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Lonely Girl
He knows he's innocent. She knows he's a killer. Who do you believe?
In the shadow of a mountain in small-town Tasmania, a woman named Ana is watching the clock, marking the days until she ends her life.
The strange, reclusive daughter of the local pariah, that's how people will remember her, when they remember her at all. No one will mourn her, she reasons, not really. Not even her faithful dog River. The only thing she's waiting for is the opportunity.
But then, on the very day she planned to end it all, the police find the body of local woman Rebecca Marsden. And for Ana, that changes everything. Because Ana was the last person to see Rebecca alive. Because Ana thinks she knows who killed her. And because Ana has decided to keep him for herself...
"Lonely Girl is dark, disturbing and utterly compelling. Lynne Vincent McCarthy has created a unique protagonist in Ana, and an atmospheric story that will keep you reading long into the night. I can't wait to read more." EMMA VISKIC
LONGLISTED FOR THE NED KELLY BEST FIRST FICTION AWARD 2019
In the shadow of a mountain in small-town Tasmania, a woman named Ana is watching the clock, marking the days until she ends her life.
The strange, reclusive daughter of the local pariah, that's how people will remember her, when they remember her at all. No one will mourn her, she reasons, not really. Not even her faithful dog River. The only thing she's waiting for is the opportunity.
But then, on the very day she planned to end it all, the police find the body of local woman Rebecca Marsden. And for Ana, that changes everything. Because Ana was the last person to see Rebecca alive. Because Ana thinks she knows who killed her. And because Ana has decided to keep him for herself...
"Lonely Girl is dark, disturbing and utterly compelling. Lynne Vincent McCarthy has created a unique protagonist in Ana, and an atmospheric story that will keep you reading long into the night. I can't wait to read more." EMMA VISKIC
LONGLISTED FOR THE NED KELLY BEST FIRST FICTION AWARD 2019
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2018
22 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Vincent McCarthy
2 books16 followersLynne Vincent McCarthy is a graduate of the Australian Film Television & Radio School and works in the film industry as a freelance screenwriter and story developer. Her debut novel LONELY GIRL is published by Pan Macmillan and was longlisted for the Ned Kelly Best First Fiction Award 2019. She lives in Sydney with her dog Nellie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 19, 2018
The Burgeoning Bookshelf
Fantastic debut!
A haunting debut for fans of Patricia Highsmith, Paula Hawkins and A.J. Finn.
Ana lives alone in a secluded forested area in small-town Tasmania. Her only companion her beloved and ageing dog, River.
Right from the start we see that Ana is a little unhinged, a recluse, preferring to observe people rather than interact. After a life of mental abuse and neglect from her mother and grandmother she has learnt to be invisible, to be unremarkable and unnoticed. But she notices others.
The story starts with Ana’s all consuming thoughts for River. He is unwell and doesn’t have long to live and she cannot bear to think of a life without him so she plans for her last days with him.
The focus of the story suddenly changes to captor and captive. I don’t want to give too much away but Ana now has captive the man she believes murdered a woman the night before. She starts digging around asking questions about the murder victim and visiting the bar she was last seen in. The more she talks to the captive man she starts to question what she has done. Is he really guilty? What is real and what is imagined?
This is an eerie tale with ghosts of the past in Ana’s head as she flits from caring nurturer to sexually charged predator. She is in way over her head and can’t see a way out but the yearning is stronger than the fear.
Most of the characters are unlikeable except of course River, the dog, he is in constant pain but is forever faithful and protective of Ana. Also Lenny, Ana’s employer, who was much like River faithful and protective wherever Ana was concerned.
I’m going to end with an old cliché here as this did keep me up late, late into the night because I had no idea how this was going to end.
McCarthy has earned her spot as an immensely talented crime/mystery writer with this chilling debut filled with tension and drama that will stay with you long after you’ve finished the last page.
I will be eagerly looking out for McCarthy’s next novel.
*I received a copy from the publisher
Fantastic debut!
A haunting debut for fans of Patricia Highsmith, Paula Hawkins and A.J. Finn.
Ana lives alone in a secluded forested area in small-town Tasmania. Her only companion her beloved and ageing dog, River.
Right from the start we see that Ana is a little unhinged, a recluse, preferring to observe people rather than interact. After a life of mental abuse and neglect from her mother and grandmother she has learnt to be invisible, to be unremarkable and unnoticed. But she notices others.
The story starts with Ana’s all consuming thoughts for River. He is unwell and doesn’t have long to live and she cannot bear to think of a life without him so she plans for her last days with him.
The focus of the story suddenly changes to captor and captive. I don’t want to give too much away but Ana now has captive the man she believes murdered a woman the night before. She starts digging around asking questions about the murder victim and visiting the bar she was last seen in. The more she talks to the captive man she starts to question what she has done. Is he really guilty? What is real and what is imagined?
