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The Other Couple
They planned a dream vacation. They got a trip to hell.
Maggie and Brad are on vacation at Lake Tahoe when they meet another couple, Skye and Joe. The four hit it off so well that Maggie invites their new friends to share her beautiful lakeside rental.
What she doesn’t realize is Skye and Joe aren’t just some random couple. They have been watching Maggie and Brad, have chosen them carefully….
And now, when they discover that Maggie has a secret which could destroy her marriage, they start turning the screws, pushing their own sinister agenda. But have they selected their victim wisely? Or does Maggie also have a dark side?
As the pressure builds, what should have been a dream vacation begins to look more like the inner circle of hell. Before it’s over, all four will be changed forever – and at least one of them will be dead
Maggie and Brad are on vacation at Lake Tahoe when they meet another couple, Skye and Joe. The four hit it off so well that Maggie invites their new friends to share her beautiful lakeside rental.
What she doesn’t realize is Skye and Joe aren’t just some random couple. They have been watching Maggie and Brad, have chosen them carefully….
And now, when they discover that Maggie has a secret which could destroy her marriage, they start turning the screws, pushing their own sinister agenda. But have they selected their victim wisely? Or does Maggie also have a dark side?
As the pressure builds, what should have been a dream vacation begins to look more like the inner circle of hell. Before it’s over, all four will be changed forever – and at least one of them will be dead
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2020
5246 people are currently reading
1974 people want to read
About the author
Cathryn Grant
81 books394 followersCathryn is the author of over forty novels. She writes psychological thrillers, psychological suspense, and the ALEXANDRA MALLORY series which features a sociopath you can’t help but love. Readers say they're “absolutely addicted” to the series.
The things that cause torment in real life—obsession and revenge, guilt and envy and longing—are endlessly fascinating in fiction and she never grows tired of writing stories about characters struggling to overcome the worst.
Cathryn also writes ghost stories because who knows what lies beyond our senses—The Haunted Ship Trilogy and the Madison Keith series of novellas.
When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, walking on the beach, or playing golf, going way out of her way to avoid hitting her ball in the sand or the water. She lives on the Central California Coast with her husband and her cat, Cleopatra.
You can get in touch with her by email, find her social media links, or sign up for her monthly newsletter at cathryngrant.com/contact. As a thank you for signing up, you’ll receive a free short story about Alexandra Mallory.
The things that cause torment in real life—obsession and revenge, guilt and envy and longing—are endlessly fascinating in fiction and she never grows tired of writing stories about characters struggling to overcome the worst.
Cathryn also writes ghost stories because who knows what lies beyond our senses—The Haunted Ship Trilogy and the Madison Keith series of novellas.
When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, walking on the beach, or playing golf, going way out of her way to avoid hitting her ball in the sand or the water. She lives on the Central California Coast with her husband and her cat, Cleopatra.
You can get in touch with her by email, find her social media links, or sign up for her monthly newsletter at cathryngrant.com/contact. As a thank you for signing up, you’ll receive a free short story about Alexandra Mallory.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 351 reviews
November 24, 2020
I should have done some research. This book was so not what I was expecting (think Housebroken by The Behrg but maybe not that extreme). What I got was a rather pedestrian story of a couple of con artists (Skye and Joe) who inveigle their way into another couple’s (Maggie and Brad) holiday home on Lake Tahoe with a view to scamming money from them. They all had a jolly time while Skye and Joe try to find and angle for blackmail. Their luck is in - it just so happens that Maggie has been having an affair. With one of Brad’s clients no less. This is not a spoiler, it happens very early in the book. Anyhow, naturally things don’t go according to plan. There is a boating accident!
There really wasn’t much more to it. There was little character development beyond what you needed to follow the story and there weren’t many characters to keep track of. The story was pretty slow and the inevitable twists were predictable. In fact the biggest surprise was when I thought the obvious twist was not coming after all! But it finally did. Two stars for being readable and a fairly quick read but I can’t really recommend this. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
There really wasn’t much more to it. There was little character development beyond what you needed to follow the story and there weren’t many characters to keep track of. The story was pretty slow and the inevitable twists were predictable. In fact the biggest surprise was when I thought the obvious twist was not coming after all! But it finally did. Two stars for being readable and a fairly quick read but I can’t really recommend this. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
December 20, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for my ARC. Wow! The final twist in this book totally blew me away. I kept wondering where the storyline was heading and many of the twists caught me by surprise. Maggie’s decision to invite a strange couple to the vacation home she shares with her husband, is a choice that sets the course for deception and betrayal. Everyone in this twisted tale has secrets. Keeping them hidden may prove to be deadly. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 17, 2020
I enjoyed this slow burn thriller.
This is the first book that I have read in a while (maybe ever) that I wasn't rooting for one particular character. I disliked Joe from the very beginning.
I liked that every character was flawed and a little unlikable. It honestly added to the suspense for me. I had no idea who was going to do what or what each character was capable of.
I do think some scenes seemed a little far-fetched.
I thought I knew what was going on the entire time but the end surprised me.
