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Convince Me
A charismatic man’s death exposes the secrets he kept, revealing him to family and friends as an unrepentant pathological liar in this explosive thriller from film producer and author Nina Sadowsky.
Justin Childs is handsome, likeable, smart. A devoted son to his mother, Carol; a loving husband to his wife, Annie; and a sure-footed, savvy business partner to his best friend from college, Will. To so many, the perfect man.
He’s also a liar. And now he’s dead.
When Justin’s body is retrieved from the wreckage of a car accident, his death leaves his loved ones with more questions than answers. In life, his charm and easygoing nature inspired trust, making him friends wherever he went. Now that he’s gone, the cracks begin to show: disturbing discrepancies in his company’s financials, unaccounted-for absences, a medical record that appears to be entirely fabricated.
As the secrets and betrayals pile up, Annie, Carol, and Will realize their beloved Justin was not the man they thought he was. And why was he found dead with Valium in his system when he notoriously detested drugs? Was the crash that killed him really an accident—or did Justin finally get caught in something he couldn’t lie his way out of?
Convince Me is a chilling look at what makes a sociopath in an age of untruth—and a high-octane, surprising read to its very last page.
Justin Childs is handsome, likeable, smart. A devoted son to his mother, Carol; a loving husband to his wife, Annie; and a sure-footed, savvy business partner to his best friend from college, Will. To so many, the perfect man.
He’s also a liar. And now he’s dead.
When Justin’s body is retrieved from the wreckage of a car accident, his death leaves his loved ones with more questions than answers. In life, his charm and easygoing nature inspired trust, making him friends wherever he went. Now that he’s gone, the cracks begin to show: disturbing discrepancies in his company’s financials, unaccounted-for absences, a medical record that appears to be entirely fabricated.
As the secrets and betrayals pile up, Annie, Carol, and Will realize their beloved Justin was not the man they thought he was. And why was he found dead with Valium in his system when he notoriously detested drugs? Was the crash that killed him really an accident—or did Justin finally get caught in something he couldn’t lie his way out of?
Convince Me is a chilling look at what makes a sociopath in an age of untruth—and a high-octane, surprising read to its very last page.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2020
227 people are currently reading
2072 people want to read
About the author
Nina Sadowsky
6 books339 followersNina R. Sadowsky's eclectic career has spanned work as an entertainment lawyer, a producer, a film executive, a screenwriter, a director and a film professor. She has written numerous original screenplays and adaptations and done rewrites for such companies as The Walt Disney Company, Working Title Films, and Lifetime Television.
She is currently serving as adjunct faculty at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts program, teaching both script development and producing. She has also served as adjunct faculty at Syracuse University's Semester in L.A. and has been a frequent guest lecturer at Columbia College Chicago's semester in L.A. program. Sadowsky is also proud to be serving as a mentor for the Humanitas Prize's New Voices initiative. She is also excited to be newly accepted into International Thriller Writers, Inc.
She is recently married to businessman Gary Hakman, with whom she shares two children and two stepchildren, living proof that a second marriage is a trumph of optimism over experience.
She is currently serving as adjunct faculty at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts program, teaching both script development and producing. She has also served as adjunct faculty at Syracuse University's Semester in L.A. and has been a frequent guest lecturer at Columbia College Chicago's semester in L.A. program. Sadowsky is also proud to be serving as a mentor for the Humanitas Prize's New Voices initiative. She is also excited to be newly accepted into International Thriller Writers, Inc.
She is recently married to businessman Gary Hakman, with whom she shares two children and two stepchildren, living proof that a second marriage is a trumph of optimism over experience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
June 6, 2022
Justin Childs is adored by all. He's charismatic, so very smart and creative, willing to share ideas, praise, wealth and his wide circle of those who can get things done. He knows everyone who matters and is able to use those connections in every way possible. When he dies in an automobile accident, driving off the end of the road into space, while loaded on Valium, his wife and best friend can't understand why that would happen since Justin didn't take drugs like Valium. But they soon realize that Justin was all lies, that everything he touched was fake. Justin was a liar, a cheat, a fraud and he'd been so for at least the last decade.
The story is told from the viewpoint of three people, Justin's wife, Anne, Justin's best friend and business partner, Will, and Justin's mom, Carol. As much as Carol loved Justin unconditionally, she was always aware that he made exceptions to the truth, that he did things wrong, that he hurt people, but Carol could always make excuses for Justin's failings. Carol would do anything to protect Justin's reputation, whether he deserved to have his reputation protected or not.
Anne and Will's lives are falling apart after Justin's death. Their lives had been so entangled in everything Justin did and they never thought they had any reason to doubt Justin. Their home lives, their finances, their careers are being razed as Justin's death exposes all the cracks in Justin's very precisely curated life. What does Carol know, how much did she suspect, and can Anne trust her mother-in-law in her life? Is Justin pulling one last, brutal scheme from the grave? Anne and Will are implicated in things that Justin did. How long has Justin been plotting to destroy their lives and why would he want to do so?
Published August 4th 2020
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine and NetGalley for this ARC.
The story is told from the viewpoint of three people, Justin's wife, Anne, Justin's best friend and business partner, Will, and Justin's mom, Carol. As much as Carol loved Justin unconditionally, she was always aware that he made exceptions to the truth, that he did things wrong, that he hurt people, but Carol could always make excuses for Justin's failings. Carol would do anything to protect Justin's reputation, whether he deserved to have his reputation protected or not.
Anne and Will's lives are falling apart after Justin's death. Their lives had been so entangled in everything Justin did and they never thought they had any reason to doubt Justin. Their home lives, their finances, their careers are being razed as Justin's death exposes all the cracks in Justin's very precisely curated life. What does Carol know, how much did she suspect, and can Anne trust her mother-in-law in her life? Is Justin pulling one last, brutal scheme from the grave? Anne and Will are implicated in things that Justin did. How long has Justin been plotting to destroy their lives and why would he want to do so?
