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Witte lichamen
Haar liefhebbende vriend Felix is bankier, zijzelf een aanstormende filmster: het lijkt alsof Tilda in een perfecte relatie is beland. Maar haar tweelingzus Callie heeft haar bedenkingen.
Callie ziet hoe Tilda wegkwijnt onder de overheersende liefde van Felix - ze stopt met werken en zelfs bijna met eten. Hij is een controlfreak en wikkelt het servies in vershoudfolie om alles schoon te houden. Verder vindt Callie onverklaarbare injectienaalden verstopt in de afvalbak en verschijnen er blauwe plekken op Tilda's bleke huid.
Callie kent Felix' woedeaanvallen en maakt zich zorgen. Ze sluit zich aan bij een internetgroep voor slachtoffers van mishandeling. Maar als een van haar online contacten wordt gedood door een gewelddadige man, begint ze te twijfelen. Waar is ze mee bezig? En dan, plotseling, sterft Felix een tragische dood. Of is hij vermoord?
Met deze pageturner houdt Jane Robins je aan de pagina gekluisterd, totdat liefde, obsessie en geweld hun kookpunt bereiken.
Jane Robins begon haar carrière als journalist bij The Economist, The Independent en de BBC. Als expert in historisch forensisch onderzoek publiceerde ze eerder drie non-fictieboeken over misdaad. Nu laat ze haar krachten los op fictie, en met succes. Witte lichamen werd al in tien landen vertaald en lovend onthaald.
'Een verrukkelijk naargeestige psychologische thriller.' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
'Immens aangrijpend.' SOPHIE HANNAH, SCHRIJFSTER VAN DE NIEUWSTE HERCULE POIROT-ROMANS
Callie ziet hoe Tilda wegkwijnt onder de overheersende liefde van Felix - ze stopt met werken en zelfs bijna met eten. Hij is een controlfreak en wikkelt het servies in vershoudfolie om alles schoon te houden. Verder vindt Callie onverklaarbare injectienaalden verstopt in de afvalbak en verschijnen er blauwe plekken op Tilda's bleke huid.
Callie kent Felix' woedeaanvallen en maakt zich zorgen. Ze sluit zich aan bij een internetgroep voor slachtoffers van mishandeling. Maar als een van haar online contacten wordt gedood door een gewelddadige man, begint ze te twijfelen. Waar is ze mee bezig? En dan, plotseling, sterft Felix een tragische dood. Of is hij vermoord?
Met deze pageturner houdt Jane Robins je aan de pagina gekluisterd, totdat liefde, obsessie en geweld hun kookpunt bereiken.
Jane Robins begon haar carrière als journalist bij The Economist, The Independent en de BBC. Als expert in historisch forensisch onderzoek publiceerde ze eerder drie non-fictieboeken over misdaad. Nu laat ze haar krachten los op fictie, en met succes. Witte lichamen werd al in tien landen vertaald en lovend onthaald.
'Een verrukkelijk naargeestige psychologische thriller.' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
'Immens aangrijpend.' SOPHIE HANNAH, SCHRIJFSTER VAN DE NIEUWSTE HERCULE POIROT-ROMANS
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2017
132 people are currently reading
7462 people want to read
About the author
Jane Robins
8 books121 followersJane Robins began her career as a journalist with The Economist, The Independent, and the BBC. She has made a specialty of writing historical true crime and has a particular interest in the history of forensics. She has published three books of nonfiction in the UK, Rebel Queen (Simon & Schuster, 2006), The Magnificent Spilsbury (John Murray, 2010), and The Curious Habits of Doctor Adams (John Murray, 2013). More recently, she has been a Fellow at the Royal Literary Fund.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 691 reviews
September 12, 2017
Disturbing, creepy, and unsettling- these are a few of the words that come to mind when I think of White Bodies. I'm usually let down by hyped up psychological thrillers, but this one was an updated take on an age old idea that we've seen time and again. I almost hate to categorize it as a mystery, because those who have read similar books in years past will likely see the who and why early on, but that isn't what makes this particular read so juicy. Robins has taken many characters who are unlikable for various reasons and worked them together in a way that is darkly delicious and easily devoured. This book is truly about the journey, the slow unraveling of the psyche in multiple characters, and the author's talent in discomforting the reader entirely.
The main reason I find myself so drawn to psychological thrillers is that, when I find a good one, it washes me with a sense of unease and terror that even a well done horror novel can't seem to manage. White Bodies was the perfect example of a story where we know something really bad is going to happen, and the feeling of niggling unease develops into full blown paranoia and you wonder if you can trust anyone in this book! Without giving away plot points, it's safe to assume that regardless of the correctness in your guesses on what happens, you'll still enjoy reading the book and arriving at the end. The smaller, less pronounced twists felt more like dropped bombs than the grand finale, which I greatly appreciated and felt really enhanced the reading experience.
If you're on the fence whether to read this book, I'll encourage you to take a chance on White Bodies. This was a fairly short read that I blew through in 24 hours; it felt like the perfect way to say goodbye to the warmth and radiance of summer and welcome in the cooler weather. With a gorgeous cover and an intriguing synopsis, I can see why this is one of the most highly anticipated reads for fall and I can't wait to hear what others think of this book. If you enjoy twisty mind games with some quirky, dark characters, I think you'll really enjoy reading this one.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy; it's a pleasure to provide my honest thoughts here.
The main reason I find myself so drawn to psychological thrillers is that, when I find a good one, it washes me with a sense of unease and terror that even a well done horror novel can't seem to manage. White Bodies was the perfect example of a story where we know something really bad is going to happen, and the feeling of niggling unease develops into full blown paranoia and you wonder if you can trust anyone in this book! Without giving away plot points, it's safe to assume that regardless of the correctness in your guesses on what happens, you'll still enjoy reading the book and arriving at the end. The smaller, less pronounced twists felt more like dropped bombs than the grand finale, which I greatly appreciated and felt really enhanced the reading experience.
If you're on the fence whether to read this book, I'll encourage you to take a chance on White Bodies. This was a fairly short read that I blew through in 24 hours; it felt like the perfect way to say goodbye to the warmth and radiance of summer and welcome in the cooler weather. With a gorgeous cover and an intriguing synopsis, I can see why this is one of the most highly anticipated reads for fall and I can't wait to hear what others think of this book. If you enjoy twisty mind games with some quirky, dark characters, I think you'll really enjoy reading this one.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy; it's a pleasure to provide my honest thoughts here.
October 7, 2017
Dear Influential Reader (YOU!),
Please move White Bodies to the top of your TBR. Read it now! It is so good, so good, so good! I checked the ratings on Goodreads about midway through this little gem and was shocked to see so few! It looks like most readers have it sitting on their e-reader, a gift from NetGalley, perhaps. It's time to read it, people! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.
I get it....I wasn't exactly excited to start another run of the mill (twins, again?) mystery, suspense whatever. But I saw the publication day is coming up (Sept.19, 2017) and I admittedly started reading with a bad attitude. I apologize, Jane Robins. You wrote such a beautiful, tight, twisted story, you deserve a parade thrown in your honor. With tons of streamers and confetti thrown from skyscrapers.
I got over myself and my bad attitude fast. This book is different right from the beginning. The characters are all weird. Really, every single one. Weird in a subtle way, that you would only notice if you had the chance to meet and observe them up close for awhile. That's why I love great psychological suspense books!
This story reads so fast, I did not want to stop reading. When I wasn't reading, I was thinking about Callie and Tildy, our twisted twins. Trying to figure out this story! Well, listen, I didn't figure it out until it was spelled out for me towards the end. Shocking, it is.
It is so clever, so twisted, so EVERYTHING.
A complete, proper review is on my website at https://booksbejeweled.com/2017/09/11...
This book deserves way more buzz than it is getting! C'mon little buzz generators, let's do it!
Please move White Bodies to the top of your TBR. Read it now! It is so good, so good, so good! I checked the ratings on Goodreads about midway through this little gem and was shocked to see so few! It looks like most readers have it sitting on their e-reader, a gift from NetGalley, perhaps. It's time to read it, people! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.
I get it....I wasn't exactly excited to start another run of the mill (twins, again?) mystery, suspense whatever. But I saw the publication day is coming up (Sept.19, 2017) and I admittedly started reading with a bad attitude. I apologize, Jane Robins. You wrote such a beautiful, tight, twisted story, you deserve a parade thrown in your honor. With tons of streamers and confetti thrown from skyscrapers.
I got over myself and my bad attitude fast. This book is different right from the beginning. The characters are all weird. Really, every single one. Weird in a subtle way, that you would only notice if you had the chance to meet and observe them up close for awhile. That's why I love great psychological suspense books!
This story reads so fast, I did not want to stop reading. When I wasn't reading, I was thinking about Callie and Tildy, our twisted twins. Trying to figure out this story! Well, listen, I didn't figure it out until it was spelled out for me towards the end. Shocking, it is.
It is so clever, so twisted, so EVERYTHING.
A complete, proper review is on my website at https://booksbejeweled.com/2017/09/11...
This book deserves way more buzz than it is getting! C'mon little buzz generators, let's do it!
October 3, 2017
Cringeworthy!
White Bodies was a rather painful read for me--I felt like I have read much stronger versions of this book before. Although, Callie’s weird “eating” obsession was a new one. After reading some great reviews touting the creepy weirdness of this book, I was super excited to get my hands on a copy. I love creepy weird. But White Bodies fell on the wrong side of weird for me.
This is a psychological thriller about an obsessive relationship between twin sisters, Callie and Tilda.
Tilda is an actress who uses her beauty and charisma draw people in. Whereas, Callie is the shy twin caught in her famous sister’s shadow. Let the cliches begin! When Tilda starts dating Felix, Callie begins to worry for her sister’s safety. She becomes obsessed with becoming her twin’s savior. But all is not as it seems.
Once again, I’m in the minority with my feelings about this book. Initially, I was drawn in by creepy Callie’s voice, but her voice became redundant and I felt like it was obvious what was happening plotwise. To me, this felt like another psychological thriller with both a contrived plot and characters; the idea was better than the execution.
I was far from impressed, but most people loved it so I would say to check it out for yourself.
September 29, 2019
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
2.5 Stars
I have always found twins and multiples fascinating. So when the opportunity to read “White Bodies” came up, I was looking forward to reading it.
When Tilda invites her new man, Felix to movie night, her twin sister, Callie is unimpressed but curious. She doesn’t often meet Tilda’s friends, especially the men in her sister’s life. When she first meets Felix, he seems polite and interested in Callie. He also appears quite comfortable in her sister’s apartment…like he’s been there many times before.