This is the first book that I have read in a while (maybe ever) that I wasn't rooting for one particular character. I disliked Joe from the very beginning.
I liked that every character was flawed and a little unlikable. It honestly added to the suspense for me. I had no idea who was going to do what or what each character was capable of.
I do think some scenes seemed a little far-fetched.
I thought I knew what was going on the entire time but the end surprised me.
December 7, 2020
This was a twisty psychological thriller focused on 2 couples who meet at Lake Tahoe. Skye and Joe meet Maggie and Brad and hit it off immediately- Maggie and Brad invite the other couple to stay with them after the accommodations fall through and you begin to learn secrets and ulterior motives about all 4. The narration shifts between all 4 characters and they are all unreliable narrators, which made for an engaging read as you race to find out what is really going on,
I enjoyed the suspense between these 4 characters, and the secrets and intentions that were exposed throughout the book. I did think there were some details missing around some aspects of the story, though; and there were some cases where a character acted in a way that didn't seem like a normal thing to do, but we didn't have enough background on the characters to truly understand it. Brad was the character I understood the least, and wish I could have gotten more info around what made him tick as the story continued.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read where you are constantly guessing what each character is trying to hide or expose, and the ending caught me by surprise. I'd recommend this book for those who read domestic suspense and psychological thrillers. 3.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the suspense between these 4 characters, and the secrets and intentions that were exposed throughout the book. I did think there were some details missing around some aspects of the story, though; and there were some cases where a character acted in a way that didn't seem like a normal thing to do, but we didn't have enough background on the characters to truly understand it. Brad was the character I understood the least, and wish I could have gotten more info around what made him tick as the story continued.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read where you are constantly guessing what each character is trying to hide or expose, and the ending caught me by surprise. I'd recommend this book for those who read domestic suspense and psychological thrillers. 3.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2020
Maggie and Brad
Skye and Joe
And never the twain shall meet
But they do
Maggie and Brad are good
Sky and Joe are not
You know how it goes by now
Sadly all 4 of them are loathsome
It is a perfectly ok tale of a couple being fooled by ‘ne’er do wells’, we know whats going to happen and cant stop it no matter how loud we think ‘you idiots, no one would invite complete strangers in like that’ and ‘dont you ever read books to see where this is leading’ so go with the flow, as said all 4 annoying and the ‘shock’ bits were as easy as paint by numbers to guess
Not that any of that made it bad, it didn’t, just predictable and a bit staid and non unique tbh
5/10
3 Stars
Skye and Joe
And never the twain shall meet
But they do
Maggie and Brad are good
Sky and Joe are not
You know how it goes by now
Sadly all 4 of them are loathsome
It is a perfectly ok tale of a couple being fooled by ‘ne’er do wells’, we know whats going to happen and cant stop it no matter how loud we think ‘you idiots, no one would invite complete strangers in like that’ and ‘dont you ever read books to see where this is leading’ so go with the flow, as said all 4 annoying and the ‘shock’ bits were as easy as paint by numbers to guess
Not that any of that made it bad, it didn’t, just predictable and a bit staid and non unique tbh
5/10
3 Stars
December 9, 2020
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
The Other Couple is a psychological thriller from Cathryn Grant about two couples - Maggie and Brad, Skye and Darren.
Skye and Darren are con artists looking for a new mark. They come across Maggie and Brad who are vacationing and strike up a sudden friendship with them with one aim in mind until things go wrong...
Unfortunately, I could predict most of the twists in this book except the very last one! All the characters were very unlikeable and I felt the story itself was quite far fetched and stretched out.
The Other Couple is a psychological thriller from Cathryn Grant about two couples - Maggie and Brad, Skye and Darren.
Skye and Darren are con artists looking for a new mark. They come across Maggie and Brad who are vacationing and strike up a sudden friendship with them with one aim in mind until things go wrong...
Unfortunately, I could predict most of the twists in this book except the very last one! All the characters were very unlikeable and I felt the story itself was quite far fetched and stretched out.
December 15, 2020
Maggie and Brad are a married couple who are on their annual holiday to Lake Tahoe whilst out they meet another couple Skye and Joe who they get on with very well. Unbeknown to them they are con artists looking for their next victims and they have their prey in sight!!
Maggie and Brad invite them to stay in their stunning lakeside rental when the other couples accommodation falls through. At this point I’m screaming out no!!
Maggie has a secret which will leave her vulnerable to blackmail. a secret that will shatter her marriage and she will do anything to stop it being revealed.
There are so many twists and turns along this amazing journey and the ending did make me stop and think about it!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
January 24, 2021
This book came straight from the psych thriller category, with a jacket blurb that was incredibly intriguing. Unfortunately, after turning the final page and closing the cover, I am to unequivocally state that this was neither a thriller nor intriguing. Instead, this tome was flat and slow, featured an entire cast of wholly unlikable characters and held no secrets, surprises or twists to make it worth finishing the read. It was average in every sense of the word. Seriously. I wouldn’t bother.
November 27, 2020
Blimey, I need to catch my breath!
