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A Flaw in the Design
A professor's life is turned upside down when he takes in his charming, wildly dangerous nephew, whose wealthy parents have just died under mysterious circumstances, in this propulsive, edge-of-your-seat debut psychological thriller.
Gil is living a quiet life as a creative writing professor in a bucolic Vermont town, when he receives some shocking news: His sister and her husband have been killed in a car accident, and their only son is coming to live with him and his family.
Gil and his wife are apprehensive about taking in seventeen-year-old Matthew. Yes, he has just lost both his parents, but they haven't seen him in seven years--and the last time the families were together, Matthew lured their young daughter into a terrifying, life-threatening situation. Since that incident, Gil has been estranged from his sister and her flashy, wealthy banker husband.
Now Matthew is their charge, living under their roof.
The boy seems charming, smart, and urbane, if strangely unaffected by his parents' deaths. Gil hopes they can put the past behind them, though he's surprised when Matthew signs up for his creative writing class. Then Matthew begins turning in chilling stories about the imagined deaths of Gil's family and his own parents. Bewildered and panicked, Gil ultimately decides he must take matters into his own hands--before life imitates art.
Told in limber, mesmerizing prose, A Flaw in the Design is a twisting novel of suspense that brilliantly explores the tensions surrounding class, family, and the drive to control one's own story.
Gil is living a quiet life as a creative writing professor in a bucolic Vermont town, when he receives some shocking news: His sister and her husband have been killed in a car accident, and their only son is coming to live with him and his family.
Gil and his wife are apprehensive about taking in seventeen-year-old Matthew. Yes, he has just lost both his parents, but they haven't seen him in seven years--and the last time the families were together, Matthew lured their young daughter into a terrifying, life-threatening situation. Since that incident, Gil has been estranged from his sister and her flashy, wealthy banker husband.
Now Matthew is their charge, living under their roof.
The boy seems charming, smart, and urbane, if strangely unaffected by his parents' deaths. Gil hopes they can put the past behind them, though he's surprised when Matthew signs up for his creative writing class. Then Matthew begins turning in chilling stories about the imagined deaths of Gil's family and his own parents. Bewildered and panicked, Gil ultimately decides he must take matters into his own hands--before life imitates art.
Told in limber, mesmerizing prose, A Flaw in the Design is a twisting novel of suspense that brilliantly explores the tensions surrounding class, family, and the drive to control one's own story.
286 pages, Hardcover
First published March 21, 2023
89 people are currently reading
10264 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Oates
3 books106 followersNathan Oates is the author of the novel, A Flaw in the Design, and the collection of short stories, The Empty House, which won the 2012 Spokane Prize. His stories have appeared in The Best American Mystery Stories, The Antioch Review, The Missouri Review, and elsewhere. He reaches creative writing at Seton Hall University and lives in Brooklyn, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 463 reviews
February 9, 2025
A Flaw in the Design was an intensely-provocative journey and ohh, what an ending!
This story follows Gil, a creative writing professor at a small, liberal arts college in Vermont. Gil lives with his wife, Molly, and their two daughters, Ingrid and Chloe.
They have a rather peaceful life; typical family stuff. That is until Gil's sister and her husband are killed in a car accident, leaving their teenage son, Matthew, an orphan. Since Gil is the boy's Godfather, and closest living relative, they agree to take him in and Matthew joins their family in Vermont.
At this point, you may be thinking things like, oh nooooo, what a tragedy, poor Matthew. You also may be thinking that Gil would welcome his nephew with open arms; like, of course he would lovingly take him in. He's family.
But, no, you would be wrong on all accounts. Not poor Matthew, not loving Uncle Gil, zero open arms, forget everything your instincts tell you to think.
The truth is, Gil can't stand his nephew. He thinks Matthew is a spoiled brat. Actually, it's worse than that, he thinks Matthew is evil. They have a history, going back for as long as Gil can remember he has seen a wickedness in Matthew.
After an incident at Matthew's parents Montauk estate, Gil had essentially written him off. Not just Matthew, but his sister and her husband as well. Gill called out Matthew on some unsettling behaviors and his sister refused to believe him. They didn't see much of each other after that.
Regardless, Matthew's legal team is fairly insistent, the boy needs to go live with them in Vermont. The buck stops with Gil. Speaking of bucks, now may be a good time to mention that Matthew's parents were exceedingly wealthy. We're talking tens-of-millions of dollars wealthy.
It's all Matthew's now. Through a series of Trusts, Matthew will live comfortably for the rest of his life and some of that may just trickle down to Gil and his family. A small detail the professor can't ignore.
After Matthew moves in, Gil is extremely uncomfortable. He's not being fooled by Matthew's charming ways. He knows what the boy is capable of and he's not letting down his guard for a moment.
As Matthew begins to win over his wife and his daughters, Gil becomes even more desperate for people to see what he sees. It becomes a bit of an obsession.
Matthew can tell his Uncle is on the brink. He likes to push. He's happy to play with the exceedingly unnerved professor, but is it all just a game, or is Gil actually right?
