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Beneath the Marigolds
8 hours, 31 minutes
Playing on our universal fascination with reality TV, Emily Whitson’s Beneath the Marigolds is the Bachelor(ette) gone terribly wrong.
Reese Marigold saved Ann Stone from a life of addiction by introducing Ann to AA and serving as her sponsor in recovery. Despite their differences - Reese is a hopeless romantic, while Ann is a no-nonsense attorney - the women remain close 10 years later. So when Reese goes missing after attending Last Chance, an exclusive singles’ retreat off the coast of Hawaii, Ann infiltrates the retreat.
Quickly, Ann realizes there’s more to Last Chance than meets the eye. With its extravagant clothes, never-ending interviews, and bizarre dates, Ann begins to suspect the retreat is a front for a reality dating show. Could Reese be safe and sound, keeping a low profile until the premier, or did something more sinister occur? As Ann traces Reese’s last known movements, partakes in the unusual “journey,” and meets the other attendees who all have something to hide, she jeopardizes her career, her sanity, and her life to find her missing friend.
Told from the perspective of both Ann and Reese, Beneath the Marigolds is a fast-paced thriller that explores friendship, women in recovery, and the traditional marriage path idealized by today’s numerous dating and relationship reality shows.
Playing on our universal fascination with reality TV, Emily Whitson’s Beneath the Marigolds is the Bachelor(ette) gone terribly wrong.
Reese Marigold saved Ann Stone from a life of addiction by introducing Ann to AA and serving as her sponsor in recovery. Despite their differences - Reese is a hopeless romantic, while Ann is a no-nonsense attorney - the women remain close 10 years later. So when Reese goes missing after attending Last Chance, an exclusive singles’ retreat off the coast of Hawaii, Ann infiltrates the retreat.
Quickly, Ann realizes there’s more to Last Chance than meets the eye. With its extravagant clothes, never-ending interviews, and bizarre dates, Ann begins to suspect the retreat is a front for a reality dating show. Could Reese be safe and sound, keeping a low profile until the premier, or did something more sinister occur? As Ann traces Reese’s last known movements, partakes in the unusual “journey,” and meets the other attendees who all have something to hide, she jeopardizes her career, her sanity, and her life to find her missing friend.
Told from the perspective of both Ann and Reese, Beneath the Marigolds is a fast-paced thriller that explores friendship, women in recovery, and the traditional marriage path idealized by today’s numerous dating and relationship reality shows.
Audiobook
First published September 21, 2021
About the author
Emily C. Whitson
1 book126 followersEmily C. Whitson is the debut author of Beneath the Marigolds, an adult mystery set to release in September 2021.
Whitson is particularly passionate about women’s education and female stories. When she isn’t writing or in the classroom, she can usually be found with her dog, Hoss. You can follow them on Instagram at @emilycwhitson_bookclub.
Whitson is particularly passionate about women’s education and female stories. When she isn’t writing or in the classroom, she can usually be found with her dog, Hoss. You can follow them on Instagram at @emilycwhitson_bookclub.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
November 6, 2021
This was a phenomenal debut! I seriously loved this book!
Reese is always looking for love in all the wrong places! Seriously she is looking for "the one." So when she gets an invitation to an exclusive singles retreat on a remote island...well she is all in...it sounded like The Bachelor in Paradise version.
However when Reese arrives...it's more like The Bachelor's evil twin version...As they try to plaster her with drinks, she holds strong. They insist she wear the revealing clothing that they supply. She begins to wonder...is she being taped? Is this a reality show that she did not sign up for?
When Reese never returns from the island, her BFF Ann is determined to find out the truth. Did Reese find true love and run away with him, or did something sinister happen on that island?
Oh my gosh you guys! This book was so good! I literally couldn't put it down. There are two timelines and they both were fantastic. When they came together, they did not disappoint. The ending was perfection.
The writing is strong, the storyline and characters are well developed..and that twist...well it is seriously hard to believe that this is the author's first book!
Thank you so much to Suzy Approved Tours, CamCat Books and Emily Whitson for my gifted copy!
Reese is always looking for love in all the wrong places! Seriously she is looking for "the one." So when she gets an invitation to an exclusive singles retreat on a remote island...well she is all in...it sounded like The Bachelor in Paradise version.
However when Reese arrives...it's more like The Bachelor's evil twin version...As they try to plaster her with drinks, she holds strong. They insist she wear the revealing clothing that they supply. She begins to wonder...is she being taped? Is this a reality show that she did not sign up for?
When Reese never returns from the island, her BFF Ann is determined to find out the truth. Did Reese find true love and run away with him, or did something sinister happen on that island?
Oh my gosh you guys! This book was so good! I literally couldn't put it down. There are two timelines and they both were fantastic. When they came together, they did not disappoint. The ending was perfection.