Callie and Tilda Farrow have a very strange relationship. Callie seems to be the more unassuming twin, while her sister is an actress with a flair for the dramatic. We learn quite a bit about their childhood and relationship. Callie has always been a bit in awe of her sister and this manifests itself in some very strange ways….very strange…SOOOO very strange!!
But then Callie begins to notice how much power Felix seems to have over her sister. However, Tilda seems to be going along with it, even letting Felix take control over the renovations of her apartment. It’s not long before Callie has some serious worries about her sister’s relationship, especially after seeing some bruises on her arms. Tilda gets angry with Callie when she tries to talk about Felix. Eventually Callie looks to the internet for help. She ends up in a chat/online support group about controlling men. Soon she’s spending a lot of her time on the website, talking to other people with similar issues.
Is Tilda in as much danger as Callie thinks she is? Will Callie be able to save her sister?
I had a really hard time rating this book. I’m still confused as to how I feel about it. I like when a book that messes with my head and this one definitely did that, but there were a few things that were really creepy and confusing.
Although I was disturbed at times, this was definitely a compelling novel with an interesting plot that kept me reading. I had a hard time putting this book down and read it in just a few hours. I had to know how it was going to end.
“White Bodies” was a strange and sometimes off-putting read. A story about obsession, love, violence, and manipulation. This book may not be for everyone but it was certainly a gripping read that I won’t soon forget.
Thank you, Touchstone Publishing for providing an advanced readers copy of this book for me to read in exchange for my honest review.
2.5 Stars
I have always found twins and multiples fascinating. So when the opportunity to read “White Bodies” came up, I was looking forward to reading it.
When Tilda invites her new man, Felix to movie night, her twin sister, Callie is unimpressed but curious. She doesn’t often meet Tilda’s friends, especially the men in her sister’s life. When she first meets Felix, he seems polite and interested in Callie. He also appears quite comfortable in her sister’s apartment…like he’s been there many times before.
Callie and Tilda Farrow have a very strange relationship. Callie seems to be the more unassuming twin, while her sister is an actress with a flair for the dramatic. We learn quite a bit about their childhood and relationship. Callie has always been a bit in awe of her sister and this manifests itself in some very strange ways….very strange…SOOOO very strange!!
But then Callie begins to notice how much power Felix seems to have over her sister. However, Tilda seems to be going along with it, even letting Felix take control over the renovations of her apartment. It’s not long before Callie has some serious worries about her sister’s relationship, especially after seeing some bruises on her arms. Tilda gets angry with Callie when she tries to talk about Felix. Eventually Callie looks to the internet for help. She ends up in a chat/online support group about controlling men. Soon she’s spending a lot of her time on the website, talking to other people with similar issues.
Is Tilda in as much danger as Callie thinks she is? Will Callie be able to save her sister?
I had a really hard time rating this book. I’m still confused as to how I feel about it. I like when a book that messes with my head and this one definitely did that, but there were a few things that were really creepy and confusing.
Although I was disturbed at times, this was definitely a compelling novel with an interesting plot that kept me reading. I had a hard time putting this book down and read it in just a few hours. I had to know how it was going to end.
“White Bodies” was a strange and sometimes off-putting read. A story about obsession, love, violence, and manipulation. This book may not be for everyone but it was certainly a gripping read that I won’t soon forget.
Thank you, Touchstone Publishing for providing an advanced readers copy of this book for me to read in exchange for my honest review.
January 11, 2018
There’s been much buzz surrounding this book and its high level of creepiness. So I went in with a little trepidation. And yes, it does start out very disturbing, but soon settles in to a good old fashioned, twisty thriller. So enter with caution, but if you enjoy creepy thrillers, chances are you’ll really like this one!!
Callie and Tilda are twin sisters, yet couldn’t be more different. Where one shines the other is hidden. Tilda has a new boyfriend Felix. She hopes Callie will like him and approve. But when Callie finally meets him, something is off. Way off! Is it his behavior? Tilda’s behavior? Just what’s going on in this relationship? Callie is driven to get to the bottom of this! Now she finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of deception and mystery.
Strangers on a train....
This book provided everything I look for in a twisty, psychological thriller. I was surprised by the ending...but not totally shocked. However, there were some very clever turns along the way. I was so anxious to get my hands on this book, and wasn’t disappointed! If you can move past the startling creepiness in the beginning then you will be treated to a cleverly plotted thriller.
A delightful hair-raising (Lol!!) Traveling Sister read!
Thank you to NetGalley, Touchstone and Jane Robins for an ARC to review in exchange for an honest review.
For this review and our Full Traveling Sister review please visit Norma and Brenda’s fabulous book blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
Callie and Tilda are twin sisters, yet couldn’t be more different. Where one shines the other is hidden. Tilda has a new boyfriend Felix. She hopes Callie will like him and approve. But when Callie finally meets him, something is off. Way off! Is it his behavior? Tilda’s behavior? Just what’s going on in this relationship? Callie is driven to get to the bottom of this! Now she finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of deception and mystery.
Strangers on a train....
This book provided everything I look for in a twisty, psychological thriller. I was surprised by the ending...but not totally shocked. However, there were some very clever turns along the way. I was so anxious to get my hands on this book, and wasn’t disappointed! If you can move past the startling creepiness in the beginning then you will be treated to a cleverly plotted thriller.
A delightful hair-raising (Lol!!) Traveling Sister read!
Thank you to NetGalley, Touchstone and Jane Robins for an ARC to review in exchange for an honest review.
For this review and our Full Traveling Sister review please visit Norma and Brenda’s fabulous book blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
October 1, 2017
Have you ever found yourself reading a book - when suddenly you find yourself slowing down to enjoy a minor scene?.... noticing how refreshing it was?
Even though the plot was the driving force for my desire to keep reading ( find out how the story ends) - the complexion of the characters were too smooth. If there had been a little more texture to each of them- more dimensional complexity- it would have made them more compelling - more cerebral attributes. Although ‘Callie’ is the ‘most’ standout interesting character.
Yet....the plot is definitely the strongest force - overshadowing character development. I was still curious to know the final outcome.
The BREAK SCENE I CHERISHED ....a little earthy moment:
Wilf, a real estate agent, who loved gardening -visits the bookstore in London where Callie has worked for six years. He asks her if she is interested in spending a day gardening with him.
Wilf picks Callie up in his beaten down Volkswagen ( I’m smiling over this) filled with gardening equipment. Callie is ready for the day, dressed in her Wellington Boots.
They are both cutting - clearing - digging - pushing a spade - great mounds of earth - pulling weeds.
But ...
Then - true to Callie’s questionable character - she volunteers a ‘turd-type’ memory ....she tells Wilf that she remembers finding a sheep skull buried under a bush years ago. “Really? Did she have to spoil the moment with her yucky visual?”....
I wasn’t too surprised by Callie’s response - because by the time I had gotten to this moment in the story - ‘almost halfway’ - Callie had shared other tidbits of distasteful information about her past. As a child not only did she have a strong urge to eat her twin sister’s things....( not food have you) .... but she once drank her sisters pee ( after a time she didn’t flush the toilet). I had a hard time shaking that image away —� and lost all trust in her stability right there! .......
In my little cherished scene- I had discovered a really likable character in Jane Robins novel. It was as if Wilf didn’t hear Callie’s turd remark... he was much more generous with his heart than I was.
He said:
“There’s nothing more sexy than a gorgeous woman covered in dirt and sweat, wrestling with the undergrowth”. —�—life felt lovely and peaceful in Wilf-World’s
AS FOR THE BIGGER STORY: PRESENT TIME -
.....Callie - adult Callie - is worried about her twin sister Tilda. She has reasons to believe that Tilda’s boyfriend Felix is not only controlling - manipulative - but is dangerous.
Callie spends a lot of time online learning all she can about what signs to look for from abusive men - at controllingmen.com - since Felix seems to be showing the signs. There are bruises on Tilda’s arms - she’s thinner and doesn’t look well - and there have been behavior changes.
Felix has had a few outbursts of anger in front of Callie - and is obsessively compulsive when it comes to being extra neat and organized. Clutter would drive him batty.
But....when Felix was found dead- < NOT A SPOILER - Callie was truly sorry. Maybe she caused it somehow by being so paranoid about him -and being so obsessed herself with controllingmen.com.
And.... maybe Callie actions did ultimately contribute to his death - or maybe not...... but it’s definitely an ENDING DISCUSSION.
This is another one of those books - with TWO endings....and I absolutely LOVED THE VERY LAST ENDING.... why? For the exact same reason I enjoyed the ending to “The Couple Next Door”, by Shari Lapena...
.........I NATURALLY STARTED TO LAUGH HYSTERICALLY!!!!! - I love when I get a FUN gut reaction like that!
Many books make me sad
Many books make me think
Some books make me laugh
Fewer books give me a gut surprise laughing ending! It was MY reaction - may very different for other readers
... I felt it was a classy -UNEXPECTED- GREAT ending..... it had me - still has me THINKING into the realities of the absurdities we ‘do’ live with in this world!
THANK YOU Kelsey, ( from Touchstone for contacting me - I’m glad I read this - and it’s true - I would have missed it)....
Thank You Netgalley for the ongoing work you guys do - that I can’t even ( and don’t want to), imagine.... lol.
Thank you to author Jane Robins. Congrats to you! Great ending! Cracked this reader up! I get it fully!
Even though the plot was the driving force for my desire to keep reading ( find out how the story ends) - the complexion of the characters were too smooth. If there had been a little more texture to each of them- more dimensional complexity- it would have made them more compelling - more cerebral attributes. Although ‘Callie’ is the ‘most’ standout interesting character.
Yet....the plot is definitely the strongest force - overshadowing character development. I was still curious to know the final outcome.
The BREAK SCENE I CHERISHED ....a little earthy moment:
Wilf, a real estate agent, who loved gardening -visits the bookstore in London where Callie has worked for six years. He asks her if she is interested in spending a day gardening with him.
Wilf picks Callie up in his beaten down Volkswagen ( I’m smiling over this) filled with gardening equipment. Callie is ready for the day, dressed in her Wellington Boots.
They are both cutting - clearing - digging - pushing a spade - great mounds of earth - pulling weeds.
But ...
Then - true to Callie’s questionable character - she volunteers a ‘turd-type’ memory ....she tells Wilf that she remembers finding a sheep skull buried under a bush years ago. “Really? Did she have to spoil the moment with her yucky visual?”....
I wasn’t too surprised by Callie’s response - because by the time I had gotten to this moment in the story - ‘almost halfway’ - Callie had shared other tidbits of distasteful information about her past. As a child not only did she have a strong urge to eat her twin sister’s things....( not food have you) .... but she once drank her sisters pee ( after a time she didn’t flush the toilet). I had a hard time shaking that image away —� and lost all trust in her stability right there! .......