This is an eerie tale with ghosts of the past in Ana’s head as she flits from caring nurturer to sexually charged predator. She is in way over her head and can’t see a way out but the yearning is stronger than the fear.
Most of the characters are unlikeable except of course River, the dog, he is in constant pain but is forever faithful and protective of Ana. Also Lenny, Ana’s employer, who was much like River faithful and protective wherever Ana was concerned.
I’m going to end with an old cliché here as this did keep me up late, late into the night because I had no idea how this was going to end.
McCarthy has earned her spot as an immensely talented crime/mystery writer with this chilling debut filled with tension and drama that will stay with you long after you’ve finished the last page.
I will be eagerly looking out for McCarthy’s next novel.
*I received a copy from the publisher
November 27, 2018
Anna lives on her own in a small town in Tasmania with her ageing dog, River. Anna has endured a life of mental abuse from her mother and grandmother. She has now become a somewhat recluse and just keeps to herself and looks after River who hasn't been very well lately.
When the body of a local woman, Rebecca Marsden is found in the area, Anna thinks she knows who's responsible, but Anna was the last person to see this woman alive. Anna's life is about to be turned upside down in more ways than one. Is Anna innocent or could she have something to do with this woman turning up dead?
Dark, compelling, disturbing and chilling book that will keep you guessing till the very last page. Highly recommended.
When the body of a local woman, Rebecca Marsden is found in the area, Anna thinks she knows who's responsible, but Anna was the last person to see this woman alive. Anna's life is about to be turned upside down in more ways than one. Is Anna innocent or could she have something to do with this woman turning up dead?
Dark, compelling, disturbing and chilling book that will keep you guessing till the very last page. Highly recommended.
July 2, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Dark, check. Disturbing, check. Utterly compelling, check. I have to agree with the front cover quote given by respected Australian crime novelist Emma Viskic of Lynne Vincent McCarthy’s debut, Lonely Girl. The first novel by new writer Lynne Vincent McCarthy, Lonely Girl is a deep and dark journey into the human consciousness, life, death, trust and innocence.
Set in small town Tasmania, Lonely Girl circulates around the journey of Ana, a troubled woman, who is on the cusp of considering ending her life. Ana’s background brings her to the dark place she is in right now. Ana has always been an outcast, thanks to her upbringing and family connections. The only constant source of love in her life is her dear old dog River, but River too is entering the latter stages of his life. Just when Ana is ready to give it all up and end her life, something changes her mind. When a body of a local woman, Rebecca Marsden is uncovered, Ana feels compelled to seek justice for this local woman and put her plans aside. Ana believes she may have been the last person to see Rebecca alive and she is on a hunch. Ana is certain she knows who is responsible for Rebecca’s death and she has him in her sights…
It really is a privilege to see books such as Lonely Girl released. There aren’t a huge amount of writers or books in the Australian women writers crime/thriller genre. Slowly we are starting the see more new writers crop up in this field and it pleases me greatly. Lonely Girl is a book that on the top of the media release I was given stated ‘an up all night, read-in-one-sitting thriller from a brilliant new voice’. I have to concur with this statement and if only real life, namely work didn’t get in the way, I would have happily indulged in a one sitting, up all night read! I did however consume this book from the very beginning, to the bitter end.
It was the setting, small town Tasmania, bordering Mount Wellington, that initially hooked me in to Lonely Girl. One of my favourite locales in our country is Tasmania and I tend to latch on to any book that is set in this beautiful part of Australia. McCarthy certainly doesn’t disappoint in this area of her book. The setting descriptions were sublime and there was a panoramic quality to each scene described by McCarthy. If you have a tendency to lap up location descriptions, you will appreciate this segment of Lonely Girl, I know I did.
The main character featured in Lonely Girl, Ana, is quite a complex woman. I don’t think I was able to pin her down, or put my finger on her actions. However, I feel that this is the direction McCarthy wants us to go with her lead. Ana is a challenge to unpack and we are never really sure if we can trust her. So perhaps Ana could be considered to be an unreliable narrator. Ana is an unstable character, but she has had plenty of trauma in her life, which McCarthy reveals slowly through the unfolding narrative.
Anna is supported by a good range of outside characters that add to the story and provide interesting interactions with Ana. Many are unlikeable figures, but the odd one or two struck me as positive influences in Ana’s life. Of course this namely relates to a non human character in the book, Ana’s loyal canine companion River. Ana and River’s tender and trustworthy relationship is one of the most touching human/animal relationships I have come across in a book for some time. It certainly made this book a memorable read.