This was a lot of fun to read. The tension is real. It's a true Psychological Thriller. I was impressed with the character work and the depths to which Gil's musings, suspicions and subsequent obsessions were explored.
Matthew was such an interesting character as well. Your quintessential rich bad boy, playing fast and loose with everyone around him. I loved the back-and-forth. It has a real cat-and-mouse vibe, but in an interesting way.
The further I progressed in the story, the more I started to second guess what was happening. Who really is the cat, who really is the mouse, or do we have a cat-cat situation happening? What's up, what's down?!
I made certain assumptions. I believed what the characters were telling me, but was I wrong? Was this an unreliable narrator situation? Side note, I still love an unreliable narrator. It never gets old for me.
You could cut the tension with a knife throughout this story and I loved the ending. I know the ending won't be for everyone, but for me, it left a wicked little grin on my face and nothing makes me happier than that.
My only slight critique was that I felt like there were certain sections that dragged a little for me. Anything that didn't involve Matthew directly, I was sort of rushing through to get back to the present action.
With this being said, overall, I really enjoyed this. It was so well plotted and the intensity was super fun and engaging.
I am definitely looking forward to picking up more from this author in the future. I walk away impressed.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Random House, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
This had me at the edge of my seat. I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a smart, edgy, head-spinning Psychological Thriller.
This story follows Gil, a creative writing professor at a small, liberal arts college in Vermont. Gil lives with his wife, Molly, and their two daughters, Ingrid and Chloe.
They have a rather peaceful life; typical family stuff. That is until Gil's sister and her husband are killed in a car accident, leaving their teenage son, Matthew, an orphan. Since Gil is the boy's Godfather, and closest living relative, they agree to take him in and Matthew joins their family in Vermont.
At this point, you may be thinking things like, oh nooooo, what a tragedy, poor Matthew. You also may be thinking that Gil would welcome his nephew with open arms; like, of course he would lovingly take him in. He's family.
But, no, you would be wrong on all accounts. Not poor Matthew, not loving Uncle Gil, zero open arms, forget everything your instincts tell you to think.
The truth is, Gil can't stand his nephew. He thinks Matthew is a spoiled brat. Actually, it's worse than that, he thinks Matthew is evil. They have a history, going back for as long as Gil can remember he has seen a wickedness in Matthew.
After an incident at Matthew's parents Montauk estate, Gil had essentially written him off. Not just Matthew, but his sister and her husband as well. Gill called out Matthew on some unsettling behaviors and his sister refused to believe him. They didn't see much of each other after that.
Regardless, Matthew's legal team is fairly insistent, the boy needs to go live with them in Vermont. The buck stops with Gil. Speaking of bucks, now may be a good time to mention that Matthew's parents were exceedingly wealthy. We're talking tens-of-millions of dollars wealthy.
It's all Matthew's now. Through a series of Trusts, Matthew will live comfortably for the rest of his life and some of that may just trickle down to Gil and his family. A small detail the professor can't ignore.
After Matthew moves in, Gil is extremely uncomfortable. He's not being fooled by Matthew's charming ways. He knows what the boy is capable of and he's not letting down his guard for a moment.
As Matthew begins to win over his wife and his daughters, Gil becomes even more desperate for people to see what he sees. It becomes a bit of an obsession.
Matthew can tell his Uncle is on the brink. He likes to push. He's happy to play with the exceedingly unnerved professor, but is it all just a game, or is Gil actually right?
This was a lot of fun to read. The tension is real. It's a true Psychological Thriller. I was impressed with the character work and the depths to which Gil's musings, suspicions and subsequent obsessions were explored.
Matthew was such an interesting character as well. Your quintessential rich bad boy, playing fast and loose with everyone around him. I loved the back-and-forth. It has a real cat-and-mouse vibe, but in an interesting way.
The further I progressed in the story, the more I started to second guess what was happening. Who really is the cat, who really is the mouse, or do we have a cat-cat situation happening? What's up, what's down?!
I made certain assumptions. I believed what the characters were telling me, but was I wrong? Was this an unreliable narrator situation? Side note, I still love an unreliable narrator. It never gets old for me.
You could cut the tension with a knife throughout this story and I loved the ending. I know the ending won't be for everyone, but for me, it left a wicked little grin on my face and nothing makes me happier than that.
My only slight critique was that I felt like there were certain sections that dragged a little for me. Anything that didn't involve Matthew directly, I was sort of rushing through to get back to the present action.
With this being said, overall, I really enjoyed this. It was so well plotted and the intensity was super fun and engaging.
I am definitely looking forward to picking up more from this author in the future. I walk away impressed.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Random House, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
This had me at the edge of my seat. I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a smart, edgy, head-spinning Psychological Thriller.
December 8, 2022
"Gil imagined the pane breaking, a flaw in the design, a wrongly settled support beam that had caused the finest of hairline cracks, invisible until that pressure, and with it the glass would explode..."
3.5 STARS
Trendy cover? ✔️
Creeping sense of dread? ✔️
Literary prose mixed with a lot of inner monologue? ✔️✔️
I have absolutely no business reading a book that publishes in March of next year when I clearly have DOZENS of arcs that have already been released waiting for review, but as soon as Irina and I read the synopsis of A Flaw in the Design, we had to jump on it immediately.
