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An Inconvenient Woman
Claire Fontaine is convinced that her ex-husband killed their teenage daughter all those years back and believes he’s capable of killing again. When she sees him move in with another woman, to play step-father for a girl the same age as the one she lost, Claire tries desperately to warn the new bride of the danger her family is in. But when the woman dismisses her admonishments, she feels she must take matters into her own hands and stop the crime she failed to stop before.
Sloane Wilson left the LAPD to work as a “sin eater,” a contractor for hire who specializes in cleaning up inconvenient situations—situations which, for whatever reason, are better handled outside the law. Like, for example, an ex-wife who stalks her former husband, throws paint on his door, and makes vague, violent threats to his new wife. A domestic dispute like that can get messy when the cops are called; plus, there is a risk that their presence will aggravate the woman in question.
As Sloane investigates her newest mission, however, she finds that there is more to it than meets the eye, uncovering a history of trauma that casts aspersions on the stories of both Claire and Sloane’s client. In a case where objective truth is increasingly muddled by passions, suspicions, and fears, she soon loses the ability to distinguish fact from fiction. But Sloane knows one thing for certain: sometimes the only way to prevent a crime is by committing one.
Sloane Wilson left the LAPD to work as a “sin eater,” a contractor for hire who specializes in cleaning up inconvenient situations—situations which, for whatever reason, are better handled outside the law. Like, for example, an ex-wife who stalks her former husband, throws paint on his door, and makes vague, violent threats to his new wife. A domestic dispute like that can get messy when the cops are called; plus, there is a risk that their presence will aggravate the woman in question.
As Sloane investigates her newest mission, however, she finds that there is more to it than meets the eye, uncovering a history of trauma that casts aspersions on the stories of both Claire and Sloane’s client. In a case where objective truth is increasingly muddled by passions, suspicions, and fears, she soon loses the ability to distinguish fact from fiction. But Sloane knows one thing for certain: sometimes the only way to prevent a crime is by committing one.
312 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
February 14, 2023
💖happy vday💖 sharing some books I love
soft banger alert. read full review. not an ad.
Writing: unique/5 | Plot: 4.5/5 | Ending: 5/5
SYNOPSIS
Claire is convinced her ex-husband Simon @bused and k!lled her daughter. And now she's convinced he's going to do it again with his fiance's daughter, Emma.
MY OPINION
Ok, I issued the soft banger alert for because the writing style is very unique and NOT for everyone. I wouldn't recommend this to a lot of people with chest that they will enjoy it as much as I did. It's spare prose szn over here. So if you love the writing of Stacey Simile Willinham or Ashley Winding Metaphor Winstead, I'm not sure how you'll feel about this. But, if you loved The Loyalties and enjoy the simplicity of Iain Reid's writing and storytelling (which leaves a lot of events to the reader's interpretation), I think you will highly vibulate with this.
This book would make a bangerlicious movie. I would eat it up, no crumbs. Claire's story on its own is interesting, but adding in Sloane the sin eater (never heard of this before btw... it's like a "problem solver") took it to a new level. I felt the characters were well-drawn. Claire's complicated childhood sets the stage for her to be taken advantage of by Simon. And Sloane's own childhood is the blueprint of her bias to side with men over women. I also enjoyed tagging along with Claire as she tutored her clients; each interaction is another brush stroke on the canvas of Claire.
One of the strongest points of this book is how the author used different sentence and paragraph structure for each POV. This is why I don't give star ratings to audiobooks. If I listened to this with my ear holes, I would not have noticed. But, seeing how the author used short sentences and ample paragraph breaks for Claire vs. a more regular degular structure for Sloane was a visual treat. Simple choices like this SHOWS us how the characters are different vs telling us hey Claire likes Hello Kitty and Sloane is part of a dog fighting ring.
Since the author is French, she includes some basic French words/phrases (all translated, don't worry) as well as references French art history quite a bit. My husbando is French, so this was another plus for me. Young GWTPSM was such a Marie Antoinette fangirl... don't ask, even I don't know why 😂
Again, soft banger alert. Don't pick this up and come here to beef me. Ya'll been warned!
PROS AND CONS
Pros: unique and spare prose, low-key genius structural choices for each POV, straightforward story with just enough cray cray to keep you engaged, well-characterized... characters lol
Cons: nadaaaaa but I recognize this book isn't for everyone and it wouldn't be a go-to rec.
soft banger alert. read full review. not an ad.
Writing: unique/5 | Plot: 4.5/5 | Ending: 5/5
SYNOPSIS
Claire is convinced her ex-husband Simon @bused and k!lled her daughter. And now she's convinced he's going to do it again with his fiance's daughter, Emma.
MY OPINION
Ok, I issued the soft banger alert for because the writing style is very unique and NOT for everyone. I wouldn't recommend this to a lot of people with chest that they will enjoy it as much as I did. It's spare prose szn over here. So if you love the writing of Stacey Simile Willinham or Ashley Winding Metaphor Winstead, I'm not sure how you'll feel about this. But, if you loved The Loyalties and enjoy the simplicity of Iain Reid's writing and storytelling (which leaves a lot of events to the reader's interpretation), I think you will highly vibulate with this.
This book would make a bangerlicious movie. I would eat it up, no crumbs. Claire's story on its own is interesting, but adding in Sloane the sin eater (never heard of this before btw... it's like a "problem solver") took it to a new level. I felt the characters were well-drawn. Claire's complicated childhood sets the stage for her to be taken advantage of by Simon. And Sloane's own childhood is the blueprint of her bias to side with men over women. I also enjoyed tagging along with Claire as she tutored her clients; each interaction is another brush stroke on the canvas of Claire.
One of the strongest points of this book is how the author used different sentence and paragraph structure for each POV. This is why I don't give star ratings to audiobooks. If I listened to this with my ear holes, I would not have noticed. But, seeing how the author used short sentences and ample paragraph breaks for Claire vs. a more regular degular structure for Sloane was a visual treat. Simple choices like this SHOWS us how the characters are different vs telling us hey Claire likes Hello Kitty and Sloane is part of a dog fighting ring.
Since the author is French, she includes some basic French words/phrases (all translated, don't worry) as well as references French art history quite a bit. My husbando is French, so this was another plus for me. Young GWTPSM was such a Marie Antoinette fangirl... don't ask, even I don't know why 😂
Again, soft banger alert. Don't pick this up and come here to beef me. Ya'll been warned!
PROS AND CONS
Pros: unique and spare prose, low-key genius structural choices for each POV, straightforward story with just enough cray cray to keep you engaged, well-characterized... characters lol
Cons: nadaaaaa but I recognize this book isn't for everyone and it wouldn't be a go-to rec.
August 12, 2020
Is Claire right that ex-husband Simon Miller preyed on her teenage daughter Melody and that he will do it again with his fiancées daughter too? Or is she an ‘inconvenient woman ‘ ? Simon certainly thinks so and he’s hired Sloan, ex LaAPD as his ‘sin eater’ / fixer to contain Claire. The story is told by Claire and Sloan.
Wow. C’est fantastique! Fantastic from the powerful start to the justifiable conclusion. It is extremely well written, I really like the authors style of writing which brings characters to life. All the way through you don’t know if Simon is a charmer or a wolf in sheep’s clothing, whether Claire is obsessive, delusional or truthful and it keeps you in suspense until the end. It’s shocking in places, there’s some creep and chill, fear and danger and the author drops some little bombs into the storytelling which doubles the intrigue. . Art is important to Claire and paintings are used effectively to convey a mood or accentuate a point and there is also powerful imagery through some of her thoughts.
As the story unfolds there are several powerful men who have inconvenient women in their lives which entwines cleverly into the narrative. I like the ending which is explosive, plausible, and right.