It started well, had a slow blip towards the middle, then a WILD ride right through to the last word.
So gripping, twisty, a few little WTF moments and THAT ending!
So so good. Read it, thank me later!
It started well, had a slow blip towards the middle, then a WILD ride right through to the last word.
So gripping, twisty, a few little WTF moments and THAT ending!
So so good. Read it, thank me later!
December 5, 2020
The Other Couple is a psychological thriller following married couple Maggie and Brad Fromm who take their annual vacation in Lake Tahoe, nestled between the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains, connecting the states of Nevada and California, travelling from their home in Silicon Valley, CA, to spend some quality time together. Skye Smith and Joe Marchant are con artists who present as a couple who have been together over a decade and are visiting the beauty spot looking for their next mark. They soon set their sights on the successful and attractive Fromm’s. The couples seemingly meet by chance, and the Fromm’s have no idea that they have been carefully chosen to be victims of a blackmail scheme, and hit it off so well that Maggie and Brad invite the couple back to their stunning lakeside rental for dinner. Skye and Joe arrive at the cabin in a charcoal grey Mercedes van with Florida licence plates. The Fromm’s give them a tour of the spacious, luxurious house complete with beautiful views.
Unfortunately, they know Maggie’s dark secret and plan on blackmailing her to keep quiet about it. But soon everything explodes into a mess of deaths, infidelity, secrets and that's just for starters... This is a compulsive, addictive and thoroughly original story in which Grant keeps you firmly on your toes. The engaging mix of engrossing plot, detestable characters and sinister undertones made this is a superb read and there are times when the tension was palpable. It felt like an exciting and fresh domestic-based thriller and stood out from many other similar books. The story is full of intrigue as you wonder what exactly Maggie is hiding from Brad and how devastating it would be if it was revealed. The plot is superbly planned and multilayered with so much action and enough intense drama and an all-encompassing, complex page-turner complete with a tricksy blackmail scheme and plenty of surprises. I'm looking forward to Grant’s next book. Highly recommended.
Unfortunately, they know Maggie’s dark secret and plan on blackmailing her to keep quiet about it. But soon everything explodes into a mess of deaths, infidelity, secrets and that's just for starters... This is a compulsive, addictive and thoroughly original story in which Grant keeps you firmly on your toes. The engaging mix of engrossing plot, detestable characters and sinister undertones made this is a superb read and there are times when the tension was palpable. It felt like an exciting and fresh domestic-based thriller and stood out from many other similar books. The story is full of intrigue as you wonder what exactly Maggie is hiding from Brad and how devastating it would be if it was revealed. The plot is superbly planned and multilayered with so much action and enough intense drama and an all-encompassing, complex page-turner complete with a tricksy blackmail scheme and plenty of surprises. I'm looking forward to Grant’s next book. Highly recommended.
November 29, 2020
Pub Date: Dec 6, 2020
I don't quite know how I feel about this book, and usually that's not the best sign. This book follows Joe & Skye who are con artists. Their next victims are Maggie & Brad, who graciously (and crazily) invite the couple to stay in their vacation home with them. The synopsis points out that Maggie has a secret, one of which I was hoping would be much more sinister and dark than it actually was. The reader is also exposed to this secret veryyy early on in the book. It's one of those things where as a reader you're like, "wait, is this what the twist is?" After her secret is exposed, there's some slight action followed by about 100 pages of waiting for another twist or something gasp-worthy to occur. Then, the ending was a bit predictable (I definitely wasn't shocked); the epilogue exposes a secret of Skye's which to be honest was a bit predictable as well but I still wasn't expecting it (if that makes sense?). Overall, it didn't have me saying OH MY GOD at any point, although it wasn't incredibly boring either. With that, I give it 3 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I don't quite know how I feel about this book, and usually that's not the best sign. This book follows Joe & Skye who are con artists. Their next victims are Maggie & Brad, who graciously (and crazily) invite the couple to stay in their vacation home with them. The synopsis points out that Maggie has a secret, one of which I was hoping would be much more sinister and dark than it actually was. The reader is also exposed to this secret veryyy early on in the book. It's one of those things where as a reader you're like, "wait, is this what the twist is?" After her secret is exposed, there's some slight action followed by about 100 pages of waiting for another twist or something gasp-worthy to occur. Then, the ending was a bit predictable (I definitely wasn't shocked); the epilogue exposes a secret of Skye's which to be honest was a bit predictable as well but I still wasn't expecting it (if that makes sense?). Overall, it didn't have me saying OH MY GOD at any point, although it wasn't incredibly boring either. With that, I give it 3 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
December 2, 2020
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“The Other Couple” is an addictive psychological thriller surrounding four people and how their time together leads to blackmail and murder.
The author knows how to make the characters personal to the reader. She alternates the story between the four perspectives, which keeps the plot fresh. Moreover, I also liked the snippet entries of Brad’s blog and the responses/comments he gets to those posts. While you don’t feel like this is essential initially, the author puts them for a reason, which you realize at the end.
