What do you think?
Rate this book
Exquisite
When two writers meet at a retreat, the chemistry is instant, and they begin a sinister relationship ... or do they? An exquisitely tense, twisty She Said/She Said psychological thriller from number one bestselling author Sarah Stovell...
Bo Luxton has it all – a loving family, a beautiful home in the Lake District, and a clutch of bestselling books to her name. Enter Alice Dark, an aspiring writer who is drifting through life, with a series of dead-end jobs and a freeloading boyfriend. When they meet at a writers' retreat, the chemistry is instant, and a sinister relationship develops... Or does it? Breathlessly pacey, taut and terrifying, Exquisite is a startlingly original and unbalancing psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page.
Bo Luxton has it all – a loving family, a beautiful home in the Lake District, and a clutch of bestselling books to her name. Enter Alice Dark, an aspiring writer who is drifting through life, with a series of dead-end jobs and a freeloading boyfriend. When they meet at a writers' retreat, the chemistry is instant, and a sinister relationship develops... Or does it? Breathlessly pacey, taut and terrifying, Exquisite is a startlingly original and unbalancing psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2017
124 people are currently reading
2958 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 374 reviews
June 6, 2017
Do you see how short the blurb is for this book? There's a reason for that. Honestly, you shouldn't even be reading this review, so I'm going to do you a favor and keep it short. In fact, this might be the most brief, vague, and aggravating review you read in 2017. I'm not going to sit here and over-hype this book for you. I've had too many books ruined for myself in that way to do it to someone else, so I'll keep it simple. If you have any specific questions regarding triggers and content, please feel free to send me a private message and I'll help you out. This is THE book to read in 2017 if you enjoy psychological thrillers.
READ THE BOOK.
GO IN BLIND. THANK ME LATER. ;)
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy; it was a pleasure to provide my thoughts here.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy; it was a pleasure to provide my thoughts here.
October 12, 2017
First things first, if critical reviews rub you the wrong way, you might want to bypass this one—it's not pretty or exquisite. *wink*
I’m honestly dumbfounded that Exquisite was categorized as a psychological thriller—or described as “startlingly original”—when there is a blatant lack of thrills, shock-and-awe or twists to get excited about. Personally, I would consider this to be more of a darker women’s fiction novel with a been-there, done-that narrative. I think we’ve all read some version of this story before.
Reading—much like everything else in life—is subjective and nothing highlights that more than participating in a group read. Not only was I lucky enough to join the Traveling Sisters for this one, but I also had the chance to share this experience with another friend (I’m talking about you Melisa *enthusiastic wave*), who happened to be reading it at the same time. While it was a fun discussion, we couldn’t have been more divided on our thoughts and ratings. It’s not surprising my Negative Nancy persona chose to rear her judgmental head; let’s be honest, she makes an appearance quite frequently. Maybe, with time and exposure, I’ve set the bar too high or it could be the streak of great reads I’ve had lately, demanding I pay my dues with a dud.
Almost immediately, I recognized that Sarah Stovell’s writing wasn’t what I typically prefer. I’m a reader that revels in the details—the depth of emotion, the inner workings of each character and most importantly, the motivating factor behind the why—while this author tended to gloss over things quite a bit. In a lot of instances, she opted to tell the reader how the characters were feeling, rather than enmeshing us in the nitty-gritty of it all, depriving us of the full experience. Isn’t that the joy of reading though—being able to see, feel and live through someone else’s eyes? Maybe my feelings stem from the fact that a good portion of the story is told through exchanged emails (which cuts down on the emotionality) and inner monologues, rather than shared dialogue.
I won’t get into the minutiae of the plot here—as there aren’t a ton of surprises—except to say, this is the story of a well-known writer, who meets a young woman during a writer’s workshop and forms an instant connection. A connection that quickly morphs from mentor to declarations of love. Now, as a reader that frequently dabbles in romance, maybe I’m a bit jaded, but in my eyes, the only way to describe Bo and Alice’s ensuing relationship is insta-love. Cue the eye-rolling. Seriously though, how else would you categorize a relationship that heads in this direction after only a few days spent together and a string of vague emails? What about the fact that both women find themselves in other relationships . . . with men? In no way did I consider this to be sexy, alluring or passionate—all the things I felt the author was trying to sell me on.
As for the rest of it, my lips are sealed. This overly-dramatized novel requires very little guesswork for the reader, so I wouldn’t want to give anything away. Keep in mind, this is simply my opinion—one reader who appears to be in the minority, as evidenced by the large number of positive reviews. If the synopsis grabs you, go for it. You never know, it might turn out to be a new favorite—for you.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Orenda Books for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I’m honestly dumbfounded that Exquisite was categorized as a psychological thriller—or described as “startlingly original”—when there is a blatant lack of thrills, shock-and-awe or twists to get excited about. Personally, I would consider this to be more of a darker women’s fiction novel with a been-there, done-that narrative. I think we’ve all read some version of this story before.
Reading—much like everything else in life—is subjective and nothing highlights that more than participating in a group read. Not only was I lucky enough to join the Traveling Sisters for this one, but I also had the chance to share this experience with another friend (I’m talking about you Melisa *enthusiastic wave*), who happened to be reading it at the same time. While it was a fun discussion, we couldn’t have been more divided on our thoughts and ratings. It’s not surprising my Negative Nancy persona chose to rear her judgmental head; let’s be honest, she makes an appearance quite frequently. Maybe, with time and exposure, I’ve set the bar too high or it could be the streak of great reads I’ve had lately, demanding I pay my dues with a dud.
Almost immediately, I recognized that Sarah Stovell’s writing wasn’t what I typically prefer. I’m a reader that revels in the details—the depth of emotion, the inner workings of each character and most importantly, the motivating factor behind the why—while this author tended to gloss over things quite a bit. In a lot of instances, she opted to tell the reader how the characters were feeling, rather than enmeshing us in the nitty-gritty of it all, depriving us of the full experience. Isn’t that the joy of reading though—being able to see, feel and live through someone else’s eyes? Maybe my feelings stem from the fact that a good portion of the story is told through exchanged emails (which cuts down on the emotionality) and inner monologues, rather than shared dialogue.
I won’t get into the minutiae of the plot here—as there aren’t a ton of surprises—except to say, this is the story of a well-known writer, who meets a young woman during a writer’s workshop and forms an instant connection. A connection that quickly morphs from mentor to declarations of love. Now, as a reader that frequently dabbles in romance, maybe I’m a bit jaded, but in my eyes, the only way to describe Bo and Alice’s ensuing relationship is insta-love. Cue the eye-rolling. Seriously though, how else would you categorize a relationship that heads in this direction after only a few days spent together and a string of vague emails? What about the fact that both women find themselves in other relationships . . . with men? In no way did I consider this to be sexy, alluring or passionate—all the things I felt the author was trying to sell me on.
As for the rest of it, my lips are sealed. This overly-dramatized novel requires very little guesswork for the reader, so I wouldn’t want to give anything away. Keep in mind, this is simply my opinion—one reader who appears to be in the minority, as evidenced by the large number of positive reviews. If the synopsis grabs you, go for it. You never know, it might turn out to be a new favorite—for you.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Orenda Books for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2017
4.5*
When love becomes an obsession...when promises turn to lies...and when hearts shatter.
Bo is a well-known author that hosts a writers’ workshop. A refreshing week away from the city for a group of aspiring writers to collaborate and learn from someone successful in the field.
Alice is among the fortunate few to be included. Only in her mid-twenties, Alice already feels trapped in a life of dead-end jobs and boyfriends when she wins an opportunity to attend the workshop, all expenses paid.
