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The Girl Across the Street
You’re hiding a secret that only she can see.
Her name is Beth. She came into my life when I needed her the most. We lead very different lives, but she’s the only person who understands me.
She was the only other witness to the terrible accident on the street between our homes. The only person who saw the cracks in my perfect life before I had the chance to cover them up.
It’s been so long since I’ve had a friend. Someone to talk to, to listen to, to laugh and dream with.
Beth would never do anything to hurt me.
She only wants what’s best for me, for my marriage. Doesn't she?
An unputdownable psychological suspense thriller that will grip you until the very last page. Perfect for fans of Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train and The Couple Next Door.
Her name is Beth. She came into my life when I needed her the most. We lead very different lives, but she’s the only person who understands me.
She was the only other witness to the terrible accident on the street between our homes. The only person who saw the cracks in my perfect life before I had the chance to cover them up.
It’s been so long since I’ve had a friend. Someone to talk to, to listen to, to laugh and dream with.
Beth would never do anything to hurt me.
She only wants what’s best for me, for my marriage. Doesn't she?
An unputdownable psychological suspense thriller that will grip you until the very last page. Perfect for fans of Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train and The Couple Next Door.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2019
1681 people are currently reading
893 people want to read
About the author
Vikki Patis
14 books200 followersThis author is also published under the pen name Victoria Hawthorne.
Vikki Patis is an author of suspense novels with a gothic twist. Her latest novel, Return to Blackwater House, was published in March 2022 by Hodder & Stoughton, and her debut horror novel will be published in 2026.
She also writes historical fiction as Victoria Hawthorne. Her debut historical suspense novel, The House at Helygen, was published in April 2022 by Quercus and later became a bestseller. The Darkest Night was published in April 2024 and was the runner-up for the ADCI Literary Prize.
She lives in Scotland with her wife, two wild golden retrievers, and an even wilder cat.
Vikki Patis is an author of suspense novels with a gothic twist. Her latest novel, Return to Blackwater House, was published in March 2022 by Hodder & Stoughton, and her debut horror novel will be published in 2026.
She also writes historical fiction as Victoria Hawthorne. Her debut historical suspense novel, The House at Helygen, was published in April 2022 by Quercus and later became a bestseller. The Darkest Night was published in April 2024 and was the runner-up for the ADCI Literary Prize.
She lives in Scotland with her wife, two wild golden retrievers, and an even wilder cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
March 11, 2019
A dark deceptive domestic thriller that kept me unsettled throughout!
I really enjoyed Vikki Patis’s debut The Diary, so I was really excited to get my hands on this book! This was another cleverly crafted story taut with tension and emotion. The story dealt with some tough issues but Miss Patis handle them with a loving and compassionate hand. Life is messy, complicated, and tough, on both sides of the tracks.
Two Women living two seemingly completely different lives. Isla is married living a very affluent life, Beth is hard-working just skirting the line of poverty. The two women’s Paz first cross late one night at the site of a hit and run accident. Both women are a bit lonely, both feel a bit trapped, and both of them find friendship in the other. However as the story progresses secrets and ulterior motives are exposed, will their friendship survive? What happens when your walls are penetrated and someone sees what is going on behind closed doors?
The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Isla and Beth. This really let us see the entire picture, with the truth being revealed to us one layer at a time. The characters are all extremely well drawn. Some of them likable some of them not so much, i’m looking at you Judith. I found Isla extremely sympathetic she was a character I definitely was rooting for. Beth had me a little more conflicted, I was never quite sure what her end game was. The book was well paced with tension throughout and I was constantly on edge and unsettled. The ending was unexpected and satisfying! Recommend!
** Big thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
I really enjoyed Vikki Patis’s debut The Diary, so I was really excited to get my hands on this book! This was another cleverly crafted story taut with tension and emotion. The story dealt with some tough issues but Miss Patis handle them with a loving and compassionate hand. Life is messy, complicated, and tough, on both sides of the tracks.
Two Women living two seemingly completely different lives. Isla is married living a very affluent life, Beth is hard-working just skirting the line of poverty. The two women’s Paz first cross late one night at the site of a hit and run accident. Both women are a bit lonely, both feel a bit trapped, and both of them find friendship in the other. However as the story progresses secrets and ulterior motives are exposed, will their friendship survive? What happens when your walls are penetrated and someone sees what is going on behind closed doors?
The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Isla and Beth. This really let us see the entire picture, with the truth being revealed to us one layer at a time. The characters are all extremely well drawn. Some of them likable some of them not so much, i’m looking at you Judith. I found Isla extremely sympathetic she was a character I definitely was rooting for. Beth had me a little more conflicted, I was never quite sure what her end game was. The book was well paced with tension throughout and I was constantly on edge and unsettled. The ending was unexpected and satisfying! Recommend!
** Big thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
March 11, 2019
Constant suspense until the very last page, this one will have you on the edge of your seat, unable to blink until you know the conclusion!
This was my first book by Vikki Patis but I heard such great things about her last book, The Diary, so I was so excited to get a chance to read this. When I realized what a fantastic book The Girl Across the Street is, I was just beyond thrilled to get to host a spot on the blog tour! This one is GOOD! A rare comparison to books such as The Wife Between Us that really holds true for me. I’m excited to share my thoughts on it today!
About the Book
Where to begin with this one? Isla and Jake have the sort of marriage that appears perfect from the outside. It would be easy to write off Isla as spoiled and entitled, with her perfect hair and skin, expensive clothes and shoes, and immaculate style. Few people ever look closer at Isla and see what else is there…the bruises, the haunted look in her eyes, the shadows. Jake and Isla do not have the perfect marriage, but it is the life Isla chose.