Overall, a terrific thriller with a really good well paced plot which I recommend. It would be great if Sloan features in any future books too as she’s an excellent character.
With thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for the ARC.
Wow. C’est fantastique! Fantastic from the powerful start to the justifiable conclusion. It is extremely well written, I really like the authors style of writing which brings characters to life. All the way through you don’t know if Simon is a charmer or a wolf in sheep’s clothing, whether Claire is obsessive, delusional or truthful and it keeps you in suspense until the end. It’s shocking in places, there’s some creep and chill, fear and danger and the author drops some little bombs into the storytelling which doubles the intrigue. . Art is important to Claire and paintings are used effectively to convey a mood or accentuate a point and there is also powerful imagery through some of her thoughts.
As the story unfolds there are several powerful men who have inconvenient women in their lives which entwines cleverly into the narrative. I like the ending which is explosive, plausible, and right.
Overall, a terrific thriller with a really good well paced plot which I recommend. It would be great if Sloan features in any future books too as she’s an excellent character.
With thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for the ARC.
August 8, 2020
Wow, I absolutely loved this book. It is one of the best thrillers I have read this year.
The book centers on Claire, who believes her ex-husband Simon killed her daughter. When she learns he is remarrying, she becomes certain he is going to do it again. So Claire begins trying to warn the new wife, and also apparently begins stalking her ex-husband.
Most people in Claire’s life think she’s gone a little nuts, and think it is clear her daughter’s death was an accident. Even her most patient friends are either fed up or concerned for her mental health.
Claire’s ex-husband Simon then hires Sloan, an ex-cop who is now a “sin eater” who makes problems (like stalkers) go away for influential people. As the mystery develops the reader is left to wonder whether Claire is really crazy, or whether her ex-husband truly is evil. Or is Claire? And what will Sloan do to Claire?
There are a lot of books out there on this topic of late (is she crazy, or is he gaslighting?) but this book is a cut above the rest. The introduction of Sloan as the sin-eater and antagonist is brilliant and makes this book very different from the usual ex-husband vs. wife story. I absolutely loved the character development in this book, and the plotting of the mystery was original and unexpected. The author’s writing style is emotive and involving. I finished this book in one sitting because it was so unputdownable. It was fast-paced and scary all the way through with just enough twists and surprises. It also has a perfect ending. Be forewarned, this book tackles some heavy issues, but it does it in a way that is both responsible and full of action.
This was the perfect thriller - expertly plotted and beautifully written with a moral center, a great villain and tons of suspense. I can’t wait to read more from Stephanie Buelens. I’d also love to read more books about Sloan.
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Stephanie Buelens and Scarlet Publishing for the ARC. One of the best books I’ve read this year.
The book centers on Claire, who believes her ex-husband Simon killed her daughter. When she learns he is remarrying, she becomes certain he is going to do it again. So Claire begins trying to warn the new wife, and also apparently begins stalking her ex-husband.
Most people in Claire’s life think she’s gone a little nuts, and think it is clear her daughter’s death was an accident. Even her most patient friends are either fed up or concerned for her mental health.
Claire’s ex-husband Simon then hires Sloan, an ex-cop who is now a “sin eater” who makes problems (like stalkers) go away for influential people. As the mystery develops the reader is left to wonder whether Claire is really crazy, or whether her ex-husband truly is evil. Or is Claire? And what will Sloan do to Claire?
There are a lot of books out there on this topic of late (is she crazy, or is he gaslighting?) but this book is a cut above the rest. The introduction of Sloan as the sin-eater and antagonist is brilliant and makes this book very different from the usual ex-husband vs. wife story. I absolutely loved the character development in this book, and the plotting of the mystery was original and unexpected. The author’s writing style is emotive and involving. I finished this book in one sitting because it was so unputdownable. It was fast-paced and scary all the way through with just enough twists and surprises. It also has a perfect ending. Be forewarned, this book tackles some heavy issues, but it does it in a way that is both responsible and full of action.
This was the perfect thriller - expertly plotted and beautifully written with a moral center, a great villain and tons of suspense. I can’t wait to read more from Stephanie Buelens. I’d also love to read more books about Sloan.
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Stephanie Buelens and Scarlet Publishing for the ARC. One of the best books I’ve read this year.
August 24, 2020
There are several 'inconvenient women' in this novel, not least the central character Claire Fontaine. Claire is the bitter ex-wife of wealthy business man Simon Miller, and still blames him for the accidental death of her teenage daughter Melody, even though no one believes her.
When Simon becomes engaged to another woman with a teenage daughter, Claire is worried that the girl is at risk of the same fate as Melody and is determined to stop that happening. Simon believes that Claire is stalking him, planning to interfere in his marriage plans and hires Sloan Wilson, a "sin eater", someone who specializes fixing other people's problems. Well known for her success rate, Sloan can usually resolve difficult problems with gentle persuasion but if that fails she moves on to stronger tactics. However, as Sloan begins to get to know Claire she finds the truth is somewhat more complicated than painted by either Claire or Simon.
This starts off as a psychological thriller where you don't know if Claire has grounds to be scared of Simon or is just deranged with grief for her daughter and obsessed with hurting Simon and then through some surprising developments start to uncover secrets from Claire's past. There are perhaps too many coincidences tying up the past and the present but they can be forgiven in the delivery of a major twist in the plot that takes the plot in a different direction and an unexpected ending.
With thanks to Quercus Books and Netgalley for a digital copy to read
When Simon becomes engaged to another woman with a teenage daughter, Claire is worried that the girl is at risk of the same fate as Melody and is determined to stop that happening. Simon believes that Claire is stalking him, planning to interfere in his marriage plans and hires Sloan Wilson, a "sin eater", someone who specializes fixing other people's problems. Well known for her success rate, Sloan can usually resolve difficult problems with gentle persuasion but if that fails she moves on to stronger tactics. However, as Sloan begins to get to know Claire she finds the truth is somewhat more complicated than painted by either Claire or Simon.
This starts off as a psychological thriller where you don't know if Claire has grounds to be scared of Simon or is just deranged with grief for her daughter and obsessed with hurting Simon and then through some surprising developments start to uncover secrets from Claire's past. There are perhaps too many coincidences tying up the past and the present but they can be forgiven in the delivery of a major twist in the plot that takes the plot in a different direction and an unexpected ending.
With thanks to Quercus Books and Netgalley for a digital copy to read
August 26, 2020
3.5 stars
This book has left me with some mixed feelings but because it held my interest I feel like the scales tip more on the positive side. A so-so ending was the main downfall of the story.
Claire Fontaine believes her ex-husband murdered her daughter years ago and got away with it. Now that he is engaged and set to gain a stepdaughter from the marriage, Claire is worried history will repeat itself and the girl is in danger.
Ex LAPD officer, Sloane Wilson, is a "sin-eater", meaning she makes bad situations disappear for her clients. She's been hired by Claire's ex-husband to do what it takes to get Claire off his back and to stop trying to destroy his life. The book alternates between the perspectives of Claire and Sloane.
What drives the story is trying to figure out Claire. Is Claire telling the truth or is she completely off her rocker? And while you spend time pondering that, it makes you wonder if you should be rooting for or against Sloane doing her job.
Without getting into spoiler territory, I was disappointed with the ending. As I got closer and closer to the end, I was keeping my fingers crossed the author would come up with something spectacular, but for the most part if felt uninspired. A good build up, but not enough payoff.
A decent read, but not exactly memorable.
I received a free advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book has left me with some mixed feelings but because it held my interest I feel like the scales tip more on the positive side. A so-so ending was the main downfall of the story.
Claire Fontaine believes her ex-husband murdered her daughter years ago and got away with it. Now that he is engaged and set to gain a stepdaughter from the marriage, Claire is worried history will repeat itself and the girl is in danger.
