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Girl Watching You
A young woman, obsessed by a man she considers a predator, climbs a fire escape and thinks she sees a murder.
Out of work actress Ava Beck, reduced to working in a West Village flower shop, starts to watch womanizing hedge funder Peter Greer, who lives near. He likes to romance his girlfriends with flowers.
Ava notices bruises on his troubled-looking date named Chloe. Concerned, she follows them after work to Chloe's studio, second floor in the rear of a brownstone. She hears them arguing, climbs up the fire escape just as Greer angrily sees her...and plunges into a world of stunning twists, murder and madness worse than any she could have imagined...
Out of work actress Ava Beck, reduced to working in a West Village flower shop, starts to watch womanizing hedge funder Peter Greer, who lives near. He likes to romance his girlfriends with flowers.
Ava notices bruises on his troubled-looking date named Chloe. Concerned, she follows them after work to Chloe's studio, second floor in the rear of a brownstone. She hears them arguing, climbs up the fire escape just as Greer angrily sees her...and plunges into a world of stunning twists, murder and madness worse than any she could have imagined...
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2019
251 people are currently reading
377 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Schneider
17 books572 followersWheaton College, Norton MA (French Lit Major, Minor in Spanish & squeezed in Russian.)
Sorbonne, Jr. Year in Paris
Exchange student in the Soviet Union, where I got arrested for spreading anti-Soviet propaganda - ugh. Caught with friends laughing at their pea-green-colored drinking water; that was the offense; four of us arrested. Let go after a day, guess they decided we weren't worth an international incident...
Now excited about my new upcoming thriller, THE GIRL THIEF! Release May 30!
Former writer at Newsweek Magazine. Author of the 6-book EMBRYO medical thriller series; the 4-book Detective Kerri Blasco Police/Psychological Thrillers FEAR DREAMS, HER LAST BREATH, WATCHING YOU, & SHOELESS CHILD.
Also 7 standalone thrillers: INTO THE DARK, GIRL WATCHING YOU, WHAT YOU'VE DONE, CRY TO ME, THE WIFE LIST & THE GIRL THIEF. Also the U.S. Civil War thriller, KATE WARNE'S SISTER IS MISSING. (She was America's first female detective and a Pinkerton. The story takes place in NYC - a pro-South hotbed - at the outbreak of the Civil War.)
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/joyce.schnei...
Twitter https://twitter.com/JoyceSchneider1
Website: https://jaschneiderauthor.net
Sorbonne, Jr. Year in Paris
Exchange student in the Soviet Union, where I got arrested for spreading anti-Soviet propaganda - ugh. Caught with friends laughing at their pea-green-colored drinking water; that was the offense; four of us arrested. Let go after a day, guess they decided we weren't worth an international incident...
Now excited about my new upcoming thriller, THE GIRL THIEF! Release May 30!
Former writer at Newsweek Magazine. Author of the 6-book EMBRYO medical thriller series; the 4-book Detective Kerri Blasco Police/Psychological Thrillers FEAR DREAMS, HER LAST BREATH, WATCHING YOU, & SHOELESS CHILD.
Also 7 standalone thrillers: INTO THE DARK, GIRL WATCHING YOU, WHAT YOU'VE DONE, CRY TO ME, THE WIFE LIST & THE GIRL THIEF. Also the U.S. Civil War thriller, KATE WARNE'S SISTER IS MISSING. (She was America's first female detective and a Pinkerton. The story takes place in NYC - a pro-South hotbed - at the outbreak of the Civil War.)
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/joyce.schnei...
Twitter https://twitter.com/JoyceSchneider1
Website: https://jaschneiderauthor.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
March 19, 2022
OK. That’s it?
The first part was a boring mess. Repetitive, dull and flat. Even the main character couldn’t save it for me. I almost decided not to continue reading but I wanted to know what happens next so I kept at it.
I wouldn’t call this a psychological thriller because it didn’t give me the intensity that I was looking for. The connections of the characters were forced and cosmetic. Even the relationship of Ava and Peter is unconvincing. Like, “I really think that he’s a murderer but he’s hot so…” Seriously? So much for seeking justice, eh? The stupidity of the main character pissed me off in more ways than one!
Even when the revelation about the killer was revealed, I was too unbothered to care. There was only one thing I wanted to do, get it over with, close the book and never open it again. If I wanted a romance novel, I would’ve gone for Carolyn Brown, Robyn Carr or Lauren Dane. Ugh.
The first part was a boring mess. Repetitive, dull and flat. Even the main character couldn’t save it for me. I almost decided not to continue reading but I wanted to know what happens next so I kept at it.
I wouldn’t call this a psychological thriller because it didn’t give me the intensity that I was looking for. The connections of the characters were forced and cosmetic. Even the relationship of Ava and Peter is unconvincing. Like, “I really think that he’s a murderer but he’s hot so…” Seriously? So much for seeking justice, eh? The stupidity of the main character pissed me off in more ways than one!
Even when the revelation about the killer was revealed, I was too unbothered to care. There was only one thing I wanted to do, get it over with, close the book and never open it again. If I wanted a romance novel, I would’ve gone for Carolyn Brown, Robyn Carr or Lauren Dane. Ugh.
June 14, 2019
First of all I must thank the author for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
I have loved this authors work for a few years now, but I think she has excelled herself this time.
Bit of a cliché, but I really did not want to put this down. I wish I had saved it for a time without work and other commitments. It is a great page turner of a book I loved the main character Ava Beck (great name), She means well, but seems to find trouble at every corner.
I had several suspects along the way, but was I wrong! Definitely did not see that coming
If you are looking for an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller, look no further!.
I have loved this authors work for a few years now, but I think she has excelled herself this time.
Bit of a cliché, but I really did not want to put this down. I wish I had saved it for a time without work and other commitments. It is a great page turner of a book I loved the main character Ava Beck (great name), She means well, but seems to find trouble at every corner.
I had several suspects along the way, but was I wrong! Definitely did not see that coming
If you are looking for an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller, look no further!.