Moreover, the storyline and the characters intrigued me. It was gripping to see how each of the characters reacted to various situations. Poor Maggie! I thought she was the most enigmatic character in the tale. On the one hand, she stresses about her relationship with Brad, and then she also has to deal with Joe and Skye. I also liked the angle of Maggie and Darren.
Similarly, Skye is also strange and intriguing. The author wrote her well because you don’t know what her intentions are. At times, she is indifferent to the character, and sometimes, she is overly friendly with them. At the same time, Joe is one character you love to hate. Brad is the person you feel sorry for in the story, and I felt empathetic towards him.
Furthermore, the author maintains the pacing very nicely, where you don’t know what will happen to the characters. However, there were some minor parts that I felt were a bit off. For instance, why would Maggie and Brad keep Skye even after Joe went missing? They don’t even know her that well and should have suspected something was not right.
But, apart from that, I enjoyed reading this book. Overall, “The Other Couple” is a gripping psychological thriller that I enjoyed reading.
December 2, 2020
This story was a bit too much, I think Maggie felt into Skye and Joe's con to easily, and so many secrets! And the ending it was crazy.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
December 6, 2020
A vacation meant to rekindle a marriage that has become routine and stagnant, Brad and Maggie don't have a clue what they're in for when they meet a couple at the bar their first night in Lake Tahoe. What seems to be a chance meeting turned into fast friends, Joe and Skye are invited back to the lake house Brad and Maggie have rented. A snafu in their own rental reservation leads to Joe and Skye being invited to stay with them for the week.
The days start out normal enough. Beach time, drinks on the deck, and a good time had all around. But as time passes, each character gives their own perspective on their motives during this week in Lake Tahoe - and if all goes well it will lead to deceit, extortion, and a dead body.
This book will leave you with your heart pounding and on the edge of your seat! The twist at the end was completely unexpected, and left me dying to know what happens next!
Excellent book!
The days start out normal enough. Beach time, drinks on the deck, and a good time had all around. But as time passes, each character gives their own perspective on their motives during this week in Lake Tahoe - and if all goes well it will lead to deceit, extortion, and a dead body.
This book will leave you with your heart pounding and on the edge of your seat! The twist at the end was completely unexpected, and left me dying to know what happens next!
Excellent book!
December 28, 2020
So, this is mostly a fun read.
Oddly, I didn’t find it super suspenseful – probably because I didn’t care for ANY of the characters. I guess had I worried about even one of them, this would have been more successful.
However, I was very curious about how the plot would fall – and just whether or not a certain character would be successful in what seemed to be a nicely dark scheme.
Not the most memorable book to be sure, but an entertaining read.
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
Oddly, I didn’t find it super suspenseful – probably because I didn’t care for ANY of the characters. I guess had I worried about even one of them, this would have been more successful.
However, I was very curious about how the plot would fall – and just whether or not a certain character would be successful in what seemed to be a nicely dark scheme.
Not the most memorable book to be sure, but an entertaining read.
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
December 18, 2020
This book was quite LUKEWARM in this December cold and couldn't warm me up much.
My expectations wasn't met, MAYBE BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME.
My expectations wasn't met, MAYBE BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME.
January 18, 2021
.There were two bullet holes, one on the left side of the stomach. Rather, it was obvious that’s where the bullet had entered the flesh. A thickening pool of blood covered the actual wound. The other hole was in the chest, off to the side. Four or five inches to the right and there might have been a chance for life to continue. Murder hadn’t been the plan, but plans change.
Brad and Maggie are on vacation at Lake Tahoe visiting a lakeside rental. Upon being there, they need another couple Skye and Joe who they invite to live in their residence. While Maggie is anxious to meet new friends, Brad is not sure about this new fond friendship. As far as he can tell, two strangers living with him is awkward not knowing anything about them other than what they have introduced too. Maggie’s suspicious grows when she notices that Joe is too intrigued about her personal life threatening to end her if does not give him what he wants. Yet Skye thinks that she has found a place that she can call home after searching for so long. It does not take long for Joe to remind her that these people are not her friends. They came for a mission and the last thing he wants is end it it because Skye is starting to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Brad and Maggie are starting to enjoy the company of this new couple. However, their marriage is not all peaches and cream, especially when secrets are looming between them. As a marriage counselor, Brad will like to think that their marriage is good despite the infrequent sex and the miscommunication.
However, Maggie is harboring a deep secret that will destroy their marriage and the only saving grace she has is Joe and Skye who is her saving grace. Yet keeping her secret safe will put her in deep jeopardy with this new couple . Joe is on her, he is not willing to play nice if she does not play by his rules and mind games.
Skye does not share the same opinion about Brad and Maggie, she thinks that this is the getaway that she needed but this mainly due to her ignoring how dysfunctional her relationship with Joe is. Trust is compromised, secrets are discovered, and memories are cut short in this mesmerizing novel about trusting your instincts with strangers who shows you that they are not what they seem.
This was an amazing thriller that I was glued from the first page to the last. I really love the characterization and the poetry in this novel! It was so rich and vulgar in language that you will justify their actions although you know that they are not heroes in the story. This book was very fast paced with no filler to take up the page. While I was not a huge fan of the ending, it was too intriguing and suspenseful for me to rate it four stars.