Ex LAPD officer, Sloane Wilson, is a "sin-eater", meaning she makes bad situations disappear for her clients. She's been hired by Claire's ex-husband to do what it takes to get Claire off his back and to stop trying to destroy his life. The book alternates between the perspectives of Claire and Sloane.
What drives the story is trying to figure out Claire. Is Claire telling the truth or is she completely off her rocker? And while you spend time pondering that, it makes you wonder if you should be rooting for or against Sloane doing her job.
Without getting into spoiler territory, I was disappointed with the ending. As I got closer and closer to the end, I was keeping my fingers crossed the author would come up with something spectacular, but for the most part if felt uninspired. A good build up, but not enough payoff.
A decent read, but not exactly memorable.
I received a free advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2021
Claire is a private French teacher with an interesting array of pupils, one of whom is completely wacko. We later learn that she also volunteered as a Mentor and got a homeless girl off the streets and on track. The book opens with a description of a cruel father who hated her and tried to drown her when she was young. She married Max and they had a daughter Melody. Max died and a few years later, Claire is swept off her feet and marries Simon, a hot-shot lawyer, who showed an overabundance of affection toward Melody. One day, while they were out on their yacht, Melody confided in Claire that she felt uncomfortable with Simon as he had behaved inappropriately toward her. Claire did not believe her daughter, but confronted Simon with Melody’s accusation. Simon exploded with fury and indignation. Melody drowned on that trip, and Claire is left consumed by guilt for not believing her daughter, and hatred for Simon, who she believes killed Melody. Skip forward a few years and Simon is marrying again, to Charlotte, and Charlotte just happens to have a daughter, Emily, who resembles Melody and is about the same age that Melody was when she died. It appears that Claire is going off the deep end, taking all kinds of drastic action which is pissing Simon off…is she credible or not? Enter Sloan, jaded PI/Sin-Eater, an ex-cop and daughter of an ex-cop. Simon has hired her to find a way to entrap Claire and finally get her out of the picture and out of his life. She is good at what she does. Will she throw Claire under the bus? Will Charlotte?
I loved this book. It might easily have been called The Inconvenient Wom e n...because there were quite a few women who got in the way of men who were even more inconvenient! I listened to this on Hoopla – it is short and packs a punch, touching on some difficult subjects, which I will not discuss here. The plot lines pull together in an interesting way and I watched them merge seamlessly only fairly close to the end. The author did this deftly with no apparent trickery or slight of hand. The last Chapter of the book (after the climax) is called Three Months Later. I love that it was part of the book and intended to tie up loose ends, without the fanfare announcement of an author’s “Epilogue”. Instead, it is Claire who sums things up for us and reflects, ”I sometimes have the impression that I am living in the epilogue of my own story, quietly observing the final tying-up of various threads” – which she does.
There are so many interesting story lines in this book but I don’t want to spoil so I’ll stop here.
I did have one small issue with the narration. The narrator switched back and forth between the characters with one voice, and sometimes it took me a minute or two to figure out whose storyline I was following. This got easier after a while, but this book might work better as a read instead of a listen.
I loved this book. It might easily have been called The Inconvenient Wom e n...because there were quite a few women who got in the way of men who were even more inconvenient! I listened to this on Hoopla – it is short and packs a punch, touching on some difficult subjects, which I will not discuss here. The plot lines pull together in an interesting way and I watched them merge seamlessly only fairly close to the end. The author did this deftly with no apparent trickery or slight of hand. The last Chapter of the book (after the climax) is called Three Months Later. I love that it was part of the book and intended to tie up loose ends, without the fanfare announcement of an author’s “Epilogue”. Instead, it is Claire who sums things up for us and reflects, ”I sometimes have the impression that I am living in the epilogue of my own story, quietly observing the final tying-up of various threads” – which she does.
There are so many interesting story lines in this book but I don’t want to spoil so I’ll stop here.
I did have one small issue with the narration. The narrator switched back and forth between the characters with one voice, and sometimes it took me a minute or two to figure out whose storyline I was following. This got easier after a while, but this book might work better as a read instead of a listen.
September 1, 2020
Giveaway Win!
An Inconvenient Woman is one of those books that had the potential to be a 5 star read but as is my problem with lots of thrillers.... the ending was rushed.
An Inconvenient Woman is about Claire our titular inconvenient woman who is grieving the death of her teenage daughter. Claire is convinced her ex husband got away with murder and she alone is determined to stop him from hurting another teenage girl.
This book was a quick thrilling read that genuinely had me guessing what would happen next. I had fun reading this dark tale and it helped end my mini reading slump. But while I felt like the author took her time laying out the plot, the last 50 pages were super rushed and it damped the impact of the ending.
I would recommend this but just be aware of the fact that the ending is rushed.
An Inconvenient Woman is one of those books that had the potential to be a 5 star read but as is my problem with lots of thrillers.... the ending was rushed.
An Inconvenient Woman is about Claire our titular inconvenient woman who is grieving the death of her teenage daughter. Claire is convinced her ex husband got away with murder and she alone is determined to stop him from hurting another teenage girl.
This book was a quick thrilling read that genuinely had me guessing what would happen next. I had fun reading this dark tale and it helped end my mini reading slump. But while I felt like the author took her time laying out the plot, the last 50 pages were super rushed and it damped the impact of the ending.
I would recommend this but just be aware of the fact that the ending is rushed.
February 6, 2023
My Rating Style: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ticked almost all the boxes FANTASTIC AND FULL OF SUSPENSE!!!
Claire Fontaine’s ex husband Simon is a rich and powerful man used to getting what he wants but is he a killer?? Claire is certainly convinced that he killed her daughter and is set to do it again. Claire tries to warn his new bride to be that he is a danger to her little girl who looks eerily like her own daughter Melody, but she will not listen.
Simon convinced Claire is crazy and going to do something dangerous enlists the services of Sloan Wilson and ex LAPD police officer and now ‘Sin Eater’ a fixer of problems for the rich and powerful. Simon would like Claire to ‘go away’ but just how far does that extend?
As Sloan immerses herself in this latest case one thing becomes clear, what you think you know - you don’t. Sloan is on a slippery slope to find the truth but at what cost?
I read the ‘soft banger alert’ from my good friend GirlWithThePinkSkiMask and decided that I did enjoy The Loyalties so perhaps this one was for me. And I am glad I picked it up. The writing was on point all the way through it was captivating and really painted a picture of how someone’s obsession and someone’s perception can cloud the judgement of everyone around them.
Claire and Simon’s fraught relationship is a tangled web of lies, high tension and accusation, which only gets more and more suspenseful as the story goes along. You never quite know who is telling the truth until the truth finally comes out… and when it does BOOOM my head spun off. Sloan’s story was intermingled and we don’t even see it coming … of course I am not going to tell you how … please read the book.
I was a bit confused at times thinking how does this or that fit in… but the author managed to tie in all the ‘loose’ ends that I didn’t think had a place and not with a monologue letter ending… it all just fit and you have our ahhhh moment. It was really well written. There are two POVs (which I love) and they are distinct very different people, written very differently it was excellently set out. Easy to follow and easy to ready.
Why you ask does the book only get 4 stars, I struggled with Claire’s reveal about her daughter the guilt she holds because of the thing she does or does not do with her daughter. For me that was a no brainer she is your child and you gotta at least well… I am not going to spoil it for anyone cause you don’t truly know what it is Claire did or did not do until closer to the end although it is eluded to. But Claire’s guilt over that is understandable but it bothered me that she didn’t do/not do more… You will understand what I am getting at if you read the book. Either way it did not ruin the story for me and I didn’t hate Claire I was just annoyed by her in a couple of parts.
I really enjoyed Sloan’s story and felt that her storyline while unexpected took the book to a whole new level… it took me completely by surprise and I had a huge WHAAAAAT moment and I just really enjoyed it.