Books with psychotic children, whether toddlers or teenagers, have always intrigued me, maybe because I have always enjoyed investigating the why behind their intentions and motivations. What causes a human that isn't fully formed yet to do the things that this boy is accused of? Obviously we have the age old argument of nature vs. nurture, but is there something deeper at play? Does every single interaction in life slowly shape who we become, or are we rotten from birth, if that is our destined nature? These are the things I thought of while reading this book.
"There was still time to turn and walk out, pretend he'd never come."
The premise of this book is that Gil and his family are all but forced to take in his nephew, Matthew, after the death of his sister and her husband leaves him an orphan. Gil is hesitant to do this based on an incident with Matthew 6-ish years prior that involved one of his daughters, and for the first 25% of the novel there is a lot of repetitive inner monologue of Gil discussing why he is so nervous to take Matthew in. Once we pass that point, the pace picks up a bit, although I would never call it more than a steady march toward the finale.
At first, Matthew is the picture perfect guest in Gil's home, and his paranoia ebbs and flows with his inner monologue. Once Matthew is settled, his behavior becomes a little more questionable, growing from there, while we also receive some backstory on Gil. I wouldn't say anything in this book was particularly twisty, as the plot played out entirely as I expected it to, but I enjoyed the story for the thought provoking narrative it provided. The writing style is odd, but once I settled into it, it wasn't difficult to follow. Definitely more literary fiction with a touch of suspense rather than a thriller, but I appreciate what this book was trying to bring to the table. If you enjoy darker lit fic that would inspire excellent book club discussion, give this one a try in 2023!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
3.5 STARS
Trendy cover? ✔️
Creeping sense of dread? ✔️
Literary prose mixed with a lot of inner monologue? ✔️✔️
I have absolutely no business reading a book that publishes in March of next year when I clearly have DOZENS of arcs that have already been released waiting for review, but as soon as Irina and I read the synopsis of A Flaw in the Design, we had to jump on it immediately.
Books with psychotic children, whether toddlers or teenagers, have always intrigued me, maybe because I have always enjoyed investigating the why behind their intentions and motivations. What causes a human that isn't fully formed yet to do the things that this boy is accused of? Obviously we have the age old argument of nature vs. nurture, but is there something deeper at play? Does every single interaction in life slowly shape who we become, or are we rotten from birth, if that is our destined nature? These are the things I thought of while reading this book.
"There was still time to turn and walk out, pretend he'd never come."
The premise of this book is that Gil and his family are all but forced to take in his nephew, Matthew, after the death of his sister and her husband leaves him an orphan. Gil is hesitant to do this based on an incident with Matthew 6-ish years prior that involved one of his daughters, and for the first 25% of the novel there is a lot of repetitive inner monologue of Gil discussing why he is so nervous to take Matthew in. Once we pass that point, the pace picks up a bit, although I would never call it more than a steady march toward the finale.
At first, Matthew is the picture perfect guest in Gil's home, and his paranoia ebbs and flows with his inner monologue. Once Matthew is settled, his behavior becomes a little more questionable, growing from there, while we also receive some backstory on Gil. I wouldn't say anything in this book was particularly twisty, as the plot played out entirely as I expected it to, but I enjoyed the story for the thought provoking narrative it provided. The writing style is odd, but once I settled into it, it wasn't difficult to follow. Definitely more literary fiction with a touch of suspense rather than a thriller, but I appreciate what this book was trying to bring to the table. If you enjoy darker lit fic that would inspire excellent book club discussion, give this one a try in 2023!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
March 24, 2023
4.5 Stars! A literary study that I found to be intense and disturbing. It presents a deep psychological analysis of two protagonists, neither of whom is entirely reliable. The plot was propulsive, and I could barely put it down while dreading its conclusion. However, I had to pause and take several breaks as I found the tension unbearable.
Gil Duggan is a professor of creative writing at Essex College in Vermont. He has moved away from the hustle and bustle of NYC with his wife and two daughters. He feels like a failure because his early hoped-for writing career stalled. He is bitter that he must support his family on a small income, especially in contrast to his sister, who dropped out of University. She married a multi-millionaire and is leading an extraordinary life of luxury. They have been estranged for nearly seven years, ever since her incorrigible, dangerous son, Matthew, almost killed Gil's younger daughter, an act his sister refused to acknowledge.
His sister and her wealthy husband died in a car accident. His family life is shattered as they have been appointed guardians of their now seventeen-year-old Matthew. Matthew is charming, polite and very intelligent. He wins over the affection of Gil's wife and his two daughters. Gil cannot believe the young man has changed and thinks his pleasant behaviour is a pretense. A hidden, dangerous psychopath must be concealed below his charm, and Gil fears for his wife and daughters. We follow Gil's terror and his descent into paranoia. He is suspicious of Matthew's every move. He interprets his smiles as sneers and smirks directed at him. Matthew's vast monthly allowance allows him much independence from the Duggan family. His admission at Harvard or Yale is fully paid for when he turns 18.