Bo is quickly drawn to Alice, seeing a younger version of herself in this young author. They develop a mentoring relationship that rapidly grows into more of a friendship. As the “friendship” progresses, red flags start popping up at an alarming rate. Manipulation vs misunderstanding.
Interspersed throughout the book is the voice of someone in prison, desperate to seek out and make amends. The identity of this prisoner is a mystery - and we are only left to guess. Is it Bo? Maybe Alice? Or perhaps there’s another player involved here who came between them?
This book is an extremely fast, easy read. I was quickly all-in and finished faster than I expected. There was absolutely no putting this book down. Another book where our opinions vastly differed. Personally I stayed rooted in the "love it" camp!
A traveling sister group read with Brenda, Norma, Lindsay, Susanne, Holly, Melissa, sister’s mom and Diane! (Whew! Hope I got everyone! This was a huge group read!)
Thank you to NetGalley, Orenda Books and Sarah Stovell for an ARC to review in exchange for an honest review.
For this review and our full traveling sister review please visit Brenda and Norma's Fantastic Traveling Sister Book Blog http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
When love becomes an obsession...when promises turn to lies...and when hearts shatter.
Bo is a well-known author that hosts a writers’ workshop. A refreshing week away from the city for a group of aspiring writers to collaborate and learn from someone successful in the field.
Alice is among the fortunate few to be included. Only in her mid-twenties, Alice already feels trapped in a life of dead-end jobs and boyfriends when she wins an opportunity to attend the workshop, all expenses paid.
Bo is quickly drawn to Alice, seeing a younger version of herself in this young author. They develop a mentoring relationship that rapidly grows into more of a friendship. As the “friendship” progresses, red flags start popping up at an alarming rate. Manipulation vs misunderstanding.
Interspersed throughout the book is the voice of someone in prison, desperate to seek out and make amends. The identity of this prisoner is a mystery - and we are only left to guess. Is it Bo? Maybe Alice? Or perhaps there’s another player involved here who came between them?
This book is an extremely fast, easy read. I was quickly all-in and finished faster than I expected. There was absolutely no putting this book down. Another book where our opinions vastly differed. Personally I stayed rooted in the "love it" camp!
A traveling sister group read with Brenda, Norma, Lindsay, Susanne, Holly, Melissa, sister’s mom and Diane! (Whew! Hope I got everyone! This was a huge group read!)
Thank you to NetGalley, Orenda Books and Sarah Stovell for an ARC to review in exchange for an honest review.
For this review and our full traveling sister review please visit Brenda and Norma's Fantastic Traveling Sister Book Blog http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
September 12, 2017
4.5 stars
Craziness at its best!
Exquisite is a psychological thriller fueled by madness, obsession, and darkness.
When famous novelist Bo Luxton takes aspiring writer Alice Dark under her wing, their relationship grows from friendship into an illicit and dangerous love affair. Things become so intense that one of them winds up in jail.
Both Alice and Bo share their POVs. A masterful game of cat and mouse plays out between the two women. Who is telling the truth and who is lying?
I thoroughly enjoyed Exquisite. It’s fast-paced, tension fueled, and well-written. Both Bo and Alice are unreliable narrators, which caused me to constantly question their stories. I loved how I was being swayed to believe one thing was happening, and then another element would emerge making me question everything I thought I knew. Highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Craziness at its best!
Exquisite is a psychological thriller fueled by madness, obsession, and darkness.
When famous novelist Bo Luxton takes aspiring writer Alice Dark under her wing, their relationship grows from friendship into an illicit and dangerous love affair. Things become so intense that one of them winds up in jail.
Both Alice and Bo share their POVs. A masterful game of cat and mouse plays out between the two women. Who is telling the truth and who is lying?
I thoroughly enjoyed Exquisite. It’s fast-paced, tension fueled, and well-written. Both Bo and Alice are unreliable narrators, which caused me to constantly question their stories. I loved how I was being swayed to believe one thing was happening, and then another element would emerge making me question everything I thought I knew. Highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2017
Dear Sarah Stovell,
Thank you immensely for getting me out of my book slump and finally giving me an amazing gem of a psychological thriller!! Ugh! Did I so need this book!!
This was such a creative and unique book. We meet Bo Luxton who basically has it all.. a beautiful family with 2 little girls and huge success as an author. Bo meets Alice Dark who is a young aspiring writer that hasn't quite found herself in life yet. Bo and Alice meet one another at a writers retreat and the chemistry right away is heated between these two women.
But, don't be fooled my friends this relationship between Alice and Bo slowly starts to unfold at the seams. We start to question is Alice or Bo crazy? I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see how this sinister relationship turns out!!!
I guessed the plot but who cares haha this book was still so good!!! I highly recommend to my friends to put this little gem on your radar! Go read it and come back and share 👍🏻🤗😌.
AND... can I just say the cover is gorgeous and portrays this psychological thriller so so well.
4.5 stars to this author! :)
Thank you immensely for getting me out of my book slump and finally giving me an amazing gem of a psychological thriller!! Ugh! Did I so need this book!!
This was such a creative and unique book. We meet Bo Luxton who basically has it all.. a beautiful family with 2 little girls and huge success as an author. Bo meets Alice Dark who is a young aspiring writer that hasn't quite found herself in life yet. Bo and Alice meet one another at a writers retreat and the chemistry right away is heated between these two women.
But, don't be fooled my friends this relationship between Alice and Bo slowly starts to unfold at the seams. We start to question is Alice or Bo crazy? I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see how this sinister relationship turns out!!!
I guessed the plot but who cares haha this book was still so good!!! I highly recommend to my friends to put this little gem on your radar! Go read it and come back and share 👍🏻🤗😌.
AND... can I just say the cover is gorgeous and portrays this psychological thriller so so well.
4.5 stars to this author! :)
October 12, 2017
2.75 Stars* (rounded up)
Well, this one was a let-down ladies and gents and it was a book I went into having no idea what to expect. You are going to see lots of rave reviews for “Exquisite” by Sarah Stovell but you are not going to get one from me. And I’m not going to talk about the plot because I went into this blind and so should you. That being said, WTH? The characters in this book and the plot itself? Well, it was a little whack, I’ll say that - but it just didn’t work. Things moved way too fast for anything to be even remotely believable and nothing about it was exquisite in the least.
Though this is coined as a psychological thriller there was no true build-up of suspense and I didn’t give a hoot about any of the characters. Nothing about them seem real. To quote my GR sister Lindsay, who came up with a phrase previously that I love - the “believability factor” for this novel was nil. The characters walked around in crazed “stupor” most of the time, which make my eyes roll. The schmaltz factor was at an all-time high. In fact, each time I read something over the top, I saw the scene in my head from Moonstruck where Cher slapped Nicholas Cage and said “Snap Out of It!”
However, I will say that Ms. Stovell did in fact hold my interest and though I didn’t like the characters and my eyes rolled at almost everything I read, my attention held. The book was a quick easy read and I couldn’t tear myself away from the schmaltz. So while I can’t recommend this very highly, and don’t think it was all that thrilling, I get that other people may actually like high drama. All I can say is that it didn’t quite work for me.
This was a Traveling Sister Read. It included: Brenda, Norma, Lindsay, Kaceey, Holly, Melissa, Linda & Diane. We had a blast reading this one together. The best part of reading this book was the fact that we were split on how we felt about it. Some loved it and some did not. It made for some great discussions and lots of shared adoration.
Thank you to NetGalley, Trafalgar Square Publishing and Sarah Stovell for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Twitter on 10.12.17.