The writing is strong, the storyline and characters are well developed..and that twist...well it is seriously hard to believe that this is the author's first book!
Thank you so much to Suzy Approved Tours, CamCat Books and Emily Whitson for my gifted copy!
December 5, 2022
This was a fun and entertaining audiobook. Told in dual timelines and two points of view, it was an easy listen and I had no problem switching from one POV to the other.
Reese is a young woman who has been unlucky in love. She is a romantic and is always looking for Mr. Right. Reese received a brochure from “Last Chance”, a secluded island retreat offering introductions to men who might be just right for you!!
Reese is a recovering alcoholic and immediately has problems with the retreat offering, almost pushing, alcoholic drinks at the get togethers and dates. She begins to have her doubts about what is going on when some things just don’t add up. Her POV is in the past tense.
The second point of view is that of Ann, in the present time. Ann Stone was invited to the retreat but she is a more self assured woman, a lawyer, and not at all a romantic like her friend Reese. She declined Reese’s offer that they attend together!
Their connection is strong because Reese introduced Ann to AA and it’s because of her that she has changed her life.
When Reese doesn’t return from the retreat Ann is immediately suspicious that something has gone wrong.
Ann decides the only way to find out what is going on is to attend the retreat herself!! WHAT SHE FINDS IS SOMETHING ELSE ENTIRELY!!
PROS:
Easy listen with good narration from Lisa Larsen and Emily O’Brien
Fast paced mystery that held my attention
Characters that were well described
The ending was a good one and left me feeling satisfied
CONS:
I found it a bit hard to believe that mature women would go along with the “rules” at “Last Chance”.
They were made to dress in seductive clothing, their make up was done for them and every single encounter between the guests was overseen by “guards”
I liked the idea of two very different women who had found a connection through their resolve to stop their alcohol addiction and this is a theme throughout the book.
An easy listen with a good mystery.
I received an audiobook from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to listen to and review this audiobook.
Reese is a young woman who has been unlucky in love. She is a romantic and is always looking for Mr. Right. Reese received a brochure from “Last Chance”, a secluded island retreat offering introductions to men who might be just right for you!!
Reese is a recovering alcoholic and immediately has problems with the retreat offering, almost pushing, alcoholic drinks at the get togethers and dates. She begins to have her doubts about what is going on when some things just don’t add up. Her POV is in the past tense.
The second point of view is that of Ann, in the present time. Ann Stone was invited to the retreat but she is a more self assured woman, a lawyer, and not at all a romantic like her friend Reese. She declined Reese’s offer that they attend together!
Their connection is strong because Reese introduced Ann to AA and it’s because of her that she has changed her life.
When Reese doesn’t return from the retreat Ann is immediately suspicious that something has gone wrong.
Ann decides the only way to find out what is going on is to attend the retreat herself!! WHAT SHE FINDS IS SOMETHING ELSE ENTIRELY!!
PROS:
Easy listen with good narration from Lisa Larsen and Emily O’Brien
Fast paced mystery that held my attention
Characters that were well described
The ending was a good one and left me feeling satisfied
CONS:
I found it a bit hard to believe that mature women would go along with the “rules” at “Last Chance”.
They were made to dress in seductive clothing, their make up was done for them and every single encounter between the guests was overseen by “guards”
I liked the idea of two very different women who had found a connection through their resolve to stop their alcohol addiction and this is a theme throughout the book.
An easy listen with a good mystery.
I received an audiobook from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to listen to and review this audiobook.
November 19, 2022
Beautiful writing and lovely descriptions make this a story that seems to be above the others.
Would you go to a retreat called Last Chance where love and beauty is suppose to be at your very fingertips.? Beautiful seductive clothes, hair and makeup, massages, wonderful food are the offerings, and yet once again there's more here than meets the eye. ...and men!!!
Reece Marigold goes to the retreat and then goes missing. Disgruntled and upset about her missing friend, lawyer Ann Stone attends the island to figure out her friend's disappearance. She immediately feels there is something amiss here. Could this place be a front for a reality show or was it a front for something sinister?
The story alternates between the voices of Reece and Ann, and both POV's are compelling and the author is quite adept at bringing the two story lines together.
Where was Reece and will Ann finds herself also in the very same dangerous position as her best friend was and will she survive this search for answers?
Thank you to Emily Watson, the narrators Lisa Larsen and Emily O’Brien, who did a fine job, and NetGalley for a copy of this story, which definitely held my attention.
Would you go to a retreat called Last Chance where love and beauty is suppose to be at your very fingertips.? Beautiful seductive clothes, hair and makeup, massages, wonderful food are the offerings, and yet once again there's more here than meets the eye. ...and men!!!
Reece Marigold goes to the retreat and then goes missing. Disgruntled and upset about her missing friend, lawyer Ann Stone attends the island to figure out her friend's disappearance. She immediately feels there is something amiss here. Could this place be a front for a reality show or was it a front for something sinister?