The ending… Again that ending was fantastic!!! It really tied in nicely and you got to find out all the bits and pieces we are waiting for without it being an action film ending or a giant confession in a letter… it was done really nicely and I applaud the author for this.
Overall, would I recommend… absolutely but like my girl Pink said… this one wont be for everyone its not thrill a minute, its not in your face… there are subtleties and you need to pay attention. If you like that sort of book though then get into this one it really is worth the read.
Claire Fontaine’s ex husband Simon is a rich and powerful man used to getting what he wants but is he a killer?? Claire is certainly convinced that he killed her daughter and is set to do it again. Claire tries to warn his new bride to be that he is a danger to her little girl who looks eerily like her own daughter Melody, but she will not listen.
Simon convinced Claire is crazy and going to do something dangerous enlists the services of Sloan Wilson and ex LAPD police officer and now ‘Sin Eater’ a fixer of problems for the rich and powerful. Simon would like Claire to ‘go away’ but just how far does that extend?
As Sloan immerses herself in this latest case one thing becomes clear, what you think you know - you don’t. Sloan is on a slippery slope to find the truth but at what cost?
I read the ‘soft banger alert’ from my good friend GirlWithThePinkSkiMask and decided that I did enjoy The Loyalties so perhaps this one was for me. And I am glad I picked it up. The writing was on point all the way through it was captivating and really painted a picture of how someone’s obsession and someone’s perception can cloud the judgement of everyone around them.
Claire and Simon’s fraught relationship is a tangled web of lies, high tension and accusation, which only gets more and more suspenseful as the story goes along. You never quite know who is telling the truth until the truth finally comes out… and when it does BOOOM my head spun off. Sloan’s story was intermingled and we don’t even see it coming … of course I am not going to tell you how … please read the book.
I was a bit confused at times thinking how does this or that fit in… but the author managed to tie in all the ‘loose’ ends that I didn’t think had a place and not with a monologue letter ending… it all just fit and you have our ahhhh moment. It was really well written. There are two POVs (which I love) and they are distinct very different people, written very differently it was excellently set out. Easy to follow and easy to ready.
Why you ask does the book only get 4 stars, I struggled with Claire’s reveal about her daughter the guilt she holds because of the thing she does or does not do with her daughter. For me that was a no brainer she is your child and you gotta at least well… I am not going to spoil it for anyone cause you don’t truly know what it is Claire did or did not do until closer to the end although it is eluded to. But Claire’s guilt over that is understandable but it bothered me that she didn’t do/not do more… You will understand what I am getting at if you read the book. Either way it did not ruin the story for me and I didn’t hate Claire I was just annoyed by her in a couple of parts.
I really enjoyed Sloan’s story and felt that her storyline while unexpected took the book to a whole new level… it took me completely by surprise and I had a huge WHAAAAAT moment and I just really enjoyed it.
The ending… Again that ending was fantastic!!! It really tied in nicely and you got to find out all the bits and pieces we are waiting for without it being an action film ending or a giant confession in a letter… it was done really nicely and I applaud the author for this.
Overall, would I recommend… absolutely but like my girl Pink said… this one wont be for everyone its not thrill a minute, its not in your face… there are subtleties and you need to pay attention. If you like that sort of book though then get into this one it really is worth the read.
September 6, 2020
This was quite the surprise packet. Meet Claire Fontaine, early 40s, private French language teacher - is she paranoid and delusional or is she right to be afraid of her former husband, Simon Miller, a wealthy and influential lawyer? Claire is convinced that Simon interfered with her daughter Melody, 15 years old at the time, who,killed herself after confiding in Claire who didn’t believe her at the time. How she wishes she had listened! Now Claire is dogged by demons, wary of men and in a sort of limbo with her life going nowhere. She gets a jolt of alarm when she sees that Simon is to marry again and his fiancée, Charlotte, has a 10 year old daughter who looks a lot like Melody did. Claire is desperate to stop him hurting another child but what can she do? With a history of mental illness she is not the most credible witness. Nevertheless she does kind of threaten him.
Meanwhile Simon engages Sloan Wilson as a sin-eater - a fixer/troubleshooter who makes problems go away. Simon wants Claire to be silenced one way or another. Sloan is a former LAPD police officer and has a lot of success with the gentle art of persuasion, no leg breaking involved. For a long time the reader is kept in the dark about who is telling the truth and who is being manipulative and the balance shifts a bit throughout the narrative.
Poor Sloan - dragged into a situation that will have explosive ramifications in her own life as she seeks to do her job while also clinging to a righteous path. Is she also an inconvenient woman? This was rather cleverly done and beautifully written. Many of the characters were quite ambiguous, I was never quite sure about them and I really liked that aspect. I did find Claire a little annoying at times, I felt like shaking her and telling to get a grip and move on but I did enjoy the book and would happily read more from this author. Many thanks to Netgalley, Quercus Books and the author for my copy. My opinions are my own.
Meanwhile Simon engages Sloan Wilson as a sin-eater - a fixer/troubleshooter who makes problems go away. Simon wants Claire to be silenced one way or another. Sloan is a former LAPD police officer and has a lot of success with the gentle art of persuasion, no leg breaking involved. For a long time the reader is kept in the dark about who is telling the truth and who is being manipulative and the balance shifts a bit throughout the narrative.
Poor Sloan - dragged into a situation that will have explosive ramifications in her own life as she seeks to do her job while also clinging to a righteous path. Is she also an inconvenient woman? This was rather cleverly done and beautifully written. Many of the characters were quite ambiguous, I was never quite sure about them and I really liked that aspect. I did find Claire a little annoying at times, I felt like shaking her and telling to get a grip and move on but I did enjoy the book and would happily read more from this author. Many thanks to Netgalley, Quercus Books and the author for my copy. My opinions are my own.
August 14, 2022
This just didn't keep me gripped like I expected. The plot seemed promising but it didn't hold much substance. It was decent enough to finish but nothing truly memorable about it. I wouldn't recommend or read again. The ending was the best part that's why I bumped it up to 3 stars.
July 24, 2020
When Claire Fontaine learns that her ex-husband Simon is marrying again, to a woman with a teenage daughter, her blood runs cold. She is sure that years ago Simon molested her own daughter and was responsible for her mysterious death. She can't let him get away with it a second time. Vandalism, harassment; whatever it takes, Claire will expose him.
Simon hires Sloane Wilson, an ex-cop turned 'sin-eater', whose job it is to handle delicate cases without getting the police involved, to get Claire off his back.
I actually enjoyed reading this. The minute I read the prologue of the book, I was hooked on..
Sloane was obviously my favourite character but I loved the way Claire was portrayed. At times I felt sorry for her and experienced the fear and isolation that she experienced. The remainder of times, just like her best friend, Ava, I thought that Claire was exaggerating.
It was interesting to learn about a 'sin-eater', also known as a fixer or a cleaner, it was the first time that I had come across such a term.
While I felt the ending was kind of abrupt, the secrets and the twists at the end were amazing. Also the meaning of the title 'An Inconvenient Woman' was like a shocking reveal.
Thank You to NetGalley and Quercus Books for this ARC!
Simon hires Sloane Wilson, an ex-cop turned 'sin-eater', whose job it is to handle delicate cases without getting the police involved, to get Claire off his back.
I actually enjoyed reading this. The minute I read the prologue of the book, I was hooked on..
Sloane was obviously my favourite character but I loved the way Claire was portrayed. At times I felt sorry for her and experienced the fear and isolation that she experienced. The remainder of times, just like her best friend, Ava, I thought that Claire was exaggerating.
It was interesting to learn about a 'sin-eater', also known as a fixer or a cleaner, it was the first time that I had come across such a term.