When a terrible car accident occurs on the street between the perfect homes where Isla lives and the worn down side of the street where Beth lives, the two women are brought together. They form an unlikely bond that night, and each of them needs something from the other. Isla needs a friend. Someone to trust. And Beth… well Beth has her own needs that we may not full understand at first…
From the outset there is something unsettled about this story. I found myself wondering from the very first chapter about these characters. Why does Isla put up with Jake? And why is Jake acting like this? What is Beth’s motive for this friendship? What is everyone hiding?
Reflection
The suspense is ratcheted up high through this entire book! I loved Isla and Beth, though I was a bit suspicious of Beth and what she was hiding. They were really amazing characters, with a lot of similarities despite how different they seem on the surface. There are some tough realities of how many women are treated in relationships in this book, and Patis handled them with dignity, without sacrificing the plot of this thriller! Truly, Vikki Patis is an incredibly talented writer, and the way she wrote about these relationships felt surprisingly authentic for a psychological thriller.
The male characters are largely horrific in this book as far as main characters go, but there were so many wonderful side characters. Jake’s father Jim, for instance, and the coffee shop guy. But while both of these characters were kind, there’s always the sense that people seem to sort of know how Jake treats Isla, but they don’t intervene. Such a sad reality!
But back to the mystery itself—what is Beth hiding? Well the reveal is GOOD and that is all I can say! I won’t spoil anything here, so you’ll have to read this one to find out!
Thank you to the amazing Bookouture team for including me on this Blog Tour!!!
This was my first book by Vikki Patis but I heard such great things about her last book, The Diary, so I was so excited to get a chance to read this. When I realized what a fantastic book The Girl Across the Street is, I was just beyond thrilled to get to host a spot on the blog tour! This one is GOOD! A rare comparison to books such as The Wife Between Us that really holds true for me. I’m excited to share my thoughts on it today!
About the Book
Where to begin with this one? Isla and Jake have the sort of marriage that appears perfect from the outside. It would be easy to write off Isla as spoiled and entitled, with her perfect hair and skin, expensive clothes and shoes, and immaculate style. Few people ever look closer at Isla and see what else is there…the bruises, the haunted look in her eyes, the shadows. Jake and Isla do not have the perfect marriage, but it is the life Isla chose.
When a terrible car accident occurs on the street between the perfect homes where Isla lives and the worn down side of the street where Beth lives, the two women are brought together. They form an unlikely bond that night, and each of them needs something from the other. Isla needs a friend. Someone to trust. And Beth… well Beth has her own needs that we may not full understand at first…
From the outset there is something unsettled about this story. I found myself wondering from the very first chapter about these characters. Why does Isla put up with Jake? And why is Jake acting like this? What is Beth’s motive for this friendship? What is everyone hiding?
Reflection
The suspense is ratcheted up high through this entire book! I loved Isla and Beth, though I was a bit suspicious of Beth and what she was hiding. They were really amazing characters, with a lot of similarities despite how different they seem on the surface. There are some tough realities of how many women are treated in relationships in this book, and Patis handled them with dignity, without sacrificing the plot of this thriller! Truly, Vikki Patis is an incredibly talented writer, and the way she wrote about these relationships felt surprisingly authentic for a psychological thriller.
The male characters are largely horrific in this book as far as main characters go, but there were so many wonderful side characters. Jake’s father Jim, for instance, and the coffee shop guy. But while both of these characters were kind, there’s always the sense that people seem to sort of know how Jake treats Isla, but they don’t intervene. Such a sad reality!
But back to the mystery itself—what is Beth hiding? Well the reveal is GOOD and that is all I can say! I won’t spoil anything here, so you’ll have to read this one to find out!
Thank you to the amazing Bookouture team for including me on this Blog Tour!!!
March 12, 2019
I am over the moon excited to be on this books on tour for The Girl Across the Street. I want to share with anyone that will listen what a fantastic psychological thriller Ms. Patis has managed to turn out. I was literally hooked from the very first chapter and flew through this in a day. I simply could not stand to put it down! I am now nursing a book hangover.
Right from the first page we are on an adrenaline filled ride with this one. It opens with a hit and run resulting in a male jogger lying in the street. Both Isla and Beth happened to be in the area and witness it. They rush to perform CPR but they are unable to save him. There is no one else to help the two girls because it is 3am and the street is deserted.
As an emergency room nurse I can tell you there is no other bonding experience like witnessing the loss of a life. When you are desperately trying to save someone's life and no matter how hard you try it can not be done. The feeling is devastating and you will always remember who was there with you. That is why it did not surprise me that Isla and Beth had bonded over this traumatic experience. They sought each other out after the incident and soon became good friends.
What did come as a surprise were the secrets, deceptions and lies among most of the people in the book. I began to question why were these two random people outside on the same street at 3am? These girls seemed to have nothing in common, they came from two different worlds. As we dig into their secrets they might have more in common than one would think.
Tense, fast paced, enthralling psychological thriller. Just when I thought we had unraveled all the secrets, another shocking twist comes along. You just want until you read the ending! The author knocked it out of the park with this one. Plan on pulling an all nighter because once you start you won't want to stop reading it! It is well worth the book hangover!
Thank you so much to Bookouture and Vikki Patis for having me along on this tour.