When Matthew enrolls in Gil's creative writing class, Gil becomes angered and suspicious of the young man's motive. Matthew starts turning in fictional writing assignments presenting the daughters as victims. This shocks Gil and makes him even more fearful for his family. Gil imagines a highly improbable scenario where Matthew hires someone to kill his parents so he can immediately inherit their total wealth. Gil is obsessed with Matthew's behaviour, to the extent of following him, peering in windows, and even secretly pursuing Matthew on several trips to his previous home in New York. Gil is becoming more and more unhinged.
The finale is surprising and leaves some issues unresolved. Perhaps there is room for a sequel? I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a brilliant psychological thriller. The publication date is set for March 21, 2023. Thanks to NetGalley, Random House, and author Nathan Oates for an early electronic copy of A Flaw in the Design.
Gil Duggan is a professor of creative writing at Essex College in Vermont. He has moved away from the hustle and bustle of NYC with his wife and two daughters. He feels like a failure because his early hoped-for writing career stalled. He is bitter that he must support his family on a small income, especially in contrast to his sister, who dropped out of University. She married a multi-millionaire and is leading an extraordinary life of luxury. They have been estranged for nearly seven years, ever since her incorrigible, dangerous son, Matthew, almost killed Gil's younger daughter, an act his sister refused to acknowledge.
His sister and her wealthy husband died in a car accident. His family life is shattered as they have been appointed guardians of their now seventeen-year-old Matthew. Matthew is charming, polite and very intelligent. He wins over the affection of Gil's wife and his two daughters. Gil cannot believe the young man has changed and thinks his pleasant behaviour is a pretense. A hidden, dangerous psychopath must be concealed below his charm, and Gil fears for his wife and daughters. We follow Gil's terror and his descent into paranoia. He is suspicious of Matthew's every move. He interprets his smiles as sneers and smirks directed at him. Matthew's vast monthly allowance allows him much independence from the Duggan family. His admission at Harvard or Yale is fully paid for when he turns 18.
When Matthew enrolls in Gil's creative writing class, Gil becomes angered and suspicious of the young man's motive. Matthew starts turning in fictional writing assignments presenting the daughters as victims. This shocks Gil and makes him even more fearful for his family. Gil imagines a highly improbable scenario where Matthew hires someone to kill his parents so he can immediately inherit their total wealth. Gil is obsessed with Matthew's behaviour, to the extent of following him, peering in windows, and even secretly pursuing Matthew on several trips to his previous home in New York. Gil is becoming more and more unhinged.
The finale is surprising and leaves some issues unresolved. Perhaps there is room for a sequel? I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a brilliant psychological thriller. The publication date is set for March 21, 2023. Thanks to NetGalley, Random House, and author Nathan Oates for an early electronic copy of A Flaw in the Design.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2023
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Oh, how I loved this book! It was so different from the usual thrillers I read. It was very suspenseful and does a master take on the "is the narrator losing his mind?" trope. What made this book so thrilling was the fact that our narrator, Gil actually does have something to be afraid of and that's his 17-year-old nephew, Matthew. Gil's fears border on obsession and Gil turns into somewhat of a stalker.
This was exquisitely written and the author makes ordinary relationships within a family extraordinary. This book was downright creepy and truly the definition of unputdownable. The lines between what is reality and what is in Gil's mind are truly blurred and the reader doesn't know what's real until the very end. And speaking of the end, it was masterfully done and left me wanting more. Bloody brilliant work by Nathan Oats. All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
Oh, how I loved this book! It was so different from the usual thrillers I read. It was very suspenseful and does a master take on the "is the narrator losing his mind?" trope. What made this book so thrilling was the fact that our narrator, Gil actually does have something to be afraid of and that's his 17-year-old nephew, Matthew. Gil's fears border on obsession and Gil turns into somewhat of a stalker.
This was exquisitely written and the author makes ordinary relationships within a family extraordinary. This book was downright creepy and truly the definition of unputdownable. The lines between what is reality and what is in Gil's mind are truly blurred and the reader doesn't know what's real until the very end. And speaking of the end, it was masterfully done and left me wanting more. Bloody brilliant work by Nathan Oats. All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
March 14, 2025
Gil, a creative writing professor at Essex University in a lovely, quiet town in Vermont where he is living part of the American dream which he has always wanted with his beautiful and selfless wife along with their two daughters who Gil simply adores. The only things missing in Gil's life are the books he was supposed to have written alhthough he keeps working on and the never-ending need for more financial support due to the countless bills that continue to accumulate as the girl's keep getting older and the salary for a professor just isn't enough for the cost of living in today's world. Granted, they are not poor by any means but they just can't seem to get ahead of their many debts yet Gil is very happy and content with his beautiful family and home life and he's a smart man to recognize his many blessings. One afternoon Gil receives a call that shatters his existence informing him that his millionaire sister and brother-in-law have tragically died in a car accident that leaves him the sole legal guardian of their seventeen year old son, Matthew, along with an insurmountable amount of money paid to them as caregivers until Matthew has graduated college. Shocked to his core, Gil is beside himself with grief, fury and frustration over the news that Matthew will be living in his home with his family. Gil had not seen his sister (Sharon) and her family in over six years, not since the bitter fight over Gil accusing Matthew of intentionally causing harm (where she almost died) to his five-year old innocent daughter. Matthew had always been a spoiled, belligerent child who was quite toxic to be around but Sharon endlessly excused his behavior causing the boy to feel more entitled to his disregard of right and wrong.