June 8, 2019
4.5 stars.
Although the author has a couple of series going, which I hope will continue, this is a stand alone thriller. Ava Marsh had a solid acting career until her sister's death two years ago. Filed away as an accident, Ava knows it wasn't and that her abusive actor boyfriend had killed her. Ava went a bit nuts one night and attacked him. He then proceeded to have her blacklisted. Ava's soon to be ex-husband, lawyer Alex, is handling a civil suit against the boyfriend for wrongful death or some such but its not looking very good. Now she works in a flower shop and has a much quieter, if somewhat haunted, life.
At the flower shop she notices that a rather good looking man, Peter Greer, often comes in to buy flowers for an apparently revolving door of gorgeous women. One day she notices bruises on the latest woman's wrists. Now Ava has been quite depressive since her sister died and her career imploded. One of her ways of dealing with it is to observe people closely, sometimes making assumptions about them, sometimes spying on them. She already knows where this woman lives and, after work, after dark, she climbs the fire escape and peers in the window and sees - an argument, a raised hand, a shove and them Greer looks up and sees her. She flees straight home.
The next morning she learns the woman has been murdered during the night. Now she is a bit frightened. Was it Greer? The woman's neighbours certainly think so. Against all advice, Ava sneaks to Greer's apartment and before she gets to the back door, he confronts and threatens her.
A few days later he confronts her again and apologises and says he didn't kill the woman - yeah right. Ava is naturally skeptical. From then on it gets quite tense as Ava continues to poke and prod at things. She just can't help herself and she starts to question her judgement, indeed her sanity as it becomes clear that a range of other people could have something to hide and/or something to gain by the woman's death. Ava doesn't know who to trust as she puts herself in more danger than she could know. This was a taut psychological thriller with a very relatable lead character whom you found yourself instantly rooting for. A great read.
Although the author has a couple of series going, which I hope will continue, this is a stand alone thriller. Ava Marsh had a solid acting career until her sister's death two years ago. Filed away as an accident, Ava knows it wasn't and that her abusive actor boyfriend had killed her. Ava went a bit nuts one night and attacked him. He then proceeded to have her blacklisted. Ava's soon to be ex-husband, lawyer Alex, is handling a civil suit against the boyfriend for wrongful death or some such but its not looking very good. Now she works in a flower shop and has a much quieter, if somewhat haunted, life.
At the flower shop she notices that a rather good looking man, Peter Greer, often comes in to buy flowers for an apparently revolving door of gorgeous women. One day she notices bruises on the latest woman's wrists. Now Ava has been quite depressive since her sister died and her career imploded. One of her ways of dealing with it is to observe people closely, sometimes making assumptions about them, sometimes spying on them. She already knows where this woman lives and, after work, after dark, she climbs the fire escape and peers in the window and sees - an argument, a raised hand, a shove and them Greer looks up and sees her. She flees straight home.
The next morning she learns the woman has been murdered during the night. Now she is a bit frightened. Was it Greer? The woman's neighbours certainly think so. Against all advice, Ava sneaks to Greer's apartment and before she gets to the back door, he confronts and threatens her.
A few days later he confronts her again and apologises and says he didn't kill the woman - yeah right. Ava is naturally skeptical. From then on it gets quite tense as Ava continues to poke and prod at things. She just can't help herself and she starts to question her judgement, indeed her sanity as it becomes clear that a range of other people could have something to hide and/or something to gain by the woman's death. Ava doesn't know who to trust as she puts herself in more danger than she could know. This was a taut psychological thriller with a very relatable lead character whom you found yourself instantly rooting for. A great read.
June 22, 2019
4.5★s
As Ava Beck continued to come to terms with her sister’s death, she was working in a West Village florist shop to make ends meet. An actress, currently out of work, her obsession with finding the answers regarding Kim meant she watched everyone. And when a handsome man and his girlfriend were buying flowers and she noticed bruises on the young woman, she immediately jumped to the obvious conclusion. But it was when that same young woman was murdered that it all escalated.
With Ava sure she knew who the murderer was, she put herself in danger time and again in an attempt to find evidence. The police told her to leave it to them; her friends told her to leave town, to stay safe – but she ignored them all, positive she was right. But slowly, gradually, danger crept its way toward Ava and she had no idea who she could trust. Would she trust the wrong person? Was evil to come to her the same as it came to Kim?
Girl Watching You is a standalone psychological thriller by J.A. Schneider that once again proves she’s right up there at the top of her game. I’ve read everything this author has written, and each time I’m gripped by the twists, cunningly written red herrings and pure thrills as was produced in Girl Watching You. I thought I had the “who” – I was wrong! I couldn’t believe the amount of times Ava put herself in danger – didn’t she care?! Chilling, thrilling and eminently readable for fans of thrillers – Girl Watching You is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
As Ava Beck continued to come to terms with her sister’s death, she was working in a West Village florist shop to make ends meet. An actress, currently out of work, her obsession with finding the answers regarding Kim meant she watched everyone. And when a handsome man and his girlfriend were buying flowers and she noticed bruises on the young woman, she immediately jumped to the obvious conclusion. But it was when that same young woman was murdered that it all escalated.
With Ava sure she knew who the murderer was, she put herself in danger time and again in an attempt to find evidence. The police told her to leave it to them; her friends told her to leave town, to stay safe – but she ignored them all, positive she was right. But slowly, gradually, danger crept its way toward Ava and she had no idea who she could trust. Would she trust the wrong person? Was evil to come to her the same as it came to Kim?
Girl Watching You is a standalone psychological thriller by J.A. Schneider that once again proves she’s right up there at the top of her game. I’ve read everything this author has written, and each time I’m gripped by the twists, cunningly written red herrings and pure thrills as was produced in Girl Watching You. I thought I had the “who” – I was wrong! I couldn’t believe the amount of times Ava put herself in danger – didn’t she care?! Chilling, thrilling and eminently readable for fans of thrillers – Girl Watching You is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2019
4.5 Stars
Ava is an actress (unemployed at the time) working at a flower shop, still trying to deal with the death of her sister, two years ago. It was decided to be an accident, but Ava knows it wasn't and her abusive boyfriend killed her. Because she went after him physically, he had her blacklisted.