Right from the first page we are on an adrenaline filled ride with this one. It opens with a hit and run resulting in a male jogger lying in the street. Both Isla and Beth happened to be in the area and witness it. They rush to perform CPR but they are unable to save him. There is no one else to help the two girls because it is 3am and the street is deserted.
As an emergency room nurse I can tell you there is no other bonding experience like witnessing the loss of a life. When you are desperately trying to save someone's life and no matter how hard you try it can not be done. The feeling is devastating and you will always remember who was there with you. That is why it did not surprise me that Isla and Beth had bonded over this traumatic experience. They sought each other out after the incident and soon became good friends.
What did come as a surprise were the secrets, deceptions and lies among most of the people in the book. I began to question why were these two random people outside on the same street at 3am? These girls seemed to have nothing in common, they came from two different worlds. As we dig into their secrets they might have more in common than one would think.
Tense, fast paced, enthralling psychological thriller. Just when I thought we had unraveled all the secrets, another shocking twist comes along. You just want until you read the ending! The author knocked it out of the park with this one. Plan on pulling an all nighter because once you start you won't want to stop reading it! It is well worth the book hangover!
Thank you so much to Bookouture and Vikki Patis for having me along on this tour.
February 17, 2019
A Hit and Run Accident.
Two women, one struggling to make ends meet, and one affluent, both trying to save the victim.
Seemingly they have nothing in common...or do they?
Isla (excerpt) “Jake is leaving to visit his mate. Is that really where he is going? I realize that I don’t care. I only care that he isn’t here. I fall asleep quickly, drifting into a dreamless sleep. I always sleep better when Jake’s not here.”
Beth (excerpt) He’s finished within minutes. He flops down on the mattress beside her, eyes closed, a smile on his lips. She wants to punch him, smash him in the face with her fists, grab a knife from the kitchen and stab him in the throat. But she doesn’t. She can’t even speak.
The hit and run accident may have brought the two women together, but it’s been a long time since Isla had a friend-someone to talk with, and listen to, over a shared cigarette or glass of wine. Each of the women can use a friend.
“We’re in this together”
But, are they? Can Isla trust Beth?
Again we have the premise that “all is not what it seems, behind closed doors”, but this time there is an added dimension to the story. I knew there was something just beneath the surface of what the author was allowing us to see, secrets and motives, yet to be revealed, in this dark story.
It held my interest and I seemed to be turning the pages quickly, wanting to know more, and hoping that these women had finally found someone, in each other, that they could count on...but knowing that this is not always the case in psychological thrillers........
Could Isla trust Beth- “The Girl Across the Street”?
Find out on March 8, 2019!
I would like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture, and Vikki Patis for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review!
3.75 stars rounded up!
Two women, one struggling to make ends meet, and one affluent, both trying to save the victim.
Seemingly they have nothing in common...or do they?
Isla (excerpt) “Jake is leaving to visit his mate. Is that really where he is going? I realize that I don’t care. I only care that he isn’t here. I fall asleep quickly, drifting into a dreamless sleep. I always sleep better when Jake’s not here.”
Beth (excerpt) He’s finished within minutes. He flops down on the mattress beside her, eyes closed, a smile on his lips. She wants to punch him, smash him in the face with her fists, grab a knife from the kitchen and stab him in the throat. But she doesn’t. She can’t even speak.
The hit and run accident may have brought the two women together, but it’s been a long time since Isla had a friend-someone to talk with, and listen to, over a shared cigarette or glass of wine. Each of the women can use a friend.
“We’re in this together”
But, are they? Can Isla trust Beth?
Again we have the premise that “all is not what it seems, behind closed doors”, but this time there is an added dimension to the story. I knew there was something just beneath the surface of what the author was allowing us to see, secrets and motives, yet to be revealed, in this dark story.
It held my interest and I seemed to be turning the pages quickly, wanting to know more, and hoping that these women had finally found someone, in each other, that they could count on...but knowing that this is not always the case in psychological thrillers........
Could Isla trust Beth- “The Girl Across the Street”?
Find out on March 8, 2019!
I would like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture, and Vikki Patis for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review!
3.75 stars rounded up!
March 6, 2019
Perfecto!
If you were to look up psychological thriller in a dictionary then this book should appear
It has all the staples needed but then added extras that make it a tense and brooding read
Beth and Isla live close to each other, but worlds apart, one in luxury, one in poverty, both have abusive partners, both witness a man being killed in a hit and run.....both want a friendship....but both have agendas, secrets and goals....however sometimes friendship, real friendship can take over....
Told from both narrative viewpoints the story is very clever in setting a scene for both lives and I have to point out that the author whilst doing this had an amazing way of making the mundane ( ie cooking a meal ) come alive and start to build a picture of these 2 women’s lives...and what they endured
I loved both main characters and equally detested Jake ( Isla’s hubby ) and Judith, well Judith ( Mum in law ) was just outrageously awful ( brilliantly awful 😃), all characters, loved or hated were written very very well
The writing style is easy and a joy to read
There are difficult subjects covered and the author holds no punches in describing abusive relationships and how worryingly subtle and hidden it can all be
The book progressed quickly and the ending was, well you will have to read to see!
Wonderful book and worthy of anyones time, loved it
10/10 5 Stars
February 16, 2019
When Isla an insomniac is having a late night walk, she witnesses a jogger killed by a hit and run driver. She tries to save his life along with Beth who lives locally.
Isla and Beth become friends. Isla has not had a close friend in years, what harm can it do? From the outside they have nothing in common, Isla lives in a nice house and has no money worries whereas Beth lives in a council flat struggling to make ends meet.