Published August 4th 2020
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine and NetGalley for this ARC.
August 29, 2021
Wow! Lies, twists, sucker punches, entertainingly and slightly mad and dangerous character(s) blow your mind! Get ready, wear your comfy clothes, a bring out your snacks and booze because a very fast paced, jaw dropping, fist clenching, teeth gritting, heart pounding journey is waiting or you.
Justin Childs is definition of charm and glamor, a lovely son, devoted husband, best friend recently dies at the car crash leaving behind his loved ones heartbroken. Drugs were found in his system which was questioning because he already lost his brother because of drug overdose and he avoided them like a plague. His way of dying brought out so many questions with him. Nothing made sense!
We’re reading his story from his loved ones’ POVS: her eccentric, obsessive and also one of the most unluckiest person on the earth Carol ( she’s walking with dark clouds above her head, she lost her family at the fire, her husband at an accident and his other son committed suicide. Now his golden child is dead. She can be casted as Black Widow instead of Scarlett Johansson), smart, loyal and adorable wife Annie ( she still thinks Will was the best thing happened to her and from the beginning she felt insecure around his magnetic charm) and his old school mate/ partner Will who always sees him as his real brother.
But what if their SO PERFECT son, husband, friend is a manipulative son of a .....( sorry Carol, I’m stopping right here, but you gotta know there are so many things wrong with your son)
I have to stop not to give so much away but smart twists, whirlwind pacing, pure madness and entertainingly evil characters make your reading experience so much enjoyable than you may imagine.
Even though it was foreseeable, I liked the well played and satisfying ending. So I’m giving my four well deserved, web of lies, manipulation, deceitfully mind games stars!
One of the best popcorn and wine reads of mine! Cheers! 🍿🍷
Justin Childs is definition of charm and glamor, a lovely son, devoted husband, best friend recently dies at the car crash leaving behind his loved ones heartbroken. Drugs were found in his system which was questioning because he already lost his brother because of drug overdose and he avoided them like a plague. His way of dying brought out so many questions with him. Nothing made sense!
We’re reading his story from his loved ones’ POVS: her eccentric, obsessive and also one of the most unluckiest person on the earth Carol ( she’s walking with dark clouds above her head, she lost her family at the fire, her husband at an accident and his other son committed suicide. Now his golden child is dead. She can be casted as Black Widow instead of Scarlett Johansson), smart, loyal and adorable wife Annie ( she still thinks Will was the best thing happened to her and from the beginning she felt insecure around his magnetic charm) and his old school mate/ partner Will who always sees him as his real brother.
But what if their SO PERFECT son, husband, friend is a manipulative son of a .....( sorry Carol, I’m stopping right here, but you gotta know there are so many things wrong with your son)
I have to stop not to give so much away but smart twists, whirlwind pacing, pure madness and entertainingly evil characters make your reading experience so much enjoyable than you may imagine.
Even though it was foreseeable, I liked the well played and satisfying ending. So I’m giving my four well deserved, web of lies, manipulation, deceitfully mind games stars!
One of the best popcorn and wine reads of mine! Cheers! 🍿🍷
August 7, 2020
What happens when the perfect husband, son, and friend turns out to be the perfect liar?
Annie, Will, and Carol are about to find out.
This is a fun little thriller that one shouldn't take too seriously. Chapters alternate perspective of the three and each one urges you to read on to the next. I will admit I had a feeling that I knew where the story was going and for the most part I was right but it didn't hinder my reading experience and I have to give that to the author. Each chapter has a new revelation of sorts and my mind was constantly trying to work it all out and I *mostly* did. Still, this is fun. It's the perfect beach / poolside read. This is escapism and I was all for it.
Oh, and I loved the dedication:
"This book is for everyone who is sick and tired of the fucking liars and their fucking lies.
Preach it, sistah!
Minor gripe: I don't like the cover at all and I almost didn't request this. How petty am I? It would have been my loss though. 4 *Calgon take me away* Stars! <--- Geesh, how old am I to be using a a reference like that? Don't answer that! Ha!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books fro providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Annie, Will, and Carol are about to find out.
This is a fun little thriller that one shouldn't take too seriously. Chapters alternate perspective of the three and each one urges you to read on to the next. I will admit I had a feeling that I knew where the story was going and for the most part I was right but it didn't hinder my reading experience and I have to give that to the author. Each chapter has a new revelation of sorts and my mind was constantly trying to work it all out and I *mostly* did. Still, this is fun. It's the perfect beach / poolside read. This is escapism and I was all for it.
Oh, and I loved the dedication:
"This book is for everyone who is sick and tired of the fucking liars and their fucking lies.
Preach it, sistah!
Minor gripe: I don't like the cover at all and I almost didn't request this. How petty am I? It would have been my loss though. 4 *Calgon take me away* Stars! <--- Geesh, how old am I to be using a a reference like that? Don't answer that! Ha!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books fro providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 28, 2020
You guys...I really, really liked this book. Such a pleasant surprise!
The story opened during the funeral of Justin Childs, who died in a car accident at age 33. It's narrated by the three people closest to him--his mother, Carol; his wife, Annie; and his best friend and business partner, Will. Almost immediately, information comes to light that things weren't quite as they seemed with Justin...or his very suspicious death. Over the next few days, Annie and Will work diligently to untangle the clues and find answers, while Carol remains determined to protect her son's legacy.
