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The Accident
If only she'd said no...
Katherine Nichols knew she'd had too many drinks, but they were only going a short distance. "There's no traffic anyway," Eve had pointed out. And they'd had such a great night out, the two of them. Even now, driving them home and knowing she shouldn't, seemed almost mischievous. All part of the fun.
Not anymore.
If anyone ever found out about the accident, it would ruin Katherine's life. And things are going so well for Katherine right now. Her daughter Abigail is doing well at school, Katherine loves her job as an analyst at Rue Capital. She's in love with her boss too, which has its own complications, but they're working through that.
But no one needs to know about the accident because Eve was there too, and she's going to help make it all go away.
Except Katherine is about to find out that this isn't the end of the nightmare...
It's the beginning.
Katherine Nichols knew she'd had too many drinks, but they were only going a short distance. "There's no traffic anyway," Eve had pointed out. And they'd had such a great night out, the two of them. Even now, driving them home and knowing she shouldn't, seemed almost mischievous. All part of the fun.
Not anymore.
If anyone ever found out about the accident, it would ruin Katherine's life. And things are going so well for Katherine right now. Her daughter Abigail is doing well at school, Katherine loves her job as an analyst at Rue Capital. She's in love with her boss too, which has its own complications, but they're working through that.
But no one needs to know about the accident because Eve was there too, and she's going to help make it all go away.
Except Katherine is about to find out that this isn't the end of the nightmare...
It's the beginning.
302 pages, Paperback
First published January 21, 2019
6841 people are currently reading
7485 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Barelli
12 books2,399 followersYou will usually find Natalie Barelli reading a book, and that book will more likely than not be a psychological thriller. When not absorbed in the latest gripping page-turner, Natalie rides motorcycles, knits very badly and spends far too much time at the computer. She lives in Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,109 reviews
March 21, 2019
I'm sorry. I know this book got a lot of 4 and 5 star reviews, but I just didn't like it. The main character has to be the MOST gullible person alive. For all of her self-proclaimed genius, she is ridiculously stupid. The majority of this book would be obsolete if she just utilized google one damn time. It just wasn't believable to me. She researches things and creates probabilities and trusts her gut for her job - and if we are to believe her own hype, she is damn good at it. But she blindly believes everything and everyone around her without even so much as a simple google search or a few questions. Okay - fool me once, I can get. But once she realized she has been lied to by at least two "important" people in her life, you'd think she's start to be a bit more skeptical... I found her unlikable and unrealistic.
Furthermore, I guessed the major "twists" by the second sentence of the book. By the end of chapter 2 - I could have written the plot myself. Maybe this is because I read A LOT and teach writing and fiction for my job, so I understand the tropes of writing, but I was not "blown away" by the amazing twists as so many other critics and readers seemed to be. Once the blackmail started, the entire middle of the book dragged on and on - it was super repetitive. We get it, she's being blackmailed. Uncle Bill is a pretty influential guy apparently. Forgive the hyperbole, but I don't need 12 chapters to establish this. I skimmed the majority of the middle and didn't lose any plot points or character development that I could tell.
The ending picked up again as Kat was finally starting to get her head out of her ass and figure out what I knew from the second sentence. But then, the author just had to throw 47 other unnecessary "twists" into the story. Most of them I saw coming, the other ones were entirely unnecessary and I felt like her thought process was "a twist is just the opposite of what I've already written". This does work in small doses, but all it did here was make her protagonist look like a complete and total fool. And what the hell was the point about her aunt and uncle. Another unnecessary plot point that really didn't end up meaning anything or adding to the story in any way. It didn't make the character sympathetic or any more likable. It actually had the opposite effect - why would she be so wracked with guilt and remorse of supposedly leaving someone to die when clearly she has no qualms about killing someone? It didn't fit with her character AT.ALL.
And then it just ended. I would have loved much less of the whining and poor is me and I'm gonna call my uncle, Kat from the middle and a little more detail and time spent on the ending.
Sorry - not my cup of tea - at all.
Furthermore, I guessed the major "twists" by the second sentence of the book. By the end of chapter 2 - I could have written the plot myself. Maybe this is because I read A LOT and teach writing and fiction for my job, so I understand the tropes of writing, but I was not "blown away" by the amazing twists as so many other critics and readers seemed to be. Once the blackmail started, the entire middle of the book dragged on and on - it was super repetitive. We get it, she's being blackmailed. Uncle Bill is a pretty influential guy apparently. Forgive the hyperbole, but I don't need 12 chapters to establish this. I skimmed the majority of the middle and didn't lose any plot points or character development that I could tell.