The chapters alternate between Beth and Isla. Seems like both of them have secrets. All the time there is a darkness hiding amongst this story. I was totally addicted desperate to find out what the connection was between the characters and how it would all end.
Beth has a plan to get close to Isla. But she wasn’t expecting to actually feel sorry for her and start to see her as a real friend, will she be able to carry on with her plan?
Loved this book and did not want to finish it. You never really know what goes on behind closed doors!! I really wanted Beth to be a true friend to Isla who I felt very sorry for!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Isla and Beth become friends. Isla has not had a close friend in years, what harm can it do? From the outside they have nothing in common, Isla lives in a nice house and has no money worries whereas Beth lives in a council flat struggling to make ends meet.
The chapters alternate between Beth and Isla. Seems like both of them have secrets. All the time there is a darkness hiding amongst this story. I was totally addicted desperate to find out what the connection was between the characters and how it would all end.
Beth has a plan to get close to Isla. But she wasn’t expecting to actually feel sorry for her and start to see her as a real friend, will she be able to carry on with her plan?
Loved this book and did not want to finish it. You never really know what goes on behind closed doors!! I really wanted Beth to be a true friend to Isla who I felt very sorry for!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
February 19, 2019
The Girl Across the Street was a very quick read with so many unlikeable characters. I really enjoyed The Diary by this author so I jumped at the chance to read her next book. A story of abuse, of friendship and differences between people. I enjoyed this read even though I figured out who not to trust early on.
Isla and Beth live close to each other but have never met until the night that they are first on the scene when a jogger is hit by a car. They are from the opposite ends of town and completely the opposite of each other and yet a friendship is formed. Beth is a struggling waitress living with her dead beat boyfriend Kylie. Isla is stuck in a loveless marriage with Jake. There are secrets held by all and when they are revealed their lives will be changed forever.
Thanks to Bookouture and. NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
Isla and Beth live close to each other but have never met until the night that they are first on the scene when a jogger is hit by a car. They are from the opposite ends of town and completely the opposite of each other and yet a friendship is formed. Beth is a struggling waitress living with her dead beat boyfriend Kylie. Isla is stuck in a loveless marriage with Jake. There are secrets held by all and when they are revealed their lives will be changed forever.
Thanks to Bookouture and. NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
February 3, 2019
OMG! I was addicted to this book from page 1, Line 1. I really enjoyed that the author built the characters so that I got to know them and regardless if I hated some of them or not, they were brought to life through words.
I felt so much emotion for Isla. I wanted to sit in her garden with her and share that bottle of wine and a cigarette with her. When she was hurt, I wanted to hug her.
This is one amazing psychological thriller and I give it 5 stars across the board.
Thank you #NetGalley, #bookouture, and the author for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I loved it!!!
I felt so much emotion for Isla. I wanted to sit in her garden with her and share that bottle of wine and a cigarette with her. When she was hurt, I wanted to hug her.
This is one amazing psychological thriller and I give it 5 stars across the board.
Thank you #NetGalley, #bookouture, and the author for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I loved it!!!
March 23, 2019
Now Available! March 8, 2019
Hang on! This is an Intense, Heart Pounding, Psychological Suspence Thriller!
We stood together, silence hanging in the air, heavy, suffocating.
I stared down at my hands, glistening red in the moonlight streaming through the window. I realised I was trembling uncontrollably.
‘It’s okay,’she whispered, reaching out to grab my hand. I saw the blood coat her fingers too; now she was implicated as well.
I could hear my heart beating; waves rushing in my ears. My mouth was dry, my breathing laboured. I gripped her hand tighter, desperately trying to draw strength from her.
‘What have I done?’The words were barely a whisper as they left my mouth; I could almost feel them wrapping around me, marking me with their judgement.
‘It’s okay,’she repeated, her voice ringing out in the silent room. I stared at the woman in front of me, our linked fingers hanging over the body between us. She looked up and our eyes met, and an understanding passed between us. A silent pact.
We’re in this together.
********
The Girl Across the Street by Vikki Patis
is a thrilling ride from beginning to end! I could not put this book down!
The story is unique with complex characters and a heart pounding pace! I really enjoyed this novel and will definitely look out for more from this author!
With thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Vikki Patis for my advanced digital copy to read and review.
Hang on! This is an Intense, Heart Pounding, Psychological Suspence Thriller!
We stood together, silence hanging in the air, heavy, suffocating.
I stared down at my hands, glistening red in the moonlight streaming through the window. I realised I was trembling uncontrollably.
‘It’s okay,’she whispered, reaching out to grab my hand. I saw the blood coat her fingers too; now she was implicated as well.
I could hear my heart beating; waves rushing in my ears. My mouth was dry, my breathing laboured. I gripped her hand tighter, desperately trying to draw strength from her.
‘What have I done?’The words were barely a whisper as they left my mouth; I could almost feel them wrapping around me, marking me with their judgement.
‘It’s okay,’she repeated, her voice ringing out in the silent room. I stared at the woman in front of me, our linked fingers hanging over the body between us. She looked up and our eyes met, and an understanding passed between us. A silent pact.
We’re in this together.
********
The Girl Across the Street by Vikki Patis
is a thrilling ride from beginning to end! I could not put this book down!
The story is unique with complex characters and a heart pounding pace! I really enjoyed this novel and will definitely look out for more from this author!
With thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Vikki Patis for my advanced digital copy to read and review.
February 16, 2019
Well! I started off enjoying this despite feeling it was a little silly with nearly all the male characters being horrible and nearly all the women characters being victims, used by men and very weak.