This is fast-paced and entertaining...the perfect summer-time beach read. It's very cleverly plotted and just plain fun, though not particularly difficult to figure out whodunit. The chapters are short, which makes it so much easier to keep reading, and the book has fewer than 300 pages, so you can fly through. I stayed up until 4:30 this morning just to finish reading.
Definitely recommended!
Available for purchase August 4th!
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for my review copy.
The story opened during the funeral of Justin Childs, who died in a car accident at age 33. It's narrated by the three people closest to him--his mother, Carol; his wife, Annie; and his best friend and business partner, Will. Almost immediately, information comes to light that things weren't quite as they seemed with Justin...or his very suspicious death. Over the next few days, Annie and Will work diligently to untangle the clues and find answers, while Carol remains determined to protect her son's legacy.
This is fast-paced and entertaining...the perfect summer-time beach read. It's very cleverly plotted and just plain fun, though not particularly difficult to figure out whodunit. The chapters are short, which makes it so much easier to keep reading, and the book has fewer than 300 pages, so you can fly through. I stayed up until 4:30 this morning just to finish reading.
Definitely recommended!
Available for purchase August 4th!
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for my review copy.
October 23, 2020
Pretender: A person who pretends, especially for a dishonest purpose.
To Deceive, Pose, Fake
Everybody loved Justin!
His Mom, Carol
His loving wife, Annie
His best friend Will
Maybe even me, after I learned what he did for Birdie’s cats! 😻😍
He was devoted and generous to those he loved...that is when he wasn’t lying through his teeth!
But when he dies unexpectedly in a car accident, the truth comes out.
Told through the alternating perspectives of the three people closest to him, the secrets and revelations kept coming in this smart, engaging story from author, screenplay writer and producer, Nina Sadowsky...
This didn’t seem to get much attention from my Goodreads friends, but I ENJOYED it and plan to check out her past work, including “The Burial Society/The Empty Bed (2 book series) which is in development for TV.
To Deceive, Pose, Fake
Everybody loved Justin!
His Mom, Carol
His loving wife, Annie
His best friend Will
Maybe even me, after I learned what he did for Birdie’s cats! 😻😍
He was devoted and generous to those he loved...that is when he wasn’t lying through his teeth!
But when he dies unexpectedly in a car accident, the truth comes out.
Told through the alternating perspectives of the three people closest to him, the secrets and revelations kept coming in this smart, engaging story from author, screenplay writer and producer, Nina Sadowsky...
This didn’t seem to get much attention from my Goodreads friends, but I ENJOYED it and plan to check out her past work, including “The Burial Society/The Empty Bed (2 book series) which is in development for TV.
July 1, 2020
Every wife’s nightmare: what if you lose your husband, and then you learn he’s not the man you thought he was? This premise has been done many times - but I’ve never read a contemporary thriller novel so good at explaining how a sociopath is actually created.
This book is narrated by two particularly important characters in sociopath Justin’s life: his wife Annie (should she have known?) and his mother (did she play a role?). It’s a slow burn in the beginning but really gets cracking with a particularly devastating plot point about 40 percent in. From that moment my heart was in my throat. We also hear from a close friend Will, who sees a completely different Justin and who fills in a lot of missing pieces. These three narrators and their conflicting experiences with Justin (and lies they are told, and believe) paint a devastating portrait that will make you angry as you read more.
This book is a slow burn in the beginning so give it a little time. It doesn’t disappoint and moves rapidly after it sets the stage. It is a thrilling book, and also a smart one that is a little hard to read if you’ve ever known anyone who might be a little like Justin. A great, unique psychological thriller. I also have to mention that this book has an awesome dedication that really kicks things off.
Big thanks to NetGalley, Nina Sadowsky and Ballantine Books for this five star thriller in exchange for my honest opinion! This book was thrilling and unputdownable in the best way.
This book is narrated by two particularly important characters in sociopath Justin’s life: his wife Annie (should she have known?) and his mother (did she play a role?). It’s a slow burn in the beginning but really gets cracking with a particularly devastating plot point about 40 percent in. From that moment my heart was in my throat. We also hear from a close friend Will, who sees a completely different Justin and who fills in a lot of missing pieces. These three narrators and their conflicting experiences with Justin (and lies they are told, and believe) paint a devastating portrait that will make you angry as you read more.
This book is a slow burn in the beginning so give it a little time. It doesn’t disappoint and moves rapidly after it sets the stage. It is a thrilling book, and also a smart one that is a little hard to read if you’ve ever known anyone who might be a little like Justin. A great, unique psychological thriller. I also have to mention that this book has an awesome dedication that really kicks things off.
Big thanks to NetGalley, Nina Sadowsky and Ballantine Books for this five star thriller in exchange for my honest opinion! This book was thrilling and unputdownable in the best way.
August 2, 2020
This book held my interest in a fun but let's not analyze it to death because it might not hold up type of way. While reading I was getting Lifetime movie vibes which is why I smiled when the author dropped a Lifetime reference into the story. And then, it made my day when I saw at the end of the book in the About The Author section that Nina Sadowsky has written screenplays and adaptations for Lifetime Television. It all makes sense! So yes, if you have parked yourself on your couch for a lazy weekend watching movie after movie on that channel, chances are you'll like this book.
Justin Childs is one charismatic guy. I guess I should say he was a charismatic guy because he's dead. Yup, his body is found in a wrecked car. What's strange is Valium is found in his system even though according to his wife, Annie, he detested any type of drugs. Annie also discovers there are quite a few things regarding Justin and his business that don't seem to add up. The story alternates between Annie who is searching for answers, Justin's friend and business partner, Will, and Justin's mom, Carol.
The story has a good setup and I found myself caught up in the whole mystery of Justin. But the main issue I had with the book is by the time I got to the end, it didn't really feel like anything significant had happened. The story starts off with potential but eventually runs out of steam.