The ending picked up again as Kat was finally starting to get her head out of her ass and figure out what I knew from the second sentence. But then, the author just had to throw 47 other unnecessary "twists" into the story. Most of them I saw coming, the other ones were entirely unnecessary and I felt like her thought process was "a twist is just the opposite of what I've already written". This does work in small doses, but all it did here was make her protagonist look like a complete and total fool. And what the hell was the point about her aunt and uncle. Another unnecessary plot point that really didn't end up meaning anything or adding to the story in any way. It didn't make the character sympathetic or any more likable. It actually had the opposite effect - why would she be so wracked with guilt and remorse of supposedly leaving someone to die when clearly she has no qualms about killing someone? It didn't fit with her character AT.ALL.
And then it just ended. I would have loved much less of the whining and poor is me and I'm gonna call my uncle, Kat from the middle and a little more detail and time spent on the ending.
Sorry - not my cup of tea - at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2019
I love Natalie Barelli books.. this one was so good!! Nothing is what is seems. The Accident was the least of her problems! Great ending!
March 5, 2019
This new book proved to be a surprisingly good thriller! Katherine, aka Kat, is set up by Eve, who later is found to be a sociopathic con artist who manipulates and schemes her way into wealthy women’s lives. She sets them up for ruin in various ways. Towards the end of the book I was feeling absolutely frantic and was rooting for Katherine to get out of Eve’s clutches. I loved it and want to read more of this author’s books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2019
2.75 stars.
Arghh when I started this I thought "oh no, how predictable, I know what's going to happen here." And it did. So I was ready to DNF but soldiered on and then things started to get more interesting, but still predictable in a different way. So it was an okay read but that's about it. Quick and light and moderately satisfying.
Arghh when I started this I thought "oh no, how predictable, I know what's going to happen here." And it did. So I was ready to DNF but soldiered on and then things started to get more interesting, but still predictable in a different way. So it was an okay read but that's about it. Quick and light and moderately satisfying.
April 8, 2019
OMG. A formulaic book read in a child like voice in an edition (audio book) not even listed on good reads. This book should come with a warning: not for anyone over a certain age or who has read a certain number of books.
So many red flags starting with a protagonist who cant stop saying how brilliant she is and how clever and how everyone said so including her married boss she is having an affair with (who ofcourse is going to divorce his wife, not). Her mother is in an assisted living and sort of chokes on a bit of food (this gives the narrator an oppty to imitate what sounds like a Polish accent but we are told is Scottish. Why the woman is told her mother almost choked but didn't is beyond me but this is the set up for her to meet Eve who has every women's fiction sociopathic trait. The brilliant main character gets her a job for almost saving her mother then parties with her and allows this young woman to convince her she can drive drunk and on and on. The whole book is a spoiler. Its painful reading or listening. You know where its going , one misstep at a time.
So many red flags starting with a protagonist who cant stop saying how brilliant she is and how clever and how everyone said so including her married boss she is having an affair with (who ofcourse is going to divorce his wife, not). Her mother is in an assisted living and sort of chokes on a bit of food (this gives the narrator an oppty to imitate what sounds like a Polish accent but we are told is Scottish. Why the woman is told her mother almost choked but didn't is beyond me but this is the set up for her to meet Eve who has every women's fiction sociopathic trait. The brilliant main character gets her a job for almost saving her mother then parties with her and allows this young woman to convince her she can drive drunk and on and on. The whole book is a spoiler. Its painful reading or listening. You know where its going , one misstep at a time.
July 17, 2019
Well. Predictable - yes, and even a little frustrating during the first part. I wanted to shake the MC. But ultimately I loved it. Psychopaths are scary things.
February 9, 2019
I started this book late last night stayed up til 1am because I couldn’t put it down it was so good! Finished it in less than 24 hours. Definitely a great thriller that captures you right away. If you start this book you may not want to put it down until you’re done. Can’t wait to check out Natalie’s other books!
June 7, 2020
Rounded to 3stars.
What I find mind blowing is the fact that this book received so many 5 stars rating.
This book is so predictable and not a bit original.
The storyline is far-fetched.
The writing is not bad, although sometimes a bit juvenile.
It is hard to except some depth in a book so small (272 pages with 50 chapters).
A fast read for sure, but forgettable.
What I find mind blowing is the fact that this book received so many 5 stars rating.
This book is so predictable and not a bit original.
The storyline is far-fetched.
The writing is not bad, although sometimes a bit juvenile.
It is hard to except some depth in a book so small (272 pages with 50 chapters).
A fast read for sure, but forgettable.
December 4, 2020
Audio 4 Stars
Story 4.5 Stars
Story 4.5 Stars
February 10, 2019
Natalie Barelli is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! Great twists as usual!