Five stars for perfect characterization, content and the beautiful imagery.
By far one of the best novels I had the pleasure to read.
Highly recommended. Especially for picky raters like me.
Brad and Maggie are on vacation at Lake Tahoe visiting a lakeside rental. Upon being there, they need another couple Skye and Joe who they invite to live in their residence. While Maggie is anxious to meet new friends, Brad is not sure about this new fond friendship. As far as he can tell, two strangers living with him is awkward not knowing anything about them other than what they have introduced too. Maggie’s suspicious grows when she notices that Joe is too intrigued about her personal life threatening to end her if does not give him what he wants. Yet Skye thinks that she has found a place that she can call home after searching for so long. It does not take long for Joe to remind her that these people are not her friends. They came for a mission and the last thing he wants is end it it because Skye is starting to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Brad and Maggie are starting to enjoy the company of this new couple. However, their marriage is not all peaches and cream, especially when secrets are looming between them. As a marriage counselor, Brad will like to think that their marriage is good despite the infrequent sex and the miscommunication.
However, Maggie is harboring a deep secret that will destroy their marriage and the only saving grace she has is Joe and Skye who is her saving grace. Yet keeping her secret safe will put her in deep jeopardy with this new couple . Joe is on her, he is not willing to play nice if she does not play by his rules and mind games.
Skye does not share the same opinion about Brad and Maggie, she thinks that this is the getaway that she needed but this mainly due to her ignoring how dysfunctional her relationship with Joe is. Trust is compromised, secrets are discovered, and memories are cut short in this mesmerizing novel about trusting your instincts with strangers who shows you that they are not what they seem.
This was an amazing thriller that I was glued from the first page to the last. I really love the characterization and the poetry in this novel! It was so rich and vulgar in language that you will justify their actions although you know that they are not heroes in the story. This book was very fast paced with no filler to take up the page. While I was not a huge fan of the ending, it was too intriguing and suspenseful for me to rate it four stars.
Five stars for perfect characterization, content and the beautiful imagery.
By far one of the best novels I had the pleasure to read.
Highly recommended. Especially for picky raters like me.
December 6, 2020
Maggie and Brad have gone to Lake Tahoe for a vacation and some much-needed couple time. They meet Joe and Skye and invite them over for dinner. When Skye and Joe’s rental turns out to be a scam before you can say, that’s too bad, they have an invitation to stay with Brad and Maggie.
This chance meeting was anything but fate bringing new friends together. Joe and Skye chose them, and not because they thought they looked like a fun couple. Their game is blackmail, and the unfortunate Maggie has something to hide. There is little doubt that this idyllic vacation will not end well.
I can usually go with the flow when I read fiction. After all, if you didn’t have characters with closets full of skeletons, lots of coincidences, and villains who are always one step ahead, you wouldn’t get hard to put down mysteries and thrillers. Somehow though, I never could get past Maggie and Brad inviting these strangers to stay in their house. I mean, who does that? Maybe I am just a cynical New Yorker, but it kept niggling at the back of my brain and stopped me from becoming fully engaged in the story. That is just me though. There are quite a few good twists and turns, and when I thought everything was wrapped up, there was one more surprise. I liked it enough to want to read another book by this author.
This chance meeting was anything but fate bringing new friends together. Joe and Skye chose them, and not because they thought they looked like a fun couple. Their game is blackmail, and the unfortunate Maggie has something to hide. There is little doubt that this idyllic vacation will not end well.
I can usually go with the flow when I read fiction. After all, if you didn’t have characters with closets full of skeletons, lots of coincidences, and villains who are always one step ahead, you wouldn’t get hard to put down mysteries and thrillers. Somehow though, I never could get past Maggie and Brad inviting these strangers to stay in their house. I mean, who does that? Maybe I am just a cynical New Yorker, but it kept niggling at the back of my brain and stopped me from becoming fully engaged in the story. That is just me though. There are quite a few good twists and turns, and when I thought everything was wrapped up, there was one more surprise. I liked it enough to want to read another book by this author.
January 28, 2021
I’ve read two books written by Cathryn Grant, and I have really enjoyed both of them. I call her the Queen of Suburban Noir. At least in these books, she has a recognizable style: multiple narrators that shift chapter-to-chapter, each chapter told in the first person. In that way, she unspools a little more information, giving the reader a full perspective that not all the characters can see. I like it! Two thirds of the way through this book, I thought I had a general idea where it was heading, but there was a twist at the end that I did not expect. The Other Couple is a fun read; a book I really enjoyed!
December 3, 2020
This was an original twisty thriller. I really did not see what was going to happen at the end at all. I think Cathryn Grant is a good writer and the story line really flows well. There is always something happening and you just don't know where this is going to go--Who else thinks picking up a strange couple and inviting them into your beautiful vacation home is a very BAD idea? Scams and infidelity and domestic abuse are all a part of the story of Maggie and Skye and Brad and Joe. Parts of the story are told from all of their points of view and unreliable or not this keeps you guessing. No spoilers here, you should read this without much knowledge on just what these characters are up to.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the chance to read and review.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the chance to read and review.
