that I can’t wait to hear more from.
Thank you Berkley Publishing Publishing Group for my advanced copy for an honest review. It was a pleasure.
You can also follow me on Instagram | @scared_str8
February 1, 2018
2.5, rounded up
The set-up: Six college friends stay at a farmhouse in France and meet the sultry and sexy girl next door, Severine. She disappears without a trace, and now, 10 years later, her body has been found, and the investigation is re-opened.
This is a slow burn novel, with a lot of emphasis on the relationships and work lives of the friends.This will appeal to some readers more than others. I would have liked to have experienced more tension and details of the investigation, as well as more growth among the friends from their college days. There was a lot of drama and angst that would have been more fitting in the friends during their college years, not when they are late 20s/early 30s. If you enjoy that dynamic this is the book for you.
The ghost of Severine appears to one of the women repeatedly throughout the book. I'm not against supernatural elements in my reading, sometimes it can be fun. But I didn't particularly care for it here, as I couldn't discern a purpose to her presence. She was just there and languidly observant.
The French detective does something unprofessional that compromises the entire investigation. I could have forgiven it as a plot device if it had been addressed as a breach of professional conduct, but instead, the information is dished out as a bit of juicy gossip. I found the ending a bit of a letdown. The crime is resolved, but I didn't find it entirely satisfying for reasons I can't go into here without spoilers.
I read this with the Traveling Sister group and most of the group enjoyed this more than I did. I am probably the wrong demographic and/or the wrong reader for this type of book. It's not a bad book, but just missed the mark of being a really great read for me. I was expecting a thriller/mystery and instead found something totally different.
The traveling sister blog with this review and others can be found at:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
*I was sent a copy of the book by the publisher
The set-up: Six college friends stay at a farmhouse in France and meet the sultry and sexy girl next door, Severine. She disappears without a trace, and now, 10 years later, her body has been found, and the investigation is re-opened.
This is a slow burn novel, with a lot of emphasis on the relationships and work lives of the friends.This will appeal to some readers more than others. I would have liked to have experienced more tension and details of the investigation, as well as more growth among the friends from their college days. There was a lot of drama and angst that would have been more fitting in the friends during their college years, not when they are late 20s/early 30s. If you enjoy that dynamic this is the book for you.
The ghost of Severine appears to one of the women repeatedly throughout the book. I'm not against supernatural elements in my reading, sometimes it can be fun. But I didn't particularly care for it here, as I couldn't discern a purpose to her presence. She was just there and languidly observant.
The French detective does something unprofessional that compromises the entire investigation. I could have forgiven it as a plot device if it had been addressed as a breach of professional conduct, but instead, the information is dished out as a bit of juicy gossip. I found the ending a bit of a letdown. The crime is resolved, but I didn't find it entirely satisfying for reasons I can't go into here without spoilers.
I read this with the Traveling Sister group and most of the group enjoyed this more than I did. I am probably the wrong demographic and/or the wrong reader for this type of book. It's not a bad book, but just missed the mark of being a really great read for me. I was expecting a thriller/mystery and instead found something totally different.
The traveling sister blog with this review and others can be found at:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
*I was sent a copy of the book by the publisher
June 28, 2018
Firstly I have to say that "The French Girl" was a decent enough read that was without doubt, well written by debut author Lexie Elliott and I did enjoy reading it.
But - unfortunately not a lot happens during the story and I don't even think I'd say this was a slow burn book as even the denouement is a little lacklustre and predictable. The story focuses mainly on Kate's narrative and thoughts regarding the ill fated holiday trip to France, however I found there was a little too much detail into her job as a legal recruitment agency owner to be entertaining and the constant appearance of Severine - which should have been eerie - was just too often. Perhaps if there were flashbacks to the events leading up to Severine's disappearance ten years ago it may have given a little more intrigue to the plot and I did find it a tad unbelievable that the relationships between all the characters from so many years ago would still have such a strong hold over everyone, even after they had all moved on.