Lonely Girl is not a thriller that is frantically paced, rather, it is a book that plods along. McCarthy works hard to capture our interest by unveiling pertinent information to the main character and the plotline. Lonely Girl is eerie, absorbing and puzzling, so be prepared to set aside a decent chunk of time aside to fully appreciate what this book has to offer.
Lonely Girl is a book that receives a high commendation from me. I’m really interested to see what Lynne Vincent McCarthy has in store for us next.
*I wish to thank the publisher, Pan Macmillan for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Lonely Girl is book #70 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
Dark, check. Disturbing, check. Utterly compelling, check. I have to agree with the front cover quote given by respected Australian crime novelist Emma Viskic of Lynne Vincent McCarthy’s debut, Lonely Girl. The first novel by new writer Lynne Vincent McCarthy, Lonely Girl is a deep and dark journey into the human consciousness, life, death, trust and innocence.
Set in small town Tasmania, Lonely Girl circulates around the journey of Ana, a troubled woman, who is on the cusp of considering ending her life. Ana’s background brings her to the dark place she is in right now. Ana has always been an outcast, thanks to her upbringing and family connections. The only constant source of love in her life is her dear old dog River, but River too is entering the latter stages of his life. Just when Ana is ready to give it all up and end her life, something changes her mind. When a body of a local woman, Rebecca Marsden is uncovered, Ana feels compelled to seek justice for this local woman and put her plans aside. Ana believes she may have been the last person to see Rebecca alive and she is on a hunch. Ana is certain she knows who is responsible for Rebecca’s death and she has him in her sights…
It really is a privilege to see books such as Lonely Girl released. There aren’t a huge amount of writers or books in the Australian women writers crime/thriller genre. Slowly we are starting the see more new writers crop up in this field and it pleases me greatly. Lonely Girl is a book that on the top of the media release I was given stated ‘an up all night, read-in-one-sitting thriller from a brilliant new voice’. I have to concur with this statement and if only real life, namely work didn’t get in the way, I would have happily indulged in a one sitting, up all night read! I did however consume this book from the very beginning, to the bitter end.
It was the setting, small town Tasmania, bordering Mount Wellington, that initially hooked me in to Lonely Girl. One of my favourite locales in our country is Tasmania and I tend to latch on to any book that is set in this beautiful part of Australia. McCarthy certainly doesn’t disappoint in this area of her book. The setting descriptions were sublime and there was a panoramic quality to each scene described by McCarthy. If you have a tendency to lap up location descriptions, you will appreciate this segment of Lonely Girl, I know I did.
The main character featured in Lonely Girl, Ana, is quite a complex woman. I don’t think I was able to pin her down, or put my finger on her actions. However, I feel that this is the direction McCarthy wants us to go with her lead. Ana is a challenge to unpack and we are never really sure if we can trust her. So perhaps Ana could be considered to be an unreliable narrator. Ana is an unstable character, but she has had plenty of trauma in her life, which McCarthy reveals slowly through the unfolding narrative.
Anna is supported by a good range of outside characters that add to the story and provide interesting interactions with Ana. Many are unlikeable figures, but the odd one or two struck me as positive influences in Ana’s life. Of course this namely relates to a non human character in the book, Ana’s loyal canine companion River. Ana and River’s tender and trustworthy relationship is one of the most touching human/animal relationships I have come across in a book for some time. It certainly made this book a memorable read.
Lonely Girl is not a thriller that is frantically paced, rather, it is a book that plods along. McCarthy works hard to capture our interest by unveiling pertinent information to the main character and the plotline. Lonely Girl is eerie, absorbing and puzzling, so be prepared to set aside a decent chunk of time aside to fully appreciate what this book has to offer.
Lonely Girl is a book that receives a high commendation from me. I’m really interested to see what Lynne Vincent McCarthy has in store for us next.
*I wish to thank the publisher, Pan Macmillan for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Lonely Girl is book #70 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
August 21, 2018
I was really looking forward to reading this novel after reading the blurb, but sorry to say I was a bit disappointed in it. The only character that was likeable at all was River the dog and he was dying! I thought the story line was one that should have readers chomping for more, instead I found it slow and at times monotonous. At the end I was just confused, not sure if it was me not understanding or if the end is open for a sequel.
January 29, 2019
Dark and disturbing, yes, but compelling? No. Lonely Girl is well written and has some engaging passages but that was not enough for me to give it more than two stars. At some level I need to connect to the main character to enjoy a book, not to necessarily identify or empathise with them but to have at least some basic insight or curiosity about their actions and their situation. I just didn’t feel it. For 3/4 of this book I struggled to turn the page.