I stuck with it and despite my initial misgivings and I found myself swept up in the story of Isla the wealthy but utterly unhappy housewife, who is terrorized by her husband Jake, and Beth a struggling young woman working all hours in a restaurant to make ends meet while her pot smoking layabout of a boyfriend spends his days in bed, getting high ans playing video games with his mate.
When they both witness a fatal traffic accident, their lives are brought together and they find out that they have more in common than than they think. Both have secrets and slowly but surely they find that their worlds have collided indirectly in the past as well as the present.
As I said at the beginning, I had initial reservations about this one. Despite being immensely readable from the get go I was a little worried about the rather two demensional “women victims” and “horrible men” characters. However as the book went on I just got totally swept up in it and went with it. These stereotypes do subside somewhat as the characters are fleshed out.
What this book does have going for it is the fantastic storytelling. It’s precise and engaging with just enough character development to let it breath. It’s not a long book at under 300 pages but despite this, we have quite a few long chapters in here and this format works extremely well to keep you engaged. The editing on this feels near perfect as I’m sure this could have ended up a much longer read in the wrong hands.
The last few chapters really amp up the tension and excitement to near unbearable levels. Flying through the last part of this book I realized I was totally engrossed in the book and thoroughly enjoying it, and at the end of the day that’s what readings all about right?
My first read of Vikki Patis, her name is now on my radar and I look forward to what she comes up with in the future.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Vikki Patis for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I stuck with it and despite my initial misgivings and I found myself swept up in the story of Isla the wealthy but utterly unhappy housewife, who is terrorized by her husband Jake, and Beth a struggling young woman working all hours in a restaurant to make ends meet while her pot smoking layabout of a boyfriend spends his days in bed, getting high ans playing video games with his mate.
When they both witness a fatal traffic accident, their lives are brought together and they find out that they have more in common than than they think. Both have secrets and slowly but surely they find that their worlds have collided indirectly in the past as well as the present.
As I said at the beginning, I had initial reservations about this one. Despite being immensely readable from the get go I was a little worried about the rather two demensional “women victims” and “horrible men” characters. However as the book went on I just got totally swept up in it and went with it. These stereotypes do subside somewhat as the characters are fleshed out.
What this book does have going for it is the fantastic storytelling. It’s precise and engaging with just enough character development to let it breath. It’s not a long book at under 300 pages but despite this, we have quite a few long chapters in here and this format works extremely well to keep you engaged. The editing on this feels near perfect as I’m sure this could have ended up a much longer read in the wrong hands.
The last few chapters really amp up the tension and excitement to near unbearable levels. Flying through the last part of this book I realized I was totally engrossed in the book and thoroughly enjoying it, and at the end of the day that’s what readings all about right?
My first read of Vikki Patis, her name is now on my radar and I look forward to what she comes up with in the future.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Vikki Patis for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2019
This is a very well written book, about two women who run into each other accidentally and find themselves drawn to each other. The build up to the suspense though is too long – and large portions of the book are devoted to developing the characters in a lot of depth.
The book is alternately told from the perspectives of Isla and Beth. They meet while trying to help an accident victim. They find they have something in common – abusive partners. Isla is married to Jake, who abuses her almost since their marriage. Beth’s boyfriend Kyle lives off her income, and wastes his time with his friend Steve. It is a constant struggle for Beth to make ends meet, and her frustration mounts. Circumstances force Beth to move in with Isla temporarily, and there are secrets which unravel as the story progresses.
As the women get together, they see some hope. The story till almost the end centers around the abuse the women face, their constant state of stress and fear. This is extremely well written, and the mental agony of Isla & Beth, especially Isla, jumps out at you.
While as I mentioned, the book is well written and the events feel very real and natural, the build up to the unravelling of the suspense is too long, resulting in a slack pace for much of the book.
Overall, a book still well worth reading for its story and the quality of the writing.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for a free electronic copy of the book for providing an honest review.
My rating: 3.25 / 5.
The book is alternately told from the perspectives of Isla and Beth. They meet while trying to help an accident victim. They find they have something in common – abusive partners. Isla is married to Jake, who abuses her almost since their marriage. Beth’s boyfriend Kyle lives off her income, and wastes his time with his friend Steve. It is a constant struggle for Beth to make ends meet, and her frustration mounts. Circumstances force Beth to move in with Isla temporarily, and there are secrets which unravel as the story progresses.
As the women get together, they see some hope. The story till almost the end centers around the abuse the women face, their constant state of stress and fear. This is extremely well written, and the mental agony of Isla & Beth, especially Isla, jumps out at you.
While as I mentioned, the book is well written and the events feel very real and natural, the build up to the unravelling of the suspense is too long, resulting in a slack pace for much of the book.
Overall, a book still well worth reading for its story and the quality of the writing.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for a free electronic copy of the book for providing an honest review.
My rating: 3.25 / 5.
February 8, 2019
Thank you to Bookouture, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book. And what a good realistic physiological thriller this is. Two women come to together by accident, or was it truly an accident. Both have secrets and scars from their lives. The Author will keep you engrossed in this story, trust me. Great read, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a realistic physiological thriller.
February 11, 2019
Thank you Net Galley and Bookouture for an early release of The Girl Across the Street. Wow, Wow, Wow!!! Wonderful book, one of the BEST I've read. Loved the characters, just a good book that you didn't want to put down, love books that you cant get enough of. Thank you Vikki Patis.