In my little cherished scene- I had discovered a really likable character in Jane Robins novel. It was as if Wilf didn’t hear Callie’s turd remark... he was much more generous with his heart than I was.
He said:
“There’s nothing more sexy than a gorgeous woman covered in dirt and sweat, wrestling with the undergrowth”. —�—life felt lovely and peaceful in Wilf-World’s
AS FOR THE BIGGER STORY: PRESENT TIME -
.....Callie - adult Callie - is worried about her twin sister Tilda. She has reasons to believe that Tilda’s boyfriend Felix is not only controlling - manipulative - but is dangerous.
Callie spends a lot of time online learning all she can about what signs to look for from abusive men - at controllingmen.com - since Felix seems to be showing the signs. There are bruises on Tilda’s arms - she’s thinner and doesn’t look well - and there have been behavior changes.
Felix has had a few outbursts of anger in front of Callie - and is obsessively compulsive when it comes to being extra neat and organized. Clutter would drive him batty.
But....when Felix was found dead- < NOT A SPOILER - Callie was truly sorry. Maybe she caused it somehow by being so paranoid about him -and being so obsessed herself with controllingmen.com.
And.... maybe Callie actions did ultimately contribute to his death - or maybe not...... but it’s definitely an ENDING DISCUSSION.
This is another one of those books - with TWO endings....and I absolutely LOVED THE VERY LAST ENDING.... why? For the exact same reason I enjoyed the ending to “The Couple Next Door”, by Shari Lapena...
.........I NATURALLY STARTED TO LAUGH HYSTERICALLY!!!!! - I love when I get a FUN gut reaction like that!
Many books make me sad
Many books make me think
Some books make me laugh
Fewer books give me a gut surprise laughing ending! It was MY reaction - may very different for other readers
... I felt it was a classy -UNEXPECTED- GREAT ending..... it had me - still has me THINKING into the realities of the absurdities we ‘do’ live with in this world!
THANK YOU Kelsey, ( from Touchstone for contacting me - I’m glad I read this - and it’s true - I would have missed it)....
Thank You Netgalley for the ongoing work you guys do - that I can’t even ( and don’t want to), imagine.... lol.
Thank you to author Jane Robins. Congrats to you! Great ending! Cracked this reader up! I get it fully!
December 1, 2017
*4.5*
Compulsively creepy and captivating! This novel sent some shivers down my spine and I loved it!
Is it weird and quirky? Yes
Is it fascinating? Yes
Is it twisted? Yes
Twins Callie and Tilda are close. Callie has always felt the need to “watch after” her sister. Tilda is a glamorous actress and Callie is much more plain and works in a book shop. Enter Felix, Tilda’s new love interest. Felix is successful and has a controlling personality and Callie can’t help but protect her twin sister from his controlling ways. Just how far will she go? After all, she is infatuated with her sister.
There are some compulsive behaviors going on here in more ways than one and a conclusion that I wasn’t expecting…
Could it involve murder? Maybe.
I thoroughly enjoyed the way the author slowly developed the obsessive relationship between the sisters and highlights the mind games. I also just loved all the references to book titles, movies and even you tube videos.
I was always happy to pick up where I left off and read on! If you enjoy psychological thrillers with an eccentric style, you may love this one! Loved read this with The Traveling Sister Reading Group! So much fun discussing this one with the ladies!!
*Thank you Touchstone Books for my copy in exchange for my honest review!
Compulsively creepy and captivating! This novel sent some shivers down my spine and I loved it!
Is it weird and quirky? Yes
Is it fascinating? Yes
Is it twisted? Yes
Twins Callie and Tilda are close. Callie has always felt the need to “watch after” her sister. Tilda is a glamorous actress and Callie is much more plain and works in a book shop. Enter Felix, Tilda’s new love interest. Felix is successful and has a controlling personality and Callie can’t help but protect her twin sister from his controlling ways. Just how far will she go? After all, she is infatuated with her sister.
There are some compulsive behaviors going on here in more ways than one and a conclusion that I wasn’t expecting…
Could it involve murder? Maybe.
I thoroughly enjoyed the way the author slowly developed the obsessive relationship between the sisters and highlights the mind games. I also just loved all the references to book titles, movies and even you tube videos.
I was always happy to pick up where I left off and read on! If you enjoy psychological thrillers with an eccentric style, you may love this one! Loved read this with The Traveling Sister Reading Group! So much fun discussing this one with the ladies!!
*Thank you Touchstone Books for my copy in exchange for my honest review!
September 19, 2017
There's no better way to describe this book than dark, twisted, and creepy. I actually physically cringed while reading more than a few times. I read a lot of dark stories, and it's rare for me to have that reaction. Don't get me wrong: this story isn't graphic at all. The disturbing parts are more psychological. Just shy of 300 pages, it's easy to devour in a day... and if you have time, you probably will. I could hardly put it down. Suspense, twins, abuse, jealousy... it sounds like several books I've read recently, and if you enjoy psychological thrillers like I do, it probably sounds familiar to you too... but trust me, this one is different.
Tilda and Callie have always had a bit of an odd relationship. Tilda is beautiful, has a flair for the dramatic, blessed with confidence. She's the actress that despite not putting out new work in awhile, gets recognized on the street. Callie is the sister who blends in. She works at a bookshop, doesn't have a love life to speak of, and has a hard time making new friends. She's very different from her charming, enigmatic sister.
Tilda begins to change when she starts seeing a new man, Felix. He's well off and charming, but comes off as a little controlling. Tilda doesn't seem to see any of that. She's deeply in love. Callie is alarmed when her larger than life sister begins to shrink before her very eyes... she's always been slim, but now she borders on skeletal. She's lost her spark. She is drifting away from her sister, seemingly content to spend all of her time with Felix. And then there's those bruises on her arms. Whenever Callie tries to broach the subject, Tilda becomes angry and defensive, as if her concern is a personal insult.
We get flashbacks into their childhood, where it becomes obvious that Callie has always had a bit of an obsession with her sister. She always wanted to watch out for her, know what she was up to, figure out weird little things to do that reaffirms their bond in her head. Her concern for her now reaches a boiling point. She joins a website for women affected by abuse, at first just to see if she's reading the signs correctly. It's not long before she jumps into the site head first, registering and making new anonymous friends. Some are women who are being abused and see no way out, and some like Callie are watching from the sidelines as a loved one suffers at the hands of a man.
Their lives spin more and more out of control... jealousy and death, and an ending that you won't forget. I found this book to very unsettling and highly original. Recommended to readers who don't mind getting their head messed with a bit.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Touchstone, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
Tilda and Callie have always had a bit of an odd relationship. Tilda is beautiful, has a flair for the dramatic, blessed with confidence. She's the actress that despite not putting out new work in awhile, gets recognized on the street. Callie is the sister who blends in. She works at a bookshop, doesn't have a love life to speak of, and has a hard time making new friends. She's very different from her charming, enigmatic sister.
Tilda begins to change when she starts seeing a new man, Felix. He's well off and charming, but comes off as a little controlling. Tilda doesn't seem to see any of that. She's deeply in love. Callie is alarmed when her larger than life sister begins to shrink before her very eyes... she's always been slim, but now she borders on skeletal. She's lost her spark. She is drifting away from her sister, seemingly content to spend all of her time with Felix. And then there's those bruises on her arms. Whenever Callie tries to broach the subject, Tilda becomes angry and defensive, as if her concern is a personal insult.
We get flashbacks into their childhood, where it becomes obvious that Callie has always had a bit of an obsession with her sister. She always wanted to watch out for her, know what she was up to, figure out weird little things to do that reaffirms their bond in her head. Her concern for her now reaches a boiling point. She joins a website for women affected by abuse, at first just to see if she's reading the signs correctly. It's not long before she jumps into the site head first, registering and making new anonymous friends. Some are women who are being abused and see no way out, and some like Callie are watching from the sidelines as a loved one suffers at the hands of a man.
Their lives spin more and more out of control... jealousy and death, and an ending that you won't forget. I found this book to very unsettling and highly original. Recommended to readers who don't mind getting their head messed with a bit.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Touchstone, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
October 28, 2017
3.65 Stars* (rounded up).
Weird, Wild and Completely Freakish.
“White Bodies” by Jane Robins - this is a book that will make you uncomfortable. You will shift in your seat & get hot under the collar. Yet you will not be able to stop reading it and it will feel somewhat obsessive. Let’s dig in.
Obsessive - just like Callie, one of the main characters in “White Bodies.” Callie is Tilda’s twin sister. She is consumed by her sister Tilda, a self-centered actress, who has smooth, translucent skin and beautiful blond hair. Callie has, in fact, always felt somewhat overshadowed by Tilda, as she is plain, “round and pinkish” and works in a bookstore. Callie’s love for her sister is quite sinister – and well eerie. At a young age, Callie develops a disorder centered around her sister that is truly disturbing yet quite evocative. If you want to know more about it – well, you must pick up the book.
When Tilda starts dating Felix, things start to change. At first, in a good way. Both Felix and Tilda begin including Callie more, making her feel precious. Then Callie notices Tilda withdrawing, becoming waifish, showing up with bruises and Callie begins to worry. She fears that Felix is controlling, menacing and even dangerous. Worried for her sister, Callie gets involved in a website for controlling men – as she tries to figure out ways in which she can help Tilda. Felix and Tilda find her involvement and obsession with them ridiculous. Slowly things spiral out of control: Felix is found dead - with no sign of foul play. Tilda, his wife of a few weeks, is beside herself. But what happened? Was Felix murdered or did he die of natural causes? Is your interest piqued yet? It should be!
I had no idea what to expect when I got to the end of “White Bodies.” I was on high alert. Racing to the finish. And Jane Robins got me. I was stunned. Eyes Wide Open. That being said, the sheer weirdness of certain parts of this thriller, caught me off guard, I couldn’t get past them. In short, the novel was freakish as all get out. At times, I cringed, closed my eyes and felt crazy uncomfortable. If you like safe reads, then this is not for you. If you want to take a chance and read something that doesn’t fit into a neat little box and will get underneath your skin and make you itch just a little bit, then this is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kelsey Manning, Touchstone and Jane Robins for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Facebook on 10.28.17.
Weird, Wild and Completely Freakish.
“White Bodies” by Jane Robins - this is a book that will make you uncomfortable. You will shift in your seat & get hot under the collar. Yet you will not be able to stop reading it and it will feel somewhat obsessive. Let’s dig in.