The story alternates between the voices of Reece and Ann, and both POV's are compelling and the author is quite adept at bringing the two story lines together.
Where was Reece and will Ann finds herself also in the very same dangerous position as her best friend was and will she survive this search for answers?
Thank you to Emily Watson, the narrators Lisa Larsen and Emily O’Brien, who did a fine job, and NetGalley for a copy of this story, which definitely held my attention.
December 2, 2022
✰✰✰✰✰
This debut thriller, with its gorgeous cover, grabbed me from the first paragraph! I love trying new authors. It can be a coin toss with debut authors, but still exciting and fun. I hit the jackpot with Ms. Whitson and Beneath the Marigolds!
The story is told from two perspectives. Reese—who is a hopeless romantic…always looking for Mr. Right. She bounces from one relationship to another but manages to stay optimistic. Her friend—Ann—is down-to-earth and focused on her career as a lawyer. The two women may have a lot of differences, but they are bonded by their shared addictions. Both are AA members.
When Reese receives an invitation to the “Last Chance” retreat, she’s ecstatic. It is an exclusive singles retreat located on a private island and sounds like the perfect fit for Reese. She tries to get Ann to attend with her, but it’s not Ann’s thing.
Reese connects with someone right away, but some bizarre things are going on, so she decides to cut her stay short. When Reese disappears, Ann decides to attend the next session, hoping she can find out what happened to her friend. The more she digs, the more questions she has. This is one sketchy place. As wonderful as it sounds, I think I’ll pass!
Christina, the host, is very mysterious. And all of her rules and restrictions are strange. She provides the outfits and requires them to be worn. There is a makeup artist. Meals are set up at strange times, but there is never any food on the “dates”. Alcohol flows freely and denying it feels like an insult. Not a friendly place for a recovering alcoholic.
This is one of the best debuts I’ve read. A well-written must-read!
Sincere thanks to CamCat Books for providing an audiobook through NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.
#BeneathTheMarigolds #EmilyCWhitson #netgalley #Edelweiss #audiobook #audiobookreview #ARC #BookReview #PsychologicalThriller #ThrillerObsessed #DebutAuthor #5StarRead #justfinished #honestreview #crimeandcocktailsbookcrew #mysteryandthrills #readwithme #bookaddict #thrilleraddict #thrillersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #lovebooks #bookreviewersofinstagram #lovetoreadbooks #cantstopreading #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecommendations #readingintherockies #mustread #justfinishedreading #thrillerfiction #coloradoreader
This debut thriller, with its gorgeous cover, grabbed me from the first paragraph! I love trying new authors. It can be a coin toss with debut authors, but still exciting and fun. I hit the jackpot with Ms. Whitson and Beneath the Marigolds!
The story is told from two perspectives. Reese—who is a hopeless romantic…always looking for Mr. Right. She bounces from one relationship to another but manages to stay optimistic. Her friend—Ann—is down-to-earth and focused on her career as a lawyer. The two women may have a lot of differences, but they are bonded by their shared addictions. Both are AA members.
When Reese receives an invitation to the “Last Chance” retreat, she’s ecstatic. It is an exclusive singles retreat located on a private island and sounds like the perfect fit for Reese. She tries to get Ann to attend with her, but it’s not Ann’s thing.
Reese connects with someone right away, but some bizarre things are going on, so she decides to cut her stay short. When Reese disappears, Ann decides to attend the next session, hoping she can find out what happened to her friend. The more she digs, the more questions she has. This is one sketchy place. As wonderful as it sounds, I think I’ll pass!
Christina, the host, is very mysterious. And all of her rules and restrictions are strange. She provides the outfits and requires them to be worn. There is a makeup artist. Meals are set up at strange times, but there is never any food on the “dates”. Alcohol flows freely and denying it feels like an insult. Not a friendly place for a recovering alcoholic.
This is one of the best debuts I’ve read. A well-written must-read!
Sincere thanks to CamCat Books for providing an audiobook through NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.
#BeneathTheMarigolds #EmilyCWhitson #netgalley #Edelweiss #audiobook #audiobookreview #ARC #BookReview #PsychologicalThriller #ThrillerObsessed #DebutAuthor #5StarRead #justfinished #honestreview #crimeandcocktailsbookcrew #mysteryandthrills #readwithme #bookaddict #thrilleraddict #thrillersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #lovebooks #bookreviewersofinstagram #lovetoreadbooks #cantstopreading #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecommendations #readingintherockies #mustread #justfinishedreading #thrillerfiction #coloradoreader
August 25, 2021
Beneath the Marigolds is a fast-paced psychological thriller that mashes up the reality series The Bachelor with Gone Girl.