I don’t believe she could have put an unconscious man in the back of her car and then moved him to the basement of her house. I don’t understand why she would do it anyway. Certainly not because she was drink driving, after all she was going to top herself anyway. She was concerned about his welfare and then chained him in her basement? Nuh. If she was afraid she’d have her licence taken before she was ready to end herself and River, there were other options. She could have driven home to ring for an ambulance and once/if tracked down could have claimed that she hadn’t had her phone on her. If found while she was still drunk she only needed to say that she had started drinking once she got home. All dubious claims but more believable than chaining him, drugging him and keeping him in the basement. I don’t believe that her obsession in Rebecca’s death would lead her to abduct the suspect. And I fail to see the connection between voyuerism and abduction. It’s a big leap. I don’t believe in her claims to need to know. And I don’t believe that would have distracted her from her dying dog.
I have decided this year to finish the books I start and I am annoyed that this first book took me a month to read. It starts off well but the bulk of the book is dismal. It picked up again towards the end but finished disappointingly. I felt the strongest connection with the dog.
I don’t believe she could have put an unconscious man in the back of her car and then moved him to the basement of her house. I don’t understand why she would do it anyway. Certainly not because she was drink driving, after all she was going to top herself anyway. She was concerned about his welfare and then chained him in her basement? Nuh. If she was afraid she’d have her licence taken before she was ready to end herself and River, there were other options. She could have driven home to ring for an ambulance and once/if tracked down could have claimed that she hadn’t had her phone on her. If found while she was still drunk she only needed to say that she had started drinking once she got home. All dubious claims but more believable than chaining him, drugging him and keeping him in the basement. I don’t believe that her obsession in Rebecca’s death would lead her to abduct the suspect. And I fail to see the connection between voyuerism and abduction. It’s a big leap. I don’t believe in her claims to need to know. And I don’t believe that would have distracted her from her dying dog.
I have decided this year to finish the books I start and I am annoyed that this first book took me a month to read. It starts off well but the bulk of the book is dismal. It picked up again towards the end but finished disappointingly. I felt the strongest connection with the dog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2018
Dark and compelling, Lynne Vincent McCarthy's eery, seductive evocation of loneliness and the psycho-sexual spaces of memory and grief in her debut novel Lonely Girl, serves to create a striking and unconventional thriller. McCarthy deftly weaves an intricate and moving portrait of a young woman's reckoning with loss, violence and her own capacity for cruelty. There are no easy answers in this uncompromising tale refusing to bend to generic plot conventions. Startling, beautiful and quite brilliant, Lonely Girl is the next wave in genre-bending fiction! I loved this book!
April 23, 2019
I was engaged for the first few chapters as we were introduced to Ana and her ageing dog River. The descriptions of Tasmania, and the region she lived in were lovely and set a good scene, but from there it just dragged on slowly and was not compelling at all.
I was excited to read from the blurb, it sounded like it could be a great story and it was dark and disturbing.
I struggled to understand the logic behind so many of Ana’s choices and although I understood she had suffered physiological abuse from her grandmother and mother, her character just didn’t make sense. For a few chapters near the end I was engaged but this was partly due to wanting the book to just be over. And the ending, oh, how I was disappointed in the slow and quiet ending, not a Big Bang like I was hoping for.
2/5 and 1 star is for River the dog.
I was excited to read from the blurb, it sounded like it could be a great story and it was dark and disturbing.
I struggled to understand the logic behind so many of Ana’s choices and although I understood she had suffered physiological abuse from her grandmother and mother, her character just didn’t make sense. For a few chapters near the end I was engaged but this was partly due to wanting the book to just be over. And the ending, oh, how I was disappointed in the slow and quiet ending, not a Big Bang like I was hoping for.
2/5 and 1 star is for River the dog.
September 7, 2018
Have read all the reviews here. I agree that at times the plot is on the far fetched side. But I felt l was able to look past the plots failings and see the bigger broader journey Ana and River were on. It had sadness and empathy and an edge-e-ness that made it a page turner. Overall definitely worth a read.
Read
June 28, 2018Do you like your crime novels dark and a bit twisted? Did you like Gone Girl and Misery? Then this is the novel for you. Set in the foothills of Tasmania’s Mt Wellington, this is a crime/mystery that will have you turning the pages long into the night to find out just what really did happen. When the only character I actually liked was the dog and all the others are damaged and unlikeable in some way it is hard to tell whose version of the story is actually true. This book is extremely visual, dark and disturbing... would make an excellent film! - Leanne
August 30, 2018
And I think I’ve been exceedingly generous with that rating. The setting did not ring true to me as I know the locations it covers. I thought the characters were poorly drawn, almost farcical. I felt too much was made of the old dog, and the descriptions of being captured in the basement were just over the top. When I last checked I couldn’t buy a child monitor at my local Bunnings store, but perhaps they sell different stock in Tasmania.
March 5, 2021
Started off intriguing and suspenseful, I was engaged. The depictions of her life, her dog and Tasmania set a good scene and backdrop for things to come. It had an eery vibe, with a sense that something was waiting around the corner.