I never wanted to stop reading this book, it just wasn't the fast paced psychological thriller I was maybe anticipating but I imagine it will still be liked and enjoyed by a lot of readers, young and old alike and I would probably still read more by this new author in the future.
3 stars
But - unfortunately not a lot happens during the story and I don't even think I'd say this was a slow burn book as even the denouement is a little lacklustre and predictable. The story focuses mainly on Kate's narrative and thoughts regarding the ill fated holiday trip to France, however I found there was a little too much detail into her job as a legal recruitment agency owner to be entertaining and the constant appearance of Severine - which should have been eerie - was just too often. Perhaps if there were flashbacks to the events leading up to Severine's disappearance ten years ago it may have given a little more intrigue to the plot and I did find it a tad unbelievable that the relationships between all the characters from so many years ago would still have such a strong hold over everyone, even after they had all moved on.
I never wanted to stop reading this book, it just wasn't the fast paced psychological thriller I was maybe anticipating but I imagine it will still be liked and enjoyed by a lot of readers, young and old alike and I would probably still read more by this new author in the future.
3 stars
September 28, 2017
*4.5 stars! Many thanks to Berkley Publishing for offering an advance reading copy for my honest review. The book will not be on sale until 2/20/18, but I've gotten the go-ahead from marketing to post my thoughts.
One summer, six Oxford friends (Kate, Tom, Lara, Caro, Seb and Theo) spend a week in a farmhouse in the French countryside. At the end of that week, Severine, the sultry 'mademoiselle next door,’ disappears without a trace. Her remains are not found until ten years later, in the abandoned well on the farmhouse property.
At this point, Theo has been killed in Afghanistan, but the remaining five friends are all living and working in London and are questioned by Officer Alain Modan of the French judiciary police. It becomes obvious that one of them must have been the murderer. They were, after all, the last to have seen Severine alive…
This story is stunning. How well do we really know even our best friends? Look around--who would be capable of murder?? And what does that do to friendship, when one sees speculation and suspicion in a friend's eyes?
The story is told from Kate’s first person point of view and she is remarkably likable—some of her friends, maybe not so much—but the characterizations are very well done, with all the romantic entanglements involved in a close-knit group of both sexes. There is suspense and page-turning enticements, and even a small touch of magical realism that I always enjoy in a story like this.
Hard to believe this is a debut work of fiction--it is that well done. I am looking forward to reading much more from this excellent writer to come. Highly recommend!
One summer, six Oxford friends (Kate, Tom, Lara, Caro, Seb and Theo) spend a week in a farmhouse in the French countryside. At the end of that week, Severine, the sultry 'mademoiselle next door,’ disappears without a trace. Her remains are not found until ten years later, in the abandoned well on the farmhouse property.
At this point, Theo has been killed in Afghanistan, but the remaining five friends are all living and working in London and are questioned by Officer Alain Modan of the French judiciary police. It becomes obvious that one of them must have been the murderer. They were, after all, the last to have seen Severine alive…
This story is stunning. How well do we really know even our best friends? Look around--who would be capable of murder?? And what does that do to friendship, when one sees speculation and suspicion in a friend's eyes?
The story is told from Kate’s first person point of view and she is remarkably likable—some of her friends, maybe not so much—but the characterizations are very well done, with all the romantic entanglements involved in a close-knit group of both sexes. There is suspense and page-turning enticements, and even a small touch of magical realism that I always enjoy in a story like this.
Hard to believe this is a debut work of fiction--it is that well done. I am looking forward to reading much more from this excellent writer to come. Highly recommend!
March 9, 2018
I wanted to like The French Girl - I really did. It's the story of a good time ruined by an unfortunate event, it's got drama and love triangles and revenge and everything you'd want out of a story like this...but I couldn't shake the feeling that all of the good stuff could've been condensed down into 50ish pages. The rest? I felt it was a lot of talk about people being worried or paranoid about stuff they didn't know. Maybe it's the fact that I'm inclined to be anxious about EVERYTHING, but I just didn't find it compelling.
Had this been shortened down into just the good parts, I actually think this would be higher up on my list.