December 3, 2020
Thank you to Cathryn Grant, Inkubator Books and Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I finished this book in less than 48 hours and I am still thinking about it. It was THAT good!
Skye Smith and Joe Marchant are conmen who have somehow never been caught after years of scamming people. They have just arrived in Lake Tahoe and are looking for a new "job". They spot Maggie and Brad Fromm and start planning. The couples instantly connect, with Brad being the one holdout. They invite Skye and Joe for dinner and they never leave.
This is a psychological thriller for 2020 giving the reader early insight into both couples and their secrets, so the story can play out in real time. There are surprises, great food, luxury boats, grand vacation homes and murder, with the least likely character driving it all. I could not put this book down. I loved how Cathryn Grant gave a voice to each character. I would describe this mystery as amazing. Five stars all around.
I finished this book in less than 48 hours and I am still thinking about it. It was THAT good!
Skye Smith and Joe Marchant are conmen who have somehow never been caught after years of scamming people. They have just arrived in Lake Tahoe and are looking for a new "job". They spot Maggie and Brad Fromm and start planning. The couples instantly connect, with Brad being the one holdout. They invite Skye and Joe for dinner and they never leave.
This is a psychological thriller for 2020 giving the reader early insight into both couples and their secrets, so the story can play out in real time. There are surprises, great food, luxury boats, grand vacation homes and murder, with the least likely character driving it all. I could not put this book down. I loved how Cathryn Grant gave a voice to each character. I would describe this mystery as amazing. Five stars all around.
February 14, 2021
I thought that the first half of the book was okay. I was interested in what was going to happen and wanted to keep reading. As I read along, the characters started to get on my nerves- especially Skye. She became whiny and it felt like her personality wasn't consistent and she changed her behavior too drastically to fit her character. Her reactions to big events didn't seem real or fitting for who I thought she was. I felt this way about Maggie and Joe as well at times.
One particular part of the story that grated was when Skye was complaining and whining that Maggie was being mean to her. Really? Skye was blackmailing Maggie and complaining that she wasn't being a good hostess? It didn't work for either character.
No spoilers but the end was ridiculous in my opinion. Too unrealistic and far fetched to really feel like a good ending to the story. In my opinion, the book began well/okay and fell far short from the middle on.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
One particular part of the story that grated was when Skye was complaining and whining that Maggie was being mean to her. Really? Skye was blackmailing Maggie and complaining that she wasn't being a good hostess? It didn't work for either character.
No spoilers but the end was ridiculous in my opinion. Too unrealistic and far fetched to really feel like a good ending to the story. In my opinion, the book began well/okay and fell far short from the middle on.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
December 29, 2020
Stupidest ending ever
Horrible ending his could you just up and end a book like that
Very disappointing to spend all the time reading and have no ending
Horrible ending his could you just up and end a book like that
Very disappointing to spend all the time reading and have no ending
December 6, 2020
The Other Couple will make sure you are never nice to strangers that is for sure! Maggie and Brad the unknowingly duped couple are on holiday. One wants to repair the marriage, the other wants to do anything other than talk about their marriage. They accidentally “bump��� into Joe and Skye, not so accidentally though, they are a mark. Quickly, way too quickly this couple become entwined with each other.
A big twist happens early on in the book and I wasn’t sure how the rest of the book would play out. Events happened, some I could see coming but it didn’t detract from the intensity of the situation, the isolation of what was happening.
I did like reading the book from all 4 points of view. It is always intriguing to see things from other people and as mentioned before it completely adds to the unreliability to them because people always see things differently.
There are elements in the book where you feel not a lot is happening, but in fact, these scenes are building the characters, giving us reliable and unreliable viewpoints. However, I don’t think I liked any of the characters. They were all flawed, which can make for great reading, but they really weren’t likeable people. At stages, I was completely put off with the characters by their behaviour, everything seemed too calm and serene when in fact something bad was going on. I got frustrated with them and I got the frustration they had with each other. I know for sure I will not be friends with anyone on holiday again, that is what the book taught me! Although with ulterior motives you might be hard done for regardless.
The ending did catch me off guard a bit, it was like the final piece of the puzzle that you didn’t realise you needed, the final kicker. I was surprised at how quickly I got to the epilogue because I still had unanswered questions and I fear they will stay there in Lake Tahoe.
One thing is for sure, nothing is ever what it seems.
A big twist happens early on in the book and I wasn’t sure how the rest of the book would play out. Events happened, some I could see coming but it didn’t detract from the intensity of the situation, the isolation of what was happening.
I did like reading the book from all 4 points of view. It is always intriguing to see things from other people and as mentioned before it completely adds to the unreliability to them because people always see things differently.