Alas, that corner took a LOOONG time to turn and my interest started to wane, what was waiting on the other side was a little meh. Th ending was slow and quiet, basically a story about voyeurism which didn’t tie in to the initial suspense at all.
A disappointing 2.5 stars for me on this one, rounded up to a 3 because it really wasn’t that bad, but it wasn’t that good either.. oh and I liked the dog!
Alas, that corner took a LOOONG time to turn and my interest started to wane, what was waiting on the other side was a little meh. Th ending was slow and quiet, basically a story about voyeurism which didn’t tie in to the initial suspense at all.
A disappointing 2.5 stars for me on this one, rounded up to a 3 because it really wasn’t that bad, but it wasn’t that good either.. oh and I liked the dog!
Read
July 13, 2018Did you like Gone Girl? Love Stephen Kings 'Misery'? The youll devour this twisty, disturbing and rather icky psychological thriller set in the shadow of Mt Wellington, Tasmania.
A woman has been found murdered and local hermit Ana thinks she knows exactly what happened to her - having witnessed sn illicit rendevouz between the woman and a handsome stranger. So when the oppurtunity arises for Ana to turn the tables on the suspected killer, she follows her instincrs. Those instincts lead her to a dark and terrible place that will expose parts of herself she never knew were there, and in her struggle to keep her head above water the truth will out!
A woman has been found murdered and local hermit Ana thinks she knows exactly what happened to her - having witnessed sn illicit rendevouz between the woman and a handsome stranger. So when the oppurtunity arises for Ana to turn the tables on the suspected killer, she follows her instincrs. Those instincts lead her to a dark and terrible place that will expose parts of herself she never knew were there, and in her struggle to keep her head above water the truth will out!
December 29, 2018
3 1/2 as I enjoyed it but found the ending ambiguous. However couldn't stop thinking about that, and some of the subtle clues that I had missed, made themselves known. VERY clever.
June 11, 2018
From the first chapter of this book you can really tell that this writer has a truly unique voice. The descriptions are poignant and engaging - River feels like a dog that you know well and would instantly recognise if you saw him on the street. The story is haunting and heartbreaking at times, each chapter leaving you wanting more. This mysterious novel will give you goosebumps and a heart pounding read. ***** (5 stars).
June 19, 2020
Meryl 2019 bookclub
I finished Lonely Girl in two sittings, devoured it really, and when it ended I had immediate withdrawal symptoms. It was that good, I promise you.
Debut novel by Australian Lynne V McCarthy, the plot was effortlessly suspenseful from the get-go, as we meet Ana, the shy, possibly slightly touched young woman from outer woods Hobart and her ailing, long time, beautiful companion, dog River.
Ana watches River with visceral pain as he spirals down into his possible last days, demented with suffering, worn out with existing without really existing, she contemplates going out with her dog to some peace that eludes her here.
And then she sees something she shouldn't see and can't quite let go of. She sees an intimacy that she has never felt and something snaps in Ana.
Perceiving a chance for justice, to act rather than just passively observe, Ana uncoils and does something very out of character.
(Sorry - no spoilers :)))
Only, we aren't completely sure of Ana's character and we are not sure if we are witnessing unreliable narration, vigilante justice, sanity imploding or an anti hero unnervingly going about her business.
That is what makes the plot so addictive and why we have no idea what Ana will do next, because every time we think we know her she invokes a vulnerable unpredictability.
We know we are watching a car crash and we can't look away.
Don't want to give you any more plot because it really will spoil a terrific psycho thriller that had me on the edge of my seat for hours.
A fantastic debut and a very well deserved 5 *****
M 2018
I finished Lonely Girl in two sittings, devoured it really, and when it ended I had immediate withdrawal symptoms. It was that good, I promise you.
Debut novel by Australian Lynne V McCarthy, the plot was effortlessly suspenseful from the get-go, as we meet Ana, the shy, possibly slightly touched young woman from outer woods Hobart and her ailing, long time, beautiful companion, dog River.
Ana watches River with visceral pain as he spirals down into his possible last days, demented with suffering, worn out with existing without really existing, she contemplates going out with her dog to some peace that eludes her here.
And then she sees something she shouldn't see and can't quite let go of. She sees an intimacy that she has never felt and something snaps in Ana.
Perceiving a chance for justice, to act rather than just passively observe, Ana uncoils and does something very out of character.
(Sorry - no spoilers :)))
Only, we aren't completely sure of Ana's character and we are not sure if we are witnessing unreliable narration, vigilante justice, sanity imploding or an anti hero unnervingly going about her business.
That is what makes the plot so addictive and why we have no idea what Ana will do next, because every time we think we know her she invokes a vulnerable unpredictability.
We know we are watching a car crash and we can't look away.