January 25, 2020
I have officially become a Natalie Barelli fan!! This is my second book I’ve read and wow!! I couldn’t put this one down!! I did have a few issues with Katherine....she got just a tad annoying at times....and Eve was just over the top....which is why I think this would make a killer movie!! I’ve been slow starting this year with my reading and haven’t had much time....I’ve pulled this book out while sitting at the bank drive thru! And although the two main characters I wanted to slap....still giving 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5!!
January 9, 2020
4 stars audio
5 revenge done right stars story.
5 revenge done right stars story.
April 1, 2019
I wanted to like this book, I really did. I had just read "Missing Molley" by the author and was blown away, so when I saw this book I was eager.
I dunno......the characters make no sense. Katherine is suppose to be this witty, fast thinking executive, but yet she is dumb as a box of rocks...so which is it? Is she savvy or is she naive? I HATED her....
She can use the Internet to research companies, but it doesn't occur to her to Google news on local hit and run victims?
The plot is very predictable....the ending anti-climatic and the middle is.just.so.slow.
If you can get this book for free on Hoopla, or maybe in the bargain bin for a few bucks, it is an OK read...but for heavens sake, don't pay full price.
I dunno......the characters make no sense. Katherine is suppose to be this witty, fast thinking executive, but yet she is dumb as a box of rocks...so which is it? Is she savvy or is she naive? I HATED her....
She can use the Internet to research companies, but it doesn't occur to her to Google news on local hit and run victims?
The plot is very predictable....the ending anti-climatic and the middle is.just.so.slow.
If you can get this book for free on Hoopla, or maybe in the bargain bin for a few bucks, it is an OK read...but for heavens sake, don't pay full price.
March 19, 2019
Very well written but omg I HATED Kat. This book is what I like to call the “A-hole plot” as in there wouldn’t be a plot if the main character wasn’t a complete A-hole. I enjoyed the book though, it was a little painful but the writing was good.
March 7, 2023
New auto buy author alert. This book was fantastic. I couldnt stop reading or thinking about this book. Its a pyschological thriller at its best. I found myself wanting to yell at a certain character. It was a slow paced thriller , full of suspense right until the very end. The ending was superb. Ive already got the rest of her books ready to read. I cant wait to read them. Lots of inner dialogue whilst reading this one.
August 19, 2019
I can't even finish this book. Maybe if I hadn't listened to the audio version. The narrator made this banal book even worse. This book is like a Lifetime movie, a brilliant but stupid protagonist, overly kind Villian, obvious plot. The author let me down on this one.
May 17, 2019
The main character is a gullible weakling and her nemesis is a total dipsh*t. The story was improbable and predictable.
August 4, 2021
This gal really knows how to write a psychological thriller! This is my third one and they are all entirely different! She creates wonderfully original plots and keeps you guessing until the last pages.
It’s not fast paced, just slow torture as Eve spins her evil venom. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and it does. It’s like in a horror movie when you want to scream “don’t open that door!” - slow suspenseful. It couldn’t have been better.
It’s not fast paced, just slow torture as Eve spins her evil venom. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and it does. It’s like in a horror movie when you want to scream “don’t open that door!” - slow suspenseful. It couldn’t have been better.
September 6, 2019
As you can probably tell by the rating, this book wasn't for me. I want to say that the target market for this type of book will enjoy it though, but to be honest, I can't really see what anyone finds enjoyable here. The plot is predictable and the few 'twists' are only possible thanks to exceptional stupidity and coincidence. The protagonist is a whiny, naive, annoying moron who tries to keep assuring us that she's actually really smart. The antagonist is somehow even more annoying, so you can't even root for her instead. Maybe it's the basic writing and short length that lends itself to a quick read where you can simply let go of reality and quietly judge the characters to your heart's content?
There's really not much else to say about this book. You really have to be prepared to turn off your brain and not think about how utterly stupid everyone involved has to be in order for any of the events to happen. Maybe if this was set in the late 90s, where there was no Google or Uber, things might have been more plausible, but in this modern context, it's simply ridiculous. But maybe you're more interested in the characters and how they react and develop to the insane situations? Well, the problem there is that they don't behave consistently enough to be believable either and pretty much all their choices are usually entirely plot-driven and exactly the opposite of what a rational person would do. I think there was one likeable character in this entire book and that's probably because they didn't get much page time and actually acted as someone would in their situation (well, mostly. Being a perfect child is hard work after all).