There are elements in the book where you feel not a lot is happening, but in fact, these scenes are building the characters, giving us reliable and unreliable viewpoints. However, I don’t think I liked any of the characters. They were all flawed, which can make for great reading, but they really weren’t likeable people. At stages, I was completely put off with the characters by their behaviour, everything seemed too calm and serene when in fact something bad was going on. I got frustrated with them and I got the frustration they had with each other. I know for sure I will not be friends with anyone on holiday again, that is what the book taught me! Although with ulterior motives you might be hard done for regardless.
The ending did catch me off guard a bit, it was like the final piece of the puzzle that you didn’t realise you needed, the final kicker. I was surprised at how quickly I got to the epilogue because I still had unanswered questions and I fear they will stay there in Lake Tahoe.
One thing is for sure, nothing is ever what it seems.
December 16, 2020
Every year Maggie and Brad spend their vacation at the same lakeside house at Lake Tahoe. They enjoyed the downtime, away from busy schedules to enjoy each other's company and the beautiful surroundings. This year however it starts slightly differently when, on the first night, they meet Joe and Skye and invite them to stay. It soon becomes apparent that their new houseguests are not what they seem. As the couples spend time together they begin to discover more about each other, which leads to a dramatic storyline where they take actions that will live with them for the rest of their lives.
At first, I wasn't too sure about this book, I felt the storyline was a little far fetched but as the story unfolded, I got to know more about each character and the brilliance of Grant’s writing began to shine through. I enjoyed this book immensely, the plot was very well written, it was gripping and kept me engaged throughout. I highly recommend this title to any reader who enjoys the thriller genre.
Many thanks to Inkubator Books and NetGalley UK for the review copy.
At first, I wasn't too sure about this book, I felt the storyline was a little far fetched but as the story unfolded, I got to know more about each character and the brilliance of Grant’s writing began to shine through. I enjoyed this book immensely, the plot was very well written, it was gripping and kept me engaged throughout. I highly recommend this title to any reader who enjoys the thriller genre.
Many thanks to Inkubator Books and NetGalley UK for the review copy.
December 4, 2020
This was really good and so exciting. I woke early Sunday morning – it was my birthday – and just had to finish it. Just when you thought there couldn’t be any more twists there was another and another. I did guess one of them – I think we were supposed to – but I never guessed the final one. Never underestimate the quiet ones, the ones who everyone thinks are a bit dim and just go with the flow.
Brad and Maggie are on holiday at Lake Tahoe. Their rented home is beautiful, luxurious, secluded and peaceful. And too big for the two of them. Then they go out for a drink and it all changes. Joe and Skye engineer the initial meeting and Brad and Maggie have no idea they are being targeted. They seem so nice and friendly. Especially Skye. Poor things. They drove all the way from Florida in a van and their rental fell through. They were conned. Maggie invites them to stay in their huge house. Brad is cross. He feels that he and Maggie need this holiday to talk about their marriage and reconnect.
But all is not as it seems. Who are these people really and what do they want? We can guess but they don’t – yet. Because Maggie has a secret and Joe knows what it is. He wants money to keep quiet – lot’s of it. But Maggie is not playing ball. In the meantime Skye is connecting on Facebook with Maggie’s friends, including her lover Darren, who also happens to be a client of Brad. Now Brad’s marriage counselling business is also at risk, as well as their marriage. Maggie has a lot to lose. So she decides to fight back and that is when the trouble really starts.
Many thanks to @damppebbles for inviting me to be part of #damppebblesblogtours
Brad and Maggie are on holiday at Lake Tahoe. Their rented home is beautiful, luxurious, secluded and peaceful. And too big for the two of them. Then they go out for a drink and it all changes. Joe and Skye engineer the initial meeting and Brad and Maggie have no idea they are being targeted. They seem so nice and friendly. Especially Skye. Poor things. They drove all the way from Florida in a van and their rental fell through. They were conned. Maggie invites them to stay in their huge house. Brad is cross. He feels that he and Maggie need this holiday to talk about their marriage and reconnect.
But all is not as it seems. Who are these people really and what do they want? We can guess but they don’t – yet. Because Maggie has a secret and Joe knows what it is. He wants money to keep quiet – lot’s of it. But Maggie is not playing ball. In the meantime Skye is connecting on Facebook with Maggie’s friends, including her lover Darren, who also happens to be a client of Brad. Now Brad’s marriage counselling business is also at risk, as well as their marriage. Maggie has a lot to lose. So she decides to fight back and that is when the trouble really starts.
Many thanks to @damppebbles for inviting me to be part of #damppebblesblogtours
November 27, 2020
I found it extremely difficult to write this review without any spoilers! Please get in touch with me as soon as you have read this book – I am itching to discuss this title in more detail with someone who has read it! (Lynnie, if you are out there – read this book!)
Sit back and get ready to analyse your marriage as you turn the pages of this book. A story based on marriage, on what it takes to have a good marriage and the effects of deception and the lack of open communication. This book explores what happens when a couple becomes wrapped up in the routines of life and turns things upside by adding extreme circumstances and just for fun the author adds a dead body to the mix.
The book is narrated by all four characters and each chapter allows you to see the event unfold from their different perspectives. This allows you to get to know all of them intimately. I enjoyed that. It allowed me to make my own decisions about the characters and not only seeing them from one narrator's point of view.
read more: https://featzreviews.com/the-other-co...