At seventeen, Matthew is the picture of a well-bred, mannerly, handsome and highly intelligent young man that any person would be glad to know. How can this be the same child whom Gil had been harboring many grudges against? Is this even possible? Sure, people can change but there is absolutely not one particle of the boy bully who tore apart Gil's relationship with his sister. Now, Gil questions himself over and over about the wrongness of the boy then and now. Was Gil mistaken over Matthew's intent years ago and only saw the events in black & white where he exaggerated the terrifying event at that time because it was his own little daughter who was hurt and he couldn't see past his own feelings instead of recognizing that Matt was also only a child at the time and maybe Gil had been completely mistaken because of his own protective nature and fierce love of his precious child being injured.
Can Gil objectively welcome this boy-man into being a part of their family or will the monetary payout be the only reason to take Matt in since all of their financial difficulties could be resolved almost overnight. With this type of thinking what does this make of Gil as an upstanding and conscientious person? Is Gil any better now than what he imagined Matthew to be all those years ago? Time will tell since Gil's family opens up to Matt and welcomes him into their hearts and lives. Although silent, Gil refuses to let go of the past and the grudge grows heavier with each day that passes even though Matt passes each and every test of being trustworthy. Gil is obsessed with trying to trap Matthew into a lie and now he causing rifts and imbalances within his own family that is now starting to grow out of control and alienating the ones closest to his heart. What does Gill want to prove? As the days turn into weeks Gil's obsession never ends and Matt seems to be tuned in but what does that mean? The family home has turned into a simmering pot of tension, suppressed negative feelings, a sense of claustrophobia threatening to boil over into a burning abyss that no-one could have imagined leaving behind scars and heartbreak which cannot be healed once the damage takes place.
An intriguing and frightening look into the mind of a husband and father obsessed with being correct about a child he had once deemed as evil growing up into a seemingly wholesome and upstanding young man. I think this would be a great book for a group discussion read to seek out many different variables against Gil versus Matthew. There are so many intricate dynamics working beneath the surface that one may not be aware of at first so don't read too quickly or you may miss some of the psychological nuances that seem simple at first but will carry heavyweight factors that aren't clearly seen. The storytelling and writing are so good. I cannot imagine how earth shattering it would be to be caught up in any type of obsession. This book shows how it can truly knock a man off his rocker but then you have to wonder what if the man was right to worry so and be crazed about all the what if's? The last quarter of the book was quite the cat chasing the mouse leading to a stunning climax that really bowled me over (in the best way). A truly great (head shrinker) psychological mystery following the path of what lies at the end of the Obsessive Brick Road.
I want to thank the publisher "Random House Publishing Group - Random House" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC which was a giftted book from the publisher in response to my request and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this novel a rating of 4 SIMMERING AND OBSESSIVE 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
At seventeen, Matthew is the picture of a well-bred, mannerly, handsome and highly intelligent young man that any person would be glad to know. How can this be the same child whom Gil had been harboring many grudges against? Is this even possible? Sure, people can change but there is absolutely not one particle of the boy bully who tore apart Gil's relationship with his sister. Now, Gil questions himself over and over about the wrongness of the boy then and now. Was Gil mistaken over Matthew's intent years ago and only saw the events in black & white where he exaggerated the terrifying event at that time because it was his own little daughter who was hurt and he couldn't see past his own feelings instead of recognizing that Matt was also only a child at the time and maybe Gil had been completely mistaken because of his own protective nature and fierce love of his precious child being injured.
Can Gil objectively welcome this boy-man into being a part of their family or will the monetary payout be the only reason to take Matt in since all of their financial difficulties could be resolved almost overnight. With this type of thinking what does this make of Gil as an upstanding and conscientious person? Is Gil any better now than what he imagined Matthew to be all those years ago? Time will tell since Gil's family opens up to Matt and welcomes him into their hearts and lives. Although silent, Gil refuses to let go of the past and the grudge grows heavier with each day that passes even though Matt passes each and every test of being trustworthy. Gil is obsessed with trying to trap Matthew into a lie and now he causing rifts and imbalances within his own family that is now starting to grow out of control and alienating the ones closest to his heart. What does Gill want to prove? As the days turn into weeks Gil's obsession never ends and Matt seems to be tuned in but what does that mean? The family home has turned into a simmering pot of tension, suppressed negative feelings, a sense of claustrophobia threatening to boil over into a burning abyss that no-one could have imagined leaving behind scars and heartbreak which cannot be healed once the damage takes place.