Obsessive - just like Callie, one of the main characters in “White Bodies.” Callie is Tilda’s twin sister. She is consumed by her sister Tilda, a self-centered actress, who has smooth, translucent skin and beautiful blond hair. Callie has, in fact, always felt somewhat overshadowed by Tilda, as she is plain, “round and pinkish” and works in a bookstore. Callie’s love for her sister is quite sinister – and well eerie. At a young age, Callie develops a disorder centered around her sister that is truly disturbing yet quite evocative. If you want to know more about it – well, you must pick up the book.
When Tilda starts dating Felix, things start to change. At first, in a good way. Both Felix and Tilda begin including Callie more, making her feel precious. Then Callie notices Tilda withdrawing, becoming waifish, showing up with bruises and Callie begins to worry. She fears that Felix is controlling, menacing and even dangerous. Worried for her sister, Callie gets involved in a website for controlling men – as she tries to figure out ways in which she can help Tilda. Felix and Tilda find her involvement and obsession with them ridiculous. Slowly things spiral out of control: Felix is found dead - with no sign of foul play. Tilda, his wife of a few weeks, is beside herself. But what happened? Was Felix murdered or did he die of natural causes? Is your interest piqued yet? It should be!
I had no idea what to expect when I got to the end of “White Bodies.” I was on high alert. Racing to the finish. And Jane Robins got me. I was stunned. Eyes Wide Open. That being said, the sheer weirdness of certain parts of this thriller, caught me off guard, I couldn’t get past them. In short, the novel was freakish as all get out. At times, I cringed, closed my eyes and felt crazy uncomfortable. If you like safe reads, then this is not for you. If you want to take a chance and read something that doesn’t fit into a neat little box and will get underneath your skin and make you itch just a little bit, then this is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kelsey Manning, Touchstone and Jane Robins for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Facebook on 10.28.17.
September 22, 2017
3.5 Stars. Callie usually only visits her twin sister Tilda once a month, but Tilda has been inviting her over more often since she started getting serious with her new boyfriend Felix. Callie is thrilled to be included in her sister's life. At first she finds Felix beguiling, but she begins to see signs that he's abusive and controlling. Her once vibrant sister seems to be withering away, but Tilda refuses to entertain Callie's concerns. Callie joins the ControllingMen.com forums for support, but the forum members are intense and she ends up getting in over her head. Her concerns about her sister's relationship are suddenly nullified when thirty-two-year-old Felix suddenly dies alone in his hotel room, just weeks after his and Tilda's wedding. The cause of death is determined to be heart disease, but Callie thinks the circumstances of his death are suspicious. She's convinced the police will be questioning her soon.
Tilda is a well-known actress, while Callie lives a quiet life and works at a bookstore. Tilda has always overshadowed Callie, even in childhood. It upsets Callie that people always assume that Tilda is her older sister. She’s been dominated by Tilda her entire life, but she wants to be seen as an equal. In the scenes from childhood, we see Tilda's subtle cruelty to Callie. It's obvious that she relishes in Callie's unconditional adoration. Tilda has always been the stronger of the two girls, but seeing that Tilda could be in danger gives Callie the opportunity to be the rescuer. Callie's idea of looking out for her sister is so creepy! She obsessively monitors her sister’s well-being and seems to want to literally consume Tilda’s essence. (You’ll see what I mean when you read it. Weird doesn't even begin to describe it!)
As disturbed as I was by Callie's behavior, I was also rooting for her! For all her odd quirks, she comes across as a sweet person. Callie has major self-confidence issues and is constantly comparing herself to Tilda. She berates herself for her social awkwardness and "vacant" life. She's constantly admiring Tilda and Felix's "fine bones, smooth, translucent skin, and shiny blond hair," while belittling her own "round pinkish" body. From other characters' statements, we see that Callie isn't an objective observer. Callie is consumed by anxiety and has a tendency to catastrophize everything. She sees danger lurking in every corner. I didn't know to what extent I could trust her perceptions, especially since she doesn't even seem to trust herself.
The aspects I liked most about this book were the creepy atmosphere, the odd characters, and Callie's codependent relationship with her sister. I enjoyed the first half, because I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the flashbacks to the twin's childhood gave me breaks from Callie’s hand-wringing. First-person perspective + a character with a single fixation can be exhausting! I enjoyed the overall quality and atmosphere of White Bodies, so I recommend giving it a shot if you don’t have the same issues with being trapped in an obsessive character’s head that I do. It’s a very quick read and I loved all the strange character quirks! I had an idea of where it was going to go from the beginning, but the winding path that followed led me with no idea of how it was going to get there.
If you preferred the character-focused parts of this book, you might be interested in The Diver’s Clothes Lie Empty. It's a different story and has less popular appeal, but some of the character traits in White Bodies made me think back to it: twins where one outshines the other, the relief Callie feels when trying on new identities, and the meek twin’s psychological reasons for swimming.
____________
I received this book for free from Netgalley and Touchstone. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. It's available now!
Tilda is a well-known actress, while Callie lives a quiet life and works at a bookstore. Tilda has always overshadowed Callie, even in childhood. It upsets Callie that people always assume that Tilda is her older sister. She’s been dominated by Tilda her entire life, but she wants to be seen as an equal. In the scenes from childhood, we see Tilda's subtle cruelty to Callie. It's obvious that she relishes in Callie's unconditional adoration. Tilda has always been the stronger of the two girls, but seeing that Tilda could be in danger gives Callie the opportunity to be the rescuer. Callie's idea of looking out for her sister is so creepy! She obsessively monitors her sister’s well-being and seems to want to literally consume Tilda’s essence. (You’ll see what I mean when you read it. Weird doesn't even begin to describe it!)
As disturbed as I was by Callie's behavior, I was also rooting for her! For all her odd quirks, she comes across as a sweet person. Callie has major self-confidence issues and is constantly comparing herself to Tilda. She berates herself for her social awkwardness and "vacant" life. She's constantly admiring Tilda and Felix's "fine bones, smooth, translucent skin, and shiny blond hair," while belittling her own "round pinkish" body. From other characters' statements, we see that Callie isn't an objective observer. Callie is consumed by anxiety and has a tendency to catastrophize everything. She sees danger lurking in every corner. I didn't know to what extent I could trust her perceptions, especially since she doesn't even seem to trust herself.
The aspects I liked most about this book were the creepy atmosphere, the odd characters, and Callie's codependent relationship with her sister. I enjoyed the first half, because I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the flashbacks to the twin's childhood gave me breaks from Callie’s hand-wringing. First-person perspective + a character with a single fixation can be exhausting! I enjoyed the overall quality and atmosphere of White Bodies, so I recommend giving it a shot if you don’t have the same issues with being trapped in an obsessive character’s head that I do. It’s a very quick read and I loved all the strange character quirks! I had an idea of where it was going to go from the beginning, but the winding path that followed led me with no idea of how it was going to get there.
If you preferred the character-focused parts of this book, you might be interested in The Diver’s Clothes Lie Empty. It's a different story and has less popular appeal, but some of the character traits in White Bodies made me think back to it: twins where one outshines the other, the relief Callie feels when trying on new identities, and the meek twin’s psychological reasons for swimming.
____________
I received this book for free from Netgalley and Touchstone. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. It's available now!
November 30, 2017
Two strange sisters, twins, Tilda supposedly the brilliant, intense one. Callie, enthralled with her twin, unusual habits, to get closer to understanding her, wanting to be her, consume her essense. In my opinion both of these girls could have used mental health intervention when they were younger. Now grown, Tilda is said to be a well known actress, in a new relationship with a fabulous man. Callie, just biding time, still hanging on her sisters coattails, but now worried about her too, concerned about the controlling nature of her sisters new man. Secrets, schemes, websites and in the end a death.
I sometimes think I expect too much of these psychological thrillers. Yes, this was twisty, and yes there are surprises, but after the middle of the book I could see where this was going. It was a easy story to get caught up in, the pace quick with constant revelations, detours, making me wonder if I was right. The sisters though, seemed one dimensional, really wish they had been fleshed out more, deeper. I did like this in a weird way, but the ending was a let down, it was unsurprising by that point, especially with everything that had gone before. A different ending might have provided the wow factor I felt this was missing.
A sisters read and as always interesting reading everyone's different views.
ARC from Netgalley.
I sometimes think I expect too much of these psychological thrillers. Yes, this was twisty, and yes there are surprises, but after the middle of the book I could see where this was going. It was a easy story to get caught up in, the pace quick with constant revelations, detours, making me wonder if I was right. The sisters though, seemed one dimensional, really wish they had been fleshed out more, deeper. I did like this in a weird way, but the ending was a let down, it was unsurprising by that point, especially with everything that had gone before. A different ending might have provided the wow factor I felt this was missing.
A sisters read and as always interesting reading everyone's different views.
ARC from Netgalley.
October 4, 2017
OMGOSH....WHAT A CRAZY GOOD READ!
WHITE BODIES is a roller coaster of CRAZY. Twin sisters Tilda and Callie are so very close....one with a CRAZY obsessive behavior I have never read about in any novel....a behavior I still cannot believe....and the other with a CRAZY dark agenda I did not see coming.
So.....ENTER dangerous, controlling man who pulls Tilda away from Callie and together with his impulsive aggressive behavior, the plot thickens to a place you may think sounds familiar, but in fact ends with the ultimate of CRAZY mind games.
Don't miss this one!Many thanks to Touchstone Publicity/Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2017
Copy furnished by Net Galley for the price of a review.
Twins. One dark, one golden. Callie feels overwhelmed by her twin, excluded. Tilda is exuberant, gregarious, the center of attention wherever she goes. Callie is just so . . . ordinary. Quiet and intense. And twisted. Note the differences between them, and the sameness. The obsession that lies within. Stalker or prey? Victim or monster? And how does Felix fit into the puzzle?
Twins. One dark, one golden. Callie feels overwhelmed by her twin, excluded. Tilda is exuberant, gregarious, the center of attention wherever she goes. Callie is just so . . . ordinary. Quiet and intense. And twisted. Note the differences between them, and the sameness. The obsession that lies within. Stalker or prey? Victim or monster? And how does Felix fit into the puzzle?
October 4, 2017
A book about jacked up twins? When I'm supposed to be reading some October horror.
Callie and Tilda are those twins. Callie has always been the unassuming sister that blended into the background so that star Tilda could shine.
Callie has some issues though..when she was growing up she wanted some of Tilda's shine to come her way and so she devised ways for that to happen. Including swallowing some..ah well you'll have to read it.
You think that's weird? It gets even weirder when Tilda forgets to flush the toilet.
Which led up to a phone conversation with my bookish bestie where I was explaining how I feel about this book...