Don't want to give you any more plot because it really will spoil a terrific psycho thriller that had me on the edge of my seat for hours.
A fantastic debut and a very well deserved 5 *****
M 2018
July 5, 2018
I loved this book, it hooked me in from the get go. It operates as a thriller, but I was also really moved by it, something that rarely happens for me with this genre. Vincent McCarthy offers up characters that are layered, complex and very human. Especially Ana, the novel's eponymous central character, who is trapped by memory and her past. Her world is a very interior one, but the author connects us strongly to her experience in a way that's accessible, honest and raw. The relationship between Ana and the man she holds captive is far from clearly defined and kept surprising me at every turn. Highly recommended.
June 30, 2018
Review
I couldn't put this book down, literally, and finished it in less than 24 hrs. Firstly, the writing is beautiful, cinematic, descriptive but not onerous as it effortlessly draws you in and pulls you along in its richness. The characters are full, interesting and real with glimpses of their hearts however unfulfilled or damaged. Difficult though many are, I cared for their journeys. While the plot may seem far fetched, you actually understand the steps that get Ana there and why. The unfolding mystery got me and the end surprised me on a few levels. I'm sorry I've finished it already!
I couldn't put this book down, literally, and finished it in less than 24 hrs. Firstly, the writing is beautiful, cinematic, descriptive but not onerous as it effortlessly draws you in and pulls you along in its richness. The characters are full, interesting and real with glimpses of their hearts however unfulfilled or damaged. Difficult though many are, I cared for their journeys. While the plot may seem far fetched, you actually understand the steps that get Ana there and why. The unfolding mystery got me and the end surprised me on a few levels. I'm sorry I've finished it already!
September 1, 2018
I started out liking this book, enjoying the beautiful descriptions of this small town in Tasmania and engaging with recluse Ana and her canine companion River. However, once Ana decided to take matters into her own hands regarding a 'suposed murderer' it all became WAY too far fetched. I persisted on (as I felt the quality of writing derseved it) but by 1/2 way through as Ana put on her mother's (slut) shoes to feed her captive, I was unable to suspend disbelief any further. DNF - therefore only 1* as per my personal default for not finishing a book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2019
I gave up on this one on page 95. I'm usually quite happy to suspend belief when reading a book described as a thriller but this went a bit too far for me. It sounded so promising but didn't deliver for me.
April 25, 2025
Couldn't go past the first 3 chapters. Too descriptive which was off putting for me!
September 9, 2018
This sense of not knowing what might happen next - it's as exhilarating as it is terrifying. She doesn't want it to stop. It's like fate has brought him to her, literally smashing them together, answering a call she didn't even know she was making. She's not ready to let him go yet.
What a beautiful opening chapter. Lynne Vincent McCarthy really lured me in with the image of a girl floating in the river, her arm tangled in the reeds as her dog watched silently from the shore. I knew instantly that this new Australian author could write. Unfortunately, the rest of the story didn't reach such a high bar.
Lonely Girl opens with a quote by Sylvia Plath, the author famed for committing suicide by sticking her head in an oven after a long battle with depression. Main protagonist Ana also experiences depression and suicidal thoughts, no doubt brought on by her boring life and dull job. It's no wonder she decides to kill herself. I probably would have too. With her only friend and companion (her dog River) dying from cancer, Ana steals pills from work and fully prepares to do the deed. But River doesn't die and I found myself actually wishing she would hurry up and kill herself already. After 100 pages, the story line died instead. All that happened during that time was excessive reminiscing about her neglectful childhood and endless thinking about her dog and how much he means to her. I get it - she came from a long line of troubled women, that doesn't excuse her actions later.
Ana witnesses the beginnings of a crime and quickly immerses herself right into it. I can't say much in case I spoil things, but the only thing that kept me going was wondering how she was going to get out of this mess. Again, I was hoping for death. Ana was growing on me at the start but after 200 pages I was ready to jam those pills down her throat myself.
This is where things got really weird.
Whilst caring for her captive, Ana basically sexually assaults him whilst under the guise of cleaning him. It started out innocent enough, just a young girl who'd gotten herself into a huge clusterfuck, but seriously that scene wasn't necessary. It quickly became apparent that Ana was a virgin who, after witnessing her mothers 'active lifestyle' had descended into crazyville. Now she had a man in her house I'm surprised she didn't try to sleep with him, despite the ankle chain.
After waiting almost 300 pages for hard evidence of his guilt, Ana finally decides this has gone too far. Yes, now. Only, there is no easy way to undo everything she's done.
Lonely Girl received comparisons to Stephen King's Misery (no gore) and John Fowles The Collector (no romantic attachments, despite the sexual assault). This was a plainer version, told by a lost little girl with some serious mummy issues. I always wondered if crazy people knew they were crazy as they committed crazy acts; Ana sure did. The ending was bland. I was hoping for a more permanent ending but it was ambiguous, the worst kind. The writing was good thought. I'll probably look into this author again.