If you are able to just run with what you're told, then I guess there's enough here to be a fun read. Don't overthink everything like I do and strap yourself in for the ride. Although don't expect much originality, creativity or genuine surprises. I should also note that I did the audiobook version which didn't have the best of narrators, but I doubt a less whiny voice would have done much to save this one, unfortunately.
There's really not much else to say about this book. You really have to be prepared to turn off your brain and not think about how utterly stupid everyone involved has to be in order for any of the events to happen. Maybe if this was set in the late 90s, where there was no Google or Uber, things might have been more plausible, but in this modern context, it's simply ridiculous. But maybe you're more interested in the characters and how they react and develop to the insane situations? Well, the problem there is that they don't behave consistently enough to be believable either and pretty much all their choices are usually entirely plot-driven and exactly the opposite of what a rational person would do. I think there was one likeable character in this entire book and that's probably because they didn't get much page time and actually acted as someone would in their situation (well, mostly. Being a perfect child is hard work after all).
If you are able to just run with what you're told, then I guess there's enough here to be a fun read. Don't overthink everything like I do and strap yourself in for the ride. Although don't expect much originality, creativity or genuine surprises. I should also note that I did the audiobook version which didn't have the best of narrators, but I doubt a less whiny voice would have done much to save this one, unfortunately.
July 26, 2020
OH MY GOD!!! This is the first book by this author for me. Although there were points where I wanted to grab and shake Katherine, horrified by her not standing up for herself as her life rapidly was taken from her by the the personification of straight up EVIL (aka Eve) and while she was allowing herself to let Mark play her, I stuck with the book as I was able to understand that some people aren’t able to do that and this wasn’t a bad thing, it just meant that not everyone is like me...which is a REALLY good thing.
I can say that the world wouldn’t make it if we were so much alike as all that. I can also admit that too many headstrong and stubborn people wouldn’t be such a grand place to live. But I digress.
This book kept me on pins and needles, something that hasn’t happened for awhile. I went from annoyance at Katherine allowing herself to be kicked around to understanding what made her that way and why. There were things I didn’t see coming and then there were things obvious to me but she seemed oblivious. Blinder than a deaf bat!
Overall, the part about the conception of Lucy was good because these social issues make the characters more realistic and relatable. The ending...Woah! Didn’t see that coming, well, partially. Elements of the ending were somewhat predictable and others weren’t. The twists were there and the excitement. That the author keeping me guessing was a total bonus.
I can say that the world wouldn’t make it if we were so much alike as all that. I can also admit that too many headstrong and stubborn people wouldn’t be such a grand place to live. But I digress.
This book kept me on pins and needles, something that hasn’t happened for awhile. I went from annoyance at Katherine allowing herself to be kicked around to understanding what made her that way and why. There were things I didn’t see coming and then there were things obvious to me but she seemed oblivious. Blinder than a deaf bat!
Overall, the part about the conception of Lucy was good because these social issues make the characters more realistic and relatable. The ending...Woah! Didn’t see that coming, well, partially. Elements of the ending were somewhat predictable and others weren’t. The twists were there and the excitement. That the author keeping me guessing was a total bonus.
January 28, 2020
You know that Geico commercial where they hide behind the chainsaws??? This was a whole book of great decisions like that.
May 30, 2023
Review to come later
May 10, 2023
THE ACCIDENT
Natalie Barelli
I can't finish this, I hate books about stupid smart women. I mean WHO would do some of the things this grown intelligent woman did?
DNF about 1/3 of the way
Happy Reading!
Natalie Barelli
I can't finish this, I hate books about stupid smart women. I mean WHO would do some of the things this grown intelligent woman did?
DNF about 1/3 of the way
Happy Reading!
March 11, 2019
After the initial shocking event, everything is very very predictable.
May 12, 2023
I honestly think that I’ve read this book before OR that it’s so formulaic that I knew the story about 25% in!
Woman meets younger women, befriends her.
Young woman is a sociopath
Woman is stupid
Finally through obvious twists & turns
Woman defeats young woman
And they live happily ever after
Woman meets younger women, befriends her.
Young woman is a sociopath
Woman is stupid
Finally through obvious twists & turns
Woman defeats young woman
And they live happily ever after
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2019
2.5 stars - Passable psychological thriller; predictable plot, menacing antagonist, gullible MC
When the book is in the zone, it is a page-turner. When it isn't, it isn't pretty.
Eve, the antagonist, is cruel, heartless, manipulative. Evil. The character was written well and she was really getting on my nerves. I was hoping that she would finally get her comeuppance and the sooner the better.
However our protagonist, Catherine, has to be the most gullible character that I've happened across in fiction. She is an intelligent and successful venture capital research analyst, on the fast track to partnership in the firm. However, after an unfortunate incident, she is drawn into Eve's web and is seemingly powerless to avoid a downward spiral. Making misstep after misstep, it makes one wish it were possible to jump into the book and say, "Wait! Stop and think."