While I felt the ending was kind of abrupt, the secrets and the twists at the end were amazing. Also the meaning of the title 'An Inconvenient Woman' was like a shocking reveal.
Thank You to NetGalley and Quercus Books for this ARC!
August 7, 2020
The most heartbreaking thing that could ever be said is "I don't believe you."
An Inconvenient Woman instantly immerses you and makes you start asking yourself questions right off the bat, hooking you so that you are forced to keep reading. Buelens paced this novel amazingly, information was given to the reader naturally without it feeling overwhelming, and it only added to the anticipation and need for answers. I also think even the chapters that might not appear to mean much, the actions of characters and the things they may or may not believe really show the reader crucial pieces of their thought process and characterization.
This book does alternate perspectives, between Claire and Sloane, who couldn't be more opposite for most of the book. Claire, who is convinced her ex-husband, Simon, is a pervert who murdered her fifteen year-old daughter and is trying to stop him from trying it again with his new future step-daughter. Sloane, an ex-cop who is now a sin eater hired by Simon, to stop Simon's crazy ex-wife from stalking his family and vandalizing his property. Suddenly, this story becomes so much more everything- more complicated, more tangled, more messy, more people involved- in ways Sloane never could have predicted.
An Inconvenient Woman had me at the edge of my seat and finishing this book in one sitting because I couldn't bring myself to put it down. For all that this book is heartbreaking, especially considering the reality of things like this happening right under our noses, the ending was satisfying. This was incredibly well written, it may have hurt but that's because it was well done, and I look forward to more from Stéphanie Buelens.
Many thanks to Edelweiss, Scarlet, and Stéphanie Buelens for this advanced review copy.
An Inconvenient Woman instantly immerses you and makes you start asking yourself questions right off the bat, hooking you so that you are forced to keep reading. Buelens paced this novel amazingly, information was given to the reader naturally without it feeling overwhelming, and it only added to the anticipation and need for answers. I also think even the chapters that might not appear to mean much, the actions of characters and the things they may or may not believe really show the reader crucial pieces of their thought process and characterization.
This book does alternate perspectives, between Claire and Sloane, who couldn't be more opposite for most of the book. Claire, who is convinced her ex-husband, Simon, is a pervert who murdered her fifteen year-old daughter and is trying to stop him from trying it again with his new future step-daughter. Sloane, an ex-cop who is now a sin eater hired by Simon, to stop Simon's crazy ex-wife from stalking his family and vandalizing his property. Suddenly, this story becomes so much more everything- more complicated, more tangled, more messy, more people involved- in ways Sloane never could have predicted.
An Inconvenient Woman had me at the edge of my seat and finishing this book in one sitting because I couldn't bring myself to put it down. For all that this book is heartbreaking, especially considering the reality of things like this happening right under our noses, the ending was satisfying. This was incredibly well written, it may have hurt but that's because it was well done, and I look forward to more from Stéphanie Buelens.
Many thanks to Edelweiss, Scarlet, and Stéphanie Buelens for this advanced review copy.
April 30, 2021
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**3.5 stars**
An Inconvenient Woman by Stéphanie Buelens. (2020).
When Claire learns that her ex-husband Simon is marrying again, to a woman with a teenage daughter, she is concerned. She is sure Simon molested her own daughter and was responsible for her death. She can't let him get away with it. Simon doesn't know where Claire got this delusion from, her daughter's death was ruled a suicide. Wanting to protect his new fiancé, he hires Sloane to get Claire off his back. She is an ex-cop turned 'sin-eater', whose job is to handle delicate cases without getting the police involved. Sloane must discover the truth. Is Claire crazy or is Simon manipulative? And can Sloane stay clear-headed enough to figure it out...
I've got mixed feelings on this one. I did like it, I think it's a good debut for the author, and written so it's easy to follow despite a few different things going on. However, it also just didn't feel quite right in parts; hard to put my finger on something specific but some plot points and connections were just too unbelievable. Claire was a classic unreliable narrator in that she was convinced that Simon was a child molester but it was unclear whether she was correct or unstable. I do think that as far as the storyline goes, this would make a really good media adaptation and play really well on the screen. As a side note, I will say that it always annoys me when the synopsis is incorrect and this one has blatant errors in it: at no point is it even suggested that Claire's daughter committed suicide, and Simon's new partner's daughter is 10 which I wouldn't be classifying as a teenager (perhaps petty of me, but these small mistakes are extremely irritating for me).
Overall, I think those readers that like a psychological thriller could enjoy this one.
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**3.5 stars**
An Inconvenient Woman by Stéphanie Buelens. (2020).
When Claire learns that her ex-husband Simon is marrying again, to a woman with a teenage daughter, she is concerned. She is sure Simon molested her own daughter and was responsible for her death. She can't let him get away with it. Simon doesn't know where Claire got this delusion from, her daughter's death was ruled a suicide. Wanting to protect his new fiancé, he hires Sloane to get Claire off his back. She is an ex-cop turned 'sin-eater', whose job is to handle delicate cases without getting the police involved. Sloane must discover the truth. Is Claire crazy or is Simon manipulative? And can Sloane stay clear-headed enough to figure it out...
I've got mixed feelings on this one. I did like it, I think it's a good debut for the author, and written so it's easy to follow despite a few different things going on. However, it also just didn't feel quite right in parts; hard to put my finger on something specific but some plot points and connections were just too unbelievable. Claire was a classic unreliable narrator in that she was convinced that Simon was a child molester but it was unclear whether she was correct or unstable. I do think that as far as the storyline goes, this would make a really good media adaptation and play really well on the screen. As a side note, I will say that it always annoys me when the synopsis is incorrect and this one has blatant errors in it: at no point is it even suggested that Claire's daughter committed suicide, and Simon's new partner's daughter is 10 which I wouldn't be classifying as a teenager (perhaps petty of me, but these small mistakes are extremely irritating for me).
Overall, I think those readers that like a psychological thriller could enjoy this one.
June 7, 2022
A captivating mystery suspense novel that is definitely underrated! Lots of secrets and surprises especially toward the end left me satisfied; however, the ending did feel a bit rushed.
I never read the synopsis going into the story and I recommend doing the same if you can. It was a unique storyline and the dual points of view were written very well.
If you're looking for a quick read with short chapters and one that will pull you out of your reading slump, this is the book for you.
I never read the synopsis going into the story and I recommend doing the same if you can. It was a unique storyline and the dual points of view were written very well.
If you're looking for a quick read with short chapters and one that will pull you out of your reading slump, this is the book for you.
December 3, 2020
It's actually a 3.5 star book. But because it kept me reading without my feeling it was a task, I rounded it up. Plus it has 3 (at least 3, maybe 4) decent and strong to most aspects women in the core.
It's downside was continuity. There were jumps at which I didn't know which "father" or which "little girl" etc. But even with that circular habit to a same characteristic between varying characters- it still remained easy read enough to get through the switches. Which were way too many to truly attain a full 4 star product.
There is nothing happy about this book. It has a very peculiar and grabbing start in flashback. But you do know that it was a real occurrence.
Although a bit too long in getting there, the ending was excellent. Not only a twist or two as most of these "modern" female drama seem to pattern either. It's more a combine effect than it is twisty duplicity.
The author doesn't like police, and I'm sure she feels that the 90% are corrupt bullies. She is wrong. But the book was discerning for those families who know they harbor a bad cop.
The author is promising but she needs to cut down on the pity party descriptions and do far more showing than telling. It seems that this is book #1. If she leaves stereotype more than this did, she'll be good, IMHO.
It's downside was continuity. There were jumps at which I didn't know which "father" or which "little girl" etc. But even with that circular habit to a same characteristic between varying characters- it still remained easy read enough to get through the switches. Which were way too many to truly attain a full 4 star product.