It's a pretty quick read and even though I was disappointed in the last quarter or so, I was entertained for most of the story. It's a bit of a mindless read but that's not a bad thing in my opinion. Sometimes I am just in the mood for a book that isn't too challenging and can hold my interest. You know, kinda how I don't have to watch an award winning film every time I turn on the tv. Sometimes a Lifetime movie is the preferred option. If you don't go into this book expecting the world, you can just settle back like I did and have fun with it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review!
Justin Childs is one charismatic guy. I guess I should say he was a charismatic guy because he's dead. Yup, his body is found in a wrecked car. What's strange is Valium is found in his system even though according to his wife, Annie, he detested any type of drugs. Annie also discovers there are quite a few things regarding Justin and his business that don't seem to add up. The story alternates between Annie who is searching for answers, Justin's friend and business partner, Will, and Justin's mom, Carol.
The story has a good setup and I found myself caught up in the whole mystery of Justin. But the main issue I had with the book is by the time I got to the end, it didn't really feel like anything significant had happened. The story starts off with potential but eventually runs out of steam.
It's a pretty quick read and even though I was disappointed in the last quarter or so, I was entertained for most of the story. It's a bit of a mindless read but that's not a bad thing in my opinion. Sometimes I am just in the mood for a book that isn't too challenging and can hold my interest. You know, kinda how I don't have to watch an award winning film every time I turn on the tv. Sometimes a Lifetime movie is the preferred option. If you don't go into this book expecting the world, you can just settle back like I did and have fun with it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review!
July 10, 2020
5 stars and a round of applause!
Excellent POV writing. Each character was detailed and brought to life off of the pages. I could feel the anguish and the pain and the emotional stress.
This was a mind blowing story and 5 more stars for the authors use of the title and the name of the company in the book:
Convince Me | Convincer Media
Very clever!!! 🙌
Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publisher for my free ARC in exchange for my honest review
Excellent POV writing. Each character was detailed and brought to life off of the pages. I could feel the anguish and the pain and the emotional stress.
This was a mind blowing story and 5 more stars for the authors use of the title and the name of the company in the book:
Convince Me | Convincer Media
Very clever!!! 🙌
Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publisher for my free ARC in exchange for my honest review
August 18, 2020
This book is for everyone
who is sick and tired
of the fucking liars
and their fucking lies.
Annie, Will, and Carol - they orbit their husband/best friend and business partner/son like planets - no, like moons, because an essential part of orbiting someone like Justin Childs is making yourself lesser, never taking away attention or focus that could be better served by reaching him. So what happens now that he's dead and these people who've shaped their lives around his no longer have their center?
It's a clever book, and it's all the better for the way Nina Sadowsky has chosen to tell it - the liar, for once, isn't given a chance to explain or justify his side of the story. No, he's dead, so there's not even the hint of his opinion. Instead, it's the people he's affected the most who finally have their turn, and they tell this story one after the other, as every truth starts making it out to the light.
There's a couple of slight hitches in what was an incredibly compelling novel, otherwise - there's a confrontation at the end that I felt was a little too easy for the convenience of the story, and that synopsis spoils way too much. It takes away quite a bit of the uncertainty that's built so carefully by the first half of the book. But they're pretty minor complaints, especially stacked up against a book that kept me reading it at breakneck pace until I was done; I'll absolutely give it leeway when it's paid me back with that kind of incredible readability.
who is sick and tired
of the fucking liars
and their fucking lies.
Annie, Will, and Carol - they orbit their husband/best friend and business partner/son like planets - no, like moons, because an essential part of orbiting someone like Justin Childs is making yourself lesser, never taking away attention or focus that could be better served by reaching him. So what happens now that he's dead and these people who've shaped their lives around his no longer have their center?
It's a clever book, and it's all the better for the way Nina Sadowsky has chosen to tell it - the liar, for once, isn't given a chance to explain or justify his side of the story. No, he's dead, so there's not even the hint of his opinion. Instead, it's the people he's affected the most who finally have their turn, and they tell this story one after the other, as every truth starts making it out to the light.
There's a couple of slight hitches in what was an incredibly compelling novel, otherwise - there's a confrontation at the end that I felt was a little too easy for the convenience of the story, and that synopsis spoils way too much. It takes away quite a bit of the uncertainty that's built so carefully by the first half of the book. But they're pretty minor complaints, especially stacked up against a book that kept me reading it at breakneck pace until I was done; I'll absolutely give it leeway when it's paid me back with that kind of incredible readability.
July 10, 2021
I would have had markedly more fun with this one if I hadn’t figured out Carol was a bad apple from the get go. Sadowsky is a good writer and this is ‘twisty’ enough on a basic level, so I’m sure other readers will enjoy and I’d still recommend it, I just hope her next book pushes the envelope a bit more!
3.5 ⭐️
ETA: after some reflection, I bumped my rating down on this one. I just wasn’t captivated enough where I’d recommend this book to everyone.
3.5 ⭐️
ETA: after some reflection, I bumped my rating down on this one. I just wasn’t captivated enough where I’d recommend this book to everyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2020
When the perfect man dies, he leaves behind family and friends who are left to ponder who he really was. Had he been the devoted and loving husband .... the bright businessman with the Midas touch? Or was he something else ... something no one saw?
After Justin Child's funeral, his family and friends have lots of questions. Why was there drugs in his system when he was so adverse to them? Why is his company in financial distress? Why is his medical record all falsified? Where did he go when he disappeared for long periods of time? Was the car crash that killed him an accident .. or something more sinister?
Told by 3 points of view ... his wife, his mother, his best friend ... it's left to the reader to decipher the lies, the semi-truths. Twists and turns, deep dark secrets, lead to an extremely unexpected ending.