Told in three parts, the story alternates between the points of view of Ann and Reese. Ann is heading to Phaux Island under the guise of finding love, but she’s really searching for Reese, her close friend who went missing a month earlier. Reese’s point of view scenes begin when she first came to the island, eager to find her soulmate.
There’s a distinct writing style change between the two heroines’ points of view, which made it incredibly easy to recognize whose chapter I was reading. Reese is a flighty, immature-for-her-age, hopeless romantic, and her chapters read as such. Ann, on the other hand, is far more reserved. She’s a realist. She’s a lawyer, who, like her best friend, is unlucky in love. Her chapters have a far more analytical style, and even the way she views what’s happening at the retreat is coloured by her experiences and her profession.
Both Reese and Ann are recovering alcoholics, and this is a theme throughout the novel. Because they’re at a romantic retreat, of course they’re constantly being tempted with alcohol, almost to the point where it seems like the people running the resort want them off the wagon. There’s something sinister going on, and Ann is determined to get to the bottom of it, not just so she can find her friend, but so she can get out of there unscathed.
There are many exhilarating twists and turns in the plot. There were a few developments that sent me reeling, and then I was back to hungrily devouring the book. The final reveal was quite shocking, and it nicely wrapped up a cohesive and entertaining story.
*Thank you to CamCat Books, Edelweiss, and the author for the ebook to review*
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
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My 2021 Reading Challenge
June 4, 2021
Welcome, readers!
Thank you for taking the time to check out my debut novel. This has been my darling for the past four years, and I am so thrilled (and nervous!) to finally be able to share it with the world.
For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated with pop culture—including ABC's The Bachelor(ette)—and a good whodunnit. Both offer compelling storylines and great escapes from reality, and I wondered what would happen if the two collided. Although the novel went through several iterations, I always came back to the original premise of "what would happen if a reality dating show went very, very wrong?" I thought the concept was interesting and unique, and I hope you, my dear readers, feel the same way.
I hope you enjoy the characters, as well. I developed the protagonists, Reese and Ann, during the heyday of the #ownvoices movement, so it was critical to write from perspectives that I knew and understood—namely, women in recovery. But even before the movement gained traction, writing about people in recovery in an accurate, respectful, and refreshingly normal light has been a long-time goal. In fiction, addicts are commonly portrayed as one-dimensional villains. Or, they are defined by their substance use. I wanted to see main characters who were in recovery and succeeding. Of course, both of my protagonists run into trouble, but it's trouble unrelated to their addiction. There’s still so much shame surrounding addiction, and I wanted to have characters who talked about their recovery in a stigma-free manner. Seeing such characters would have been really helpful to me when I was entering recovery, so I hope it helps someone else in a similar situation.
While I tried my best to maintain the twists and break-neck speed required of contemporary thrillers, I veered away from the bleak tone that is popular today. Life can be difficult enough, so it was important to me to end on a hopeful note. The conclusion may not be the conventional happy ending promulgated on reality dating shows, but I believe it’s a happy ending all the same. By the end of the story, I hope it’s clear there are many paths to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
If you haven’t read the story yet, I hope you enjoy it. And if you have read it—or shared it, or bought it, or shared words of encouragement, I am deeply grateful. Thank you, from the very bottom of my heart.
December 3, 2022
This was a fantastic audiobook.
I listened to it in a couple of days. It was thrilling, with so much intrigue and drama as you read.
It follows the story of Ann, whose friend Reese Marigold has gone missing after attending a retreat for single people. Ann decides to also go to the retreat and gain information as to what happened to Reese.
The dual timelines is used perfectly, as we hear chapters from Reese in the leadup to her disappearance, and Ann weeks later. I love reading books with dual timelines, as long as they are clear and not confusing, like this one.
The narrators were excellent, although have similar voices to each other, so if I missed the start of the chapter, it would be a little jarring to work out which character was speaking.
The ending was a real surprise, but very well thought out.
I really enjoyed it, and it is a remarkable debut.
I listened to it in a couple of days. It was thrilling, with so much intrigue and drama as you read.
It follows the story of Ann, whose friend Reese Marigold has gone missing after attending a retreat for single people. Ann decides to also go to the retreat and gain information as to what happened to Reese.
The dual timelines is used perfectly, as we hear chapters from Reese in the leadup to her disappearance, and Ann weeks later. I love reading books with dual timelines, as long as they are clear and not confusing, like this one.
The narrators were excellent, although have similar voices to each other, so if I missed the start of the chapter, it would be a little jarring to work out which character was speaking.
The ending was a real surprise, but very well thought out.
I really enjoyed it, and it is a remarkable debut.
November 15, 2022
✰✰✰✰✰
This debut thriller, with its gorgeous cover, grabbed me from the first paragraph! I love trying new authors. It can be a coin toss with debut authors, but still exciting and fun. I hit the jackpot with Ms. Whitson and Beneath the Marigolds!