Well, this one was a let-down ladies and gents and it was a book I went into having no idea what to expect. You are going to see lots of rave reviews for “Exquisite” by Sarah Stovell but you are not going to get one from me. And I’m not going to talk about the plot because I went into this blind and so should you. That being said, WTH? The characters in this book and the plot itself? Well, it was a little whack, I’ll say that - but it just didn’t work. Things moved way too fast for anything to be even remotely believable and nothing about it was exquisite in the least.
Though this is coined as a psychological thriller there was no true build-up of suspense and I didn’t give a hoot about any of the characters. Nothing about them seem real. To quote my GR sister Lindsay, who came up with a phrase previously that I love - the “believability factor” for this novel was nil. The characters walked around in crazed “stupor” most of the time, which make my eyes roll. The schmaltz factor was at an all-time high. In fact, each time I read something over the top, I saw the scene in my head from Moonstruck where Cher slapped Nicholas Cage and said “Snap Out of It!”
However, I will say that Ms. Stovell did in fact hold my interest and though I didn’t like the characters and my eyes rolled at almost everything I read, my attention held. The book was a quick easy read and I couldn’t tear myself away from the schmaltz. So while I can’t recommend this very highly, and don’t think it was all that thrilling, I get that other people may actually like high drama. All I can say is that it didn’t quite work for me.
This was a Traveling Sister Read. It included: Brenda, Norma, Lindsay, Kaceey, Holly, Melissa, Linda & Diane. We had a blast reading this one together. The best part of reading this book was the fact that we were split on how we felt about it. Some loved it and some did not. It made for some great discussions and lots of shared adoration.
Thank you to NetGalley, Trafalgar Square Publishing and Sarah Stovell for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Twitter on 10.12.17.
October 31, 2017
DNF @ 42%
I went into this book completely blind so I had no idea what to expect. I have seen some really good reviews and high praises for this book but at 42% in I have decided that I am not going to finish this book. It simply just didn't work for me and I was more annoyed with it more than anything. Even though my mom loved this one and encouraged me to finish it....I’ll try again.....I will! 🤠
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Sarah Stovell, and Trafalgar Square Publishing for providing me an ARC in exchange for a review.
I went into this book completely blind so I had no idea what to expect. I have seen some really good reviews and high praises for this book but at 42% in I have decided that I am not going to finish this book. It simply just didn't work for me and I was more annoyed with it more than anything. Even though my mom loved this one and encouraged me to finish it....I’ll try again.....I will! 🤠
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Sarah Stovell, and Trafalgar Square Publishing for providing me an ARC in exchange for a review.
September 13, 2017
Opening up with a character talking to you from a woman's prison? You realize that maybe she isn't quite right? I got so excited I about peed my pants.
I've been on a total worship of Netflixing Wentworth and was hoping for some good evil woman stuff going on.
(Kelly, I will shut up one day about this show so get your finger off that unfriend button)
I shoulda realized that NO ONE tops Ferguson.
Anyways, this story is about an author who is teaching a writer's retreat. On the retreat she meets a young girl who catches her eye. Alice is free spirited with some mommy issues.
After the retreat is over-the author (Bo) wants to stay in contact to 'help' Alice with her writing.
Alice is so flattered and giddy that the great Bo Luxton wants to help her.
Then some crap goes down.
I'm not telling what. Because spoilers.
You really do need to walk into this book sorta blind to enjoy it. So there is that. Sorry to get you all excited for some juicy details.
I will say that I think one of the characters wasn't as fleshed out as the other one. BECAUSE if you are doing an evil woman I want some fleshed out.
The storyline also went predictably. So points were deducted. 2.5 stars.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
I've been on a total worship of Netflixing Wentworth and was hoping for some good evil woman stuff going on.
(Kelly, I will shut up one day about this show so get your finger off that unfriend button)
I shoulda realized that NO ONE tops Ferguson.
Anyways, this story is about an author who is teaching a writer's retreat. On the retreat she meets a young girl who catches her eye. Alice is free spirited with some mommy issues.
After the retreat is over-the author (Bo) wants to stay in contact to 'help' Alice with her writing.
Alice is so flattered and giddy that the great Bo Luxton wants to help her.
Then some crap goes down.
I'm not telling what. Because spoilers.
You really do need to walk into this book sorta blind to enjoy it. So there is that. Sorry to get you all excited for some juicy details.
I will say that I think one of the characters wasn't as fleshed out as the other one. BECAUSE if you are doing an evil woman I want some fleshed out.
The storyline also went predictably. So points were deducted. 2.5 stars.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
February 11, 2018
“Exquisite” by name “Exquisite” by nature!
I found this brilliant book to be utterly outstanding and so aptly named!
I LOVED this compelling, addictive and totally gripping story and although I try not to use the word ‘unputdownable’, for me it truly was.
This dark story of obsessive, toxic and warped love is told from the alternating point of view of the two main female characters, Alice Dark, a twenty five year old aspiring writer and Bo Luxton, a forty year old and married established author who befriends Alice at a writing course she is teaching at. In between these points of views we hear the thoughts from a prisoner in a women’s prison - we don’t know which one of the women it is and it isn’t revealed until the end of the story who is actually expressing their innermost feelings and why they are there.
Watching Alice and Bo’s relationship develop really was thrilling and the suggestion that trouble was brewing and along with not knowing who to trust and who to believe, only added to the smouldering tension and suspense. I also enjoyed the way the women's emails were used to help tell the story.
Both characters were dangerous, devious and typical of the saying ‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned’ - it’s very difficult to side with either woman and with a couple of twists and turns along the way this book was the ideal psychological thriller to keep you glued to the pages.
A perfect balance between character development and plot line, beautifully told with some fabulous narrative, an idyllic atmospheric setting of the Lake District fells and valleys and with an excellent suspenseful storyline, “Exquisite” written by Sarah Stovell is a fantastically written book that I most highly recommend. You have got to read this if you can.
I could quite easily revisit this story again and I would be very interested to see if the story could develop further still.
Easily five stars and then some.
I found this brilliant book to be utterly outstanding and so aptly named!
I LOVED this compelling, addictive and totally gripping story and although I try not to use the word ‘unputdownable’, for me it truly was.
This dark story of obsessive, toxic and warped love is told from the alternating point of view of the two main female characters, Alice Dark, a twenty five year old aspiring writer and Bo Luxton, a forty year old and married established author who befriends Alice at a writing course she is teaching at. In between these points of views we hear the thoughts from a prisoner in a women’s prison - we don’t know which one of the women it is and it isn’t revealed until the end of the story who is actually expressing their innermost feelings and why they are there.
Watching Alice and Bo’s relationship develop really was thrilling and the suggestion that trouble was brewing and along with not knowing who to trust and who to believe, only added to the smouldering tension and suspense. I also enjoyed the way the women's emails were used to help tell the story.
Both characters were dangerous, devious and typical of the saying ‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned’ - it’s very difficult to side with either woman and with a couple of twists and turns along the way this book was the ideal psychological thriller to keep you glued to the pages.
A perfect balance between character development and plot line, beautifully told with some fabulous narrative, an idyllic atmospheric setting of the Lake District fells and valleys and with an excellent suspenseful storyline, “Exquisite” written by Sarah Stovell is a fantastically written book that I most highly recommend. You have got to read this if you can.
I could quite easily revisit this story again and I would be very interested to see if the story could develop further still.
Easily five stars and then some.
October 11, 2017
This was a sisters read and the group was entrenched in to polar camps. Those of us, such as myself, who were having trouble relating to the book, did much eye rolling as we were reading. I mentioned at one point that the constant, I love you, I adore you, was curdling my stomach. I mean really, who talks like this in real life? If they did,couldn't you be tempted to run the other way. I would. Of course, for the story to progress, the other involved person answered in kind. Rather nauseating.