Overall, the story line was predictable and the surprise "twist" at the end wasn't all that much of a surprise. The ending was flat and not as dramatic as the reader might have anticipated due to the buildup leading to the scene in the cemetery.
This is far from a great novel and yet not a terrible book. The narration wasn't terrible either. Although parts of it were spotty and the accents were a little "strained" and annoying.
I rate this book It was okay plus a little more to acknowledge the sections of the book that hit the mark.
When the book is in the zone, it is a page-turner. When it isn't, it isn't pretty.
Eve, the antagonist, is cruel, heartless, manipulative. Evil. The character was written well and she was really getting on my nerves. I was hoping that she would finally get her comeuppance and the sooner the better.
However our protagonist, Catherine, has to be the most gullible character that I've happened across in fiction. She is an intelligent and successful venture capital research analyst, on the fast track to partnership in the firm. However, after an unfortunate incident, she is drawn into Eve's web and is seemingly powerless to avoid a downward spiral. Making misstep after misstep, it makes one wish it were possible to jump into the book and say, "Wait! Stop and think."
Overall, the story line was predictable and the surprise "twist" at the end wasn't all that much of a surprise. The ending was flat and not as dramatic as the reader might have anticipated due to the buildup leading to the scene in the cemetery.
This is far from a great novel and yet not a terrible book. The narration wasn't terrible either. Although parts of it were spotty and the accents were a little "strained" and annoying.
I rate this book It was okay plus a little more to acknowledge the sections of the book that hit the mark.
September 12, 2022
Be Still My Thumpin' Heart! 😳😯🤯
Okay, okay! I know I know I'm super late to the party with this one but dear lord it was so worth the wait! I've got to say this has to be my utmost favourite by Barelli! The crazy drama, intense thriller aspect was endless in this novel. I couldn't get enough of the secrets and endless unraveling of the truth and reasons! I was absolutely gobsmacked with the ending. Like a ride at a haunted fair you just don't want to get off of. It was deeply dark, conniving and absolutely corrupt. I can't believe the emotions Barelli provoked out of me at times it was crazy! I sped through this like a horse jockey trying to win a race for The Queen. Absolutely divine, voluptuous and satisfying as chocolate & carbs!
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: Kate feels she's finally in a good place in her life. She's got a great job and a sure fire client that'll be huge, a wonderful teenage daughter, & a relationship with someone she adores. She's also made a new friend, Eve, who helped saved her mother while choking. She takes Eve under her wing setting her up as her assistant & spending time together. But after one night, on their way home from drinking and clubbing, Kate & Eve end up in a car accident... and it turns out her worst fears haven't even happened yet.
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 4 / 5 Autumn Leaves! 🍂
Okay, okay! I know I know I'm super late to the party with this one but dear lord it was so worth the wait! I've got to say this has to be my utmost favourite by Barelli! The crazy drama, intense thriller aspect was endless in this novel. I couldn't get enough of the secrets and endless unraveling of the truth and reasons! I was absolutely gobsmacked with the ending. Like a ride at a haunted fair you just don't want to get off of. It was deeply dark, conniving and absolutely corrupt. I can't believe the emotions Barelli provoked out of me at times it was crazy! I sped through this like a horse jockey trying to win a race for The Queen. Absolutely divine, voluptuous and satisfying as chocolate & carbs!
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: Kate feels she's finally in a good place in her life. She's got a great job and a sure fire client that'll be huge, a wonderful teenage daughter, & a relationship with someone she adores. She's also made a new friend, Eve, who helped saved her mother while choking. She takes Eve under her wing setting her up as her assistant & spending time together. But after one night, on their way home from drinking and clubbing, Kate & Eve end up in a car accident... and it turns out her worst fears haven't even happened yet.
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 4 / 5 Autumn Leaves! 🍂
September 11, 2019
Did not finish. The main character is the worst, this story has been done a billion times and by much better writers.
March 31, 2021
Fast paced thriller. If you’re looking for an interesting quick read this is it. Good ending.
July 14, 2023
An interesting read from the first page! What happens if you accidentally kill someone who’s in the road on a rainy night AND you are both stoned and drunk? Would you turn yourself in? I read this blindly forgetting what the summary said. And I’m glad I did! These types of plots always give me anxiety! Kat is in for some major trouble, and you’ll be dying to know if she can possibly get out of it! I read two whole books in a short day, and this was one of them. It’s so easy to leave, but it’s also gripping! Recommended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,109 reviews