The story is told from two perspectives. Reese—who is a hopeless romantic…always looking for Mr. Right. She bounces from one relationship to another but manages to stay optimistic. Her friend—Ann—is down-to-earth and focused on her career as a lawyer. The two women may have a lot of differences, but they are bonded by their shared addictions. Both are AA members.
When Reese receives an invitation to the “Last Chance” retreat, she’s ecstatic. It is an exclusive singles retreat located on a private island and sounds like the perfect fit for Reese. She tries to get Ann to attend with her, but it’s not Ann’s thing.
Reese connects with someone right away, but some bizarre things are going on, so she decides to cut her stay short. When Reese disappears, Ann decides to attend the next session, hoping she can find out what happened to her friend. The more she digs, the more questions she has. This is one sketchy place. As wonderful as it sounds, I think I’ll pass!
Christina, the host, is very mysterious. And all of her rules and restrictions are strange. She provides the outfits and requires them to be worn. There is a makeup artist. Meals are set up at strange times, but there is never any food on the “dates”. Alcohol flows freely and denying it feels like an insult. Not a friendly place for a recovering alcoholic.
This is one of the best debuts I’ve read. A well-written must-read!
Sincere thanks to CamCat Books for providing an audiobook through NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.
#BeneathTheMarigolds #EmilyCWhitson #netgalley #Edelweiss #audiobook #audiobookreview #ARC #BookReview #PsychologicalThriller #ThrillerObsessed #DebutAuthor #5StarRead #justfinished #honestreview #crimeandcocktailsbookcrew #mysteryandthrills #readwithme #bookaddict #thrilleraddict #thrillersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #lovebooks #bookreviewersofinstagram #lovetoreadbooks #cantstopreading #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecommendations #readingintherockies #mustread #justfinishedreading #thrillerfiction #coloradoreader
This debut thriller, with its gorgeous cover, grabbed me from the first paragraph! I love trying new authors. It can be a coin toss with debut authors, but still exciting and fun. I hit the jackpot with Ms. Whitson and Beneath the Marigolds!
The story is told from two perspectives. Reese—who is a hopeless romantic…always looking for Mr. Right. She bounces from one relationship to another but manages to stay optimistic. Her friend—Ann—is down-to-earth and focused on her career as a lawyer. The two women may have a lot of differences, but they are bonded by their shared addictions. Both are AA members.
When Reese receives an invitation to the “Last Chance” retreat, she’s ecstatic. It is an exclusive singles retreat located on a private island and sounds like the perfect fit for Reese. She tries to get Ann to attend with her, but it’s not Ann’s thing.
Reese connects with someone right away, but some bizarre things are going on, so she decides to cut her stay short. When Reese disappears, Ann decides to attend the next session, hoping she can find out what happened to her friend. The more she digs, the more questions she has. This is one sketchy place. As wonderful as it sounds, I think I’ll pass!
Christina, the host, is very mysterious. And all of her rules and restrictions are strange. She provides the outfits and requires them to be worn. There is a makeup artist. Meals are set up at strange times, but there is never any food on the “dates”. Alcohol flows freely and denying it feels like an insult. Not a friendly place for a recovering alcoholic.
This is one of the best debuts I’ve read. A well-written must-read!
Sincere thanks to CamCat Books for providing an audiobook through NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.
#BeneathTheMarigolds #EmilyCWhitson #netgalley #Edelweiss #audiobook #audiobookreview #ARC #BookReview #PsychologicalThriller #ThrillerObsessed #DebutAuthor #5StarRead #justfinished #honestreview #crimeandcocktailsbookcrew #mysteryandthrills #readwithme #bookaddict #thrilleraddict #thrillersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #lovebooks #bookreviewersofinstagram #lovetoreadbooks #cantstopreading #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecommendations #readingintherockies #mustread #justfinishedreading #thrillerfiction #coloradoreader
October 15, 2022
Thank you to Let’s Talk Books, Emily C Whitson, and Camcat Books for my #gifted copy!
This was a great debut and had such a cleaver plot and setting! It was told in two POV, Reese and Ann, with two timelines which I loved. The timelines eventually connects and the ending was jaw droopingly amazing. This was the first book about a singles retreat where the participants trying to find love and I absolutely found it delicious. If you are looking to read a murder mystery and also love the reality tv shows The Bachelor or The Bachelorette this is would be perfect for you! I look forward to see what Emily does next!
This was a great debut and had such a cleaver plot and setting! It was told in two POV, Reese and Ann, with two timelines which I loved. The timelines eventually connects and the ending was jaw droopingly amazing. This was the first book about a singles retreat where the participants trying to find love and I absolutely found it delicious. If you are looking to read a murder mystery and also love the reality tv shows The Bachelor or The Bachelorette this is would be perfect for you! I look forward to see what Emily does next!