With a tightly woven plot amid skillfully crafted characters, this is a nail-biting page turner from start to finish.
Many thanks to the author / Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 8, 2020
This book is masterfully constructed so the plot evolves at the perfect pace, allowing you to enjoy the nuances of what's unfolding but also compelled to turn the pages. A husband, friend and son is tragically killed, leaving behind a house-of-cards trail of lies. Great book!
June 28, 2020
Annie and Justin haven't been married for long. Justin is the kind of guy who makes friends everywhere he goes and is always the life of the party. He and Annie met under rather unusual circumstances, but it must have been fate since they fell madly in love and are the perfect couple.
Annie is devastated when Justin dies in a car accident. She and Will, Justin's best friend, and business partner barely have time to mourn when things about Justin, truly distressing things come to light. How could they have misjudged the perfect husband, friend, businessman, and the perfect son to his mother Carol? As they compare stories, they soon realize that they did not know Justin at all.
Told from Annie, Will, and Carol's perspectives in alternating chapters, a picture of a true sociopath emerges. Even in death, Justin's twisted games don't end, and someone may pay a high price. Did Justin commit suicide or was this just an accident? Could he have been murdered by someone who had enough of his lies?
I did find myself shaking my head a few times as Justin's deceptions are so easily uncovered. Then I stopped thinking about 'real-life' sociopaths and their Ponzi schemes. I imagined that Justin was just so full of himself, that he didn't even feel the need to put much effort into concealing his secrets. He would always find a way out of trouble. A vile man who made me question what could have made him that way. Luckily, his mother provided backstory and wow, there are some real revelations in her chapters.
I read this in my backyard on a hot and sunny day. I didn't put Convince Me down until I was done, so this one reeled me in. 4.5 stars.
Annie is devastated when Justin dies in a car accident. She and Will, Justin's best friend, and business partner barely have time to mourn when things about Justin, truly distressing things come to light. How could they have misjudged the perfect husband, friend, businessman, and the perfect son to his mother Carol? As they compare stories, they soon realize that they did not know Justin at all.
Told from Annie, Will, and Carol's perspectives in alternating chapters, a picture of a true sociopath emerges. Even in death, Justin's twisted games don't end, and someone may pay a high price. Did Justin commit suicide or was this just an accident? Could he have been murdered by someone who had enough of his lies?
I did find myself shaking my head a few times as Justin's deceptions are so easily uncovered. Then I stopped thinking about 'real-life' sociopaths and their Ponzi schemes. I imagined that Justin was just so full of himself, that he didn't even feel the need to put much effort into concealing his secrets. He would always find a way out of trouble. A vile man who made me question what could have made him that way. Luckily, his mother provided backstory and wow, there are some real revelations in her chapters.
I read this in my backyard on a hot and sunny day. I didn't put Convince Me down until I was done, so this one reeled me in. 4.5 stars.
March 8, 2021
Convince Me is a very fast paced, jaw dropping, and heart racing roller coaster of a ride! Reading this book felt more like I was watching a movie play out.
The story starts out with the death of Justin Childs who's death resulted from a car crash. Justin left his loved ones behind in absolute grief. The story is told from three different points of view: Justin’s mother Carol, Justin’s wife Annie, and Justin’s friend Will. All of his loved ones believe he is the absolute perfect son, husband, and friend. Without giving too much away, after Justins death his loved ones uncover so many shocking and life altering truths about him, making them wonder if they even knew him at all.
This book is filled with absolute brilliant writing. Trust me, you will want to ride the mind bending twists on the rollercoaster ride of a book that is, Convince Me. And wow that ending, was absolutely perfect and satisfying. I look forward to reading the other book I have by Nina Sadowsky, The Empty Bed, and I will definitely be adding the rest of her novels to my to be read list!
The story starts out with the death of Justin Childs who's death resulted from a car crash. Justin left his loved ones behind in absolute grief. The story is told from three different points of view: Justin’s mother Carol, Justin’s wife Annie, and Justin’s friend Will. All of his loved ones believe he is the absolute perfect son, husband, and friend. Without giving too much away, after Justins death his loved ones uncover so many shocking and life altering truths about him, making them wonder if they even knew him at all.
This book is filled with absolute brilliant writing. Trust me, you will want to ride the mind bending twists on the rollercoaster ride of a book that is, Convince Me. And wow that ending, was absolutely perfect and satisfying. I look forward to reading the other book I have by Nina Sadowsky, The Empty Bed, and I will definitely be adding the rest of her novels to my to be read list!
August 28, 2020
FULL REVIEW posted on August 28, 2020
Liar, Liar pants on fire!
I’m a big fan of a good whodunit, especially one that is cleverly plotted where the author uses a sly and unique set-up in presentation. Even though not particularly difficult to “out” the guilty party, I still found Nina Sadowsky’s writing skills well-developed and easy to follow and very likable. I did peg the guilty party fairly early on, but I wasn’t totally convinced with my judgment until the final unveiling. Readers will find zinger surprises hidden throughout the turn of pages. Instead of being an all-around dark and grizzly written psycho-saga (which, in fact, it was), this new-to-me author made it a fun read amid the craziness, deceptions and well-kept secrets -- and, of course, murder.
Murder – that’s where most usually begin. The excitement in reading these chilling stories is in becoming the truth-seeker and discovering the culprit’s identity. Sorting through all the pieces of the puzzle until each clue snaps into place is when the fun starts, and novice sleuths can end with an exhilarating “Oh my gosh, it was him!” or “She really did it!” -- or maybe even “No! I should have known!” After all was said and done this time, for me anyway, I came away with the feelings that this one fell more into the category of a why-dunit in place of whodunit tale.