Anyway, this is just my opinion, there are many, many reviews out there from people who have much love for this book. Me? I found it over the top, over written and unbelievable. Other readers? That is for you to judge for yourself. Don't worry though, if you like it I'll still love you anyway. Lol!
Need to read the book to appreciate the last comment.
ARC from Netgalley.
Anyway, this is just my opinion, there are many, many reviews out there from people who have much love for this book. Me? I found it over the top, over written and unbelievable. Other readers? That is for you to judge for yourself. Don't worry though, if you like it I'll still love you anyway. Lol!
Need to read the book to appreciate the last comment.
ARC from Netgalley.
October 23, 2017
4 stars! This was a highly addictive, fast paced and thrilling read. I could not put this book down!
This disturbing and creepy story revolves around secrets, lies, obsession and manipulation. Alice and Bo are the two main characters, one an aspiring author and the other a highly successful author. They meet at a writing course retreat. The story is told alternating between their two perspectives and I found myself equally intrigued within both storylines. Each chapter uncovers a new hidden secret or lie which had me glued to the pages to figure out how the story would unfold.
There were aspects of the plot that seemed slightly unrealistic, yet it didn’t bother me or take away from my enjoyment. The story was told in a way that completely sucked me into the world of the characters and I fully enjoyed the setting and atmosphere of the book.
This was a Traveling Sister Read with Norma, Brenda, Kaceey, Susanne, Diane, Melissa and Linda. Our reactions and opinions were of two opposite extremes which lead to some very interesting discussion!
A big thank you to NetGalley, Trafalgar Square Publishing and Sarah Stovell for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This disturbing and creepy story revolves around secrets, lies, obsession and manipulation. Alice and Bo are the two main characters, one an aspiring author and the other a highly successful author. They meet at a writing course retreat. The story is told alternating between their two perspectives and I found myself equally intrigued within both storylines. Each chapter uncovers a new hidden secret or lie which had me glued to the pages to figure out how the story would unfold.
There were aspects of the plot that seemed slightly unrealistic, yet it didn’t bother me or take away from my enjoyment. The story was told in a way that completely sucked me into the world of the characters and I fully enjoyed the setting and atmosphere of the book.
This was a Traveling Sister Read with Norma, Brenda, Kaceey, Susanne, Diane, Melissa and Linda. Our reactions and opinions were of two opposite extremes which lead to some very interesting discussion!
A big thank you to NetGalley, Trafalgar Square Publishing and Sarah Stovell for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 9, 2017
This is a beautifully written thriller from a very talented author. I honestly struggled with how to rate this one as the prose just flows off the page and is truly impressive, however the storyline fell short for me.
This is a thriller, yes, but I would not say it is of the psychological variety. It is extremely slow moving and character driven - the author did a beautiful job of getting into the mind of some very damaged individuals. However, without giving away plot points and spoilers, the story was one that didn’t work for me. If you would like to discuss or would like to know specifics, feel free to message me as I try to keep things as spoiler free as possible here.
My favorite part of this book was that it accidentally ended up becoming a buddy read with fellow reviewer, Melissa, as we coincidentally ended up starting this one at the exact same time.
I seem to be in the minority here, there are mostly extremely glowing reviews for this book, so I encourage you to pick it up and let me know what you think!
Thank you to Netgalley, Sarah Stovell, and Orenda Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a thriller, yes, but I would not say it is of the psychological variety. It is extremely slow moving and character driven - the author did a beautiful job of getting into the mind of some very damaged individuals. However, without giving away plot points and spoilers, the story was one that didn’t work for me. If you would like to discuss or would like to know specifics, feel free to message me as I try to keep things as spoiler free as possible here.
My favorite part of this book was that it accidentally ended up becoming a buddy read with fellow reviewer, Melissa, as we coincidentally ended up starting this one at the exact same time.
I seem to be in the minority here, there are mostly extremely glowing reviews for this book, so I encourage you to pick it up and let me know what you think!
Thank you to Netgalley, Sarah Stovell, and Orenda Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2020
“Unrequited love had been all I was capable of. It gave me all the emotional jolts of real love, without ever having to drown myself in intimacy. Now, I realised, that drama had been reversed. Now, I drew people in and then retreated. Their hearts broke and I watched from the sidelines, guilty and ashamed, but with all the satisfaction of knowing I was deeply loved, while never having to make any of it real.”
Sarah Stovell-Exquisite
It's..Exquisite.
It’s also: dark. Deliciously dark. And it’s mysterious. Exquisite positively SIMMERS with mystery throughout. It’s also edgy. It’s an intelligent and artistic story about two intelligent and artistic women.
This is a twisted tale that I loved from beginning to end. It is about a relationship between two female writers who meet at a writer's convention. They form a (relationship??) that is stark, intense and toxic.
I don’t want to say too much more about it as I went into this pretty much not knowing anything and I adored it and I think that’s the best way to read the Story .
I will say though that this is dark and twisted and creeepy! Creepy in a good way. I love it when the hype for a book turns out to be real!
Exquisite is riveting stuff and it held my interest from beginning to end. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the name Bo Luxton and I just wonder why so many dark books have the name Alice in them but getting back to the story itself, I read so many books and so many thrillers and this one is just an example of how you do it perfectly.
I wouldn’t change a thing. Five stars. Is awesome. Please make this into a film!
Sarah Stovell-Exquisite
It's..Exquisite.
It’s also: dark. Deliciously dark. And it’s mysterious. Exquisite positively SIMMERS with mystery throughout. It’s also edgy. It’s an intelligent and artistic story about two intelligent and artistic women.
This is a twisted tale that I loved from beginning to end. It is about a relationship between two female writers who meet at a writer's convention. They form a (relationship??) that is stark, intense and toxic.
I don’t want to say too much more about it as I went into this pretty much not knowing anything and I adored it and I think that’s the best way to read the Story .
I will say though that this is dark and twisted and creeepy! Creepy in a good way. I love it when the hype for a book turns out to be real!
Exquisite is riveting stuff and it held my interest from beginning to end. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the name Bo Luxton and I just wonder why so many dark books have the name Alice in them but getting back to the story itself, I read so many books and so many thrillers and this one is just an example of how you do it perfectly.
I wouldn’t change a thing. Five stars. Is awesome. Please make this into a film!
June 12, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
Well hello my new favorite psych thriller of 2017, I’ve been waiting to find you! This book was so completely and totally absorbing, it consumed me while I was reading it and I found myself enraptured by it. I know that it’s been getting quite a bit of hype for several months now, but it’s well deserved here. I remember several months ago when the cover was revealed and I just knew this was going to be a special book. It not only lived up to my expectations, it exceeded them and I think I officially have a giant book hangover now. But it’s totally worth it!
As far as the plot goes, I’m really hesitant to say anything beyond what the blurb reveals. All you really need to know is that it’s about a relationship between two women that turns obsessive, dangerous and rather ugly and twisted. It’s told from both of their points of view and it left my head spinning as I tried to work out who was telling the truth and who was lying. I changed my mind countless times and was so uncertain, this was a read that really gets under your skin.
Stovell has such an impressive writing style, I was mesmerized by how polished, sophisticated and smart it was. This was an intoxicating read about obsession with a darkly sexy, seductive feel that left me reeling. It was one of those books where you flip back to the prologue just to reread it now knowing what you do, things all fall into place and then you want to read the whole book again. If you like psychological thrillers this is a must read.
Well hello my new favorite psych thriller of 2017, I’ve been waiting to find you! This book was so completely and totally absorbing, it consumed me while I was reading it and I found myself enraptured by it. I know that it’s been getting quite a bit of hype for several months now, but it’s well deserved here. I remember several months ago when the cover was revealed and I just knew this was going to be a special book. It not only lived up to my expectations, it exceeded them and I think I officially have a giant book hangover now. But it’s totally worth it!