Sit back and get ready to analyse your marriage as you turn the pages of this book. A story based on marriage, on what it takes to have a good marriage and the effects of deception and the lack of open communication. This book explores what happens when a couple becomes wrapped up in the routines of life and turns things upside by adding extreme circumstances and just for fun the author adds a dead body to the mix.
The book is narrated by all four characters and each chapter allows you to see the event unfold from their different perspectives. This allows you to get to know all of them intimately. I enjoyed that. It allowed me to make my own decisions about the characters and not only seeing them from one narrator's point of view.
read more: https://featzreviews.com/the-other-co...
November 26, 2020
I throughly enjoyed The Other Couple, the new psychological thriller by Cathryn Grant, my third or fourth of her novels. A couple on vacation, hoping to fix some tears in their marriage meet another couple in a restaurant, start a conversation, then invite them to dinner, then invite them to stay in their vacation home. And that’s all in the first few pages. Skye and Joe, a couple of con artists seem right at home in the middle of the lives of Brad and Maggie, expecting to score a free holiday and maybe a couple of pieces of jewelry. Things happen, plans change, demands increase, secrets are revealed and a tragedy happens. Again, not even halfway through. We read how easy it is to manipulate, conceal and leave lives in taters. Now through in the suspense, twists and double crosses and you have an excellent story to read. Grant is good at writing the thoughts and reasoning for her character’s reactions and responses and we agree they could feel that way. That makes the story more layered than many similar stories and I was tricked and thrown by the ending I wasn’t expecting!
November 30, 2020
Maggie and Brad are on their annual trip to Lake Tahoe when they meet with Skye and Joe. Unbeknown to Maggie and Bead it's not an accidental meeting. Skye and Joe are con artists and have chosen them to con. It helps that they discover that Maggie has a secret. The story is told from all four perspectives and moves along at a good pace. I didnt expect the ending at all. Really enjoyed this book and will look out for more from this author This honest review is in exchange for free copy from publisher and Netgalley
November 23, 2020
Cathryn Grant’s gripping psychological thriller, “The Other Couple,” to be published December 6, 2020, is an utterly addictive read that will ruminate in your thoughts long after the last page is finished.
Maggie and Brad Fromm have been coming to Lake Tahoe for their vacation since they were married 12 years ago. As is tradition, they rent a luxurious cabin and spend their days relaxing and heading out on their boat. It’s the perfect getaway for this busy couple from Silicon Valley, California.
Skye Smith and Joe Marchant, having just arrived in Lake Tahoe for a vacation, meet Maggie and Brad at a restaurant. They instantly click as a couple and before long Maggie and Brad are inviting them to stay at their luxury lakeside rental. Skye and Joe can’t believe their luck. Then things go suddenly wrong and one of them ends up dead.
I love Grant’s twist on the psychological thriller. Many authors choose to focus on the ‘who dunnit,’ whereas Grant writes to expose the ‘why dunnit’ in a suburban setting. I read an interview recently where her style, ‘suburban noir,’ was coined a subgenre of psychological thrillers. Regardless of the name we put on it, she’s got the style perfected. Paramount to the success of this type of writing is the characterization. Grant is able to give readers access into the Fromms background via Brad’s blogs. It’s in these posts that we see into their hearts and minds. Skye’s open nature and friendly barrage of questioning accesses Maggie’s real personality. The symbolism in Skye’s given name and Tom’s surname can’t be overlooked; they are both peddling something and the sky’s the limit. You’ll have to read to find out for yourself.
Thank you to Cathryn Grant, Inkubator Books and Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Maggie and Brad Fromm have been coming to Lake Tahoe for their vacation since they were married 12 years ago. As is tradition, they rent a luxurious cabin and spend their days relaxing and heading out on their boat. It’s the perfect getaway for this busy couple from Silicon Valley, California.
Skye Smith and Joe Marchant, having just arrived in Lake Tahoe for a vacation, meet Maggie and Brad at a restaurant. They instantly click as a couple and before long Maggie and Brad are inviting them to stay at their luxury lakeside rental. Skye and Joe can’t believe their luck. Then things go suddenly wrong and one of them ends up dead.
I love Grant’s twist on the psychological thriller. Many authors choose to focus on the ‘who dunnit,’ whereas Grant writes to expose the ‘why dunnit’ in a suburban setting. I read an interview recently where her style, ‘suburban noir,’ was coined a subgenre of psychological thrillers. Regardless of the name we put on it, she’s got the style perfected. Paramount to the success of this type of writing is the characterization. Grant is able to give readers access into the Fromms background via Brad’s blogs. It’s in these posts that we see into their hearts and minds. Skye’s open nature and friendly barrage of questioning accesses Maggie’s real personality. The symbolism in Skye’s given name and Tom’s surname can’t be overlooked; they are both peddling something and the sky’s the limit. You’ll have to read to find out for yourself.
Thank you to Cathryn Grant, Inkubator Books and Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
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