Should you buy it?: I'm gonna go with no on this one. In the grand world of "*insert descriptive word* Girl" books, I just feel like there are better choices. That said, if you're looking for an easy to read story that's got some of the basics of a thriller but won't keep you up at night, perhaps it is worth considering.
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
Had this been shortened down into just the good parts, I actually think this would be higher up on my list.
Should you buy it?: I'm gonna go with no on this one. In the grand world of "*insert descriptive word* Girl" books, I just feel like there are better choices. That said, if you're looking for an easy to read story that's got some of the basics of a thriller but won't keep you up at night, perhaps it is worth considering.
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
November 6, 2017
3. 5 Stars!
Dark, gripping, and complex!
The French Girl is an intriguing character-driven novel that delves into the dynamic relationship between six friends and their possible involvement in the murder of a young girl ten years prior while vacationing in France.
The writing is clear and precise. The characters are self-involved, secretive, and troubled. And the plot uses a past/present, back-and-forth style to create suspense and tension as it subtly unravels all the actions, motivations, personalities, and relationships within it.
The French Girl at its core is a novel about friendship, secrets, manipulation, jealousy, obsession, and murder with a little paranormal twist. It's a compelling debut for Elliott and I can't wait to read what she comes up with next.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for send me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my blogs can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
Dark, gripping, and complex!
The French Girl is an intriguing character-driven novel that delves into the dynamic relationship between six friends and their possible involvement in the murder of a young girl ten years prior while vacationing in France.
The writing is clear and precise. The characters are self-involved, secretive, and troubled. And the plot uses a past/present, back-and-forth style to create suspense and tension as it subtly unravels all the actions, motivations, personalities, and relationships within it.
The French Girl at its core is a novel about friendship, secrets, manipulation, jealousy, obsession, and murder with a little paranormal twist. It's a compelling debut for Elliott and I can't wait to read what she comes up with next.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for send me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my blogs can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
January 2, 2018
About: The French Girl is a mystery thriller written by Lexie Elliott. It will be published on 2/20/2018 by Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House, 304 pages. The genres are crime, mystery, suspense, thriller, and fiction. This book is the author’s debut.
My Experience: I started reading The French Girl on 12/11/17 and finished it on 1/2/18. This book is a great read! I like learning the characters’ professions, especially keeping afloat a new startup. I have always wondered about those who works on the trading floors, lawyers, and headhunters. The headhunter in this book focus on finding employees for companies of higher ranked jobs and it’s interesting to learn how businesses work. This book only suffer the length of time it takes me to read it because Christmas break and New Year’s break took my attention away from reading. Otherwise, I am always hooked on the mystery of what will come.
This book is told in the first person point of view, following Kate Channing, one among 6 friends who attended Oxford together years ago. The 6 friends (some more than friends and some less than friends) are Tom, Theo, Seb, Lara, and Caro. They all took a trip after they graduated from the university to the French farmhouse for a week of idyllic vacation. One person, Severine, the girl next door disappeared without a trace just as the six friends pack up to leave when their trip ended. Now, nearly a decade later, the police found Severine’s remains and the 6 friends are called in for questioning. Kate hasn’t seen the group for many years except Lara, whom she stayed in close contact. When the investigation heats up and each person realized his/her life could be ruined, they started to think whether their friends is capable of murder.
This book is well written. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense. I like the characters and their career. I like the friends and friends enemies and more than friends concept because it creates many opportunities to direct the blames and appear much harder to predict who the bad guy/girl is. This book is carefully crafted, though at times the pace is slow due to professions and being haunted by Severine. I enjoy the careful withholding of secrets when the characters communicate with each other trying to Nancy Drew themselves into who may have commit the heinous crime and are trying to get away with it. I like Kate’s analysis of everyone and whether they are who they appear to be. The suspense is worth the read and I do recommend everyone to read this book!
Pro: suspense, mystery, professional jobs,
Con: I’m also haunted by Severine. She’s excessively everywhere.
I rate it 4 stars!