There is nothing happy about this book. It has a very peculiar and grabbing start in flashback. But you do know that it was a real occurrence.
Although a bit too long in getting there, the ending was excellent. Not only a twist or two as most of these "modern" female drama seem to pattern either. It's more a combine effect than it is twisty duplicity.
The author doesn't like police, and I'm sure she feels that the 90% are corrupt bullies. She is wrong. But the book was discerning for those families who know they harbor a bad cop.
The author is promising but she needs to cut down on the pity party descriptions and do far more showing than telling. It seems that this is book #1. If she leaves stereotype more than this did, she'll be good, IMHO.
June 1, 2020
AN INCONVENIENT WOMAN
BY STEPHANIE BUELENS
Claire Fontaine has lived a very troubled past. When she was a young girl her father tried to drown her, or so she believes. Her father is elderly now and I could feel the tension crackling off my kindle as she tries to care for him in his old age. She had five happy year's married to Max and they had a daughter. She believes her second husband Simon, who is now her ex-husband is responsible for her only child's death--a teenager daughter. Claire teaches French by the hour to clients who pay her $50.00 dollars per hour. Her mother is dead but was Parisian French. Claire lives alone and she seems really frightened of Simon having her followed and she is always double locking her doors and windows.
Now Simon has a new fiance that has a daughter the same age as her daughter was when she died named Emma. Claire fears that history is going to repeat itself and she thinks Emma's life is in jeopardy. Claire tries to warn Emma's mother but she thinks Claire is delusional and dangerous and she gets angry and threatens Claire that if she comes near her again she will call the police. Claire does exhibit some stalker like behavior such as parking outside Emma's school. She has gone to Simon's house and got herself arrested by painting a pejorative word on Simon's car and door and then threw the can of paint at the police when they arrived.
Simon hires former LAPD whose job is now called a "sin eater." A sin eater is somebody that is a fixer or cleans up other people's messes. Her name is Sloane Wilson. Sloane befriend's Clair under the disguise as a journalist who is interested in a woman Claire is mentoring. Sloane works for Simon and her intention when she comes clean with Claire is to get Claire on a hidden recording device that Claire wants to kill Simon.
I felt sorry for Claire throughout this novel for her very real fear and she seemed quite isolated because even Claire's best friend Ava thinks Claire is exaggerating. This was a taut and very suspenseful psychological thriller. This was addictive reading and I finished it in a few hours. For a debut novel this was well executed with stunning characterization. Highly recommended to those who want to read a fresh new take in what is clearly a very talented Author.
Publication Date: September 1, 2020
Thank you to Net Galley, Stephanie Buelens and Penzler Publishing for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
BY STEPHANIE BUELENS
Claire Fontaine has lived a very troubled past. When she was a young girl her father tried to drown her, or so she believes. Her father is elderly now and I could feel the tension crackling off my kindle as she tries to care for him in his old age. She had five happy year's married to Max and they had a daughter. She believes her second husband Simon, who is now her ex-husband is responsible for her only child's death--a teenager daughter. Claire teaches French by the hour to clients who pay her $50.00 dollars per hour. Her mother is dead but was Parisian French. Claire lives alone and she seems really frightened of Simon having her followed and she is always double locking her doors and windows.
Now Simon has a new fiance that has a daughter the same age as her daughter was when she died named Emma. Claire fears that history is going to repeat itself and she thinks Emma's life is in jeopardy. Claire tries to warn Emma's mother but she thinks Claire is delusional and dangerous and she gets angry and threatens Claire that if she comes near her again she will call the police. Claire does exhibit some stalker like behavior such as parking outside Emma's school. She has gone to Simon's house and got herself arrested by painting a pejorative word on Simon's car and door and then threw the can of paint at the police when they arrived.
Simon hires former LAPD whose job is now called a "sin eater." A sin eater is somebody that is a fixer or cleans up other people's messes. Her name is Sloane Wilson. Sloane befriend's Clair under the disguise as a journalist who is interested in a woman Claire is mentoring. Sloane works for Simon and her intention when she comes clean with Claire is to get Claire on a hidden recording device that Claire wants to kill Simon.
I felt sorry for Claire throughout this novel for her very real fear and she seemed quite isolated because even Claire's best friend Ava thinks Claire is exaggerating. This was a taut and very suspenseful psychological thriller. This was addictive reading and I finished it in a few hours. For a debut novel this was well executed with stunning characterization. Highly recommended to those who want to read a fresh new take in what is clearly a very talented Author.
Publication Date: September 1, 2020
Thank you to Net Galley, Stephanie Buelens and Penzler Publishing for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 5, 2022
4¾⭐
NARRATED BY🎙️Erica Sullivan
NARRATION 📣She was excellent…but I was disappointed with the overall narration because it really should’ve had an additional narrator for the second POV🙄
Ɱ◎◎ĐႽ…⬧ Psychological Thriller ⬧ Mystery/Suspense ⬧ Merging plotlines ⬧ Quick listen at 6½ hours ⬧ A satisfying ending
I loved that this never felt bogged down and kept up the quick pace throughout the book. I was totally sucked into this story trying to figure out who was lying and who was not. Also, I really liked how all the little side stories intertwined with each other and then became one with a satisfying conclusion.
But…just one little but. Whoever decides how many narrators a dual POV book has really dropped the ball on this one. I was constantly confused as to whose head I was in, especially in the beginning. ←This was the only thing that brought it down for me.
Total Score 9.14/10 ⬧ Opening-8 ⬧ Characters-9 ⬧ Plot-9.5 ⬧ Atmosphere-9.5 ⬧ Writing Style-9 ⬧ Ending-9.5 ⬧ Overall Enjoyment-9.5
NARRATED BY🎙️Erica Sullivan
NARRATION 📣She was excellent…but I was disappointed with the overall narration because it really should’ve had an additional narrator for the second POV🙄
Ɱ◎◎ĐႽ…⬧ Psychological Thriller ⬧ Mystery/Suspense ⬧ Merging plotlines ⬧ Quick listen at 6½ hours ⬧ A satisfying ending
I loved that this never felt bogged down and kept up the quick pace throughout the book. I was totally sucked into this story trying to figure out who was lying and who was not. Also, I really liked how all the little side stories intertwined with each other and then became one with a satisfying conclusion.
But…just one little but. Whoever decides how many narrators a dual POV book has really dropped the ball on this one. I was constantly confused as to whose head I was in, especially in the beginning. ←This was the only thing that brought it down for me.
Total Score 9.14/10 ⬧ Opening-8 ⬧ Characters-9 ⬧ Plot-9.5 ⬧ Atmosphere-9.5 ⬧ Writing Style-9 ⬧ Ending-9.5 ⬧ Overall Enjoyment-9.5
August 31, 2020
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. An Inconvenient Woman comes out September 1st, 2020.
FYI - This book should come with a Trigger Warning for scenes of sexual themes involving a minor(s). Keep this in mind when reading reviews or picking up the book.
"Oh, Snapped"
An Inconvenient Woman is a thriller told with the usual formatting of non-police procedural driven storylines; an unreliable narrator and two seemingly unrelated cases that merge toward the final act. However, Buelens takes this formula and elevates it to tottering heights - an unreliable narrator with a shaky past, unsympathetic characters, an abundance of melodrama, and a plot that tracks like a Lifetime movie or an episode of Snapped. I don't mean for these things to be complimentary, and it's also something that the author seems to be aware of and pokes fun of in the narration - the main character relates and compares herself to the women of the "Femme Fatale Network" shows she watches.
An Inconvenient Woman is a story about the dissolution of a marriage and the ingrained suffering of the ex-wife, Claire Fontaine. When we meet Claire, she is paranoid and struggling to assert control over the fallout from her divorce from Simon Miller, her second husband and a member of the L.A. elite, from five years earlier. It is revealed that Claire has recently been in contact with Simon and threatening to blow up his pending marriage to a woman named Charlotte.