She started smelling the oven that she left on after that.
Back to the book, This wassss goooood! The sisters grow up and they both have some issues. Tilda has found her some man candy in the form of Felix. Felix is rich and good looking and has 'a touch' of the OCD. Callie knows something isn't kosher and sets out tostalk show concern for her sister.
After awhile she knows that she needs support..so she joins a internet support group for abused women and their helpers. Then she starts questioning everything.
I don't want to give away anymore than I probably already have. I liked this one enough that I almost five starred the sucker. The ending deducted a star for me but I just about hate all thriller endings so I'm a sucky judger. Not that it ever stops me.
Booksource: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. They didn't ask for a review but I'm assuming they wanted one. AND surprise surprise I LIKED it!
Callie and Tilda are those twins. Callie has always been the unassuming sister that blended into the background so that star Tilda could shine.
Callie has some issues though..when she was growing up she wanted some of Tilda's shine to come her way and so she devised ways for that to happen. Including swallowing some..ah well you'll have to read it.
You think that's weird? It gets even weirder when Tilda forgets to flush the toilet.
Which led up to a phone conversation with my bookish bestie where I was explaining how I feel about this book...
She started smelling the oven that she left on after that.
Back to the book, This wassss goooood! The sisters grow up and they both have some issues. Tilda has found her some man candy in the form of Felix. Felix is rich and good looking and has 'a touch' of the OCD. Callie knows something isn't kosher and sets out to
After awhile she knows that she needs support..so she joins a internet support group for abused women and their helpers. Then she starts questioning everything.
I don't want to give away anymore than I probably already have. I liked this one enough that I almost five starred the sucker. The ending deducted a star for me but I just about hate all thriller endings so I'm a sucky judger. Not that it ever stops me.
Booksource: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. They didn't ask for a review but I'm assuming they wanted one. AND surprise surprise I LIKED it!
October 29, 2017
White Bodies by Jane Robins is a 2017 Touchstone publication.
Unconventional, incongruous, and macabre-
Callie and Tilda are twins, but are polar opposites, in appearance and personality. Tilda, an actress, is on the cusp of stardom, while Callie stands in the shadows, living a quiet life as a bookstore clerk.
But, when Tilda becomes involved with Felix, Callie begins to worry that Tilda is withdrawing, losing weight, maybe abusing herself or being abused by Felix, putting her career in jeopardy, all due to Felix’s controlling obsessive compulsiveness.
Callie joins an online support group for women who are trying to extricate themselves from abusive and controlling relationships. She even participates in chat room conversations hoping to find a way to understand the hold Felix has over her sister and to seek help in finding a way to rescue Tilda.
In the meantime, Callie keeps tabs on Tilda, looking for signs of abuse or clues to her sister’s mental state, when all the while she fails to see the irony in her own increasing obsession with Tilda.
The further entangled she becomes with the online support group, the deeper her obsession grows until she finds herself embroiled in their plans to free those trapped in controlling relationships by any means necessary.
This book is messed up. Really, really messed up. Callie relates the series of events from her own first person narrative, so we see things from her perspective and only through her eyes.
The insight comes from the background information provided about the twins’ upbringing and the type of bond they formed early in life. Callie’s unusual methods of feeling close to Tilda are one of the most troubling aspects of the book, and one you won't forget anytime soon.
I thought the story was highly imaginative, with a nice nod to ‘Strangers on a Train’, a setup that is as effective today as it was back then. The creation of such a fraught and unsettling atmosphere is very well done and even has a slight noir quality to it that I really liked, but also had an edgy type of dark humor, that may have simply been in my imagination, but I honestly found myself delighted by some of the twists, even if they were mostly untenable.
Tensions rose on several fronts, and all them are beyond twisted. Obsession is definitely the word of the day in this book and it can come in many different forms, especially when it comes to family bonds, which can be the most complex of all relationships, perhaps more so with sisters, who can often have thorny connections, but Cassie and Tilda take that to an entirely new level.
The novel kept me entranced and fascinated, but also kept me off balance, and on my toes. No reading on auto-pilot.
But as the book wound around to its final moments, the pacing began to slow down, causing me to let down my defenses a little, but, beware of that lull. There is still one final revelation. Now, normally, I love one last turn of the screw, but this one nearly derailed the entire book. Seasoned readers of psychological thrillers will have to stifle a groan, because everything good that went before fell into a predictable trap, resulting in an epic fail.
Despite that one big faux pas, and overdoing it in a few spots, this is an admirable fiction debut from an author accustomed to writing historical non-fiction. There were many elements I liked about the story, which mostly made up for the missteps. So, although it is a little rough around the edges, it is still worth checking out, especially if you enjoy psychological thrillers.
3 stars
Unconventional, incongruous, and macabre-
Callie and Tilda are twins, but are polar opposites, in appearance and personality. Tilda, an actress, is on the cusp of stardom, while Callie stands in the shadows, living a quiet life as a bookstore clerk.
But, when Tilda becomes involved with Felix, Callie begins to worry that Tilda is withdrawing, losing weight, maybe abusing herself or being abused by Felix, putting her career in jeopardy, all due to Felix’s controlling obsessive compulsiveness.
Callie joins an online support group for women who are trying to extricate themselves from abusive and controlling relationships. She even participates in chat room conversations hoping to find a way to understand the hold Felix has over her sister and to seek help in finding a way to rescue Tilda.
In the meantime, Callie keeps tabs on Tilda, looking for signs of abuse or clues to her sister’s mental state, when all the while she fails to see the irony in her own increasing obsession with Tilda.
The further entangled she becomes with the online support group, the deeper her obsession grows until she finds herself embroiled in their plans to free those trapped in controlling relationships by any means necessary.
This book is messed up. Really, really messed up. Callie relates the series of events from her own first person narrative, so we see things from her perspective and only through her eyes.
The insight comes from the background information provided about the twins’ upbringing and the type of bond they formed early in life. Callie’s unusual methods of feeling close to Tilda are one of the most troubling aspects of the book, and one you won't forget anytime soon.
I thought the story was highly imaginative, with a nice nod to ‘Strangers on a Train’, a setup that is as effective today as it was back then. The creation of such a fraught and unsettling atmosphere is very well done and even has a slight noir quality to it that I really liked, but also had an edgy type of dark humor, that may have simply been in my imagination, but I honestly found myself delighted by some of the twists, even if they were mostly untenable.
Tensions rose on several fronts, and all them are beyond twisted. Obsession is definitely the word of the day in this book and it can come in many different forms, especially when it comes to family bonds, which can be the most complex of all relationships, perhaps more so with sisters, who can often have thorny connections, but Cassie and Tilda take that to an entirely new level.
The novel kept me entranced and fascinated, but also kept me off balance, and on my toes. No reading on auto-pilot.
But as the book wound around to its final moments, the pacing began to slow down, causing me to let down my defenses a little, but, beware of that lull. There is still one final revelation. Now, normally, I love one last turn of the screw, but this one nearly derailed the entire book. Seasoned readers of psychological thrillers will have to stifle a groan, because everything good that went before fell into a predictable trap, resulting in an epic fail.
Despite that one big faux pas, and overdoing it in a few spots, this is an admirable fiction debut from an author accustomed to writing historical non-fiction. There were many elements I liked about the story, which mostly made up for the missteps. So, although it is a little rough around the edges, it is still worth checking out, especially if you enjoy psychological thrillers.
3 stars
September 25, 2017
3.5 stars. It was a 4 star right up until the last few pages when I wanted to scream "Are you F'ing kidding Me?"
So, I really enjoyed the book and I am still trying to figure out what I think of the ending.....
Callie and Tilda are twins. Since they were children, Callie appears to be obsessed with her sister (eating her things!?!) and Tilda seemed to be the twin in controlled. Tilda does not come off as the nicest person and was often mean to her sister growing up. But was she mean or was she creeped out by her sister's obsession? Tilda has the stronger personality and always had a group of people following her around. Callie was one of those people who followed her sister and went through her things. Callie thrived on any little bit of attention Tilda gave to her. So when Tilda moved in with Felix, Callie was naturally interested and happy to be included in their life. But then Callie noticed little changes in her sister - changes that alarmed her. Tilda seemed to be losing weight, she had bruises, and became defensive when Callie brought up Tilda's home life. Felix appears to be a neat freak and has a very tidy sterile living environment. His obsession with cleanliness and food preparation set off all of Callies red flags. Is there something wrong? Should she be worried? Callie wants to help and defend her sister. But how?
Concerned about her sister's well being, Callie joins an online chat group where women discuss the controlling and abusive men in their lives. As Callie begins to make friends online, things seem to be getting worse in her sister's life. Then one of Callie's online friends is murdered and Felix is found dead (no spoiler - we are told this in the book description). Just what the heck is going on?
For me this was a really captivating read up until a certain point. I loved that we see Callie as being concerned about her sister but in the back of my mind, I kept thinking about when she was younger and she would eat her sister's belongings. Is her concern real? Is she obsessed with her sister? Is she a reliable character? Are other things going on in this book? Is Tilda the victim of domestic violence? I really liked the not knowing. For me the question as to what was happening in this book came down to who is the reliable character. Seriously, I often wondered who can be trusted in this book. Who is the crazy one, who is the real victim and what will happen next.
I enjoyed the cat and mouse type game Callie and Scarlet, a woman she met through the online group, played with each other. Callie appeared to be obsessive, paranoid and anxiety ridden through most of the book. In the back of my mind I kept thinking, yes, she is unreliable but that doesn't mean that she is wrong, does it? This is where the book really worked for me. I liked not knowing who to trust, who to believe and not knowing what to make of everything...then when the big reveal happened, I thought "Seriously?" It wasn't a big shock really but at the same time I felt let down. The sisters and Felix watched a movie in this book, I was hoping that there would be a big show down like there was in the movie. Now that would have kept the book a solid 4 stars for me.
Nevertheless, this book was an extremely fast read. I kept turning the pages as I wanted to know the real truth about what was happening in this book. I felt a little let down by the ending as I stated but overall it was still a very enjoyable dark and mysterious read.
I received a copy of this book from Touchstone and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
So, I really enjoyed the book and I am still trying to figure out what I think of the ending.....
Callie and Tilda are twins. Since they were children, Callie appears to be obsessed with her sister (eating her things!?!) and Tilda seemed to be the twin in controlled. Tilda does not come off as the nicest person and was often mean to her sister growing up. But was she mean or was she creeped out by her sister's obsession? Tilda has the stronger personality and always had a group of people following her around. Callie was one of those people who followed her sister and went through her things. Callie thrived on any little bit of attention Tilda gave to her. So when Tilda moved in with Felix, Callie was naturally interested and happy to be included in their life. But then Callie noticed little changes in her sister - changes that alarmed her. Tilda seemed to be losing weight, she had bruises, and became defensive when Callie brought up Tilda's home life. Felix appears to be a neat freak and has a very tidy sterile living environment. His obsession with cleanliness and food preparation set off all of Callies red flags. Is there something wrong? Should she be worried? Callie wants to help and defend her sister. But how?