December 6, 2022
3.5 stars!
A very unique storyline about a missing woman who participated in a singles retreat. I am not the biggest fan when it comes to reality tv because it all seems quite dramatic! This book explores the angle of publicity stunts and putting on a show for the camera. I liked it but I thought it lacked the "thrill" aspect of it and felt quite far fetched.
A very unique storyline about a missing woman who participated in a singles retreat. I am not the biggest fan when it comes to reality tv because it all seems quite dramatic! This book explores the angle of publicity stunts and putting on a show for the camera. I liked it but I thought it lacked the "thrill" aspect of it and felt quite far fetched.
December 10, 2021
Thriller meets Bachelor in Paradise. SIGN ME UP. Bachelor, Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise. You name it and it's my guilty pleasure. I watched it when it first started, took a loooong break when my girls were younger and am back in now that they are old enough to watch it with me.
In Beneath The Marigolds, Reese goes to Last Chance, an exclusive singles retreat, but never returns home. Her friend Ann goes to the same retreat to find out what happened.
Danger DANGER: This book will make you want to shirk all responsibilities. It should come with a warning label. I seriously could not wait to get back to it.
A fantastic debut! I can't wait to see what she writes next.
In Beneath The Marigolds, Reese goes to Last Chance, an exclusive singles retreat, but never returns home. Her friend Ann goes to the same retreat to find out what happened.
Danger DANGER: This book will make you want to shirk all responsibilities. It should come with a warning label. I seriously could not wait to get back to it.
A fantastic debut! I can't wait to see what she writes next.
November 21, 2022
My first thought as I was reading this book was that I was getting 9 Perfect Strangers vibes. It sure felt like the "resort" that Ann went to in search of her friend Reese was giving me cult vibes. There was sure something not right about this place. the mystery surrounding Reese's disappearance was intriguing. Although, I found most of the characters not that very interesting. Well, I know I struggled to form emotional connections with them. So, at times it felt like I was just going through the motions of reading and not digesting what I was reading. Overall, though, I did like this book even though it moved at a slow pace.
There were several questions at the end of the book for discussion. I thought this one was an interesting question:
Why do you think the author chose to open the book with Magda putting makeup on Reese? What does makeup represent in this novel, and how does it parallel with reality television and constructed societal roles?
I think the author chose to open with book with Reese getting makeup to present the image that was not a "puppet" and not in control. Which brings me to the second question. I think makeup represented "armor" or "mask" of sorts. The makeup was to hide the real person and mold them into who they "should" represent. Just like reality television. We all know that reality television is not real but still a scripted show. That does not mean that we as viewers are not still intrigued by the personas of the contestants or people on the shows.
We as a society have grown to perceive an image that we think we have to be and therefore are too afraid to show our true selves. This is thanks to the internet, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and reality celebrities.
There were several questions at the end of the book for discussion. I thought this one was an interesting question:
Why do you think the author chose to open the book with Magda putting makeup on Reese? What does makeup represent in this novel, and how does it parallel with reality television and constructed societal roles?
I think the author chose to open with book with Reese getting makeup to present the image that was not a "puppet" and not in control. Which brings me to the second question. I think makeup represented "armor" or "mask" of sorts. The makeup was to hide the real person and mold them into who they "should" represent. Just like reality television. We all know that reality television is not real but still a scripted show. That does not mean that we as viewers are not still intrigued by the personas of the contestants or people on the shows.
We as a society have grown to perceive an image that we think we have to be and therefore are too afraid to show our true selves. This is thanks to the internet, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and reality celebrities.
November 14, 2022
This was so good! I was instantly sucked in, as soon as we started to hear about this retreat and the missing friend. Right from the get-go, it's creepy and eerie - the flowers and the dodgy staff.
It's two from 2 POV - the missing friend and the friend arrived to find her. I liked how the two stories folded together, each one pushing the other narrative along. Both storylines reveal secrets and, put together, it was easy to imagine who was behind it all. But even knowing that, it was such a race to get to the shocking end to see how it all played out. So well done - perfect tension-filled, racing plot line with unreliable narrators and characters all around!
The enjoyed this as an audio and the narrator was perfect!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
It's two from 2 POV - the missing friend and the friend arrived to find her. I liked how the two stories folded together, each one pushing the other narrative along. Both storylines reveal secrets and, put together, it was easy to imagine who was behind it all. But even knowing that, it was such a race to get to the shocking end to see how it all played out. So well done - perfect tension-filled, racing plot line with unreliable narrators and characters all around!
The enjoyed this as an audio and the narrator was perfect!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
May 30, 2021
A rare 5 star review from me. This is SUCH a good read. I really appreciate thrillers with twists you don’t see coming and this is definitely one of those. If you’re looking for a book that will suck you in and keep you guessing as long as it keeps you entertained , this is the one!