She's become very aware of abusive men and when a couple walk into the flower shop, she notices bruises around the woman's wrist. Not hard to think that since the man she's with is a known womanizer.
Thinking about the woman all day and comparing her with her sister, she decides to keep check on her. Dressing all in black, and climbing up the fire escape to watch them, she sees the two having one heck of an argument. But when the man glances through the window, he sees Ava.
Ava is plunged into a nightmare .. worse than anything she's ever known. When she discovers that another woman was killed a few years earlier ... a woman known to be dating the womanizer.
How many more women are going to die by this man's hands? When he confronts Ava, is she going to be the next on his list?
This is a well-written thriller filled with suspense, murder, and twists and turns that lead to an unexpected ending. The characters are finely drawn and credible. Lots of action turns this into a real page-turner.
Many thanks to the author for the advanced digital copy of this psychological crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Ava is an actress (unemployed at the time) working at a flower shop, still trying to deal with the death of her sister, two years ago. It was decided to be an accident, but Ava knows it wasn't and her abusive boyfriend killed her. Because she went after him physically, he had her blacklisted.
She's become very aware of abusive men and when a couple walk into the flower shop, she notices bruises around the woman's wrist. Not hard to think that since the man she's with is a known womanizer.
Thinking about the woman all day and comparing her with her sister, she decides to keep check on her. Dressing all in black, and climbing up the fire escape to watch them, she sees the two having one heck of an argument. But when the man glances through the window, he sees Ava.
Ava is plunged into a nightmare .. worse than anything she's ever known. When she discovers that another woman was killed a few years earlier ... a woman known to be dating the womanizer.
How many more women are going to die by this man's hands? When he confronts Ava, is she going to be the next on his list?
This is a well-written thriller filled with suspense, murder, and twists and turns that lead to an unexpected ending. The characters are finely drawn and credible. Lots of action turns this into a real page-turner.
Many thanks to the author for the advanced digital copy of this psychological crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 15, 2019
Wow!! What an amazing psychological thriller!! I started this book and did NOT put it down until I finished!! A story that introduces you to Ava, an actress blocked from her trade after her sister is found dead at her boyfriends' house. He was a famous actor who did not like Ava accusing him of murder, so let it be known she was 'unstable' for work! She is now working at a flower store, trying to come to terms with continuing to live her life after loss...
The characters are wonderful, well-developed and feel like your neighbor,and the plot keeps you turning pages as young women seen on the arm of a soon to be divorced financial wizard are found dead! You try to figure out Who the killer is, as Ava feels for the recent woman found dead, a frequent visitor with this 'Boyfriend' to buy flowers, she has a compulsion to make this man pay!
All good until she actually meets Peter and finds he is Nothing like she thought.You are in fear for Ava as she makes some questionable moves, Peter's two young children, who are living a sad life with their unstable mother,and later for everybody when Peter's brother-in-law seems ready to explode.
I highly recommend this suspenseful,chilling thriller to you ALL!!!
The characters are wonderful, well-developed and feel like your neighbor,and the plot keeps you turning pages as young women seen on the arm of a soon to be divorced financial wizard are found dead! You try to figure out Who the killer is, as Ava feels for the recent woman found dead, a frequent visitor with this 'Boyfriend' to buy flowers, she has a compulsion to make this man pay!
All good until she actually meets Peter and finds he is Nothing like she thought.You are in fear for Ava as she makes some questionable moves, Peter's two young children, who are living a sad life with their unstable mother,and later for everybody when Peter's brother-in-law seems ready to explode.
I highly recommend this suspenseful,chilling thriller to you ALL!!!
June 15, 2019
GIRL WATCHING YOU
BY
J. A. SCHNEIDER
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again... J. A. Schneider is on the top of my favorite authors list!
“ Girl Watches You,” is a stand alone novel that is one of her best to date.
This page turner was definitely difficult to put down but we all know how life gets in the way sometimes.
Ava Beck was an actress in a very popular TV series in which she played a cop. After being blacklisted her life made a profound turnaround. She now currently works in a flower shop... is divorcing her husband whom is an attorney and is living in an undesirable apartment.
Things happen for a reason, I believe. Don’t you?
When Ava’s sister... dies her boyfriend calls it an accident. The police call it an accident... and Ava isn’t buying it. She isn’t letting this go and files a civil suit.
A gentleman client named Peter Greer, frequents the flower shop a little too frequently in Ava’s opinion. Ava is suspicious of him due to the number of women he brings into the shop & buys flowers for. The latest young woman is sporting bruises on her wrists. This raises a red flag and causes Ava to climb a fire escape to peer into her apartment & sees what she believes to be a man killing a woman. Your heart will start to pound as the man notices her. Is it Peter Greer or someone else? Does he kill the woman or not?
While seeking justice for her sister...Ava could be in grave danger.
This novel has several twists & turns that make for a fabulous and well written thriller with a satisfying conclusion. J. A. Schneider... you have once again hit the ball out of the park.
BY
J. A. SCHNEIDER
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again... J. A. Schneider is on the top of my favorite authors list!
“ Girl Watches You,” is a stand alone novel that is one of her best to date.
This page turner was definitely difficult to put down but we all know how life gets in the way sometimes.
Ava Beck was an actress in a very popular TV series in which she played a cop. After being blacklisted her life made a profound turnaround. She now currently works in a flower shop... is divorcing her husband whom is an attorney and is living in an undesirable apartment.
Things happen for a reason, I believe. Don’t you?
When Ava’s sister... dies her boyfriend calls it an accident. The police call it an accident... and Ava isn’t buying it. She isn’t letting this go and files a civil suit.