Allow me to go full Gossip Girl for a second to relay how the following characters discussed are related and give you a general idea of the plot.
Claire was married to a man named Max, who later died of cancer. Claire and Max had a daughter named Melody. Claire remarries Simon. Melody, now a teenager, tells her mother that Simon has molested her. Melody drowns in a boating accident soon after she tells Claire and Claire confronts Simon. It is worth pointing out that when Melody tells Claire about her assault, Claire does not believe her despite having seen evidence to the contrary that is revealed in more reader flashbacks. Simon proceeds to gaslight and control Claire inevitably ending their marriage which we are told was toxic from the start.
Simon is about to marry a woman named Charlotte who has a daughter - Emma. Emma is the same age that Melody was. Claire is worried that Simon will do to Emma what he did to Melody. Claire is determined to STOP THE WEDDING. Simon hires a woman named Sloan to "take care of Claire" and ensure that she doesn't interfere with his matrimonial plans.
Sloan is a retired L.A. cop who now works as a "sin eater' cleaning up other people's messes. Her father, also on the force, wanted to be commissioner until her mother accused him of being corrupt. Sloan hates the memory of her mother, who died soon after these accusations were made public, because she believes it ruined her father's career. Sloan adores her father and puts him on a pedestal. Sloan also has a real problem with believing, or even liking, other women.
What unfolds is a story of egregiously trite situations in overblown proportions. The characters, especially Claire, are elitist and the tone of the book - how Claire looks at other characters - is slightly derogatory. I imagine that fans of Big Little Lies will enjoy this one. If you're looking for a good revenge thriller with a strong female lead - this probably isn't your book.
However, and this is HUGE...the ending is AMAZING and very satisfying. Truly. The book just plods forever to get there.
I think Buelens would have done well to allow her characters to have personalities outside of their trauma. They felt reactionary to situations rather than the focus. An Inconvenient Woman is a great idea, but is poorly executed.
FYI - This book should come with a Trigger Warning for scenes of sexual themes involving a minor(s). Keep this in mind when reading reviews or picking up the book.
"Oh, Snapped"
An Inconvenient Woman is a thriller told with the usual formatting of non-police procedural driven storylines; an unreliable narrator and two seemingly unrelated cases that merge toward the final act. However, Buelens takes this formula and elevates it to tottering heights - an unreliable narrator with a shaky past, unsympathetic characters, an abundance of melodrama, and a plot that tracks like a Lifetime movie or an episode of Snapped. I don't mean for these things to be complimentary, and it's also something that the author seems to be aware of and pokes fun of in the narration - the main character relates and compares herself to the women of the "Femme Fatale Network" shows she watches.
An Inconvenient Woman is a story about the dissolution of a marriage and the ingrained suffering of the ex-wife, Claire Fontaine. When we meet Claire, she is paranoid and struggling to assert control over the fallout from her divorce from Simon Miller, her second husband and a member of the L.A. elite, from five years earlier. It is revealed that Claire has recently been in contact with Simon and threatening to blow up his pending marriage to a woman named Charlotte.
Allow me to go full Gossip Girl for a second to relay how the following characters discussed are related and give you a general idea of the plot.
Claire was married to a man named Max, who later died of cancer. Claire and Max had a daughter named Melody. Claire remarries Simon. Melody, now a teenager, tells her mother that Simon has molested her. Melody drowns in a boating accident soon after she tells Claire and Claire confronts Simon. It is worth pointing out that when Melody tells Claire about her assault, Claire does not believe her despite having seen evidence to the contrary that is revealed in more reader flashbacks. Simon proceeds to gaslight and control Claire inevitably ending their marriage which we are told was toxic from the start.
Simon is about to marry a woman named Charlotte who has a daughter - Emma. Emma is the same age that Melody was. Claire is worried that Simon will do to Emma what he did to Melody. Claire is determined to STOP THE WEDDING. Simon hires a woman named Sloan to "take care of Claire" and ensure that she doesn't interfere with his matrimonial plans.
Sloan is a retired L.A. cop who now works as a "sin eater' cleaning up other people's messes. Her father, also on the force, wanted to be commissioner until her mother accused him of being corrupt. Sloan hates the memory of her mother, who died soon after these accusations were made public, because she believes it ruined her father's career. Sloan adores her father and puts him on a pedestal. Sloan also has a real problem with believing, or even liking, other women.
What unfolds is a story of egregiously trite situations in overblown proportions. The characters, especially Claire, are elitist and the tone of the book - how Claire looks at other characters - is slightly derogatory. I imagine that fans of Big Little Lies will enjoy this one. If you're looking for a good revenge thriller with a strong female lead - this probably isn't your book.
However, and this is HUGE...the ending is AMAZING and very satisfying. Truly. The book just plods forever to get there.
I think Buelens would have done well to allow her characters to have personalities outside of their trauma. They felt reactionary to situations rather than the focus. An Inconvenient Woman is a great idea, but is poorly executed.
September 4, 2020
I read An Inconvenient Woman in two goes, it is extremely addictive and cleverly plotted with some excellent writing.
At the heart of it are two "inconvenient women" really, the one who knows a child is in danger and one who works for the man causing said danger...the author works both possibilities into the narrative really well, although of course whether the man really is a danger or not, once revealed, will come as no surprise to anyone.
That's not the point of this story though I don't think, it is much more character driven than mystery driven, exploring perception and assumption with a style that holds you enthralled all the way through.
Recommended.
At the heart of it are two "inconvenient women" really, the one who knows a child is in danger and one who works for the man causing said danger...the author works both possibilities into the narrative really well, although of course whether the man really is a danger or not, once revealed, will come as no surprise to anyone.
That's not the point of this story though I don't think, it is much more character driven than mystery driven, exploring perception and assumption with a style that holds you enthralled all the way through.
Recommended.
Read
August 26, 2020Agree with the 3.5-ish stars I'm seeing on my timeline.
An Inconvenient Woman definitely had its good parts. It also had a lot going on and felt a little scattered to me. I loved the idea of these two women facing off: one hired by a man to clean up his messes, the other who's completely obsessed with proving he's a murderer. I just wish the narrative had focused more on that than on backstory and side plots (like Claire's husband's death, her stalker, and a prostitute she befriends). It left not enough time to develop what was, for me, the most suspenseful part of the story. I also didn't love the ending
But I would definitely be open to trying a future book by this author as I think this was a really cool premise.
Read more of my reviews on JenRyland.com! Let's be friends on Bookstagram!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
An Inconvenient Woman definitely had its good parts. It also had a lot going on and felt a little scattered to me. I loved the idea of these two women facing off: one hired by a man to clean up his messes, the other who's completely obsessed with proving he's a murderer. I just wish the narrative had focused more on that than on backstory and side plots (like Claire's husband's death, her stalker, and a prostitute she befriends). It left not enough time to develop what was, for me, the most suspenseful part of the story. I also didn't love the ending
But I would definitely be open to trying a future book by this author as I think this was a really cool premise.
Read more of my reviews on JenRyland.com! Let's be friends on Bookstagram!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
November 27, 2020
I recommend taking a "convenient pass" on AN INCONVENIENT WOMAN.
Although I almost always enjoy books with unreliable narrators and husbands with questionable motives, this book lacked what it takes to earn a 5-star review from me. My 3-star-rating was really a 2.6-Stars rating, rounded up!
To the author's credit, the book was fast-paced and short and I was able to finish the book in one day. I listened to the book's audio version in its entirety because I kept on hoping that the book would get better but it did not.
The book's characters were superficial and the book's plot was mediocre, unremarkable, and borderline predictable. The book featured many characters and would have benefitted from fewer characters with more robust character development.