Concerned about her sister's well being, Callie joins an online chat group where women discuss the controlling and abusive men in their lives. As Callie begins to make friends online, things seem to be getting worse in her sister's life. Then one of Callie's online friends is murdered and Felix is found dead (no spoiler - we are told this in the book description). Just what the heck is going on?
For me this was a really captivating read up until a certain point. I loved that we see Callie as being concerned about her sister but in the back of my mind, I kept thinking about when she was younger and she would eat her sister's belongings. Is her concern real? Is she obsessed with her sister? Is she a reliable character? Are other things going on in this book? Is Tilda the victim of domestic violence? I really liked the not knowing. For me the question as to what was happening in this book came down to who is the reliable character. Seriously, I often wondered who can be trusted in this book. Who is the crazy one, who is the real victim and what will happen next.
I enjoyed the cat and mouse type game Callie and Scarlet, a woman she met through the online group, played with each other. Callie appeared to be obsessive, paranoid and anxiety ridden through most of the book. In the back of my mind I kept thinking, yes, she is unreliable but that doesn't mean that she is wrong, does it? This is where the book really worked for me. I liked not knowing who to trust, who to believe and not knowing what to make of everything...then when the big reveal happened, I thought "Seriously?" It wasn't a big shock really but at the same time I felt let down. The sisters and Felix watched a movie in this book, I was hoping that there would be a big show down like there was in the movie. Now that would have kept the book a solid 4 stars for me.
Nevertheless, this book was an extremely fast read. I kept turning the pages as I wanted to know the real truth about what was happening in this book. I felt a little let down by the ending as I stated but overall it was still a very enjoyable dark and mysterious read.
I received a copy of this book from Touchstone and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
September 20, 2017
Menacing, dark, and incredibly eerie!
White Bodies is a gritty, gripping, character-driven novel that delves into the dynamic relationship between sister’s, especially twins, and highlights that we only see what people want to show us and even then we only see what we want to see.
The writing is fluid and clear. The characters are multilayered, deceptive, and unstable. And the plot uses a past/present, back-and-forth style to create suspense and tension as it subtly unravels the relationships, histories, personalities, and motivations within it.
White Bodies is ultimately a chilling psychological thriller about family, secrets, obsession, jealousy, mental illness, manipulation, obsession, and murder and is a wonderful debut for Robins in this genre.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and Goodreads Giveaways for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
White Bodies is a gritty, gripping, character-driven novel that delves into the dynamic relationship between sister’s, especially twins, and highlights that we only see what people want to show us and even then we only see what we want to see.
The writing is fluid and clear. The characters are multilayered, deceptive, and unstable. And the plot uses a past/present, back-and-forth style to create suspense and tension as it subtly unravels the relationships, histories, personalities, and motivations within it.
White Bodies is ultimately a chilling psychological thriller about family, secrets, obsession, jealousy, mental illness, manipulation, obsession, and murder and is a wonderful debut for Robins in this genre.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and Goodreads Giveaways for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
February 28, 2019
Tilda and Callie are twins that couldn't be more different. Tilda is a beautiful yet struggling actress and Callie is the quiet introspective one that lives in her sisters shadow. Add to this mix, Felix, an abusive husband to Tilda, "interesting" ( 🤮 ) eating habits, and a murderous plan and you've got the makings of one crazy concoction that is White Bodies. Being that this is basically a re-hashing of Strangers on a Train I had some idea of what was going to happen but, I'll admit, the author knows how to write about weird characters and unabashedly cringe-worthy scenes. I'm not sure if I admire the author or if I'm terrified of her but I will be sure to read whatever she writes next. 4 stars!
October 21, 2017
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Setting: London, England
Triggers: Nah
In a nutshell, this book is about the awkward, introverted twin sister versus the beloved and outgoing twin sister. There's more inner monologue than actual dialogue and plenty of flashback scenes generously mixed into the text.
The narrator in this story was obsessed with her twin. How so? Callie was an odd duck, but she was surprisingly the better half of this twin duo and this story focused on the intimacy/ lifelong struggle between the two.
I liked this story but didn't love it and started getting bored around the 47% mark. The final scenes wrapped up nicely, but overall, this was an okay read.
► Most remarkable lines spoken by Tilda?
“I suppose it’s true,” says Tilda. “The internet is where psychos find each other.”
*NetGalley ARC kindly provided by Touchstone in exchange for an honest review.
Setting: London, England
Triggers: Nah
In a nutshell, this book is about the awkward, introverted twin sister versus the beloved and outgoing twin sister. There's more inner monologue than actual dialogue and plenty of flashback scenes generously mixed into the text.
The narrator in this story was obsessed with her twin. How so? Callie was an odd duck, but she was surprisingly the better half of this twin duo and this story focused on the intimacy/ lifelong struggle between the two.
I liked this story but didn't love it and started getting bored around the 47% mark. The final scenes wrapped up nicely, but overall, this was an okay read.
► Most remarkable lines spoken by Tilda?
“I suppose it’s true,” says Tilda. “The internet is where psychos find each other.”
*NetGalley ARC kindly provided by Touchstone in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2018
We were lost in the weedy, mudding, murky coulee reading this with some of our Traveling Sisters and we ended up splitting into different coulees.
White Bodies is a chilling, creepy and unsettling psychological suspense thriller that explores the dark side of love and obsession that binds twin sisters together.
Jane Robins does a good job bringing on a very shocking unsettling twist that stunned us and we all became a little uncomfortable in the weedy muddy puddles of the coulee and wondering if we should find a more comfortable spot or leave the coulee altogether. We all decided to settle in and see where this story goes.
Jane Robins does a great job creating two different and unreliable sisters here that left us wondering who was the unreliable one and who was the one to trust. Jane Robins throws a clever little twist in there that threw some of us off and left us shocked with the ending.
This is one unforgettable story with some disturbing revelations that we soon won’t forget even though the sisters splitting from the murky coulee just wanted to go onto the next coulee. We highly recommend giving this one a try and finding out what that shocking, unsettling revelation is for yourself.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Jane Robins for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Traveling Sisters Review also can be found on our sister blog:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
White Bodies is a chilling, creepy and unsettling psychological suspense thriller that explores the dark side of love and obsession that binds twin sisters together.
Jane Robins does a good job bringing on a very shocking unsettling twist that stunned us and we all became a little uncomfortable in the weedy muddy puddles of the coulee and wondering if we should find a more comfortable spot or leave the coulee altogether. We all decided to settle in and see where this story goes.
Jane Robins does a great job creating two different and unreliable sisters here that left us wondering who was the unreliable one and who was the one to trust. Jane Robins throws a clever little twist in there that threw some of us off and left us shocked with the ending.
This is one unforgettable story with some disturbing revelations that we soon won’t forget even though the sisters splitting from the murky coulee just wanted to go onto the next coulee. We highly recommend giving this one a try and finding out what that shocking, unsettling revelation is for yourself.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Jane Robins for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Traveling Sisters Review also can be found on our sister blog:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
November 7, 2017
4.25 Stars
Callie and Tilda are twins. Tilda is an actress and Callie works in a bookshop. Callie was always the observant child. So when Tilda introduced her boyfriend, Felix, to Callie she noticed everything; that how Felix is in charge of everything, how Tilda was insecure around him, how Tilda became so thin, how she was inactive in her career anymore and how Tilda’s body became bruised…!! So she started to search in internet and found a site about controlling men and met two other people, one who wanted to help people like Tilda and the other one who was a prey! But the thing is when Callie talked to Tilda and wanted to help her, Tilda fiercely denied everything and claimed she loves Felix and even married him…
Well, this story was a bit strange. I know most of us fascinated with twins but this one and the things that Callie did was a bit too much! when I was reading this story one part of my mind screamed she is a stalker, she is obsessed with her twin but the other part said nope, you’re wrong she just an observant (a good one), and she’s really worried for her sister! So I let them fight with each other!
The writing was so, so good! It was compelling, I couldn’t put it down! Actually I didn’t know what to expect chapter to chapter! I didn’t know what’s the mystery or I should say I couldn’t guess what was it. So yeah, I really enjoyed it, a lot! But the ending left me a bit unsatisfied!! I expected more!!!
Told in Callie’s POV, 1st person. It’s a standalone novel. It alternates between the past and the present but it wasn't annoying. All in all, I loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
Callie and Tilda are twins. Tilda is an actress and Callie works in a bookshop. Callie was always the observant child. So when Tilda introduced her boyfriend, Felix, to Callie she noticed everything; that how Felix is in charge of everything, how Tilda was insecure around him, how Tilda became so thin, how she was inactive in her career anymore and how Tilda’s body became bruised…!! So she started to search in internet and found a site about controlling men and met two other people, one who wanted to help people like Tilda and the other one who was a prey! But the thing is when Callie talked to Tilda and wanted to help her, Tilda fiercely denied everything and claimed she loves Felix and even married him…
Well, this story was a bit strange. I know most of us fascinated with twins but this one and the things that Callie did was a bit too much! when I was reading this story one part of my mind screamed she is a stalker, she is obsessed with her twin but the other part said nope, you’re wrong she just an observant (a good one), and she’s really worried for her sister! So I let them fight with each other!
The writing was so, so good! It was compelling, I couldn’t put it down! Actually I didn’t know what to expect chapter to chapter! I didn’t know what’s the mystery or I should say I couldn’t guess what was it. So yeah, I really enjoyed it, a lot! But the ending left me a bit unsatisfied!! I expected more!!!
Told in Callie’s POV, 1st person. It’s a standalone novel. It alternates between the past and the present but it wasn't annoying. All in all, I loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
September 21, 2017
5 Stars. I did not guess that ending.
March 30, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic ARC of this novel, received in exchange for an honest review.
“White Bodies” is the first fiction novel from author Jane Robins. In “Bodies”, Tilda, a has-been actress, meets and falls in love with Felix, an American financier. Tilda’s twin sister, Callie, is as quiet and reserved as Tilda is outspoken and loud. It is Callie who notices the marks on her sister’s arms, how her sister’s once commandeering personality has dwindled into someone small and meek, and immediately assumes the worst of Felix. Callie begins to investigate further, desperate to save her sister. When Felix dies suddenly, Callie’s doubts begin to surface and she is now plagued with the question- was Felix murdered?