A gentleman client named Peter Greer, frequents the flower shop a little too frequently in Ava’s opinion. Ava is suspicious of him due to the number of women he brings into the shop & buys flowers for. The latest young woman is sporting bruises on her wrists. This raises a red flag and causes Ava to climb a fire escape to peer into her apartment & sees what she believes to be a man killing a woman. Your heart will start to pound as the man notices her. Is it Peter Greer or someone else? Does he kill the woman or not?
While seeking justice for her sister...Ava could be in grave danger.
This novel has several twists & turns that make for a fabulous and well written thriller with a satisfying conclusion. J. A. Schneider... you have once again hit the ball out of the park.
June 5, 2019
Ava Beck is an actress. She's had a successful television series playing a cop and then she was blacklisted. Now she works in a flower shop in the West Village, lives in a sketchy apartment building, and is divorcing her lawyer husband.
When Ava's sister died in what her famous actor boyfriend called an accident, Ava knew better. She saw the abuse, she read her sister's e-mails. The police have called it an accident and Ava is not going to let that go. She files a civil suit and seems unable to move forward.
A lot of people stop at the flower shop and one, in particular, gets Ava's attention due to the number of women he brings by to buy flowers for. The new one is young. As Ava hands her the bouquet she sees bruises on the girl's wrists. Believing that Mr. Peter Greer is not only a womanizer but an abuser has her seeing red. That night she climbs the fire escape to peek in the girl's apartment and sees what she thinks is a man about to kill a woman. And then the man sees her.
The next day the girl is dead, and Ava's world is turned upside down! Will she end up dead before she can see justice for her sister?
This was a stand-alone book from Schneider. It is full of characters who have secrets. I was questioning everyone's motive! And I could not have been more shocked finding out who was on the other end of the gun!
Well Done!
June 27, 2019
When Ava's sister died in what her famous actor boyfriend called an accident, Ava knew better. She saw the abuse, she read her sister's e-mails. The police have called it an accident and Ava is not going to let that go. She files a civil suit and seems unable to move forward.
A lot of people stop at the flower shop and one, in particular, gets Ava's attention due to the number of women he brings by to buy flowers for. The new one is young. As Ava hands her the bouquet she sees bruises on the girl's wrists. Believing that Mr. Peter Greer is not only a womanizer but an abuser has her seeing red. That night she climbs the fire escape to peek in the girl's apartment and sees what she thinks is a man about to kill a woman. And then the man sees her.
The next day the girl is dead, and Ava's world is turned upside down! Will she end up dead before she can see justice for her sister?
This was a stand-alone book from Schneider. It is full of characters who have secrets. I was questioning everyone's motive! And I could not have been more shocked finding out who was on the other end of the gun!
Well Done!
June 27, 2019
June 25, 2019
This book worked my brain muscles and had me thinking I knew who did it and I was so sure but the twist hit and I was wrong. The characters were well written and the story was full of suspense and had a nice little twist. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reading copy of this book.
June 27, 2019
I am a big fan of Joyce Schneider so was very pleased to read this new stand-alone thriller.
Ava, and out of work actress, is in a bad place. She has split up with her lawyer husband, Alex and is in the middle of a divorce. Her sister recently died and Ava suspects she was murdered by her actor boyfriend. When Ava makes her suspicions known Moore retaliates by using his power, money and contacts to make Ava an outcast in the acting world. Forced to find work where she can Ava is currently working in a flower shop where the owner has romantic inclinations towards her which are not reciprocated.
Suffering from depression and insomnia Ava spends the evenings climbing fire escapes and spying on women she believes are being abused. She manages to save one woman from her abusive landlord but isn't so lucky with Chloe. Afraid she has been seen Ava slinks off home and Chloe's murdered body is discovered the following morning. Adding guilt that she could have saved Chloe to her other issues and Ava is spiralling down into the darkness of despair.
Although this book is fairly slow moving during the first half as we get to know the characters it does pick up as the reader becomes engrossed in the tangled web of people, red herrings and clues. There are several characters in this story and the author builds them all very well so they become complex individuals each with their own history and unique personalities.
The story itself, although predominantly crime, has a little romance built in and several more aspects that make it a little different and a lot more intriguing. The suspects are many and my mind was changed many times as we followed the twists and turns of this case even when nearly at the end there was still the choice between a happy ending or more tragedy to keep the adrenaline pumping.
Another winner from the brilliant J.A Schneider.
Thank you to the author for the digital ARC of this book. These are my own, unbiased thoughts and opinions.
Ava, and out of work actress, is in a bad place. She has split up with her lawyer husband, Alex and is in the middle of a divorce. Her sister recently died and Ava suspects she was murdered by her actor boyfriend. When Ava makes her suspicions known Moore retaliates by using his power, money and contacts to make Ava an outcast in the acting world. Forced to find work where she can Ava is currently working in a flower shop where the owner has romantic inclinations towards her which are not reciprocated.
Suffering from depression and insomnia Ava spends the evenings climbing fire escapes and spying on women she believes are being abused. She manages to save one woman from her abusive landlord but isn't so lucky with Chloe. Afraid she has been seen Ava slinks off home and Chloe's murdered body is discovered the following morning. Adding guilt that she could have saved Chloe to her other issues and Ava is spiralling down into the darkness of despair.
Although this book is fairly slow moving during the first half as we get to know the characters it does pick up as the reader becomes engrossed in the tangled web of people, red herrings and clues. There are several characters in this story and the author builds them all very well so they become complex individuals each with their own history and unique personalities.
The story itself, although predominantly crime, has a little romance built in and several more aspects that make it a little different and a lot more intriguing. The suspects are many and my mind was changed many times as we followed the twists and turns of this case even when nearly at the end there was still the choice between a happy ending or more tragedy to keep the adrenaline pumping.
Another winner from the brilliant J.A Schneider.
Thank you to the author for the digital ARC of this book. These are my own, unbiased thoughts and opinions.