Although the book's narrator did a fine job, this book would have been a much more enjoyable listening experience if two narrators were used since the book was told from the alternating POVs of the ex-wife Claire and the "sin eater" hired by ex-husband Simon.
Perhaps my expectations were set too high by the book's description, but this book just did not do it for me.
Soooo disappointed!
Although I almost always enjoy books with unreliable narrators and husbands with questionable motives, this book lacked what it takes to earn a 5-star review from me. My 3-star-rating was really a 2.6-Stars rating, rounded up!
To the author's credit, the book was fast-paced and short and I was able to finish the book in one day. I listened to the book's audio version in its entirety because I kept on hoping that the book would get better but it did not.
The book's characters were superficial and the book's plot was mediocre, unremarkable, and borderline predictable. The book featured many characters and would have benefitted from fewer characters with more robust character development.
Although the book's narrator did a fine job, this book would have been a much more enjoyable listening experience if two narrators were used since the book was told from the alternating POVs of the ex-wife Claire and the "sin eater" hired by ex-husband Simon.
Perhaps my expectations were set too high by the book's description, but this book just did not do it for me.
Soooo disappointed!
April 20, 2023
3.5 stars rounding up to 4 stars on Goodreads.
I enjoyed this quick audiobook but there wasn’t many twists and surprises throughout it. I was expecting a lot more suspense but overall it was kind of flat. However, I will say that the ending twist was jaw dropping and worth the read/listen!
I enjoyed this quick audiobook but there wasn’t many twists and surprises throughout it. I was expecting a lot more suspense but overall it was kind of flat. However, I will say that the ending twist was jaw dropping and worth the read/listen!
July 26, 2022
Great, succinct mystery. If you like LA, French, and dirty cops, you’ll dig it. How many crimes could be solved if women were just believed?
File Under: ME TOO, GDI!
File Under: ME TOO, GDI!
December 2, 2022
Review to come!
April 9, 2024
3.5 stars
July 14, 2021
An Inconvenient Woman by Stéphanie Buelens has quite a few things going for it. It is a translated novel that is set in the USA, a debut, AND an engaging mystery to boot! I really enjoyed every minute of this book and loved the way it alternated between Claire and Sloane. This was done in a unique way but never one that was confusing which I really appreciated. I have only read one other book that used the term "sin eater" and it was definitely not the way it was used in this one. I loved Sloane's character and it fascinated me that she was called a sin eater but is really an ex-cop turned fixer. I think this is a great novel to go into as blind as possible, and if you know it's a psychological thriller, I don't know if I would bother reading the synopsis. While I don't think it gives anything away, I was still glad I didn't really read it before I started the book. All you really need to know is that Claire thinks her ex-husband is a murderer and Sloane is investigating Claire.
This isn't a super gross read which was a nice change of pace, but Buelens definitely doesn't shy away from the hard topics either. An Inconvenient Woman threw me for a loop and it really didn't go or end the way I thought it would when I started. I LOVED the end and was very happy with the way the author chose to conclude the story. For being a translated novel, I think everything came across very clearly which I loved, but I did think the audio was a touch weird. It is narrated by Erica Sullivan, and while I did love her narration overall, I thought she chose to end the chapters in a very abrupt way. I don't know if it was her or the translation, but that made the audiobook a little off for me and took some time to get used to. Other than that, it was great on audio and reading along in the book, and I don't think you can go wrong either way. This was a slow burn but also a quick read, and I am pretty sure Buelens just became an autobuy author for me. I would love to see this turned into a series with Sloane, but no matter what the author writes next I am definitely here for it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This isn't a super gross read which was a nice change of pace, but Buelens definitely doesn't shy away from the hard topics either. An Inconvenient Woman threw me for a loop and it really didn't go or end the way I thought it would when I started. I LOVED the end and was very happy with the way the author chose to conclude the story. For being a translated novel, I think everything came across very clearly which I loved, but I did think the audio was a touch weird. It is narrated by Erica Sullivan, and while I did love her narration overall, I thought she chose to end the chapters in a very abrupt way. I don't know if it was her or the translation, but that made the audiobook a little off for me and took some time to get used to. Other than that, it was great on audio and reading along in the book, and I don't think you can go wrong either way. This was a slow burn but also a quick read, and I am pretty sure Buelens just became an autobuy author for me. I would love to see this turned into a series with Sloane, but no matter what the author writes next I am definitely here for it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 21, 2020
Thank you to #NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book prior to publication in exchange for an honest review. An Inconvenient Woman is a compelling psychological thriller that I read in one sitting. It is the story of Claire Fontaine who believes that five years ago her ex-husband killed her daughter. Now that ex-husband, Simon Miller, is engaged to Charlotte who has a daughter the same age as her own daughter was and Claire is worried that this girl might suffer the same fate as her daughter. When Claire begins to stalk and harass him, Simon hires Sloan Wilson who used to work for the LAPD and left the department to become a "sin eater". Also known as a fixer or a cleaner, a sin eater basically cleans up messes for rich or famous people. From Simon's perspective, Claire is stalking him for no reason. He tells Sloan that Claire is mentally unstable and that he is afraid of her and shows Sloan videos of Claire vandalizing his car and being arrested. He says that she is sending him threatening messages and provides her with documentation, including a psychiatric report and a restraining order he had gotten against Claire. Meanwhile, Claire is getting her own threatening messages. Things are not what they appear to be and it is not clear who is telling the truth, but one thing is certain and that is that both Claire and Simon are keeping secrets from Sloan. The true story, when it comes out, will shock you. This author could be the next Gillian Flynn, her books are that good. A great read and I highly recommend it.
October 14, 2020
Claire teaches French to private individuals. After the death of her teenaged daughter Melody, she divorced her second husband Simon. Claire is convinced that Simon killed Melody. Now Simon is preparing to marry again, a woman with a daughter who is the same age as Melody and who looks remarkably like her. Claire will never let that happen.
Sloan Wilson is a sin eater. Interesting term. What does it mean? It means she's a fixer. She cleans up messes, makes bad situations better. Simon hires her to "handle" Claire.
Claire constantly envisions her daughter Melody in situations as though she was still alive. Claire sees imaginary things. I questioned her mental state and how reliable she was.
The book was suspenseful and I was riveted to the pages. The use of one page chapters near the end was quite effective.
Sloan Wilson is a sin eater. Interesting term. What does it mean? It means she's a fixer. She cleans up messes, makes bad situations better. Simon hires her to "handle" Claire.
Claire constantly envisions her daughter Melody in situations as though she was still alive. Claire sees imaginary things. I questioned her mental state and how reliable she was.
The book was suspenseful and I was riveted to the pages. The use of one page chapters near the end was quite effective.
July 9, 2020
This was a great thriller! Two women, both seeking justice, hope to end the abuse and restore power to an individual. Claire believes her ex-husband was responsible for her daughter's death when she discovers he is going to be remarried and will have a new step-daughter the same age as hers was when she died. He hires Sloan, a "sin-eater" whose job is to rectify situations where there are threats or blackmail going on. So she poses as someone else in order to get close to Claire and get her to back off. But of course what she discovers is nothing at all like what she imagined and as the past begins to catch up to the present, secrets are revealed and revenge may be the only possibility. Very satisfying!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
November 23, 2020
I had some difficulty with the tone of the writing here. It's competent, fairly compelling and quite believable but it dawned on me that this is a play, rather than a novel, and would work well on a small stage. The characters would benefit from being brought to life by human actors, and the ending, which I rather enjoyed, is fast-moving and dramatic. This is the second book I've read in the last week covering the same kind of crime and it's just as horrifying the second time around. It's interesting to note that the author, Stéphanie Buelens, is from Belgium, which, judging from the news over the last few years, is the capital of the world.
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