As far as the plot goes, I’m really hesitant to say anything beyond what the blurb reveals. All you really need to know is that it’s about a relationship between two women that turns obsessive, dangerous and rather ugly and twisted. It’s told from both of their points of view and it left my head spinning as I tried to work out who was telling the truth and who was lying. I changed my mind countless times and was so uncertain, this was a read that really gets under your skin.
Stovell has such an impressive writing style, I was mesmerized by how polished, sophisticated and smart it was. This was an intoxicating read about obsession with a darkly sexy, seductive feel that left me reeling. It was one of those books where you flip back to the prologue just to reread it now knowing what you do, things all fall into place and then you want to read the whole book again. If you like psychological thrillers this is a must read.
November 7, 2017
I’m not going to go into the plot too much in this review because I think the reader should go into it not knowing much.
The book starts out when a well-known author meets a young woman at a writer’s conference. From there, the story is one of obsession and manipulation. But who is lying and who is manipulating who? There were times I wasn't sure! This most definitely is not a romance or love story, not even a little bit. The chapters alternate between the two characters and an unnamed person in prison, who isn’t identified until the end.
Readers who want a heart-pounding, fast-paced mystery will be disappointed. But if you like a book that delves into the psyche of the characters (as I do) and what drives and motivates them, then you’ll find this a satisfying read.
*thanks to NetGalley and Trafalgar Square Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book for review
The book starts out when a well-known author meets a young woman at a writer’s conference. From there, the story is one of obsession and manipulation. But who is lying and who is manipulating who? There were times I wasn't sure! This most definitely is not a romance or love story, not even a little bit. The chapters alternate between the two characters and an unnamed person in prison, who isn’t identified until the end.
Readers who want a heart-pounding, fast-paced mystery will be disappointed. But if you like a book that delves into the psyche of the characters (as I do) and what drives and motivates them, then you’ll find this a satisfying read.
*thanks to NetGalley and Trafalgar Square Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book for review
September 26, 2017
2.75 stars
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Drama: 5/5
POVs:
Pace: Steady
Alice dreams of being a professional author but the goal seems impossible. She regrets not finishing college, is financially in a rut, and her boyfriend's useless and equally as clueless. Alice is on the verge of wanting to turn her life around but needs more encouragement to do so. When she's befriended by the popular author, Bo Luxton, she embraces the relationship wholeheartedly and pours her soul into communicating with the older woman.
Three words to describe how I felt about this book? Not. For. Me. As per usual, I fell into the minority category with this rating...
But I wouldn't dissuade anyone from reading this book. There are lovely reviews on this book but it was just an okay read for me. The first page gave away too much information and I already had an idea of how I was going to feel about this story after reading the first two paragraphs. However, I wanted to give this book a shot as this author was new to me.
I like a good obsession/ stalker book and this story fell into that category. Sort of. This story was more drama than thriller and I was bored at times waiting for something more to happen. I didn't find the tone of this book to be gripping, chilling, or greatly suspenseful. Instead, it was more chick lit with a sprinkle of terror and I felt indifferent towards all of the characters. Bo and Alice's e-conversations flew from addressing one another as "dear" and "darling" to "pet" and "love." Their relationship developed at warp speed and I didn't feel the tension between stalker and prey until the very end. While I didn't mind the F/F pairing idea, there was supposed to be this amazing connection between the two women and I never felt it.
The upside?
This story was easy to sail through and although it was mostly predictable, I still liked some bits: Alice's humor, Bo's passion for motherhood, and the final conclusion was okay.
► Overall, this is a fantastic book for domestic thriller readers.
*NetGalley ARC kindly provided by Trafalgar Square Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Drama: 5/5
POVs:
Pace: Steady
Alice dreams of being a professional author but the goal seems impossible. She regrets not finishing college, is financially in a rut, and her boyfriend's useless and equally as clueless. Alice is on the verge of wanting to turn her life around but needs more encouragement to do so. When she's befriended by the popular author, Bo Luxton, she embraces the relationship wholeheartedly and pours her soul into communicating with the older woman.
Three words to describe how I felt about this book? Not. For. Me. As per usual, I fell into the minority category with this rating...
But I wouldn't dissuade anyone from reading this book. There are lovely reviews on this book but it was just an okay read for me. The first page gave away too much information and I already had an idea of how I was going to feel about this story after reading the first two paragraphs. However, I wanted to give this book a shot as this author was new to me.
I like a good obsession/ stalker book and this story fell into that category. Sort of. This story was more drama than thriller and I was bored at times waiting for something more to happen. I didn't find the tone of this book to be gripping, chilling, or greatly suspenseful. Instead, it was more chick lit with a sprinkle of terror and I felt indifferent towards all of the characters. Bo and Alice's e-conversations flew from addressing one another as "dear" and "darling" to "pet" and "love." Their relationship developed at warp speed and I didn't feel the tension between stalker and prey until the very end. While I didn't mind the F/F pairing idea, there was supposed to be this amazing connection between the two women and I never felt it.
The upside?
This story was easy to sail through and although it was mostly predictable, I still liked some bits: Alice's humor, Bo's passion for motherhood, and the final conclusion was okay.
► Overall, this is a fantastic book for domestic thriller readers.
*NetGalley ARC kindly provided by Trafalgar Square Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2018
I loved this book. It really is exquisite. I found it almost impossible to put down, and when I had to put it down, I was thinking about it, as I had an enduring urge to devour the rest of it. This book certainly had my full attention for the time I was reading it. In fact, a part of me didn’t want it to end.
Exquisite is a darkly compelling story of love, obsession and manipulation. I would say it’s a sort psychological domestic noir mystery thriller, and of a very high standard too. The main characters were exquisitely portrayed and the storyline was beautifully and cleverly told.
Although not quite the same, I would say if you loved this book, you should check out the TV series on Netflix called Gypsy (it’s about a therapist who gets too involved in the lives of her patients). I finished watching it recently, and this book gave me very much the same intense feelings. Obviously, it works the other way too, if you enjoyed that TV series, you’ll love this book, as it has a similar focus on a relationship developing where the lines are blurred when it comes to working out who is genuine, who is sane, who has control over their lives, and who is the manipulator.
Exquisite is definitely one of my favourite psychological thrillers read in recent years! An easy 5 stars!
Exquisite is a darkly compelling story of love, obsession and manipulation. I would say it’s a sort psychological domestic noir mystery thriller, and of a very high standard too. The main characters were exquisitely portrayed and the storyline was beautifully and cleverly told.
Although not quite the same, I would say if you loved this book, you should check out the TV series on Netflix called Gypsy (it’s about a therapist who gets too involved in the lives of her patients). I finished watching it recently, and this book gave me very much the same intense feelings. Obviously, it works the other way too, if you enjoyed that TV series, you’ll love this book, as it has a similar focus on a relationship developing where the lines are blurred when it comes to working out who is genuine, who is sane, who has control over their lives, and who is the manipulator.
Exquisite is definitely one of my favourite psychological thrillers read in recent years! An easy 5 stars!
October 12, 2017
Just a quick mini-review here....dissenting opinion...
I had high hopes for this book (which I own) and almost from the first few pages I was having problems with the author's style/writing. It lacked emotion, connections, and most importantly it failed to engage or capture my interest. It was too contrived and lacked spontaneity for me. I ultimately was just bored and just didn't care about the story or how it would end. The jail letters did interest me, but they were a very small portion of the book and we all predicted who it was writing them VERY early on...predictable.
I would say many people enjoyed the book so TRY it for yourself. It is one of those books that you will recognize early on if it is one you will enjoy!