An intriguing and frightening look into the mind of a husband and father obsessed with being correct about a child he had once deemed as evil growing up into a seemingly wholesome and upstanding young man. I think this would be a great book for a group discussion read to seek out many different variables against Gil versus Matthew. There are so many intricate dynamics working beneath the surface that one may not be aware of at first so don't read too quickly or you may miss some of the psychological nuances that seem simple at first but will carry heavyweight factors that aren't clearly seen. The storytelling and writing are so good. I cannot imagine how earth shattering it would be to be caught up in any type of obsession. This book shows how it can truly knock a man off his rocker but then you have to wonder what if the man was right to worry so and be crazed about all the what if's? The last quarter of the book was quite the cat chasing the mouse leading to a stunning climax that really bowled me over (in the best way). A truly great (head shrinker) psychological mystery following the path of what lies at the end of the Obsessive Brick Road.
I want to thank the publisher "Random House Publishing Group - Random House" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC which was a giftted book from the publisher in response to my request and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this novel a rating of 4 SIMMERING AND OBSESSIVE 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
February 9, 2023
Gil Duggan has a quiet life in Vermont with is wife, Molly, and two daughters, Chloe and Ingrid. He's a creative writing professor at Essex College. One day he is informed of the news that his sister and her husband were killed in a terrible hit and run car accident in NYC leaving their 17 year old son, Matthew, orphaned.
A terrible tragedy to be sure and now Gil and Molly are guardians of Matthew until he goes to college. Eight months. Eight months is how long they will have to endure his presence. That probably sounds terrible to say but Gil and Molly have a reason as to why they don't like and trust Matthew. It goes back to a long lost summer day when one of their daughters had an accident or was it? No, Gil is quite certain that Matthew is to blame. That was years ago though so certainly he could have changed.
From the time Matthew arrives he's polite, courteous, and even helpful. Bonding with Molly over her art and helping the girls in various school subjects. A picture of innocence. A bright boy with an even brighter future.
Except Gil knows the truth: He has let a monster into his home.
"Elroy was waiting by the door and he leapt at Matthew with his dopey golden retriever grin. Gil expected the boy to recoil but instead he knelt quickly beside the delighted animal and rubbed his flanks and tousled his head until Elroy collapsed in a heap and rolled over to show everyone his belly.
Gil squeezed past, trying not to feel what he knew was a ridiculous stab of jealousy. His dog! A traitor at the first opportunity." 😂
*Rest assured dear readers that no harm comes to Elroy. 🐕🐾
Oh my what a treat this one was! As soon as I saw the cover, the title, and read the synopsis I knew this was a book right in my wheelhouse and thank the stars I was right! Impeccably written and intriguing from the start. Gil Duggan reminded me a lot of Dr. Bobby Hart from another book I loved, Man of the Year. While the stories are very different they have one thing in common: an interloper makes there way into their home threatening who they are as men, husbands, and fathers and this, of course, drives them mad with rage and it's so very entertaining to bare witness to. The main difference in these characters is that Bobby Hart was not a nice man by any means where as poor Gil Duggan is admittedly a nice guy and just wants to protect his family from a boy he is sure is a predator. I liked Gil, I really felt for him and the situation he found himself in. Is Matthew the monster he claims him to be? You'll have to read this to find out! 4 stars!
A terrible tragedy to be sure and now Gil and Molly are guardians of Matthew until he goes to college. Eight months. Eight months is how long they will have to endure his presence. That probably sounds terrible to say but Gil and Molly have a reason as to why they don't like and trust Matthew. It goes back to a long lost summer day when one of their daughters had an accident or was it? No, Gil is quite certain that Matthew is to blame. That was years ago though so certainly he could have changed.
From the time Matthew arrives he's polite, courteous, and even helpful. Bonding with Molly over her art and helping the girls in various school subjects. A picture of innocence. A bright boy with an even brighter future.
Except Gil knows the truth: He has let a monster into his home.
"Elroy was waiting by the door and he leapt at Matthew with his dopey golden retriever grin. Gil expected the boy to recoil but instead he knelt quickly beside the delighted animal and rubbed his flanks and tousled his head until Elroy collapsed in a heap and rolled over to show everyone his belly.
Gil squeezed past, trying not to feel what he knew was a ridiculous stab of jealousy. His dog! A traitor at the first opportunity." 😂
*Rest assured dear readers that no harm comes to Elroy. 🐕🐾
Oh my what a treat this one was! As soon as I saw the cover, the title, and read the synopsis I knew this was a book right in my wheelhouse and thank the stars I was right! Impeccably written and intriguing from the start. Gil Duggan reminded me a lot of Dr. Bobby Hart from another book I loved, Man of the Year. While the stories are very different they have one thing in common: an interloper makes there way into their home threatening who they are as men, husbands, and fathers and this, of course, drives them mad with rage and it's so very entertaining to bare witness to. The main difference in these characters is that Bobby Hart was not a nice man by any means where as poor Gil Duggan is admittedly a nice guy and just wants to protect his family from a boy he is sure is a predator. I liked Gil, I really felt for him and the situation he found himself in. Is Matthew the monster he claims him to be? You'll have to read this to find out! 4 stars!