February 4, 2019
This book was utterly compulsive reading! The characters really get under your skin as the story develops. There are those to love, and those who are just pure evil! Isla and Beth, newly found friends who come together after witnessing a tragedy, were so well thought out with good back stories to explain how they'd come to be in their present situations. I really liked them both. A tense undercurrent runs throughout as you wait to find out just how all the threads of the story will come together, and when they do...phew...what an ending! A great read and one I'd highly recommend!
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
May 24, 2019
Vikki Patis' The Girl Across The Street is a really impressive read. Not once did I guess the outcome.
If there is ever a character that you are going to hate then look no further than The character of Jake.
I highly recommend this book. 4.5*
If there is ever a character that you are going to hate then look no further than The character of Jake.
I highly recommend this book. 4.5*
November 23, 2020
So I started reading this and just thought...standard domestic suspense.
But, as I started reading this, I began to read the one particular character had motivations I really couldn't figure out. And I was intrigued! Now, I'll admit that when we find out this character's motivations, they were a little out of left field, but they were still different and interesting.
In fact, the book definitely held my interest. I liked both our women, even when I didn't truly trust one of them. And I definitely wanted to know how it would all end.
A good beach read!
But, as I started reading this, I began to read the one particular character had motivations I really couldn't figure out. And I was intrigued! Now, I'll admit that when we find out this character's motivations, they were a little out of left field, but they were still different and interesting.
In fact, the book definitely held my interest. I liked both our women, even when I didn't truly trust one of them. And I definitely wanted to know how it would all end.
A good beach read!
February 15, 2019
This is such a roller coaster of a novel. Isla and Jake are living their best lives, when a man is killed by a hit and run near their home. Isla tries to save him, and meets Beth. Through happenstance, Beth and Isla become friends, and when Beth moves in with Jake and Isla, she realizes things aren’t right in their marriage.
This is a quick paced thriller I’m glad I was able to read early, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.
This is a quick paced thriller I’m glad I was able to read early, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.
March 11, 2019
There was only one line that came to my mind when I finished reading this book - Much Ado About Nothing!! This may not be entirely true, but the ending left me feeling bereft and stranded as if I was in a desert and the story was the mirage. Perhaps I hadn't understood the story.... Let me try to recapture it...
A hit and run in the middle of the night and 2 witnesses, one is Isla a housewife and the other Beth, the woman across the street... Isla couldn't sleep hence went for a stroll and Beth was getting back from work. A single incident draws them together, and soon Beth moves in to Isla's home and sees the reality of her life with husband Jake..
Author Vikki Patis has written a tale which reads swiftly, which causes interest to touch sky high, there is an absolute adrenaline rush, and the pages get turned every few seconds. The writing is really that good, the secrets hidden are so intriguing. It is just fabulous.
And then it all unravels for me. The story seems illogical as the subplots are not tied. I am left with many questions.
SPOILER ALERT
Isla strolls only on THAT particular night, in the rest of the book when insomnia hits her, to relax, she is found smoking on the patio or drinking
Husband Jake's job is never explained, nor his night habits hinted at, but that soon becomes a half boiled subplot, which feels rushed when it comes to light
Why does Isla never leave her husband when she has money squirrelled away just for that reason? Also if a wife is stealing money from household expenses, it is generally cash, not in her bank account which husband can access.
What makes Isla stay with a husband who beats her black and blue, yet finds the courage to go to the clinic to abort her child but not the courage to go to the cops?
Beth too stays with a jerk of a boyfriend who rapes her every other night, doesn't work, yet Beth can't leave him when she hates him. Why not? What are the mitigating circumstances stopping her?
There are many such minor subplots which are not weaved well into the storyline, at least for me, to enjoy the book completely. Ah yes, the ending is thriller-y, but I didn't like it.
So all my love is for Vikki's writing and for keeping me hooked till the end.
A hit and run in the middle of the night and 2 witnesses, one is Isla a housewife and the other Beth, the woman across the street... Isla couldn't sleep hence went for a stroll and Beth was getting back from work. A single incident draws them together, and soon Beth moves in to Isla's home and sees the reality of her life with husband Jake..
Author Vikki Patis has written a tale which reads swiftly, which causes interest to touch sky high, there is an absolute adrenaline rush, and the pages get turned every few seconds. The writing is really that good, the secrets hidden are so intriguing. It is just fabulous.
And then it all unravels for me. The story seems illogical as the subplots are not tied. I am left with many questions.
SPOILER ALERT
Isla strolls only on THAT particular night, in the rest of the book when insomnia hits her, to relax, she is found smoking on the patio or drinking
Husband Jake's job is never explained, nor his night habits hinted at, but that soon becomes a half boiled subplot, which feels rushed when it comes to light
Why does Isla never leave her husband when she has money squirrelled away just for that reason? Also if a wife is stealing money from household expenses, it is generally cash, not in her bank account which husband can access.
What makes Isla stay with a husband who beats her black and blue, yet finds the courage to go to the clinic to abort her child but not the courage to go to the cops?
Beth too stays with a jerk of a boyfriend who rapes her every other night, doesn't work, yet Beth can't leave him when she hates him. Why not? What are the mitigating circumstances stopping her?
There are many such minor subplots which are not weaved well into the storyline, at least for me, to enjoy the book completely. Ah yes, the ending is thriller-y, but I didn't like it.
So all my love is for Vikki's writing and for keeping me hooked till the end.
July 17, 2019
The friendship starts over the body of a man who has just become a victim of hit and run. The two women are poles apart. Beth saw the accident and knows who the driver is ... but she doesn't tell anyone. Ilsa swears she didn't see it happen.