June 19, 2019
Girl Watching You is the latest stand alone thriller by lovely Joyce Schneide,author of the brilliant Detective Kerri Blasco series. It's a captivating tale of love,obsession,betrayal,deception,revenge and murder that keeps the reader guessing throughout and causes you to gasp out loud in shock when the killer's identity is revealed.
During the day Ava Beck is your average normal (albeit reluctant) florist in a West Village flower shop but once night falls Ava's need for justice causes her inner vigilante to take over and she finds herself climbing fire escapes and helping people who are in distress.
One day,whilst she is working in the florists,Ava notices bruises on the wrists of a troubled looking young woman called Chloe. Ava's sister was a victim of domestic violence and died at the hands of her violent boyfriend and Ava suspects that Chloe is being abused by her handsome,womanizing hedge fund boyfriend Peter Greer. So that night Ava follows them to Chloe's studio apartment,hears them arguing,climbs the fire escape and finds herself plunged into a world of danger,murder and deception.
Ava Beck (love that name) is a complex character who you can't help admiring because of her determination to get justice for her sister and Chloe. But at the same time there were moments when she frustrates the hell out of you. She could be very head strong,stubborn and refused to listen to the advice from the people who cared about her welfare.Although I couldn't blame her with one of them who came across as a bit obsessive and controlling. The other characters were a diverse bunch of personalities,some likeable,some not so likeable and more than one of them was definitely not who they appeared to be.
Girl Watching You is a extremely well written,twist packed thriller that hooks the reader in from the first page and holds the readers attention throughout. The author's words flow with ease,drawing the reader into her realistic character's fictional world. I think that Joyce Schneider deserves more recognition than she gets for her brilliant books and look forward to whatever she has planned for her next thriller (hopefully a new Kerri Blasco investigation)
Many many thanks to Joyce Schneider for a arc of this book in exchange for a honest review
During the day Ava Beck is your average normal (albeit reluctant) florist in a West Village flower shop but once night falls Ava's need for justice causes her inner vigilante to take over and she finds herself climbing fire escapes and helping people who are in distress.
One day,whilst she is working in the florists,Ava notices bruises on the wrists of a troubled looking young woman called Chloe. Ava's sister was a victim of domestic violence and died at the hands of her violent boyfriend and Ava suspects that Chloe is being abused by her handsome,womanizing hedge fund boyfriend Peter Greer. So that night Ava follows them to Chloe's studio apartment,hears them arguing,climbs the fire escape and finds herself plunged into a world of danger,murder and deception.
Ava Beck (love that name) is a complex character who you can't help admiring because of her determination to get justice for her sister and Chloe. But at the same time there were moments when she frustrates the hell out of you. She could be very head strong,stubborn and refused to listen to the advice from the people who cared about her welfare.Although I couldn't blame her with one of them who came across as a bit obsessive and controlling. The other characters were a diverse bunch of personalities,some likeable,some not so likeable and more than one of them was definitely not who they appeared to be.
Girl Watching You is a extremely well written,twist packed thriller that hooks the reader in from the first page and holds the readers attention throughout. The author's words flow with ease,drawing the reader into her realistic character's fictional world. I think that Joyce Schneider deserves more recognition than she gets for her brilliant books and look forward to whatever she has planned for her next thriller (hopefully a new Kerri Blasco investigation)
Many many thanks to Joyce Schneider for a arc of this book in exchange for a honest review
June 27, 2019
I just love this author! She's one of those whose books I pick without reading the blurb or looking at the cover for I know I will enjoy her stories. And this book was absolutely amazing! As it happened I read it at an incredibly busy time with relatives visiting but the book was so absorbing that I confess I neglected the relatives until I'd finished reading and even after as I was still so engrossed in the characters! A wonderful story, brilliantly told. I would give this ten stars if I could. Just brilliant! Highly recommended to everyone!
June 13, 2019
Loved this book! The author kept us in suspense until the end as to who did it. I thought I knew. Then I thought Ava was losing her mind because of her choices. You will love the book & will have trouble putting it down. I finished it quickly! Enjoy!!
June 16, 2019
Another 5* review for Joyce Schneider. Not usually a fan of books written in the first person but this was so well written and drew me in immediately. Ava Beck is one of these people who doesn't listen to advice from anyone and just does her own thing.
Not going to give anything away but join Ava on her journey which will make you hold your breath on more than one occasion and make you question her sanity. It's a journey with a surprise ending and one that you'll be glad you took.
Not going to give anything away but join Ava on her journey which will make you hold your breath on more than one occasion and make you question her sanity. It's a journey with a surprise ending and one that you'll be glad you took.
June 27, 2019
I have to say I've only just discovered this author's excellent work. I don't tend to read a lot of first person books but this one worked a treat for me. A psychological thriller not to be missed.
It was full of suspense and a page-turner that I read over a few days, in spite of my heavy work schedule. Joyce really does know how to keep her captive audience on their toes.
Ava, who works in a flower shop, in spite of being an actress has a suspicious mind that often gets her into trouble. Putting her nose into peoples' business and suffering the consequences with foul things happen. A customer comes into the shop sporting bruises, she's with her boyfriend Peter Greer, with her suspicions raised she tracks down the couple and ends up on their balcony, what she sees there shocks her...Her investigation leads her through numerous twists and turns that delivers several red herrings along the way.
Definitely had me fooled at the end. A expertly crafted book that is deserving of its five stars from me.
Great read for those looking for an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller.
It was full of suspense and a page-turner that I read over a few days, in spite of my heavy work schedule. Joyce really does know how to keep her captive audience on their toes.
Ava, who works in a flower shop, in spite of being an actress has a suspicious mind that often gets her into trouble. Putting her nose into peoples' business and suffering the consequences with foul things happen. A customer comes into the shop sporting bruises, she's with her boyfriend Peter Greer, with her suspicions raised she tracks down the couple and ends up on their balcony, what she sees there shocks her...Her investigation leads her through numerous twists and turns that delivers several red herrings along the way.