Justin Childs died at the age of thirty-three when his car slid down the mountainside. The toxicology report showed drugs in his blood. But Justin never, ever took drugs. And he had a solid reason why. Nobody questioned his decision. After all, he was the epitome of a class act, a man of means, successful and well-liked by his peers. His mom thought Justin was her golden child – his young widow thought she was living every woman’s dream with a perfect husband -- and his best friend and business partner loved him like a brother.
Told in three alternating points of view from Carol, Annie, and Will. This was one of the most effective ways of rolling out a story that I’ve read in a long time. Short chapters by each narrator kept the story moving forward at a fast clip without becoming a long-drawn-out drama-rama tale. It actually rolled-out like a movie being filmed and brought to life.
As his loved ones search for answers, the investigation on Justin’s accident doesn’t jive with the man they’ve known and loved. There is far more to this story. In reality, Justin was a man of mystery walking on the dark side. Throughout his life he had kept many well-hidden secrets and his innumerable lies were whoppers – that will not only shock everyone, but personally affect those who were closest to him.
A wickedly deceptive thriller that will keep you glued to your seat all the way to the end. Sometimes when you think things might be a little too good to be true, you might be right!
July 14, 2020
This was a quick read! And I loved and hated every second of it!
Justin Childs is dead. And during his vivacious, whirl wind of life he left Carol, Annie, and Will in his wake.
Convince me is told from three points of view - his wife Annie, Best friend and business partner Will, and mother Carol. They tell a story of how Justin was their life line with his bigger than life ideas and gestures and how easily they overlooked some big red flags.
As bodies pile up, the reader is forced to figure out what really happened to Will- and that's pretty tough when you are reading directly from each perspective.
Loved it because this author knows how to write. She planted Easter eggs throughout the book and really described what life with a narcissist is like. I hated it because I was married to a narcissist for a few years and he possessed the same characteristics. Realistic writing at its best and worst! ;)
Thank you to #netgalley, #ninsadowsky and #randomhouse for the complimentary DRC for an honest review.
Justin Childs is dead. And during his vivacious, whirl wind of life he left Carol, Annie, and Will in his wake.
Convince me is told from three points of view - his wife Annie, Best friend and business partner Will, and mother Carol. They tell a story of how Justin was their life line with his bigger than life ideas and gestures and how easily they overlooked some big red flags.
As bodies pile up, the reader is forced to figure out what really happened to Will- and that's pretty tough when you are reading directly from each perspective.
Loved it because this author knows how to write. She planted Easter eggs throughout the book and really described what life with a narcissist is like. I hated it because I was married to a narcissist for a few years and he possessed the same characteristics. Realistic writing at its best and worst! ;)
Thank you to #netgalley, #ninsadowsky and #randomhouse for the complimentary DRC for an honest review.
January 5, 2021
"Life is long and complicated. You can live many lives in the course of one."
No one knew that better than Justin Childs. Not only did he live a thousand lies, he destroyed many lives in the process. Not often that one man can deceive and manipulate everyone who knew him, but Justin had that gift. And he got away with it. Until he didn't. NO SPOILERS.
This was really a fast, fun read told from various points of view painting a picture of a man who used people to get what he wanted. After his sudden death in a car accident, his widow, Annie, his best friend and business partner, Will, and his loving mother, Carol, are grief-stricken, bewildered, and eventually left feeling betrayed. Justin was definitely a sociopath. The revelations of his machinations were dropped in the narrative with precision in this well-written psychological drama and I really enjoyed it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amz...?
No one knew that better than Justin Childs. Not only did he live a thousand lies, he destroyed many lives in the process. Not often that one man can deceive and manipulate everyone who knew him, but Justin had that gift. And he got away with it. Until he didn't. NO SPOILERS.
This was really a fast, fun read told from various points of view painting a picture of a man who used people to get what he wanted. After his sudden death in a car accident, his widow, Annie, his best friend and business partner, Will, and his loving mother, Carol, are grief-stricken, bewildered, and eventually left feeling betrayed. Justin was definitely a sociopath. The revelations of his machinations were dropped in the narrative with precision in this well-written psychological drama and I really enjoyed it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amz...?
May 18, 2020
I enjoyed this book for the most part. It centers around Annie, whose husband Justin has just died, as well as Justin's best friend, WIll, and mother, Carol, alternating chapters between them. The first part of the book talks about experiences with Justin from all 3 of these POVs. I liked this because we all know someone like this who is super charismatic and makes us feel like we are the center of the universe.
As the book goes on, though, you start to see some inconsistencies that alert you to the fact that Justin might not be exactly who everyone thought he was. I also found this interesting, as it started off subtly, leading the reader to connect the dots. Without giving spoilers, we find out a lot about Justin but there is also another twist that I kind of saw coming, but not to the extent that it actually showed up.
I liked the book but did have a couple issues. One is that the plot meandered for most of the book (which I didn't mind, as the content was interesting) but all got tied up really quickly at the end. It felt abrupt to go from the pace of most of the book to the pace of the end of the book. Also, I found it rather hard to believe that Justin got away with some of the things he did without anyone noticing, being that his wife and his business partner both felt that they were fully connected. It seems that some of this stuff would have been questioned but either one of them or other people at the company.
All in all, though, I thought it was a good read and I was interested in seeing what happened. The characters were well developed, and even if the ending wasn't a huge shock, there were some twists and I liked the overall plot. I'd recommend it for those who like psychological/domestic suspense books.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As the book goes on, though, you start to see some inconsistencies that alert you to the fact that Justin might not be exactly who everyone thought he was. I also found this interesting, as it started off subtly, leading the reader to connect the dots. Without giving spoilers, we find out a lot about Justin but there is also another twist that I kind of saw coming, but not to the extent that it actually showed up.