This novel is suspense-laden and filled with intrigue and mystery. The ending is completely unpredictable- as each character has their own eccentric quirk that makes them totally capable of the deranged actions that take place. Just when I made one assumption about what happened and who was responsible, I was sidelined by a plot twist that had me thinking the exact opposite. When the ending arrived and all questions were answered- I was both surprised and satisfied.
Tilda and Callie are both well-developed characters- Tilda is self-absorbed and arrogant, Callie is reserved and awkward, yet both are likable (at least for most of the novel) and realistic, both struggling with clear psychological disorders that play off the other like flutes in an orchestra. The author has a way of drawing in a reader’s attention and holding it- I read most of this novel in one continuous loop, not wanting to put it down.
For an author new to fiction, Robins seems to have found her niche. Unpredictable and somewhat deranged, this novel was a pleasant surprise. I sincerely look forward to Robins’ next fiction work.
“White Bodies” is the first fiction novel from author Jane Robins. In “Bodies”, Tilda, a has-been actress, meets and falls in love with Felix, an American financier. Tilda’s twin sister, Callie, is as quiet and reserved as Tilda is outspoken and loud. It is Callie who notices the marks on her sister’s arms, how her sister’s once commandeering personality has dwindled into someone small and meek, and immediately assumes the worst of Felix. Callie begins to investigate further, desperate to save her sister. When Felix dies suddenly, Callie’s doubts begin to surface and she is now plagued with the question- was Felix murdered?
This novel is suspense-laden and filled with intrigue and mystery. The ending is completely unpredictable- as each character has their own eccentric quirk that makes them totally capable of the deranged actions that take place. Just when I made one assumption about what happened and who was responsible, I was sidelined by a plot twist that had me thinking the exact opposite. When the ending arrived and all questions were answered- I was both surprised and satisfied.
Tilda and Callie are both well-developed characters- Tilda is self-absorbed and arrogant, Callie is reserved and awkward, yet both are likable (at least for most of the novel) and realistic, both struggling with clear psychological disorders that play off the other like flutes in an orchestra. The author has a way of drawing in a reader’s attention and holding it- I read most of this novel in one continuous loop, not wanting to put it down.
For an author new to fiction, Robins seems to have found her niche. Unpredictable and somewhat deranged, this novel was a pleasant surprise. I sincerely look forward to Robins’ next fiction work.
January 8, 2018
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
3.5 Stars
Despite having to wait months in order to obtain a copy and receiving frequent messages from my book bestie such as . . . .
Amazingly, I was unspoiled on White Bodies before beginning.
All I knew was that this was a story about adult twin sisters Tilda and Callie – one of which had some bizarre methods when it came to making sure the two would be as close as possible. Those things made me think . . . .
And that I definitely didn’t want to drink anything Callie had to offer. . . . .
I had no clue the inspiration behind this story was going to be this . . . .
In case you aren’t familiar, that is the premise behind . . . .
Which is one of my all-time faves (and somehow I still haven’t read Patricia Highsmith's book, so I should kick myself in the ass for being a failure). I’m going to zip it before I spill too much, but I will say while White Bodies didn’t have any twists I did not see coming, it did have the ewwwww factor as mentioned above which earns it a half star bump for originality when recreating such an oldie-but-goodie. It also did a better job than the other Strangers On A Train revamp I recently read (The Kind Worth Killing) when it came to making that something old new again and it was definitely a page turner since I finished it while also making dinner and serving my demon spawn during Saturday evening’s football game . . . .
#rolltide
3.5 Stars
Despite having to wait months in order to obtain a copy and receiving frequent messages from my book bestie such as . . . .
Amazingly, I was unspoiled on White Bodies before beginning.
All I knew was that this was a story about adult twin sisters Tilda and Callie – one of which had some bizarre methods when it came to making sure the two would be as close as possible. Those things made me think . . . .
And that I definitely didn’t want to drink anything Callie had to offer. . . . .
I had no clue the inspiration behind this story was going to be this . . . .
In case you aren’t familiar, that is the premise behind . . . .
Which is one of my all-time faves (and somehow I still haven’t read Patricia Highsmith's book, so I should kick myself in the ass for being a failure). I’m going to zip it before I spill too much, but I will say while White Bodies didn’t have any twists I did not see coming, it did have the ewwwww factor as mentioned above which earns it a half star bump for originality when recreating such an oldie-but-goodie. It also did a better job than the other Strangers On A Train revamp I recently read (The Kind Worth Killing) when it came to making that something old new again and it was definitely a page turner since I finished it while also making dinner and serving my demon spawn during Saturday evening’s football game . . . .
#rolltide
September 27, 2017
I didn't know where this one was going, so kudos to the author for keeping me off track.
This is a dark, character-driven thriller that delves into the relationship between twins sisters Callie and Tilda. Told from Callie's POV, she is brutally honest about her obsession with all things Tilda. As in most twin stories, Tilda is the shining star: beautiful, charismatic, the center of attention. Callie is always in the background, just happy to be a part of her world.
But something isn't right with Tilda. Or is it Callie? The author does a really great job keeping the reader off balance and therefore always guessing as to who really is the one with issues.
Enter Felix, Tilda's new boyfriend. At first he appears to be the perfect match for her, if a bit eccentric when it comes to organization and order. But then things start to surface that indicate all is not as it seems with their relationship. Callie will do whatever it takes to protect her twin, so she starts doing her own investigation, or as others see it-she starts meddling.
I have to admit I was hoping for a more revengeful ending, but after thinking about it, I believe the author made a smart decision. It caused to me to think of how that one decision would forever affect her life and their future relationship.
This was a well crafted web of suspense that tied the truth and lies intricately together, completely throwing me for a loop and off balance. I didn't like either of the sisters, but they are so well written that I know I won't be forgetting them anytime soon.
For a debut book, Jane Robins has certainly grabbed my attention and I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next!
ARC provided by NetGalley
This is a dark, character-driven thriller that delves into the relationship between twins sisters Callie and Tilda. Told from Callie's POV, she is brutally honest about her obsession with all things Tilda. As in most twin stories, Tilda is the shining star: beautiful, charismatic, the center of attention. Callie is always in the background, just happy to be a part of her world.
But something isn't right with Tilda. Or is it Callie? The author does a really great job keeping the reader off balance and therefore always guessing as to who really is the one with issues.
Enter Felix, Tilda's new boyfriend. At first he appears to be the perfect match for her, if a bit eccentric when it comes to organization and order. But then things start to surface that indicate all is not as it seems with their relationship. Callie will do whatever it takes to protect her twin, so she starts doing her own investigation, or as others see it-she starts meddling.
I have to admit I was hoping for a more revengeful ending, but after thinking about it, I believe the author made a smart decision. It caused to me to think of how that one decision would forever affect her life and their future relationship.
This was a well crafted web of suspense that tied the truth and lies intricately together, completely throwing me for a loop and off balance. I didn't like either of the sisters, but they are so well written that I know I won't be forgetting them anytime soon.
For a debut book, Jane Robins has certainly grabbed my attention and I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next!
ARC provided by NetGalley
January 15, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 5 rounded up to 4 🌟 for Goodreads
My reviews and (maybe) some other random thoughts can also be seen at
https://readingbetweenwinessite.wordp...
____________________________________________________________
Dark and twisted, and often disturbing, White Bodies is something different that's for sure.
I literally don't know what to think about this book. It's very obvious to me that Jane Robins is a very talented writer, but man this book is WEIRD. The eating obsession, the weird twin/sisterly relationship... I don't know.
So many mixed feels about the content of this book and that made it incredibly difficult for me to give it a rating. I really had to think this one through, and it wasn't an obvious love or hate (or even glaringly middle of the road) for me which rarely happens.
Normally by the halfway point of a book I'm usually thinking of what I'm going to rate it, and the ending pretty much dictates the final rating. While I was reading White Bodies not a single rating popped into my head. I was so utterly involved in reading this that I didn't even think about it. I also have literally no clue what the means right now either! It just doesn't happen to me.
I've heard this book described as a typical domestic violence book but I didn't get that vibe. At. All. I don't know how this book is in any way typical to all the others. There are so many unlikeable characters and weird quarks, but nothing is as it seems and the weirdness of the twin things also gives it something extra and different.
Almost everyone in this book seems to be unreliable and that kept me reading almost nonstop to find out what was happening. I don't really want to call this book a mystery, but you might be surprised by a few things. I know I was.
I will say though that I'm glad I read it. Thinking about it, I wouldn't be super upset if I had waited longer to get to it, but I definitely didn't hate it like some other reviewers have.
I feel like this review is practically useless, but it's all I've got and I apologize!
Final Thought: All I can say is you need to read this one for yourself. It's an incredibly fast read, I read it in about a day and that usually doesn't happen for me with books around 300 pages. Be prepared to be grossed out though. Just saying. Also, if Robins comes out with any more fiction books I will definitely be reading them. There was no shortness of weirdness in this book that's for sure, and it definitely kept me engaged.
*This title was published on 19 Sep 2017*
Bonus: This is my first completed read for the Popsugar 2018 reading challenge! Yay!
My reviews and (maybe) some other random thoughts can also be seen at
https://readingbetweenwinessite.wordp...
____________________________________________________________
Dark and twisted, and often disturbing, White Bodies is something different that's for sure.
I literally don't know what to think about this book. It's very obvious to me that Jane Robins is a very talented writer, but man this book is WEIRD. The eating obsession, the weird twin/sisterly relationship... I don't know.
So many mixed feels about the content of this book and that made it incredibly difficult for me to give it a rating. I really had to think this one through, and it wasn't an obvious love or hate (or even glaringly middle of the road) for me which rarely happens.
Normally by the halfway point of a book I'm usually thinking of what I'm going to rate it, and the ending pretty much dictates the final rating. While I was reading White Bodies not a single rating popped into my head. I was so utterly involved in reading this that I didn't even think about it. I also have literally no clue what the means right now either! It just doesn't happen to me.
I've heard this book described as a typical domestic violence book but I didn't get that vibe. At. All. I don't know how this book is in any way typical to all the others. There are so many unlikeable characters and weird quarks, but nothing is as it seems and the weirdness of the twin things also gives it something extra and different.
Almost everyone in this book seems to be unreliable and that kept me reading almost nonstop to find out what was happening. I don't really want to call this book a mystery, but you might be surprised by a few things. I know I was.
I will say though that I'm glad I read it. Thinking about it, I wouldn't be super upset if I had waited longer to get to it, but I definitely didn't hate it like some other reviewers have.
I feel like this review is practically useless, but it's all I've got and I apologize!