Definitely had me fooled at the end. A expertly crafted book that is deserving of its five stars from me.
Great read for those looking for an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller.
June 7, 2019
Once I started I couldn't put this book down. How far would you go to get justice for your sister? Loved the pace of this book you were drawn in right away and every time I thought I know what is going on I was taken on a different path. Then back again till the end when I was left opened mouthed when it was revealed. I was reading through tears at one point. Loved this book x
June 9, 2019
Title: Girl Watching You
Author: J.A. Schneider
Publisher: J.A.S.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Girl Watching You" by J.A. Schneider
My Rationalization:
This was indeed a good psychological thriller with lots of mystery and suspense that will keep you turning the pages to see what was happening next. This author really knows how to keep the readers' attention.
I found this 'out of work actress Ava Beck' kept herself busy in other people's business as she was for Peter Greer. With Peter coming to the West Village Flower Shop along with his date Chloe, Ava 'notices bruises' and one thing lead to another [as she starts watching this hedge funder] and before you know it she becomes involved in this situation. But was Ava watching the right person? Let's not leave out all the other interesting and intriguing characters that will leave the reader with some 'stunning twist, that turns to murder and will leave you shaking your head wondering who in the world is doing this? When I thought I knew who it was well by the end of the story I found out I was entirely wrong. It was well I will leave that to you picking up the good read to see just who it was.
l will say I didn't care for the way Ava got herself so involved into all of this mess and even when she had been told by several people to be careful, however, she preceded on. So, I will say what happened to her wasn't a surprise at all. So, to find out who did what, why and so much more you will have to pick up the well-written story to see how it will all play out. I will say I was indeed surprised and the ending I found it somewhat shocking to me also but when it comes to love I guess certain things unexpectedly will work out.
If you are looking for good psychological thriller suspenseful mystery you have come to the right place for "Girl Watching You" will give it all to you.
Author: J.A. Schneider
Publisher: J.A.S.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Girl Watching You" by J.A. Schneider
My Rationalization:
This was indeed a good psychological thriller with lots of mystery and suspense that will keep you turning the pages to see what was happening next. This author really knows how to keep the readers' attention.
I found this 'out of work actress Ava Beck' kept herself busy in other people's business as she was for Peter Greer. With Peter coming to the West Village Flower Shop along with his date Chloe, Ava 'notices bruises' and one thing lead to another [as she starts watching this hedge funder] and before you know it she becomes involved in this situation. But was Ava watching the right person? Let's not leave out all the other interesting and intriguing characters that will leave the reader with some 'stunning twist, that turns to murder and will leave you shaking your head wondering who in the world is doing this? When I thought I knew who it was well by the end of the story I found out I was entirely wrong. It was well I will leave that to you picking up the good read to see just who it was.
l will say I didn't care for the way Ava got herself so involved into all of this mess and even when she had been told by several people to be careful, however, she preceded on. So, I will say what happened to her wasn't a surprise at all. So, to find out who did what, why and so much more you will have to pick up the well-written story to see how it will all play out. I will say I was indeed surprised and the ending I found it somewhat shocking to me also but when it comes to love I guess certain things unexpectedly will work out.
If you are looking for good psychological thriller suspenseful mystery you have come to the right place for "Girl Watching You" will give it all to you.
August 15, 2019
well ....well well well.
I'm trying to find the words to express all the feels I have after finishing this book. This is definitely the time I wish I was a writer and could rave in great detail what a great book this is.....If you love thrillers with a huge surprising twist at the end then this is the book for you....This would definitely play well on a movie screen and keep you on the edge of your seat!!
I'm trying to find the words to express all the feels I have after finishing this book. This is definitely the time I wish I was a writer and could rave in great detail what a great book this is.....If you love thrillers with a huge surprising twist at the end then this is the book for you....This would definitely play well on a movie screen and keep you on the edge of your seat!!
June 8, 2019
WOW - what a fantastic thriller! My heart was in my mouth with every page!
Ava Beck is a once successful TV actress working in a West Village flower shop after the murder of her younger sister Kim, who had also been an actress. The killer was Kim’s abusive - and powerful - Hollywood boyfriend, who then had Ava blacklisted for rightfully accusing him of murder (the cops had ruled Kim’s death an accident, despite strong evidence to the contrary), and for Ava’s ongoing civil lawsuit against him. Ava’s personal life is in shambles - she’s living in a rundown apartment building, is divorcing her lawyer husband, and can’t let go of her rage and pain as she fights to get justice for her sister.
Ava spends her time at her job observing the customers, especially the wealthy Peter Greer, who likes buying flowers for his revolving door of naive younger girlfriends. Ava is enraged when she spots bruises on his latest girlfriend Chloe’s arm and is determined to keep her from ending up like Kim. After following the couple back to Chloe’s apartment, Ava climbs the fire escape where she witnesses a violent argument. Unfortunately, Greer sees Ava looking through the window. When Chloe is found murdered the next day, Ava finds herself not only fighting to get justice for her, but trying to keep herself from being murdered.
I really felt for poor Ava - the scenes where she’s remembering happier times with her sister are particularly heart-wrenching. The whole book is fast paced and there are characters who have secrets… some who might even kill to keep those secrets…
A stand-alone thriller that’s definitely five stars!
Ava Beck is a once successful TV actress working in a West Village flower shop after the murder of her younger sister Kim, who had also been an actress. The killer was Kim’s abusive - and powerful - Hollywood boyfriend, who then had Ava blacklisted for rightfully accusing him of murder (the cops had ruled Kim’s death an accident, despite strong evidence to the contrary), and for Ava’s ongoing civil lawsuit against him. Ava’s personal life is in shambles - she’s living in a rundown apartment building, is divorcing her lawyer husband, and can’t let go of her rage and pain as she fights to get justice for her sister.