What a beautiful opening chapter. Lynne Vincent McCarthy really lured me in with the image of a girl floating in the river, her arm tangled in the reeds as her dog watched silently from the shore. I knew instantly that this new Australian author could write. Unfortunately, the rest of the story didn't reach such a high bar.
Lonely Girl opens with a quote by Sylvia Plath, the author famed for committing suicide by sticking her head in an oven after a long battle with depression. Main protagonist Ana also experiences depression and suicidal thoughts, no doubt brought on by her boring life and dull job. It's no wonder she decides to kill herself. I probably would have too. With her only friend and companion (her dog River) dying from cancer, Ana steals pills from work and fully prepares to do the deed. But River doesn't die and I found myself actually wishing she would hurry up and kill herself already. After 100 pages, the story line died instead. All that happened during that time was excessive reminiscing about her neglectful childhood and endless thinking about her dog and how much he means to her. I get it - she came from a long line of troubled women, that doesn't excuse her actions later.
Ana witnesses the beginnings of a crime and quickly immerses herself right into it. I can't say much in case I spoil things, but the only thing that kept me going was wondering how she was going to get out of this mess. Again, I was hoping for death. Ana was growing on me at the start but after 200 pages I was ready to jam those pills down her throat myself.
This is where things got really weird.
Whilst caring for her captive, Ana basically sexually assaults him whilst under the guise of cleaning him. It started out innocent enough, just a young girl who'd gotten herself into a huge clusterfuck, but seriously that scene wasn't necessary. It quickly became apparent that Ana was a virgin who, after witnessing her mothers 'active lifestyle' had descended into crazyville. Now she had a man in her house I'm surprised she didn't try to sleep with him, despite the ankle chain.
After waiting almost 300 pages for hard evidence of his guilt, Ana finally decides this has gone too far. Yes, now. Only, there is no easy way to undo everything she's done.
Lonely Girl received comparisons to Stephen King's Misery (no gore) and John Fowles The Collector (no romantic attachments, despite the sexual assault). This was a plainer version, told by a lost little girl with some serious mummy issues. I always wondered if crazy people knew they were crazy as they committed crazy acts; Ana sure did. The ending was bland. I was hoping for a more permanent ending but it was ambiguous, the worst kind. The writing was good thought. I'll probably look into this author again.
July 22, 2018
Lonely Girl by Lynne Vincent McCarthy is a dark and disturbing look into the life of Ana which had me staying up late and turning the pages of a deeply compelling book. Lonely Girl is set in Tasmania, and follows the life of Ana and her dog River and tells how they are watching the clock and marking the days until she can end her own life.
Ana thinks that people will remember her as the strange, reclusive daughter of the local pariah if they remember her at all. Ana’s life has been weird to say the least, brought up by her grandmother and mother (who died when Ana was young and Ana blames herself for her death). Ana’s grandmother appears to not have had the time for her either though Ana nursed her through her final days as well, inheriting the house.
On the day that Ana has decided to end her life, police find the body of local woman, Rebecca Marsdan and for Ana this changes everything as Ana was the last person to see Rebecca alive and Ana thinks she knows who killed her. What happens next changes Ana’s life and is terrifying in parts, compelling in others and sometimes a little identifiable.
Thoroughly enjoyed Lonely Girl and am interested in the next book out by Lynne Vincent McCarthy. Thank you to Beauty and Lace and Pan Macmillan Australia for allowing me to read this book.
Ana thinks that people will remember her as the strange, reclusive daughter of the local pariah if they remember her at all. Ana’s life has been weird to say the least, brought up by her grandmother and mother (who died when Ana was young and Ana blames herself for her death). Ana’s grandmother appears to not have had the time for her either though Ana nursed her through her final days as well, inheriting the house.
On the day that Ana has decided to end her life, police find the body of local woman, Rebecca Marsdan and for Ana this changes everything as Ana was the last person to see Rebecca alive and Ana thinks she knows who killed her. What happens next changes Ana’s life and is terrifying in parts, compelling in others and sometimes a little identifiable.
Thoroughly enjoyed Lonely Girl and am interested in the next book out by Lynne Vincent McCarthy. Thank you to Beauty and Lace and Pan Macmillan Australia for allowing me to read this book.