This was a very enjoyable read with The Traveling Sisters Group and lots of LOL discussions and opinions of it! So much fun with all the ladies! I loved it! Thanks for a great read Brenda, Lindsay, Melissa, Susanne, Diane, Kaceey, and Norma and Linda!
I had high hopes for this book (which I own) and almost from the first few pages I was having problems with the author's style/writing. It lacked emotion, connections, and most importantly it failed to engage or capture my interest. It was too contrived and lacked spontaneity for me. I ultimately was just bored and just didn't care about the story or how it would end. The jail letters did interest me, but they were a very small portion of the book and we all predicted who it was writing them VERY early on...predictable.
I would say many people enjoyed the book so TRY it for yourself. It is one of those books that you will recognize early on if it is one you will enjoy!
This was a very enjoyable read with The Traveling Sisters Group and lots of LOL discussions and opinions of it! So much fun with all the ladies! I loved it! Thanks for a great read Brenda, Lindsay, Melissa, Susanne, Diane, Kaceey, and Norma and Linda!
June 11, 2017
Exquisite is a headfuck of a thriller that resembles a number of literary novels I've read* – and in some cases loved – if their most theatrical elements were ramped up, put in a blender, and distilled into the now-familiar formula: two narrators telling different versions of the same story, an obsessive relationship that goes too far, and more twists than a bag of fusilli.
Bo Luxton is a successful author, albeit one whose star is on the wane. In her early forties, she's married with two little girls, living a serene, picture-perfect life in her sprawling Lake District home, and if she's never exactly felt passionately for her much older husband, well – who cares? In every other way, she has the life of her dreams. Sorting applications for a writers' retreat she's running, Bo comes across one she finds unexpectedly stirring: the work of a Brighton-based writer named Alice Dark. Alice lives in a Brighton bedsit and spends most of her time with her waster boyfriend; her life is going nowhere, and the retreat is her last stab at establishing a creative career. Long story short: Bo and Alice hit it off, a relationship develops, and then it all goes wrong and their accounts diverge dramatically. Clearly, someone is lying.
Exquisite teems with uncertainty. There are two unreliable narrators in the shape of Bo and Alice, each with their own reasons for painting themselves in a flattering light (I found the innocuous discrepancies the most intriguing). Both women come from abusive backgrounds, and there are uncomfortable hints that they are grasping at each other for what's been missing from their lives: Bo sees in Alice the youth she never got to enjoy, while for Alice, Bo is a maternal figure. There are chapters seemingly written after the fact, from an unknown perspective, by someone who's serving a prison sentence for an undisclosed crime: is this narrator one of our protagonists – or is it one of their works of fiction? Throw in suggestions that Bo has had an inappropriate relationship with a student in the past, and that Alice has a history of getting obsessed with female tutors, and you've got all the ingredients for a sensational potboiler.
There were parts of Exquisite I adored. Bo's life in the Lake District is given such romantic appeal, it's enough to make you want to up sticks and move there overnight. It's hard to put my finger on what made me like but not love the book: perhaps I read it too soon after Based on a True Story, which has a VERY similar plot but is so much better in every respect, and The Upstairs Room, to which it bears little resemblance plot-wise, but the characters are so similar that I actually kept getting them mixed up and having to check which details had come from which book. I also kept noticing errors: there were some really obvious spelling mistakes, and the age difference between the two women appeared to be a little bit elastic.
The final twist-or-is-it-a-twist-oh-god-do-I-actually-care-at-this-point? is... confusing, and oddly rushed – more exposition would surely have made the payoff greater. I'm just not sure about that ending; I felt a little puzzled afterwards, but, by that point, also not entirely sure I cared what became of either Alice or Bo. While I enjoyed this book, I must confess I am confused as to why it's igniting such rapture in other reviewers when it is so much like so many other half-decent psychological thrillers.
*Books I would recommend if you liked this:
Based on a True Story by Delphine de Vigan, translated by George Miller
Notes on a Scandal by Zoë Heller
Alys, Always and Her by Harriet Lane
In My House by Alex Hourston
Sympathy by Olivia Sudjic
TinyLetter | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr
Bo Luxton is a successful author, albeit one whose star is on the wane. In her early forties, she's married with two little girls, living a serene, picture-perfect life in her sprawling Lake District home, and if she's never exactly felt passionately for her much older husband, well – who cares? In every other way, she has the life of her dreams. Sorting applications for a writers' retreat she's running, Bo comes across one she finds unexpectedly stirring: the work of a Brighton-based writer named Alice Dark. Alice lives in a Brighton bedsit and spends most of her time with her waster boyfriend; her life is going nowhere, and the retreat is her last stab at establishing a creative career. Long story short: Bo and Alice hit it off, a relationship develops, and then it all goes wrong and their accounts diverge dramatically. Clearly, someone is lying.
Exquisite teems with uncertainty. There are two unreliable narrators in the shape of Bo and Alice, each with their own reasons for painting themselves in a flattering light (I found the innocuous discrepancies the most intriguing). Both women come from abusive backgrounds, and there are uncomfortable hints that they are grasping at each other for what's been missing from their lives: Bo sees in Alice the youth she never got to enjoy, while for Alice, Bo is a maternal figure. There are chapters seemingly written after the fact, from an unknown perspective, by someone who's serving a prison sentence for an undisclosed crime: is this narrator one of our protagonists – or is it one of their works of fiction? Throw in suggestions that Bo has had an inappropriate relationship with a student in the past, and that Alice has a history of getting obsessed with female tutors, and you've got all the ingredients for a sensational potboiler.
There were parts of Exquisite I adored. Bo's life in the Lake District is given such romantic appeal, it's enough to make you want to up sticks and move there overnight. It's hard to put my finger on what made me like but not love the book: perhaps I read it too soon after Based on a True Story, which has a VERY similar plot but is so much better in every respect, and The Upstairs Room, to which it bears little resemblance plot-wise, but the characters are so similar that I actually kept getting them mixed up and having to check which details had come from which book. I also kept noticing errors: there were some really obvious spelling mistakes, and the age difference between the two women appeared to be a little bit elastic.
The final twist-or-is-it-a-twist-oh-god-do-I-actually-care-at-this-point? is... confusing, and oddly rushed – more exposition would surely have made the payoff greater. I'm just not sure about that ending; I felt a little puzzled afterwards, but, by that point, also not entirely sure I cared what became of either Alice or Bo. While I enjoyed this book, I must confess I am confused as to why it's igniting such rapture in other reviewers when it is so much like so many other half-decent psychological thrillers.
*Books I would recommend if you liked this:
Based on a True Story by Delphine de Vigan, translated by George Miller
Notes on a Scandal by Zoë Heller
Alys, Always and Her by Harriet Lane
In My House by Alex Hourston
Sympathy by Olivia Sudjic
TinyLetter | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr
June 1, 2017
When you have been reading psychological thrillers for as long as I have you start to believe that nothing can surprise you, that you have read every nuance possible, there is nothing new to see just variations on a theme, some good, some dreadful – but it’s almost like you get into a zone, the next psychological thriller is a bit like a comfort blanket.
Then a book like “Exquisite” comes along and knocks your socks off, lights dynamite under your reading slumber and explodes your brain into a million pieces – you can’t quite grasp what just happened and for nights afterwards you wake up going “hang on a minute” then madly picking over the detail in your head before dragging yourself through your normal routine a bit confused about what day it is.
Exquisite is genuinely Exquisite – so beautifully written and utterly absorbing that you sink into it. I’m loathe to tell you too much about it because the colder you read it the bigger impact it will have on you – suffice to say we have two women, two very different women, who have a creative streak linking them and who come together with extraordinary consequences. Probably. Sarah Stovell creates clear character voices, messes with their dynamics throughout the narrative, throws in so many layers that often you are reeling, incites reader violence (occasionally I got randomly stabby at things that were going on) – then just when you think you’ve grasped what the realities are she turns everything upside down and backwards with an ending that is so incredibly BOOM that you just fall over and lie there for a moment. Metaphorically speaking.