Ava spends her time at her job observing the customers, especially the wealthy Peter Greer, who likes buying flowers for his revolving door of naive younger girlfriends. Ava is enraged when she spots bruises on his latest girlfriend Chloe’s arm and is determined to keep her from ending up like Kim. After following the couple back to Chloe’s apartment, Ava climbs the fire escape where she witnesses a violent argument. Unfortunately, Greer sees Ava looking through the window. When Chloe is found murdered the next day, Ava finds herself not only fighting to get justice for her, but trying to keep herself from being murdered.
I really felt for poor Ava - the scenes where she’s remembering happier times with her sister are particularly heart-wrenching. The whole book is fast paced and there are characters who have secrets… some who might even kill to keep those secrets…
A stand-alone thriller that’s definitely five stars!
June 27, 2019
Girl Watching You is a dark and riveting psychological thriller. It opens with Ava Marsh, a movie actress who is not only stricken with grief over her sister’s murder, but she also seeks revenge, at all costs—even at the cost of both her career and sanity.
She starts a nutty habit of observing men she considers predators and trying to watch over their female victims by climbing fire escapes at night to peep in through their windows, as if she were some kind of spiderwpman — which attests to how low she has really sunk. She constantly revisits her own logic: “The man loves his children. The idea I had of him is changing, and I frown in confusion. Is this the same guy I called a narcissist monster?”
Ava must fight through her own obsession and realize the mistakes she makes out of an abundance of suspicion, in order to come whole at the end. This story is more than a who-done-it mystery — although it’s a gripping one at that — it’s a journey. You will be rooting for her to find not only the killer but also to find a peace of mind.
Wonderfully written.
Five Stars.
She starts a nutty habit of observing men she considers predators and trying to watch over their female victims by climbing fire escapes at night to peep in through their windows, as if she were some kind of spiderwpman — which attests to how low she has really sunk. She constantly revisits her own logic: “The man loves his children. The idea I had of him is changing, and I frown in confusion. Is this the same guy I called a narcissist monster?”
Ava must fight through her own obsession and realize the mistakes she makes out of an abundance of suspicion, in order to come whole at the end. This story is more than a who-done-it mystery — although it’s a gripping one at that — it’s a journey. You will be rooting for her to find not only the killer but also to find a peace of mind.
Wonderfully written.
Five Stars.
July 1, 2019
Girl watching you by J.A Schneider.
A fantastic read. I loved Ava's character. How she was. How she wouldn't stop til she got to the truth. Brilliant. 5*.
A fantastic read. I loved Ava's character. How she was. How she wouldn't stop til she got to the truth. Brilliant. 5*.
July 25, 2019
Another corker from Joyce, This book kept me on the edge of my seat, would not have it any other way! I was lucky enough to be able to read this before publication and BOY, it was worth the read!
June 11, 2019
Girl Watching You by J.A. Schneider is a very exciting, suspenseful thriller. Ava's sister Kim dies due to domestic violence. However, criminal charges aren't brought against the attacker, so Ava files
a civil case against him. She has made it a personal vendetta to stop domestic violence and goes to great lengths to stop it. At one time or another, almost all of the characters seem guilty of something. Girl Watching You keeps you guessing right up until the end and suspicious of everyone except the killer.
a civil case against him. She has made it a personal vendetta to stop domestic violence and goes to great lengths to stop it. At one time or another, almost all of the characters seem guilty of something. Girl Watching You keeps you guessing right up until the end and suspicious of everyone except the killer.
June 14, 2019
This story is full of twists and turns. You will be sucked in and not want to put the book down. Awesome ending, making the book perfect.
July 8, 2019
Don't believe the ratings
This is NOT a psychological thriller by all means. Maybe a little suspense but nothing extreme likeI expected.
I didn't even read most of it just flipped through too me it was slow.I
I don't understand why people think this is a thriller!
This is NOT a psychological thriller by all means. Maybe a little suspense but nothing extreme likeI expected.
I didn't even read most of it just flipped through too me it was slow.I
I don't understand why people think this is a thriller!
June 29, 2019
Schneider continues to be one of my go to authors for crime thriller novels, especially when I'm wanting some psychological thrills to go with my murder.
This book is written from the perspective of Ava, a deeply unreliable narrator. She's taken to peering in through windows and being invasively nosy in other people's lives following a trauma in her own life, and some of the things she does makes my skin cringe away in embarrassment for her but the remarkable thing is that this is by design rather than accident. Ava is aware of these compulsive behaviours and knows that they're not good, but she's only able to do so much to stop herself.
Obviously, this kind of compulsive nosiness gets her into trouble and then she finds herself investigating the murder of young woman she's never properly met, we don't know how much of her account to trust as it's coloured by her own trauma and her strange responses to things. It's this that makes it harder to decide whodunnit, rather than any extra suspicious behaviour by other characters to throw you off the scent.
I love Schneider's writing style at the best of times but I especially appreciate that she clearly makes a conscious effort to avoid any swearing in her books and keeps the crime scene gore to an absolute minimum, which is not only a nice touch for more sensitive readers but also I find it avoids any strong language or violence detracting from the mystery itself.
I highly recommend this book to fans of murder mysteries looking for a slightly different take on things!
*I received an ARC of this title. All opinions are my own*
This book is written from the perspective of Ava, a deeply unreliable narrator. She's taken to peering in through windows and being invasively nosy in other people's lives following a trauma in her own life, and some of the things she does makes my skin cringe away in embarrassment for her but the remarkable thing is that this is by design rather than accident. Ava is aware of these compulsive behaviours and knows that they're not good, but she's only able to do so much to stop herself.
Obviously, this kind of compulsive nosiness gets her into trouble and then she finds herself investigating the murder of young woman she's never properly met, we don't know how much of her account to trust as it's coloured by her own trauma and her strange responses to things. It's this that makes it harder to decide whodunnit, rather than any extra suspicious behaviour by other characters to throw you off the scent.
I love Schneider's writing style at the best of times but I especially appreciate that she clearly makes a conscious effort to avoid any swearing in her books and keeps the crime scene gore to an absolute minimum, which is not only a nice touch for more sensitive readers but also I find it avoids any strong language or violence detracting from the mystery itself.