February 3, 2023
WOW, what a trip that was! Plus I learned two new words: parricide (the killing of one's parent or close relative) and hegemony (political or cultural dominance or authority over others) although I have trouble believing a 15-year-old would know that word!
Gil Duggan is a creative writing professor in a pleasant Vermont town, living with his wife and two daughters aged 15 and 12. He receives news that his sister and her husband have been killed in a car accident and their only son, 17-year-old Matthew is coming to live with Gil and his family. Matthew seems charming, smart, and smooth, but strangely unaffected by his parents' deaths.
I was totally captivated by this story and had trouble putting the book down while at the same time I was worried about what the ending would bring. I loved the style of this book and could feel Gil's growing anxiety although I did start to wonder whose intentions I should be more worried about, Matthew's or Gil's. Like another book I read recently there was a feeling of dread that built as the book went on. The author's use of language to describe Gil's state of mind not only gave me chills but made me feel like I was teetering on the brink of madness myself, such as: "Brittle, frail thoughts crashed against each other and shattered."
I have to admit that the story got a little bogged down at about 65% and Gil's thoughts did have a tendency to be repetitive but for the most part it was an excellent read. As well, some of the chapters were really long - 30 and 40 pages - but most of the time I'd be through the chapter before I realized it. I really liked the ending but it left me wanting more! Highly recommended. 4.5 Stars rounded down.
My thanks to Random House Publishing via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own. This review will be posted on Goodreads as of February 3, 2023 and on amazon.ca as of the publication date.
Publication Date: March 21, 2023
Gil Duggan is a creative writing professor in a pleasant Vermont town, living with his wife and two daughters aged 15 and 12. He receives news that his sister and her husband have been killed in a car accident and their only son, 17-year-old Matthew is coming to live with Gil and his family. Matthew seems charming, smart, and smooth, but strangely unaffected by his parents' deaths.
I was totally captivated by this story and had trouble putting the book down while at the same time I was worried about what the ending would bring. I loved the style of this book and could feel Gil's growing anxiety although I did start to wonder whose intentions I should be more worried about, Matthew's or Gil's. Like another book I read recently there was a feeling of dread that built as the book went on. The author's use of language to describe Gil's state of mind not only gave me chills but made me feel like I was teetering on the brink of madness myself, such as: "Brittle, frail thoughts crashed against each other and shattered."
I have to admit that the story got a little bogged down at about 65% and Gil's thoughts did have a tendency to be repetitive but for the most part it was an excellent read. As well, some of the chapters were really long - 30 and 40 pages - but most of the time I'd be through the chapter before I realized it. I really liked the ending but it left me wanting more! Highly recommended. 4.5 Stars rounded down.
My thanks to Random House Publishing via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own. This review will be posted on Goodreads as of February 3, 2023 and on amazon.ca as of the publication date.
Publication Date: March 21, 2023
October 25, 2022
I was hooked from page one! This book was a thrilling rollercoaster ride that I couldn’t wait to finish. I loved the cat and mouse game between Gil and Matthew and the ending had me cheering! Def will be on the lookout for this authors next book.
Creative writing professor Gill takes his teenage nephew Matthew in after his parents did in a car crash. Matthew is handsome, rich, and dangerous. Gil makes it his mission to expose Matthew and prove to his family that he is wolf in very expensive sheeps clothing. Matthew and Gil’s cat and mouse game culminates in an ending that you will not see coming!
A Flaw in the Design is available March 23,2023.
Thank you to netgalley and randomhousepublishing for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Creative writing professor Gill takes his teenage nephew Matthew in after his parents did in a car crash. Matthew is handsome, rich, and dangerous. Gil makes it his mission to expose Matthew and prove to his family that he is wolf in very expensive sheeps clothing. Matthew and Gil’s cat and mouse game culminates in an ending that you will not see coming!
A Flaw in the Design is available March 23,2023.
Thank you to netgalley and randomhousepublishing for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
January 31, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Matthew’s parents die in a car accident. Because he is not yet 18 years old, he is required to move in with his uncle Gil and the rest of his family until he reaches the age of adulthood. Matthew is a troubled adolescent, and there was an event that took place when he was younger that resulted in a rift between his mother and his uncle. Both Gil and his wife, Molly, are feeling anxious about the prospect of having this problematic teenager come in with them. They were taken aback at first by his polite behavior. But after a while, Matthew will reveal his true self.
This entertaining thriller is supposed to have a cat-and-mouse fight between the uncle and his nephew. I can't think of a single young character I've ever read about in recent years who is more unlikeable than Matthew. For some reason, he makes me think of Kevin from the book We Need to Talk about Kevin. I think the author did a wonderful job of developing him as a character, which is important. Unfortunately, on the other hand, Gil was an annoying character, not as a person but as an adult who didn’t know how to act or handle a teenager. My experience has taught me that playing a game of cat and mouse is more entertaining when both players are equally devious and clever. In contrast to the uncle, the nephew possessed these qualities, while the uncle did not.
The book moved at a steady pace, which made it fun to read. There are parts that explain what occurred in the past so that the reader might have a better understanding. Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable suspense novel. Just go right in without looking up any spoilers beforehand.