May 13, 2020
Lonely Girl is a bold and fearless expedition into the mind and actions of the deeply psychologically wounded character of Ana. Both loner and lonely Ana is so disconnected from self, the irony is she doesn’t even realise she’s lonely. Part character portrait of a deeply disturbing soul and part thriller, Lonely Girl is a story that speaks to social dispossession and alienation, and a driving, human need for connection, in this case, in a way that is distorted and confronting. It takes nerve and courage to write such uncompromising rawness regardless of the discomfort it may invoke in a reader. Ultimately Ana is both protagonist and her own worst enemy, and McCarthy somehow manages to invoke powerful responses in me of fear, grief and sorrow for her unforgettable Ana. A truly visceral psychological thriller, stunningly brave and I hope McCarthy continues to cultivate her uncompromising and unique voice! Five bloody stars!
December 2, 2020
A beautifully written debut novel. I listened to it on audiobook and found the language and descriptions of the Tasmanian landscape and Ana's character evocative and haunting. I'd definitely read more of the author's work just to immerse myself in her beautiful prose again.
The plot, however, fell a little short for me. It really wasn't what I was expecting, and I found Ana's actions quite hard to digest. But then again I like a novel that presents the reader with a deeply flawed protagonist, and it certainly made for a change from the usual thrillers and mysteries. Ana's obsession with the murder and subsequent situation with the man she believes to be the killer takes some very bizarre turns and at times I really struggled to understand her motivation. The abuse she suffered as a child isn't presented in much detail but rather leaves the reader to their own interpretations, perhaps why I didn't fully connect or engage with Ana.
Overall 3.5 stars.
The plot, however, fell a little short for me. It really wasn't what I was expecting, and I found Ana's actions quite hard to digest. But then again I like a novel that presents the reader with a deeply flawed protagonist, and it certainly made for a change from the usual thrillers and mysteries. Ana's obsession with the murder and subsequent situation with the man she believes to be the killer takes some very bizarre turns and at times I really struggled to understand her motivation. The abuse she suffered as a child isn't presented in much detail but rather leaves the reader to their own interpretations, perhaps why I didn't fully connect or engage with Ana.
Overall 3.5 stars.
March 3, 2020
Ana lives in a remote town in Tasmania and one evening she catches a couple having an intimate moment in a car, the next day the woman ends up dead and Ana believes she knows who’s responsible. Ana takes the man captive and holds him as her prisoner in her basement in the hope she can get the truth out of him. But he swears he’s innocent. Could he really be telling the truth and will she ever stop drugging him? ✨ This book was dark and eerie. Ana, the main character, is dealing with issues from the past. Parts of the book were thrilling but then it got a little too weird. The ending was sad for Ana but I’m glad the reader got some answers
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May 15, 2020INCREDIBLE!!!!! I finished this book in three nights, and I usually CANNOT stay focused. This book was so easy to read, words just flowing into my mind and I remembered every detail which also isn’t like me! I love how psychotic Ana is and honestly I relate to her on a weird level.... 😂😂 just the ending I wish explained more about the ending like who got convicted of the murder, what and where Luke went ??? And what Ana ends up telling lynch!?! Anyway with that cliff hanger of an ending I am expecting book number two !!!!!!!!! Please don’t deprive me of it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2020
I downloaded the audio version of from my local library, without realising it was written by an Australian author who I hadn't heard of before, because I was looking for something different. Well, it was certainly different, but in a good way. I found the story engaging right from the beginning and was wanting both to find out how it ended, but not wanting it to end because I was enjoying it so much. The narration by Eleanor Ryan was excellent and now I'm just disappointed to find that Lynne hasn't written any books since.
November 16, 2018
this haunting psychological thriller is truly a masterful study of both the fragility and tenacity of the human mind and spirit.
the journey we are taken on through the main characters developmental arc, is one not often taken.
instead of a hero's journey to triumph, we experience an almost manic descent into the darkness and desire that perhaps dwells in us all...
it was a mesmerizing tale and one that stayed with me long after i finished it.
the journey we are taken on through the main characters developmental arc, is one not often taken.
instead of a hero's journey to triumph, we experience an almost manic descent into the darkness and desire that perhaps dwells in us all...
it was a mesmerizing tale and one that stayed with me long after i finished it.
December 3, 2018
Can’t believe I spent $20 on this garbage. The main character was insufferable, treated everybody around her like dirt, and then played the victim. She locked a man in her basement and then got super upset because he didn’t trust her. It wasn’t even one of those stories where the delusions of the main character make their perspective more compelling. I just felt like she was a perpetual toddler. If I never read this again it’ll be too soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2020
Dark, yes. Disturbing, absolutely. Compulsive? For the beginning at least... after about half way you do start to wonder wtf is going on, how believable this story is and whether... you really care or not at all.
This was well written, and Ana depression can be felt through the pages, as if her heavy mental state held a certain weight in your hands but, after it all... this was just not the right kind of book for me.
This was well written, and Ana depression can be felt through the pages, as if her heavy mental state held a certain weight in your hands but, after it all... this was just not the right kind of book for me.
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