I highly recommend this book to fans of murder mysteries looking for a slightly different take on things!
*I received an ARC of this title. All opinions are my own*
July 18, 2019
My first book by J. A. Schneider, but definitely not my last. It's one of those books you wish you had someone to sit and talk to about, which makes writing this review so hard. There are so many things you want to discuss, expand upon and brag about. The characters are so cleverly crafted and weaved into the plot that you find yourself literally holding your breath as you turn the page. Who is the killer? Is Ava making a horrible mistake? Should she back off? Is she crazy?
Ava's life is destroyed with the murder of her sister, Kim. Although tagged an accidental death, Ava knows it was murder. She wants Justice for Kim and revenge for herself. But powerful men have powerful lawyers and justice is fleeting. With no criminal case to prosecute she goes after Moore in civil court, with the help of her soon to be ex-husband Alex.
But that isn't enough. Another powerful man crosses her path. Peter Greer. Another innocent girl murdered and Ava witnesses the battle before her death. Risking her own life she becomes obsessed with proving Greer murdered Chloe, and his former girlfriend. But did he? Everyone around her seems suspicious, including her friend/boss, Joe and his sister Mel. Even her soon to be ex-husband isn't above suspicion as he prosecutes her sister's case. Assaulted by Greer's brother-in-law, the danger increases, and the truth is close to being revealed if Ava can survive.
A definite 5* read and highly recommended.
Ava's life is destroyed with the murder of her sister, Kim. Although tagged an accidental death, Ava knows it was murder. She wants Justice for Kim and revenge for herself. But powerful men have powerful lawyers and justice is fleeting. With no criminal case to prosecute she goes after Moore in civil court, with the help of her soon to be ex-husband Alex.
But that isn't enough. Another powerful man crosses her path. Peter Greer. Another innocent girl murdered and Ava witnesses the battle before her death. Risking her own life she becomes obsessed with proving Greer murdered Chloe, and his former girlfriend. But did he? Everyone around her seems suspicious, including her friend/boss, Joe and his sister Mel. Even her soon to be ex-husband isn't above suspicion as he prosecutes her sister's case. Assaulted by Greer's brother-in-law, the danger increases, and the truth is close to being revealed if Ava can survive.
A definite 5* read and highly recommended.
March 17, 2021
Girl Watching You opens with a black-balled movie actress, Ava, who is grieving the murder of her sister, Kim. The movie producer blackballing Ava is the man she is convinced murdered her sister. She wants revenge, at all costs. This consumes her rational judgement and in order to feel like she might stop the next victim before it happens, she starts climbing fire escapes to see if she can thwart a vulnerable woman from injury or death. This 'peeping' leads her to another powerful man she sees as an abuser.
Ava has her own demons to overcome. She is likeable character from the standpoint that she wants to help others, and is fighting for Justice for her sister while being wronged herself. The decisions she makes are questionable and it makes for a page turner to see what kind of trouble she will put herself in the middle of next.
While there is a mystery to solve, the reader also wants Ava to find some peace for herself and justice for her sister. A great psychological thriller.
Ava has her own demons to overcome. She is likeable character from the standpoint that she wants to help others, and is fighting for Justice for her sister while being wronged herself. The decisions she makes are questionable and it makes for a page turner to see what kind of trouble she will put herself in the middle of next.
While there is a mystery to solve, the reader also wants Ava to find some peace for herself and justice for her sister. A great psychological thriller.
June 25, 2019
I've written very few reviews over the years, but WOW, this one deserves a GREAT one!
Huge thanks and appreciation to Joyce for the ARC of Girl Watching You! I read a lot of books and have to say this is one of the best ever!
Ava, the main character, took so many risks I found myself yelling at her, "No, Ava, don't!" time and time again. I thought I had the bad guy for sure fairly early in the book. But then, nope, decided it was a different person. Nope! Then, all of a sudden the real culprit was
unveiled. I actually dropped my iPad, but quickly picked it up again so I could continue reading. Wild horses couldn't have dragged me away
at that point.
If you love a great thriller/suspense book, you must snag this one! I promptly downloaded three more of her books and have completed them too, all of them good reads. I'll be back for more, Joyce, you can bet on that ♥
Huge thanks and appreciation to Joyce for the ARC of Girl Watching You! I read a lot of books and have to say this is one of the best ever!
Ava, the main character, took so many risks I found myself yelling at her, "No, Ava, don't!" time and time again. I thought I had the bad guy for sure fairly early in the book. But then, nope, decided it was a different person. Nope! Then, all of a sudden the real culprit was
unveiled. I actually dropped my iPad, but quickly picked it up again so I could continue reading. Wild horses couldn't have dragged me away
at that point.
If you love a great thriller/suspense book, you must snag this one! I promptly downloaded three more of her books and have completed them too, all of them good reads. I'll be back for more, Joyce, you can bet on that ♥
July 2, 2019
Adrenaline and fear are J. A. Schneider's stock in trade not only on the page but for the page-turning reader trapped in the story on the very first page. GIRL WATCHING YOU adds the dimension of obsession to the mix. As with all things, there are up and downsides to obsessive behavior. Like Hitchcock, the McGuffin looms large in her stories.
As in almost all of her books, this one has a distinct feminist feel. Her female protagonist is not without self-doubt but stands fierce and fearless in the wake of adversity. In other words, these women are all too human. They portray what many of us hope to achieve should we be faced with a deadly situation.
If you enjoy thrillers with female protagonists, GIRL WATCHING YOU is written for you. It is a standalone tale that will keep you guessing until the very end.
As in almost all of her books, this one has a distinct feminist feel. Her female protagonist is not without self-doubt but stands fierce and fearless in the wake of adversity. In other words, these women are all too human. They portray what many of us hope to achieve should we be faced with a deadly situation.
If you enjoy thrillers with female protagonists, GIRL WATCHING YOU is written for you. It is a standalone tale that will keep you guessing until the very end.
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