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to Berkley for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
My Experience: I started reading The French Girl on 12/11/17 and finished it on 1/2/18. This book is a great read! I like learning the characters’ professions, especially keeping afloat a new startup. I have always wondered about those who works on the trading floors, lawyers, and headhunters. The headhunter in this book focus on finding employees for companies of higher ranked jobs and it’s interesting to learn how businesses work. This book only suffer the length of time it takes me to read it because Christmas break and New Year’s break took my attention away from reading. Otherwise, I am always hooked on the mystery of what will come.
This book is told in the first person point of view, following Kate Channing, one among 6 friends who attended Oxford together years ago. The 6 friends (some more than friends and some less than friends) are Tom, Theo, Seb, Lara, and Caro. They all took a trip after they graduated from the university to the French farmhouse for a week of idyllic vacation. One person, Severine, the girl next door disappeared without a trace just as the six friends pack up to leave when their trip ended. Now, nearly a decade later, the police found Severine’s remains and the 6 friends are called in for questioning. Kate hasn’t seen the group for many years except Lara, whom she stayed in close contact. When the investigation heats up and each person realized his/her life could be ruined, they started to think whether their friends is capable of murder.
This book is well written. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense. I like the characters and their career. I like the friends and friends enemies and more than friends concept because it creates many opportunities to direct the blames and appear much harder to predict who the bad guy/girl is. This book is carefully crafted, though at times the pace is slow due to professions and being haunted by Severine. I enjoy the careful withholding of secrets when the characters communicate with each other trying to Nancy Drew themselves into who may have commit the heinous crime and are trying to get away with it. I like Kate’s analysis of everyone and whether they are who they appear to be. The suspense is worth the read and I do recommend everyone to read this book!
Pro: suspense, mystery, professional jobs,
Con: I’m also haunted by Severine. She’s excessively everywhere.
I rate it 4 stars!
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to Berkley for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
May 23, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up...
The premise of The French Girl is not so unusual: Six university friends go off on holiday to France. A few become "more than friends," and there is a bit of jealousy here and there but not enough to really matter until The French Girl next door enters the picture. The dynamics of the group completely changes, old wounds are re-opened and new ones begin to appear. Then, as suddenly as she appears, she disappears on the final day of the trip. The group of friends barely give it much thought - or do they? Now a decade later The French Girl's body is discovered in a well on the property where the group was vacationing. They must reunite in order to help the investigation - what happened? Who knew what and when? All of these things are very artfully laid out and explained in the book - until the end. The ending of the book is good... but perplexing for some. I rather enjoyed it but for some who like very pat, tied-up-in-neat-package endings, it is bothersome.
This debut novel is well written, the characters very aptly drawn and the mystery well played. If you like clever who-dunnits then I can very safely recommend this book to you.
The premise of The French Girl is not so unusual: Six university friends go off on holiday to France. A few become "more than friends," and there is a bit of jealousy here and there but not enough to really matter until The French Girl next door enters the picture. The dynamics of the group completely changes, old wounds are re-opened and new ones begin to appear. Then, as suddenly as she appears, she disappears on the final day of the trip. The group of friends barely give it much thought - or do they? Now a decade later The French Girl's body is discovered in a well on the property where the group was vacationing. They must reunite in order to help the investigation - what happened? Who knew what and when? All of these things are very artfully laid out and explained in the book - until the end. The ending of the book is good... but perplexing for some. I rather enjoyed it but for some who like very pat, tied-up-in-neat-package endings, it is bothersome.
This debut novel is well written, the characters very aptly drawn and the mystery well played. If you like clever who-dunnits then I can very safely recommend this book to you.
March 2, 2018
I look around the table again. It's impossible not to think, as each face passes under my gaze, Was it you? Could you have done it? And, most disturbing of all, How far will you go to blame someone else?
The French Girl is a slow-burning, evocative mystery built off a premise I have so come to love: a catalyst in the present forcing characters to revisit a dark incident in their past and recolor it with new understandings. I was intrigued by the unique approach taken here, with a narrative anchored solely in the now and a greater focus on character dynamics than plot progression, but in the end, this book was a mediocre read for me - although that's not to say it didn't have its strengths.