Ilsa is married to Jake, an abusive man. Secretly. Ilsa takes birth control pills ...she cannot fathom bringing a child into her sham of a marriage. What people see on the outside are a woman who seems to have it all ... a loving husband, an enviable lifestyle, expensive clothes, regular trips to the spa.
Beth is married to her high school sweetheart, Jake. She works as a waitress. Jake watches TV a lot and spends time devouring his weed.
When Beth decides to leave Jake, she turns to her new found friend, Ilsa, who takes her in immediately. Beth could never have guessed what went on behind closed doors, the secrets Ilsa keeps.
Both their lives are about to take a tragic turn.
I did not find this one particularly gripping or compelling. It was more like watching a train wreck from your living room window... you didn't want to watch, but it was hard to look away. The relationship between Beth and Ilsa is filled with secrets and lies. The characters, while finely drawn, are not at all likeable. There seem to be no redeeming qualities within any of them. I was expecting an explosive ending ... I was disappointed there, too. The story just kind of fizzled out and left me with a lot of questions ...and no answers.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of THE GIRL ACROSS THE STREET. Read and reviewed voluntarily, the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
April 9, 2019
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Isla and Beth are complete strangers who become friends due to a tragic incident. There is a hit and run accident and the person hurt was a male jogger. Despite immediately doing CPR, unfortunately the man dies. Isla and Beth are from opposite walks of life, however, they become friends.
Although meeting due to the accident, this is rather fortuitous for Beth. She has a very good reason for wanting to be around Isla. However, things about Isla are far different than Beth could have ever imagined. Thus, things change. Actually, things barrel out of control.
Both Isla and Beth lead dark lives, and until they met, were completely unaware. Now that they lives have intertwined, it is rather curious as to what Beth's true motive was and whether or not she will continue on.
The Girl Across the Street was a touching read, especially when a change of course certainly had to happen. With both of the men in the relationships being toxic, I could only hope for the best for the women. This thrilling story, which was charged with suspense, had a whopper of a conclusion. I look forward to reading much more from Vikki Patis.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Isla and Beth are complete strangers who become friends due to a tragic incident. There is a hit and run accident and the person hurt was a male jogger. Despite immediately doing CPR, unfortunately the man dies. Isla and Beth are from opposite walks of life, however, they become friends.
Although meeting due to the accident, this is rather fortuitous for Beth. She has a very good reason for wanting to be around Isla. However, things about Isla are far different than Beth could have ever imagined. Thus, things change. Actually, things barrel out of control.
Both Isla and Beth lead dark lives, and until they met, were completely unaware. Now that they lives have intertwined, it is rather curious as to what Beth's true motive was and whether or not she will continue on.
The Girl Across the Street was a touching read, especially when a change of course certainly had to happen. With both of the men in the relationships being toxic, I could only hope for the best for the women. This thrilling story, which was charged with suspense, had a whopper of a conclusion. I look forward to reading much more from Vikki Patis.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 17, 2019
A fast-paced thriller with a twist that was...not quite as sinister as expected. When Isla and Beth witness a hit-and-run, they are inextricably linked - especially if Beth has anything to say about it. When she sees that Isla's life is more complicated - and a lot worse - than she saw from the outside, Beth's plan to profit from that night is forever altered. I found myself rooting for both women, despite either of them being far from perfect.
A couple of scenes at the end were a little over the top, and Isla's husband was the same - all evil, less than human. Even with his wicked witch of a mother, it was hard to believe that Jake could have gotten away with his abuse, living under the same roof as his decent father.
Overall, recommended for a quick read that's not entirely easy.
Thank you Netgalley for this preview!
A couple of scenes at the end were a little over the top, and Isla's husband was the same - all evil, less than human. Even with his wicked witch of a mother, it was hard to believe that Jake could have gotten away with his abuse, living under the same roof as his decent father.
Overall, recommended for a quick read that's not entirely easy.
Thank you Netgalley for this preview!
February 5, 2019
A very enjoyable read. I think what I enjoyed the most is it is so credible, these people exist and hide in our everyday lives, they could be your neighbor, your co-worker or your sibling. There are monsters in our midst, and unless like one of our main characters, you reach out a hand and a heart filled with compassion, you would never know.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher Bookcoutour.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher Bookcoutour.
March 8, 2019
Ooh this was dark and intense and intriguing. The sort of book that hooks you right at the start and keeps you turning the pages, because you have to know what's going on and how it's all going to end. I zipped through this one. Really well written, the writing flows, with believable characters that I cared about and nasty ones that I didn't!!! Loved it. Another cracking read from Vikki - keep them coming!
February 8, 2019
Thanks Netgalley, Bookouture, and the author for the opportunity to review this exciting psychological thriller.
I loved the author's debut "The Diary" and was excited to read her next book, and it was amazing.
This has all the ingredients for a suspenseful , engrossing, and realistic psychological thriller. With shocking surprises, secrets, and twists along with relatable characters. Two women meet by chance, or is it? What secrets are they hiding? And how much do they really know about each other? Happy reading.
I loved the author's debut "The Diary" and was excited to read her next book, and it was amazing.
This has all the ingredients for a suspenseful , engrossing, and realistic psychological thriller. With shocking surprises, secrets, and twists along with relatable characters. Two women meet by chance, or is it? What secrets are they hiding? And how much do they really know about each other? Happy reading.
March 28, 2019
Rating 3.5 stars!
As I am trying to power through all of the reports never posted on books I've already read, I see the pattern of my reading of late. Today's book review is about The Girl Across the Street by Vikki Patis.