I liked the book but did have a couple issues. One is that the plot meandered for most of the book (which I didn't mind, as the content was interesting) but all got tied up really quickly at the end. It felt abrupt to go from the pace of most of the book to the pace of the end of the book. Also, I found it rather hard to believe that Justin got away with some of the things he did without anyone noticing, being that his wife and his business partner both felt that they were fully connected. It seems that some of this stuff would have been questioned but either one of them or other people at the company.
All in all, though, I thought it was a good read and I was interested in seeing what happened. The characters were well developed, and even if the ending wasn't a huge shock, there were some twists and I liked the overall plot. I'd recommend it for those who like psychological/domestic suspense books.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2020
It's funny - even while I was reading this one I kept thinking that the author was short-handing an awful lot of things and skipping over the how and the why of the revelations as they poured out, in favor of moving the narrative along. Normally, that's a thing that drives me crazy and either sends me into skimming-pages mode or setting the book down all together. But I just could not stop reading this one! I think at the end of the day the author was more concerned in exploring the relationships and aftermath than in the minutiae, and with the writing style and characterization presented, that didn't bother me at all. This is highly unusual for me, and I take it as a testament to Sadowsky's writing, which was engaging and well-paced and kept things moving at a brisk clip no matter what was going on... It made for a fun and easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I will definitely be looking for her in the future!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation - free review copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation - free review copy.
October 19, 2021
3 1/2 Stars Love the dedication!
July 11, 2020
Convincer:
A delicate gesture done in order to emphasize
a wrong conception, and strengthen the
audience’s belief in it. This describes Justin. He is charismatic, manipulative and a master of illusion. After his untimely death his wife, Annie, and business partner, Will, are left to clean up the mess he has left behind. “ What do you do when everything you thought you knew is a lie?
Seeking answers can be painful and heart wrenching.
Although the beginning was a little slow, the pace quickened with surprising twists and turns. Some of the plot was somewhat predictable, but it still propelled me to continue to the satisfying conclusion. This is the first book I’ve read by Nina Sadowsky, but definitely won’t be my last. Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A delicate gesture done in order to emphasize
a wrong conception, and strengthen the
audience’s belief in it. This describes Justin. He is charismatic, manipulative and a master of illusion. After his untimely death his wife, Annie, and business partner, Will, are left to clean up the mess he has left behind. “ What do you do when everything you thought you knew is a lie?
Seeking answers can be painful and heart wrenching.
Although the beginning was a little slow, the pace quickened with surprising twists and turns. Some of the plot was somewhat predictable, but it still propelled me to continue to the satisfying conclusion. This is the first book I’ve read by Nina Sadowsky, but definitely won’t be my last. Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2020
This one just did not really do it for me. I'm not sure if I just don't like psychological thrillers, or if the few I've been dealt with haven't been the best of the genre? Either way, I've only just finished this book five minutes ago, and I'm already realizing how apathetic I really am towards it. I also can't say that any particular part of the story stands out to me. I come to thrillers to get my blood pumping and my adrenaline rushing...not to pout my lip at the end and go, "Huh."
The first half of the book is backstory about Justin. We see him through the eyes of his mother, Carole, business partner, Will, and wife, Annie. To all, he is the image of a perfect man.
And right there is my major issue with unbelievability. How has he been able to go so far without anyone noticing? Especially with how easily they found out once they tried to dig up just a small thimble full of dirt. Exorbitant credit card files just tucked away in the desk drawer. Did Annie never once touch their finances? Random boat purchases through their company? What are they paying that CFO guy to do? His affair with Hailey? Annie and Will just had to walk up to her brother, and he just started yelling proof at them! How did Justin get away with any of this when he's obviously so terrible at hiding it?
Unfortunately, Justin's evils are not the point of this story, despite the fact that we spend 90% of it trying to "uncover" them. And what is the point? I'm...not quite sure actually. *scratches head* I'm just not sure what the final result is supposed to be. Usually, the story would follow the victim's killer, and we would be wrapped up in trying to uncover the culprit and bring them to justice. But here, there's no real sense of justice because the story was about Justin. Who's already dead. And thus nothing happens. Except for the end that randomly springs a murderer upon us, even though the majority of the book suggests that it was suicide. Then, the book is over, and it's all wrapped up with a nice little bow, leaving me with a strange sense of emptiness.
I just don't know. Is this the psychological part? Where I think myself in circles for hours and hours after finishing it?
The first half of the book is backstory about Justin. We see him through the eyes of his mother, Carole, business partner, Will, and wife, Annie. To all, he is the image of a perfect man.
And right there is my major issue with unbelievability. How has he been able to go so far without anyone noticing? Especially with how easily they found out once they tried to dig up just a small thimble full of dirt. Exorbitant credit card files just tucked away in the desk drawer. Did Annie never once touch their finances? Random boat purchases through their company? What are they paying that CFO guy to do? His affair with Hailey? Annie and Will just had to walk up to her brother, and he just started yelling proof at them! How did Justin get away with any of this when he's obviously so terrible at hiding it?
Unfortunately, Justin's evils are not the point of this story, despite the fact that we spend 90% of it trying to "uncover" them. And what is the point? I'm...not quite sure actually. *scratches head* I'm just not sure what the final result is supposed to be. Usually, the story would follow the victim's killer, and we would be wrapped up in trying to uncover the culprit and bring them to justice. But here, there's no real sense of justice because the story was about Justin. Who's already dead. And thus nothing happens. Except for the end that randomly springs a murderer upon us, even though the majority of the book suggests that it was suicide. Then, the book is over, and it's all wrapped up with a nice little bow, leaving me with a strange sense of emptiness.