Where The French Girl shines most is quite simply its writing style. It's gorgeous and haunting. Everything is told from Kate's perspective in the present, and since I'm used to this sort of plot bouncing between narrators and timelines, I will admit that this approach felt restricting at first. Nevertheless, the limited point of view came to be something that I appreciated. You really have the opportunity to immerse yourself in all of Kate's frustrations as she tries to piece together the past. Her spotty memories are wonderfully hazy and disjointed; it feels like reaching out and trying to grab something only to have it slip between your fingers.
The plot is slow-moving - glacial, at times - but even that can be spun as a point in the book's favor. It's realistic. Ten years after the initial missing persons investigation, the stagnant pacing at the onset of the novel feels true to a murder investigation slowly gaining traction. It also gives us the space to do a deep-dive into Kate's life; I loved how the investigation doesn't take over her existence, not at first. Her insistence to keep it separate from her struggles to run a solo business is intriguing and far from what I'm used to in mystery novels where the mystery tends to quickly consume the entire plot.
Probably the most fascinating part of the book is Severine, the murdered girl, herself. News of the discovery of Severine's body causes Kate to "see" her everywhere in a vivid, tell-tale heart-like fashion. I love that this enigma of a girl is personified more as a figment of Kate's imagination in the present than she is in Kate's memories. Severine never says a word, and yet her personality is crystal clear. It's honestly quite chilling.
Despite all the small tidbits I enjoyed, I couldn't really get over my main problem: that the slow pacing was never rewarded. It felt like the whole book was building up to something, like the calm before a storm, but it never quite got there. The revelations at the end didn't seem hard-won or deserved. It's an ending that doesn't package everything up with tidy bows, which I can appreciate for its realism, but I still felt a little robbed of my time when I had turned the final page.
All in all, The French Girl isn't my favorite read, but it's a solid one. And it's a strong debut for Lexie Elliott, who's definitely caught my eye with her writing style. Can't wait to see more from her in the future!
Warm thanks to Berkley Publishing for providing me with a review copy of The French Girl via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
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February 7, 2018
Ten years ago, a group of 6 college friends spent a week in France. The neighbor was Severine, who all the guys liked and the girls tolerated. The day they left to go back to school, Severine was never seen again.
Severine's bones have been found. Forensics show that she may have been murdered. Sine the friends were the last to see her, they are all suspects.
The story is told with Kate Channing's voice. She had a fight with her boyfriend and he promptly slept with the French girl. They have not spoken since. Caro had a thing for Kate's boyfriend ... did she kill who she thought the competition was? Illegal drugs were sneaked in and there was lots of alcohol involved with everything they did.
After that week, none of them have been the same. They all have secrets... some shared, some not. When the police investigation reopens, fingers start pointing.
This was a very well written story. Through Kate's voice, the reader can follow what she remembers .. and what she conceals. Relationships among the friends have been uncomfortable .. and some have been severed. The characters are sharply defined ... and memorable. The ending came as quite a surprise.
Many thanks to the author / Berkley Publishing / Edelweiss for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Severine's bones have been found. Forensics show that she may have been murdered. Sine the friends were the last to see her, they are all suspects.
The story is told with Kate Channing's voice. She had a fight with her boyfriend and he promptly slept with the French girl. They have not spoken since. Caro had a thing for Kate's boyfriend ... did she kill who she thought the competition was? Illegal drugs were sneaked in and there was lots of alcohol involved with everything they did.
After that week, none of them have been the same. They all have secrets... some shared, some not. When the police investigation reopens, fingers start pointing.
This was a very well written story. Through Kate's voice, the reader can follow what she remembers .. and what she conceals. Relationships among the friends have been uncomfortable .. and some have been severed. The characters are sharply defined ... and memorable. The ending came as quite a surprise.
Many thanks to the author / Berkley Publishing / Edelweiss for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
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