The chapters of The Girl Across the Street were alternately narrated by the perspectives of the main characters, Isla and Beth. Readers learn about Beth's life and see how she didn't have it easy struggling along just to make ends meet while her boyfriend seemed lazy and didn't even want to help out around the house. I felt bad for her being trapped in that type of situation. At first, though, Isla seemed to have it all - she's married and living a very affluent life, but of course first appearances are just that.
Beth and Isla seem to be brought together in their unlikely friendship following a terrible car accident occurring on the street between the perfect homes where Isla lives and the worn down side of the street where Beth lives. They seemed to get along so well and it was nice to see both of them happy - but then something began to irk me and I started thinking things just weren't quite right. The secrets, lies and deceptions were pouring out from pretty much most of the people in the book. I even found myself questioning what these two random people were doing outside on the same street at 3 o'clock in the morning......To write much more will cause me to write a spoiler, so this review will be brief. What I will say is that The Girl Across the Street is definitely a dark and gripping psychological thriller that keeps you reading it cover to cover. I sat silently when I was finished with the book, a little sad that it was over.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley in exchange for my review. I would like to thank Bookouture for allowing me the opportunity to participate, read and review this book. My views are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone else!
As I am trying to power through all of the reports never posted on books I've already read, I see the pattern of my reading of late. Today's book review is about The Girl Across the Street by Vikki Patis.
The chapters of The Girl Across the Street were alternately narrated by the perspectives of the main characters, Isla and Beth. Readers learn about Beth's life and see how she didn't have it easy struggling along just to make ends meet while her boyfriend seemed lazy and didn't even want to help out around the house. I felt bad for her being trapped in that type of situation. At first, though, Isla seemed to have it all - she's married and living a very affluent life, but of course first appearances are just that.
Beth and Isla seem to be brought together in their unlikely friendship following a terrible car accident occurring on the street between the perfect homes where Isla lives and the worn down side of the street where Beth lives. They seemed to get along so well and it was nice to see both of them happy - but then something began to irk me and I started thinking things just weren't quite right. The secrets, lies and deceptions were pouring out from pretty much most of the people in the book. I even found myself questioning what these two random people were doing outside on the same street at 3 o'clock in the morning......To write much more will cause me to write a spoiler, so this review will be brief. What I will say is that The Girl Across the Street is definitely a dark and gripping psychological thriller that keeps you reading it cover to cover. I sat silently when I was finished with the book, a little sad that it was over.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley in exchange for my review. I would like to thank Bookouture for allowing me the opportunity to participate, read and review this book. My views are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone else!
March 23, 2019
A good mystery that had me on the edge of my seat to see how it would end. It was easy to pick out some of the ending but there were still a few good surprises. I look forward to reading more books by this author. I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 22, 2021
The Girl Across The Street is a fast pace thriller. Isla takes walks at night when she can’t sleep. She happens upon a man laying in the street after being hot by a car that left the scene. She meets Beth there trying to save the mans life. Isla’s and Beth become friends Isla’s husband Jake doesn’t like Beth. Beth has a secret #netgalley #goodreads
February 13, 2019
Isla suffers from insomnia and frequently wanders the streets of her neighborhood in the wee hours hoping to tire herself out, but on one of these nightly jaunts she is surprised by a jogger and then a crash. While she struggles to process what has happened, another woman, Beth, runs across the street to the accident. In the days following, Beth begins to insert herself into Isla's life and begins to see the pain and suffering Isla has been hiding for so long. But what has Beth been hiding, and how does she know Isla's husband, Jake?
Truly thrilling and unputdownable!! Highly recommended!
Truly thrilling and unputdownable!! Highly recommended!
February 1, 2019
Thank you to Bookouture for providing me with an advanced copy via Netgalley!
This is the first book that I have read by Vikki Patis, and by far the best out of the 9 books I have read so far already in 2019!!
This is Physcological Thriller mixed with a bit of women's fiction and I could totally relate to the book within the first few chapters!.
I loved the writing style, everything was very now as apposed to the trends of 2018/2019. It touched on subjects in which everyone currently obsesses with! I loved the two different worlds that turn out to be not so far apart!.
I totally loved the 2 main chatacters - Isla & Beth- to the point where i wanted to be their friend!, I was completely gripped with the storyline, it was easy and exciting to read, it will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, and come the end I wasn't ready to finish up, like a good series you want it to continue!! Please write a second story leading on from this!!! I loved it and would fully recommend it to anyone that loves a good Physcological Thriller and this time to anyone that also loves a good Women's Fiction!
This is the first book that I have read by Vikki Patis, and by far the best out of the 9 books I have read so far already in 2019!!
This is Physcological Thriller mixed with a bit of women's fiction and I could totally relate to the book within the first few chapters!.
I loved the writing style, everything was very now as apposed to the trends of 2018/2019. It touched on subjects in which everyone currently obsesses with! I loved the two different worlds that turn out to be not so far apart!.
I totally loved the 2 main chatacters - Isla & Beth- to the point where i wanted to be their friend!, I was completely gripped with the storyline, it was easy and exciting to read, it will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, and come the end I wasn't ready to finish up, like a good series you want it to continue!! Please write a second story leading on from this!!! I loved it and would fully recommend it to anyone that loves a good Physcological Thriller and this time to anyone that also loves a good Women's Fiction!
February 2, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with a copy! I thought this physiological thriller was written very well. The viewpoint switched from Beth to Isla so it showed both sides of the story and it all came together great in the end. The end is very open so hopefully there’s a sequel!
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