Final Thought: All I can say is you need to read this one for yourself. It's an incredibly fast read, I read it in about a day and that usually doesn't happen for me with books around 300 pages. Be prepared to be grossed out though. Just saying. Also, if Robins comes out with any more fiction books I will definitely be reading them. There was no shortness of weirdness in this book that's for sure, and it definitely kept me engaged.
*This title was published on 19 Sep 2017*
Bonus: This is my first completed read for the Popsugar 2018 reading challenge! Yay!
September 25, 2017
It looks like I am on an island all alone... Or, if there are others here, we have not found each other yet.
Reading White Bodies was a little short of pure torture. I said early on that it reminded me of a movie on the Lifetime Movie Network. Now, that I have finished it, I feel bad for insulting Lifetime. The plot; the characters; the overall story just did not live up to the respective potential that each possessed. I had to pat myself on the back for even finishing the book. Do you understand how challenging it is to finish a book when you are not hooked by the half-way mark?
Like I shared throughout my status updates, I kept waiting for the plot to turn. I kept waiting for the OMG moment that I read about in some of reviews. More accurately, I kept hoping. I crossed things that should not be crossed in hopes that the tide would turn. It never happened for me. What did happen, as a fan of both Patricia Highsmith and Alfred Hitchcock (author and director, respectively, of Strangers on a Train), I kept thinking, "Really?!! Been there, done that". Anytime that I can figure out who done it, before I get to the last page, then there is something seriously wrong.
I thank Touchstone for providing me with an Advanced Reader's Copy. There can be no doubt that I have provided an honest and unbiased review of White Bodies .
Reading White Bodies was a little short of pure torture. I said early on that it reminded me of a movie on the Lifetime Movie Network. Now, that I have finished it, I feel bad for insulting Lifetime. The plot; the characters; the overall story just did not live up to the respective potential that each possessed. I had to pat myself on the back for even finishing the book. Do you understand how challenging it is to finish a book when you are not hooked by the half-way mark?
Like I shared throughout my status updates, I kept waiting for the plot to turn. I kept waiting for the OMG moment that I read about in some of reviews. More accurately, I kept hoping. I crossed things that should not be crossed in hopes that the tide would turn. It never happened for me. What did happen, as a fan of both Patricia Highsmith and Alfred Hitchcock (author and director, respectively, of Strangers on a Train), I kept thinking, "Really?!! Been there, done that". Anytime that I can figure out who done it, before I get to the last page, then there is something seriously wrong.
I thank Touchstone for providing me with an Advanced Reader's Copy. There can be no doubt that I have provided an honest and unbiased review of White Bodies .
August 15, 2017
Read my full review here: http://crimebythebook.com/blog/2017/8...
WOW I loved this book. Drama, tension, shock value, and utterly engrossing pacing. This book is pretty darn crazy - as far as psychological thrillers go, it had some seriously twisted scenes. Totally surpassed my expectations!!
WOW I loved this book. Drama, tension, shock value, and utterly engrossing pacing. This book is pretty darn crazy - as far as psychological thrillers go, it had some seriously twisted scenes. Totally surpassed my expectations!!
August 30, 2022
Book Blog | Bookstagram
If you’ve ever wanted to eat your sister’s hair, this book is for you.
Or if you just like reading twisty novels about obsession, with a dose of weirdness, then definitely try this. I will in no way assume it’s because you also eat your sister’s hair.
This novel has a decidedly bleak and gloomy, unsettled atmosphere with a noir quality that is subtle. Combine that with twins and the “murder exchange” trope and you’ve got yourself something that can only fail in its clichés.
Callie is the ugly twin. Tilda is the beautiful one. Callie is a quiet, meek follower. Tilda is a leader, controlling and determined. When the beautiful Tilda starts dating the equally beautiful Felix, Callie becomes obsessed with their relationship, crowding them like a third wheel that is constantly staring at you. Maybe that wheel goes home and masturbates to you. You don’t know! But maybe! Because that wheel is weird and it makes you uncomfortable.
Tilda and Felix push Callie away, but Callie suspects it’s not because she’s acting like a fucking weirdo, but because Tilda is being controlled by Felix. Callie becomes convinced Tilda’s life is in danger, so she starts attending an online support group for abused women and finds like-minded individuals who just want to help. But just how far are they willing to go?
This is Strangers on a Train meets Single White Female. And as long as you’re not involved personally, those are pretty fun plots.
Robins had the differing personalities of these twins down to a fine art. Even though Callie and Tilda basically force the reader to understand that they're two completely different people with nothing in common – barely acting like twins at all – in the end, their neuroses were what connected them. They have nothing in common but their mental health issues. Those character arcs are *chef's kiss*
There were moments that shook me a little bit. There were moments I found clever, cringeworthy and creepy. Nothing was 10/10, but it’s worth reading if you’re into creepy noir suspense. I wouldn’t call this a thriller, but it is menacing and uncomfortable, even if you don't always know where that vibe is coming from.
This is not what I thought this book would be going into it, but I actually enjoyed it quite a bit until that fucking ending.
⭐⭐⭐½ | 3.5 stars
book source: Touchstone via Netgalley in exchange for a review
If you’ve ever wanted to eat your sister’s hair, this book is for you.
Or if you just like reading twisty novels about obsession, with a dose of weirdness, then definitely try this. I will in no way assume it’s because you also eat your sister’s hair.
This novel has a decidedly bleak and gloomy, unsettled atmosphere with a noir quality that is subtle. Combine that with twins and the “murder exchange” trope and you’ve got yourself something that can only fail in its clichés.
Callie is the ugly twin. Tilda is the beautiful one. Callie is a quiet, meek follower. Tilda is a leader, controlling and determined. When the beautiful Tilda starts dating the equally beautiful Felix, Callie becomes obsessed with their relationship, crowding them like a third wheel that is constantly staring at you. Maybe that wheel goes home and masturbates to you. You don’t know! But maybe! Because that wheel is weird and it makes you uncomfortable.
Tilda and Felix push Callie away, but Callie suspects it’s not because she’s acting like a fucking weirdo, but because Tilda is being controlled by Felix. Callie becomes convinced Tilda’s life is in danger, so she starts attending an online support group for abused women and finds like-minded individuals who just want to help. But just how far are they willing to go?
This is Strangers on a Train meets Single White Female. And as long as you’re not involved personally, those are pretty fun plots.
Robins had the differing personalities of these twins down to a fine art. Even though Callie and Tilda basically force the reader to understand that they're two completely different people with nothing in common – barely acting like twins at all – in the end, their neuroses were what connected them. They have nothing in common but their mental health issues. Those character arcs are *chef's kiss*
There were moments that shook me a little bit. There were moments I found clever, cringeworthy and creepy. Nothing was 10/10, but it’s worth reading if you’re into creepy noir suspense. I wouldn’t call this a thriller, but it is menacing and uncomfortable, even if you don't always know where that vibe is coming from.
This is not what I thought this book would be going into it, but I actually enjoyed it quite a bit until that fucking ending.
⭐⭐⭐½ | 3.5 stars
book source: Touchstone via Netgalley in exchange for a review
September 16, 2017
A definite 5 wonderfully twisted and creepy stars.
Memorable characters and a highly creepy feel to this. Admittedly the resolution was no surprise but that did not detract from the fact that this is beautifully written, explores mostly the relationship between 2 sisters who are both, frankly, all the weird and whether you want to call it a psychological thriller or not it is, for sure, an incredibly riveting character study.
It is indeed deeply disturbing, the voice that Jane Robins gives to Callie is taut, mesmerising and clear, she is a strange one but it’s possible her sister Tilda, shown to us only through Callie’s eyes, may be even stranger. Both of them are entirely fascinating, you look on in not some little awe as Tilda seemingly falls into an abusive relationship and Callie becomes more and more obsessed with that fact. This is a twisted plot indeed and nothing is more twisted in it than these two sisters – which isn’t to say you won’t fall in love with Callie because you probably will. There is such a beautiful vulnerability about her, even when she is doing the most absurd things, when her obsessive quality spills over as she becomes entangled in a web of deceit that may unravel her.
It is very difficult to review this one in a way that gets across just how indomitably clever it is – I’ve seen it called Strangers on a Train for a new generation – I guess in some ways that would be a good description. However “White Bodies” is so much more than mystery, so much more than the characters, it has that underlying emotional buzz to it that only comes along once in a while, it will make you feel odd and uneasy, like those times you think you see something out of the corner of your eye but when you turn there is nothing there.
The quality of the writing is superb, the storytelling is excellent, White Bodies as a whole is an entirely satisfying if extremely disconcerting read – I felt vaguely off kilter for hours after finishing it. The ending, external to the mystery resolution, is absolutely brilliantly placed and completely true to the rest of the narrative, no gimmicks here just a genuinely perturbing finish.
I loved every last moment of it. Every word, every chapter, from the moment I started until the moment I finished.
Highly Recommended.
Memorable characters and a highly creepy feel to this. Admittedly the resolution was no surprise but that did not detract from the fact that this is beautifully written, explores mostly the relationship between 2 sisters who are both, frankly, all the weird and whether you want to call it a psychological thriller or not it is, for sure, an incredibly riveting character study.
It is indeed deeply disturbing, the voice that Jane Robins gives to Callie is taut, mesmerising and clear, she is a strange one but it’s possible her sister Tilda, shown to us only through Callie’s eyes, may be even stranger. Both of them are entirely fascinating, you look on in not some little awe as Tilda seemingly falls into an abusive relationship and Callie becomes more and more obsessed with that fact. This is a twisted plot indeed and nothing is more twisted in it than these two sisters – which isn’t to say you won’t fall in love with Callie because you probably will. There is such a beautiful vulnerability about her, even when she is doing the most absurd things, when her obsessive quality spills over as she becomes entangled in a web of deceit that may unravel her.
It is very difficult to review this one in a way that gets across just how indomitably clever it is – I’ve seen it called Strangers on a Train for a new generation – I guess in some ways that would be a good description. However “White Bodies” is so much more than mystery, so much more than the characters, it has that underlying emotional buzz to it that only comes along once in a while, it will make you feel odd and uneasy, like those times you think you see something out of the corner of your eye but when you turn there is nothing there.
The quality of the writing is superb, the storytelling is excellent, White Bodies as a whole is an entirely satisfying if extremely disconcerting read – I felt vaguely off kilter for hours after finishing it. The ending, external to the mystery resolution, is absolutely brilliantly placed and completely true to the rest of the narrative, no gimmicks here just a genuinely perturbing finish.
I loved every last moment of it. Every word, every chapter, from the moment I started until the moment I finished.
Highly Recommended.
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