I just don't know. Is this the psychological part? Where I think myself in circles for hours and hours after finishing it?
November 21, 2021
CONVINCE ME
Nina Sadowsky
If you ever heard of a power couple, it was Annie and Justin, both beautiful people who are smart and making their way at the top of the game. Then there is Carol, who has a great relationship with her son after raising him after his father was killed when he was 10. Mourning his best friend and partner is Will, devoted to the day-to-day operation of their business (Will and Justin's) he is devastated over the loss of his friend.
Everything was going well until it appears that life was not what it seemed, someone is not truthful and it seems to be Justin. So poor Annie, s getting blindsided by what she is uncovering after the police inform her that her beloved has perished in a car crash. It would seem that nothing he told her or Will was truthful including a brother, medical records, business associates, and debt.
The book jacket says that this is a chilling look at what "makes a sociopath in an age of untruth—and a high-octane, surprising read to its very last page." I have to agree! I was turning pages as fast as I could... hoping and praying that it was going to work out. If you want to know more, you are going to have to read it... I don't think you will be disappointed.
5 stars
Happy Reading!
Nina Sadowsky
If you ever heard of a power couple, it was Annie and Justin, both beautiful people who are smart and making their way at the top of the game. Then there is Carol, who has a great relationship with her son after raising him after his father was killed when he was 10. Mourning his best friend and partner is Will, devoted to the day-to-day operation of their business (Will and Justin's) he is devastated over the loss of his friend.
Everything was going well until it appears that life was not what it seemed, someone is not truthful and it seems to be Justin. So poor Annie, s getting blindsided by what she is uncovering after the police inform her that her beloved has perished in a car crash. It would seem that nothing he told her or Will was truthful including a brother, medical records, business associates, and debt.
The book jacket says that this is a chilling look at what "makes a sociopath in an age of untruth—and a high-octane, surprising read to its very last page." I have to agree! I was turning pages as fast as I could... hoping and praying that it was going to work out. If you want to know more, you are going to have to read it... I don't think you will be disappointed.
5 stars
Happy Reading!
July 7, 2020
Annie and Justin appear to have a fairy tale life. He, popular and successful, she, madly in love with him. Their life is ripped apart when he dies in a car crash.
The story opens at his funeral and is told from the POV of Annie, Justin’s best friend, Will, and Justin’s mother. As each reflect back on their history with Justin, there are a few unheeded warnings that all might not be as perfect as it seems.
Right after the funeral, Annie and Will begin to discover some devastating truths.
This is a fast paced, can’t put it down read. Great for summer reading or a rainy afternoon on the couch.
The story opens at his funeral and is told from the POV of Annie, Justin’s best friend, Will, and Justin’s mother. As each reflect back on their history with Justin, there are a few unheeded warnings that all might not be as perfect as it seems.
Right after the funeral, Annie and Will begin to discover some devastating truths.
This is a fast paced, can’t put it down read. Great for summer reading or a rainy afternoon on the couch.
December 21, 2020
Not thrilling enough for me and a bit dull in fact. I felt like over half of the book was character introductions before any action really took place. Felt like a Lifetime show and, indeed, the author has apparently written screenplays for Lifetime network so no surprise on that similarity. The three different viewpoints kept me guessing as to who was responsible for Justin's death, but not in a way that had me turning pages quickly or having trouble putting it down.
April 8, 2021
This was so good, I was kind of surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
July 23, 2020
They were the perfect couple: handsome and successful Justin and his beautiful wife Anne. Imagine the heartbreak when Justin is killed in a car accident, supposedly under the influence of drugs.
Anne works with Justin’s business partner Will to try and determine why there are so many unexplained actions and suspicious activities leading up to Justin’s accident. She tries to share in her grief with Justin’s mother, but Carol really doesn’t desire to share in the weakness of emotion. She has always raised her son to prosper, succeed at all costs, and if he failed, she was there to push him through.
As these three viewpoints reflect and untangle the lies that Justin has lived, they may not be prepared for the cold evidence that lies in their path. This is a fun, engrossing, and quick read, perfect for the beach or one rainy evening.
(I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you to Random House- Ballantine and NetGalley for making it available.)
Anne works with Justin’s business partner Will to try and determine why there are so many unexplained actions and suspicious activities leading up to Justin’s accident. She tries to share in her grief with Justin’s mother, but Carol really doesn’t desire to share in the weakness of emotion. She has always raised her son to prosper, succeed at all costs, and if he failed, she was there to push him through.
As these three viewpoints reflect and untangle the lies that Justin has lived, they may not be prepared for the cold evidence that lies in their path. This is a fun, engrossing, and quick read, perfect for the beach or one rainy evening.
(I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you to Random House- Ballantine and NetGalley for making it available.)
August 7, 2020
Convince me was a fast paced book that held my interest. It's a story about Justin who recently died- He was a charismatic guy and the story is told from 3 points of view Annie his wife, his friend and business partner Will, and his mother Carol. We learn that Justin isn't exactly who we thought he was - there's a trail of lies and deceit. All in all I thought it was a good read and I was interested in seeing what happened. I enjoyed the book but I wish I hadn't seen so many 5 star reviews - I think it I was expecting a lot more than I got out of it.
August 27, 2020
4.5*s. Fabulous twisty thriller! Keeps you guessing til the end. Loved the three-person narrative! Highly recommend!
July 12, 2020
This was a little slow to start but then picked up more quickly to become a good fast paced read. The narration is done form 3 points of view and it helps build the plot well. The chapters are short and that makes this a quick read. The mystery around Justin is well built and there some good twists and turns. Overall very enjoyable. I appreciated how the author answers all the questions a reader may have leaving nothing ambiguous. The ending wasn’t a huge plot twist but the book was truly enjoyable.
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