Then you just have to go back and read it all over again.
Clever intelligent plotting, a wonderful wonderful use of language to subtly engage the senses of the reader, with a strong emotional core that just stays with you for days and days after finishing it, Exquisite is the best novel about obsession I have read in forever. It is certainly the best psychological thriller I have seen emerge from the crowd in the last few years – A shoe in for my top ten this year and a definite chance at the top spot, Exquisite is a book for everyone but especially for those who believe, like I did, that there is nothing new to be done within this genre.
Simply gorgeous.
Exquisite.
Highly Recommended.
Then a book like “Exquisite” comes along and knocks your socks off, lights dynamite under your reading slumber and explodes your brain into a million pieces – you can’t quite grasp what just happened and for nights afterwards you wake up going “hang on a minute” then madly picking over the detail in your head before dragging yourself through your normal routine a bit confused about what day it is.
Exquisite is genuinely Exquisite – so beautifully written and utterly absorbing that you sink into it. I’m loathe to tell you too much about it because the colder you read it the bigger impact it will have on you – suffice to say we have two women, two very different women, who have a creative streak linking them and who come together with extraordinary consequences. Probably. Sarah Stovell creates clear character voices, messes with their dynamics throughout the narrative, throws in so many layers that often you are reeling, incites reader violence (occasionally I got randomly stabby at things that were going on) – then just when you think you’ve grasped what the realities are she turns everything upside down and backwards with an ending that is so incredibly BOOM that you just fall over and lie there for a moment. Metaphorically speaking.
Then you just have to go back and read it all over again.
Clever intelligent plotting, a wonderful wonderful use of language to subtly engage the senses of the reader, with a strong emotional core that just stays with you for days and days after finishing it, Exquisite is the best novel about obsession I have read in forever. It is certainly the best psychological thriller I have seen emerge from the crowd in the last few years – A shoe in for my top ten this year and a definite chance at the top spot, Exquisite is a book for everyone but especially for those who believe, like I did, that there is nothing new to be done within this genre.
Simply gorgeous.
Exquisite.
Highly Recommended.
May 19, 2017
Couldn't wait til my blog tour date to talk about this one!!! Here's a little preview post: 3 reasons why EXQUISITE belongs on your TBR ;) http://crimebythebook.com/blog/2017/5...
Brilliant. Just absolutely brilliant. Chilling, twisty, sexy, and tense - I LOVED this one. A must-read psychological thriller. Full review to come!!!
Brilliant. Just absolutely brilliant. Chilling, twisty, sexy, and tense - I LOVED this one. A must-read psychological thriller. Full review to come!!!
June 3, 2017
I’ve been looking forward to reading this ever since I first saw the cover (which still gives me goosebumps) and oh my this didn’t disappoint.
The prologue did its job well – its intriguing and teasing premise made me desperate to read on. When I came to the end I had to go back and read this part again, with the knowledge that I now had putting it into context.
Bo Luxton, a successful author with a happy’ish family life meets younger Alice Dark whilst teaching on a writing retreat. Having been impressed by Alice’s writing, Bo is mesmerised by Alice and the two stay in touch afterwards with Bo wanting to be a supportive mentor. However the professional interest turns personal and what follows is a story of overpowering obsession and manipulation on such a huge scale that you will be left gasping and wondering just who the hell is telling the truth.
Their two lives couldn’t be more different. Bo lives in the Lake District with her husband and two girls and has a successful career and Alice, having given up her job to write lives/exists in much reduced circumstances between her own bedsit and living with her lazy artist boyfriend Jake. Bo and Alice are both flawed and damaged people with dysfunctional backgrounds and it’s not surprising that they would be drawn to each other. Bo’s history is slowly revealed and we know from the outset that Alice has been estranged from her mother for some time. Does what happens to us in our younger years shape us for the future as adults or can we change who we become?
With the narrative from either Bo or Alice’s perspective, but sometimes overlapping so that you see the same situation from both, Sarah Stovell has written a dark and powerful psychological thriller which will send your brain into a tailspin. Long after I finished the book I’m still thinking about it and trying to process what I’ve read. If your preference is for a fast ‘thrills every minute’ read then you should be aware that this has a much slower, almost claustrophobic pace – which suits this story very well. The writing is just wonderful and the characterisation is superb – my allegiances shifting with each chapter reveal. It would be unforgiveable of me to give away any of the plot but this is one book that you will not forget in a hurry.
The prologue did its job well – its intriguing and teasing premise made me desperate to read on. When I came to the end I had to go back and read this part again, with the knowledge that I now had putting it into context.
Bo Luxton, a successful author with a happy’ish family life meets younger Alice Dark whilst teaching on a writing retreat. Having been impressed by Alice’s writing, Bo is mesmerised by Alice and the two stay in touch afterwards with Bo wanting to be a supportive mentor. However the professional interest turns personal and what follows is a story of overpowering obsession and manipulation on such a huge scale that you will be left gasping and wondering just who the hell is telling the truth.
Their two lives couldn’t be more different. Bo lives in the Lake District with her husband and two girls and has a successful career and Alice, having given up her job to write lives/exists in much reduced circumstances between her own bedsit and living with her lazy artist boyfriend Jake. Bo and Alice are both flawed and damaged people with dysfunctional backgrounds and it’s not surprising that they would be drawn to each other. Bo’s history is slowly revealed and we know from the outset that Alice has been estranged from her mother for some time. Does what happens to us in our younger years shape us for the future as adults or can we change who we become?
With the narrative from either Bo or Alice’s perspective, but sometimes overlapping so that you see the same situation from both, Sarah Stovell has written a dark and powerful psychological thriller which will send your brain into a tailspin. Long after I finished the book I’m still thinking about it and trying to process what I’ve read. If your preference is for a fast ‘thrills every minute’ read then you should be aware that this has a much slower, almost claustrophobic pace – which suits this story very well. The writing is just wonderful and the characterisation is superb – my allegiances shifting with each chapter reveal. It would be unforgiveable of me to give away any of the plot but this is one book that you will not forget in a hurry.
May 2, 2018
I loved it. A true psychological thriller. I can't say anything else without giving it away.
December 13, 2017
EXQUISITE by Sarah Stovell - Thank you so much to Orenda Books for providing my free copy - all opinions are my own.
"I looked at her. I’d been speaking to this woman for less than half an hour, and in that time, it felt as though she stripped off my skin and seen right to the very heart of me. It was exhilarating, in a way. And frightening.”
My Review:
This was our inaugural pick for Instagram's Black Heart Reads book club and I loved it! I really enjoyed Stovell's writing style as she seamlessly writes the conflicting, razor sharp tension and romance between our two main characters. She keeps the reader on her toes, sometimes alternating chapters between characters, sometimes not. Furthermore, she has divided the novel into distinct parts and each part is unique, creating a very compelling and fast read.
Stovell is a master at creating doubt – for much of the book I was torn between who I thought was telling the truth and who was being dishonest. This is the very definition of psychological thriller – it will mess with your head and you will flip through the pages to see if you’re right or wrong.
Overall, I thought Exquisite was addictive, compelling, and tense - everything I love in a thriller. I enjoyed every page and would definitely read another book written by Sarah Stovell.
For all of my reviews, please visit https://shereadswithcats.com
"I looked at her. I’d been speaking to this woman for less than half an hour, and in that time, it felt as though she stripped off my skin and seen right to the very heart of me. It was exhilarating, in a way. And frightening.”