December 24, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and CamCat Books Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks, for accepting my request to audibly read and review Beneath the Marigolds.
Author: Emily C. Whitson
Narrators: Lisa Larsen and Emily O’Brien
Published: 09/21/21
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) -- Mysteries & Thrillers
A surprise sleeper? Upon writing this I see it was published in 2021. Outlining the story would have been fun to me. Basically, there is a retreat where you could potentially find love. However, things are off. It occurs to a guest that she may be part of a reality show and wasn't told. Within pages I found myself seeing evidence.
The narrators were both good. They did their job.
The story is pretty good, a unique concept, that gets a little convoluted towards the end, and receives 3 stars. If I didn't feel like the author added the profanity after being told to add in an additional 100 or so words, I would have gone 3.5 and rounded up. The profanity took away from a clever adventure.
Does anyone read and ask where is the swearing?
Author: Emily C. Whitson
Narrators: Lisa Larsen and Emily O’Brien
Published: 09/21/21
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) -- Mysteries & Thrillers
A surprise sleeper? Upon writing this I see it was published in 2021. Outlining the story would have been fun to me. Basically, there is a retreat where you could potentially find love. However, things are off. It occurs to a guest that she may be part of a reality show and wasn't told. Within pages I found myself seeing evidence.
The narrators were both good. They did their job.
The story is pretty good, a unique concept, that gets a little convoluted towards the end, and receives 3 stars. If I didn't feel like the author added the profanity after being told to add in an additional 100 or so words, I would have gone 3.5 and rounded up. The profanity took away from a clever adventure.
Does anyone read and ask where is the swearing?
June 16, 2021
Loved this book!! It was my favorite type of thriller- not gory or overly scary but still kept me guessing and at the edge of my seat. The underlying story focuses on a sweet, strong friendship that endures the hardships of life and brings up insightful and really spot-on themes for women in their late 20s/30s. A must-read!
June 17, 2021
I truly believe that all audiences — both casual readers and book worms — will enjoy this thriller. It’s a page-turner and engages you from the first chapter.
I couldn’t put this book down. The story is fast-paced and always kept me wanting to read just one more chapter. Beneath the Marigolds explored a number of important themes for modern society — friendship, break-ups, the search for love, and expectations for love and fulfillment — packaged within a fun setting inspired by reality dating shows. I loved that each chapter wove these themes into the plot and kept me thinking about the book days after I finished.
I couldn’t put this book down. The story is fast-paced and always kept me wanting to read just one more chapter. Beneath the Marigolds explored a number of important themes for modern society — friendship, break-ups, the search for love, and expectations for love and fulfillment — packaged within a fun setting inspired by reality dating shows. I loved that each chapter wove these themes into the plot and kept me thinking about the book days after I finished.
June 8, 2021
I had the opportunity to read an advance review copy of Beneath the Marigolds, and I am beyond excited to recommend this book to other readers upon its official release. This is a must-read for all audiences! The suspense in the storyline, coupled with the detailed character development and relevant themes, made this novel a fast-paced page-turner! I look forward to this author’s next work.
November 14, 2022
When Reese left to go to a month long singles retreat on an island in Hawaii she wanted her friend Anne to go. They are both recovering alcoholics and unlike Reese, Anne his only had one serious boyfriend and isn’t in desperate need of a new relationship and this is why she doesn’t go. A month later when Reese does it return however Anne believes the only way she will find answers is to go to the island herself. And is a lawyer and while on the island she has her coworker Ned giving her updates on the investigation into her missing friend. She’s not allowed a cell phone while at the retreat but she sneaks one in anyway. Throughout the story we hear from Reese and Anne’s POV both POV follow the ladies time at the retreat and they correlate with each other to come to a resounding ending. This book was OMG good! Not only are the narrators truly awesome because they have one narrator for each lady but the storyline is a definite top notch read. If you love thrillers with authentic twist with absolutely no eye rolling involved that’s really no point in this book where you have to suspend belief, it is a truly authentic story with Greek characters big emotions and lots of drama. I truly enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading more from this author possibly even today… It was that good! A real five star listen. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
November 22, 2022
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the narrators of this story as they made it clear and distinct which character was speaking. The story instantly had me hooked, and I finished it in practically a single sitting! I liked the dynamics of the main characters and felt I saw a few of the twists coming ahead of time, but I enjoyed the story regardless. I would recommend for anyone who likes mysteries and thrillers set in a remote island location.
I really enjoyed the narrators of this story as they made it clear and distinct which character was speaking. The story instantly had me hooked, and I finished it in practically a single sitting! I liked the dynamics of the main characters and felt I saw a few of the twists coming ahead of time, but I enjoyed the story regardless. I would recommend for anyone who likes mysteries and thrillers set in a remote island location.