My Review:
This was our inaugural pick for Instagram's Black Heart Reads book club and I loved it! I really enjoyed Stovell's writing style as she seamlessly writes the conflicting, razor sharp tension and romance between our two main characters. She keeps the reader on her toes, sometimes alternating chapters between characters, sometimes not. Furthermore, she has divided the novel into distinct parts and each part is unique, creating a very compelling and fast read.
Stovell is a master at creating doubt – for much of the book I was torn between who I thought was telling the truth and who was being dishonest. This is the very definition of psychological thriller – it will mess with your head and you will flip through the pages to see if you’re right or wrong.
Overall, I thought Exquisite was addictive, compelling, and tense - everything I love in a thriller. I enjoyed every page and would definitely read another book written by Sarah Stovell.
For all of my reviews, please visit https://shereadswithcats.com
June 12, 2017
I wanted to read this book before I had even read the blurb for it, that cover just blew me away!! It enticed me inside with it’s dark sensuality and once I was in there, it seduced me entirely with it’s unrelenting ambiguity until I was dizzy with self conflict. Who should I believe? Who did I WANT to believe? Both women confused me but they also enthralled me and I became slightly obsessed by their relationship as I watched it develop with an horrific fascination.
This has to be one of the best psychological thrillers I have read this year. I was on edge the entire time I was reading it and I got that little pain in my neck that I always get when my blood pressure is raised! It never fails to amaze me that A BOOK can make such major chances to my body chemistry! But as soon as Bo and Alice meet there is a visible chemistry between them that comes across in waves undulating off the page and you can’t tear your eyes away from them. Both women are very different in personality but seem to have found what both of them need in the other. It’s obvious that this is going to be leading down a curving path of self destruction for one of them, or possibly both, but once they start on that journey there is no turning back. It’s also obvious that not all is as it seems. Are both of the accounts we are reading true? If not then one of these women is a seriously unhinged manipulator but which one?
Exquisite is a perfectly named book and a must read for lovers of dark psychological fiction. Buy, enjoy and reflect-it’s as easy as that!
This has to be one of the best psychological thrillers I have read this year. I was on edge the entire time I was reading it and I got that little pain in my neck that I always get when my blood pressure is raised! It never fails to amaze me that A BOOK can make such major chances to my body chemistry! But as soon as Bo and Alice meet there is a visible chemistry between them that comes across in waves undulating off the page and you can’t tear your eyes away from them. Both women are very different in personality but seem to have found what both of them need in the other. It’s obvious that this is going to be leading down a curving path of self destruction for one of them, or possibly both, but once they start on that journey there is no turning back. It’s also obvious that not all is as it seems. Are both of the accounts we are reading true? If not then one of these women is a seriously unhinged manipulator but which one?
Exquisite is a perfectly named book and a must read for lovers of dark psychological fiction. Buy, enjoy and reflect-it’s as easy as that!
January 25, 2023
Friends-to-lovers but make it dark and twisted. A light psychological thriller that includes unreliable narrators, manipulation, obsession, and a forbidden side of love. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this up (on a whim), but I found this really intriguing from the beginning. The author did a good job of keeping the mystery alive until the end; it kept me interested. The setting in Grasmere was beautifully described. The emotions of both female characters were well-drawn, and I enjoyed the overall flow of the story. With short chapters, you could probably finish this in one sitting—if you're not bothered by too many mentions of "I love you," "I adore you," and "my darling."
January 9, 2020
Psychological thriller featuring an age-gap pairing of an established author with a flighty up and coming wannabe writer. Bring on the unreliable narrator and watch this story unfold. I was caught up in this read/listen until the dramatic twists failed to materialize and the book ended in a whimper and not a bang. Good effort but weak finale.
May 16, 2017
Oh My! Where do I begin? Firstly I apologise as I don't think my ramblings will give this book half the credit it deserves and as I am not a writer myself I am finding it difficult to put my emotions and thoughts down coherently. However I will give it a go.
Bo Luxton is a successful author, married with a two young daughters and living a life of harmony in the Lake District. Alice Dark is a young aspiring writer without much direction in her life and meets Bo on a Creative Writing course. Almost instantly you can feel the connections both intellectually and physically grow between these women which escalates into a very dark, intense relationship.
This is a very tense and beautifully crafted psychological thriller which keeps the reader captivated until the final page. Each chapter, whether it was Bo's or Alice's narrative, kept me gripped and holding my breath. I absolutely adored this book and wish it every success it deserves and highly recommend it to all lovers of intelligent psychological thrillers.
Bo Luxton is a successful author, married with a two young daughters and living a life of harmony in the Lake District. Alice Dark is a young aspiring writer without much direction in her life and meets Bo on a Creative Writing course. Almost instantly you can feel the connections both intellectually and physically grow between these women which escalates into a very dark, intense relationship.
This is a very tense and beautifully crafted psychological thriller which keeps the reader captivated until the final page. Each chapter, whether it was Bo's or Alice's narrative, kept me gripped and holding my breath. I absolutely adored this book and wish it every success it deserves and highly recommend it to all lovers of intelligent psychological thrillers.
June 8, 2017
This book held my attention from the very first page to the very last. Only a few hours of sleep came between us. This is a complete mindfuck of a novel. Ms. Stovell created one of the best bat shit crazy characters I have ever read. This truly was a thrilling read that I won't soon forget.
Highest recommendations!
Highest recommendations!
November 29, 2017
⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
My reviews and (maybe) some other random thoughts can also be seen at
https://readingbetweenwinessite.wordp...
____________________________________________________________
This is such a hard review for me to write. I wanted to love this book, oh how I wanted to, but alas that isn't what happened. I am also fully aware that I am in the minority here. Most people think this is one of THE books of 2017, but for me it didn't live up to the hype.
The blurb being short was a great choice, and was crafted to create that mystery feeling I was hoping to get. Unfortunately for me, I got no mystery, no thrills, and an ending that didn't excite me. Where were the twists that the cover of this book promised me? (I'm talking to you Erin Kelly)....
Now don't get me wrong, I am not trying to bash this book. It was a super fast read -- I basically read it in one day -- plus I really did enjoy the writing. I think I am just really disappointed that this book wasn't the thriller I had hoped it would be.
Final Thought: I most certainly do not regret reading this book. The pace was great, the writing fluid, and almost everyone else will love this book. It just read to me more like a dark literary fiction novel than a mystery or thriller which is what I thought it was supposed to be. Still, I think you should read this for yourself since I am in the minority here.
M xxxx
My reviews and (maybe) some other random thoughts can also be seen at
https://readingbetweenwinessite.wordp...
____________________________________________________________
This is such a hard review for me to write. I wanted to love this book, oh how I wanted to, but alas that isn't what happened. I am also fully aware that I am in the minority here. Most people think this is one of THE books of 2017, but for me it didn't live up to the hype.
The blurb being short was a great choice, and was crafted to create that mystery feeling I was hoping to get. Unfortunately for me, I got no mystery, no thrills, and an ending that didn't excite me. Where were the twists that the cover of this book promised me? (I'm talking to you Erin Kelly)....
Now don't get me wrong, I am not trying to bash this book. It was a super fast read -- I basically read it in one day -- plus I really did enjoy the writing. I think I am just really disappointed that this book wasn't the thriller I had hoped it would be.
Final Thought: I most certainly do not regret reading this book. The pace was great, the writing fluid, and almost everyone else will love this book. It just read to me more like a dark literary fiction novel than a mystery or thriller which is what I thought it was supposed to be. Still, I think you should read this for yourself since I am in the minority here.
M xxxx
Displaying 1 - 30 of 374 reviews