January 10, 2023
A book full of twists and turns that had me hooked from the beginning. Ann and Reese's stories are told through dual timelines that flowed together flawlessly. The plot was well conceived and it was an easy pace to follow as everything is revealed. Both of the main characters are likeable and very well developed. They both have had rough lives up until they visit the island. Their pasts cause them to not trust what is happening on the island and, in the end, causes them more heartache than they have ever experienced.
The narration by Lisa Larsen and Emily O'Brian is superb. It was easy to switch from one point of view to another. I enjoyed the narration from beginning to end.
I am extremely grateful to CamCat Books for providing me with this fabulous audiobook through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
The narration by Lisa Larsen and Emily O'Brian is superb. It was easy to switch from one point of view to another. I enjoyed the narration from beginning to end.
I am extremely grateful to CamCat Books for providing me with this fabulous audiobook through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
October 8, 2021
Finally I have found a thriller that I felt was thrilling and kept me reading. Beneath the Marigolds is a riveting mystery that kept me guessing until the end. Through duel perspectives, we learn what happened to Reese on the island as well as Ann's hunt for the truth. While both stories parallel each other, the author did a wonderful job in making Reese and Ann's voices distinguishable. I had no problem remembering whose perspective I was reading. The story did not go in a direction that I was expecting. I was completely off in my guess. This is a story that you are best going in not knowing much. This is a debut novel and I look forward to seeing what this author comes up with next. I highly recommend it.
June 16, 2021
An absolute page turner...I couldn't put it down and finished it in one afternoon!
Keeps you on the edge of the seat the entire time because you HAVE to know what happened to Reese.
I promise you DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS...perfect beach read that you will fly through and be picking your jaw up off the ground afterwards.
Keeps you on the edge of the seat the entire time because you HAVE to know what happened to Reese.
I promise you DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS...perfect beach read that you will fly through and be picking your jaw up off the ground afterwards.
May 31, 2021
Great read. I couldn’t put it down, read it cover to cover. An enthralling mystery/thriller with clues throughout to keep the observant reader guessing. A modern novel pertinent to today’s world. Highly recommended.
September 7, 2021
A great road trip read. It definitely kept my attention.
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2022
Ann Stone's best friend, Reece, is missing. After going to a private island off the coast of Hawaii for a singles' retreat, Reese has disappeared completely. As an attorney, Ann is calling in all her favors attempting to find Reece to no avail. As a last ditch effort, she joins the next session at the retreat to look for answers. Did Reece run off with a new man? Is this some kind of new reality show and she is just hiding, waiting for the premiere? Or did something really bad happen to her? In order to find out what happens to Reece, Ann goes on the singles' retreat to search for information.
I got seriously sucked into this book. I loved Ann's no nonsense attitude and her unfailing loyalty toward her friend. I was pretty sure I knew what happened to Reese the whole time, but there were several possibilities and it was never a sure bet. A fantastic debut novel.
I got seriously sucked into this book. I loved Ann's no nonsense attitude and her unfailing loyalty toward her friend. I was pretty sure I knew what happened to Reese the whole time, but there were several possibilities and it was never a sure bet. A fantastic debut novel.
November 21, 2022
This is a fast-paced, well-written thriller from the very beginning and didn’t let go until the end. I loved the alternating viewpoints that gave us glimpses into what happened to Reese as Ann works to figure out where her friend has gone. The story had me at the edge of my seat and I really enjoyed the dating/reality show setting. Highly recommended!
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #CamCatBooks for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #CamCatBooks for an honest review.
June 14, 2021
I was hooked from the prologue, needing to know where the story would take the protagonists. This book toggles between the POV of two characters, racing through the narrative from each perspective, keeping you engrossed in both (and literally up until 3am), and guessing how their stories eventually overlap. The clues and hints and twists leave you playing detective, with more than one punch to the gut reveal - seriously fun reading!
June 7, 2021
I had the privilege of reading a review copy of Emily Whitson’s debut novel, and bravo! Following two alternating female POV’s, her novel is the perfect combination of intrigue and suspense with excellent character and relationship development. This book, highlighting one of our culture’s top reality TV shows, sucks you in just like the show, only Emily’s version is better. There’s dreamy-eyed romance, but there are also stakes! Throw in sisterly determination, lies, deceit, and beautiful scene description, you’ll want to head to the island and stay there until you find out just what’s beneath those marigolds.
If you like the Bachelor/Bachelorette, a good mystery, or suspense, then check out Beneath The Marigolds by Emily Whitson!
If you like the Bachelor/Bachelorette, a good mystery, or suspense, then check out Beneath The Marigolds by Emily Whitson!
May 30, 2021
Loved this page turner. I couldn’t put this book down. Fast paced with multiple twists and turns. A must read!
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