Thanks a lot to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an advanced reader copy of this book to read.
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Matthew’s parents die in a car accident. Because he is not yet 18 years old, he is required to move in with his uncle Gil and the rest of his family until he reaches the age of adulthood. Matthew is a troubled adolescent, and there was an event that took place when he was younger that resulted in a rift between his mother and his uncle. Both Gil and his wife, Molly, are feeling anxious about the prospect of having this problematic teenager come in with them. They were taken aback at first by his polite behavior. But after a while, Matthew will reveal his true self.
This entertaining thriller is supposed to have a cat-and-mouse fight between the uncle and his nephew. I can't think of a single young character I've ever read about in recent years who is more unlikeable than Matthew. For some reason, he makes me think of Kevin from the book We Need to Talk about Kevin. I think the author did a wonderful job of developing him as a character, which is important. Unfortunately, on the other hand, Gil was an annoying character, not as a person but as an adult who didn’t know how to act or handle a teenager. My experience has taught me that playing a game of cat and mouse is more entertaining when both players are equally devious and clever. In contrast to the uncle, the nephew possessed these qualities, while the uncle did not.
The book moved at a steady pace, which made it fun to read. There are parts that explain what occurred in the past so that the reader might have a better understanding. Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable suspense novel. Just go right in without looking up any spoilers beforehand.
Thanks a lot to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an advanced reader copy of this book to read.
July 3, 2023
4.50 Stars 🌟 — Saying that I “enjoyed” reading this one is probably a little bit of a stretch, even for me. But boy was I damn well compelled! This one is a page-turner in the more literal sense of the word. Unsure I can fully summon the required energy or thought to review fully just yet. This one is gonna have to percolate a little more to delve into in even a surface level manner! But I’m into it now so why not just simply roll forth I suppose…
Gil, a Professor at Essex College in Vermont, has recently — reluctantly — taken custody of his multi-millionaire 17 year-old nephew Matthew after he lost both his parents in a horrific but sudden car-wreck. Suffice to say aforementioned reluctance is justified, in that Gil and his sister had a falling out after Matthew did something dark & horrible as a young child.
The story told in third-person style, with solidly refined prose, that serves dialogue & character thought plot well, moving at a median pace yet, in a somewhat top-heavy manner. One thing that was strikingly apparent in the early pages was that the prescient, consistent sense of foreboding Oates is building becomes near torturous — in a not fun but engaging, thrilling way — as the two protagonists waste no time in beginning to square-off, in a battle that you feel could only ever end one way — Violently, and finite.
This is an absolutely pulsating read, the author applies the tension in an utterly delicious and adroit manner, that fills the reader with so much anticipation it’s like you are having flashbacks of being 7 years-old on Christmas Eve, such is the tangible nature of the unyielding excitement you feel just to be that close to your present!
Oates has truly captured the psychological, tension layering that is required to truly capture a readers psyche & he handles this with what felt like expert precision, never pulling too hard, or creating palpable moments in a manner that felt unnatural or subservient to the narrative or either characters perspective. The conclusion is somewhat dubious, in that it doesn’t quite fit like a glove stylistically, however it is jarring, painful & also somewhat empty all the same.
I most enjoyed the small nods to literary criticism here and there, as well as the ongoing sense of control you as the reader could envisage each character yearning for. This could have been a true classic, but such is the tension in the build of this narrative, getting it there would be a gargantuan task indeed. In this way the author has managed the story well, even if some parts may in review feel a little morass, they eventually clear-up and contextualise with venom. The terror angles are consistently under the water here, Oates writes both characters with a deft touch, considering the poison in which is laden throughout the minds of the protagonists, I respected this and took note for it prevented me from ever really needing a break just for the fact of needing a break, the high-alert is always there but again it’s a vessel of tension, rather than sheer terror — this is skilful and makes me think this author has a few true gems in them to come in the years ahead.
A great example of character-study, despite using rather unlikeable characters, Gil remains — somewhat remarkably — relatable in his paranoia, whilst Matthew is never bad, overtly, when one takes a viewpoint outside of Gil’s potentially jaded suspicions, and with somewhat unreliable narrators — as much as cbs be when told in the style of the third-person I suppose — the reader is left to make their own mind up despite me never really feeling as though I had, until it snuck up on me in the final pages that I’d indeed made my mind up in the introductory chapters, another slightly joyful moment I again credit to the author and his skilful execution of the narrative.
Definitely one for anyone whom enjoys a psychological battle of Witts, without the over the top theatrics or violence, or graphical specificity. This one has quite an undertone of solemnity to it that’s refreshing!
Gil, a Professor at Essex College in Vermont, has recently — reluctantly — taken custody of his multi-millionaire 17 year-old nephew Matthew after he lost both his parents in a horrific but sudden car-wreck. Suffice to say aforementioned reluctance is justified, in that Gil and his sister had a falling out after Matthew did something dark & horrible as a young child.
The story told in third-person style, with solidly refined prose, that serves dialogue & character thought plot well, moving at a median pace yet, in a somewhat top-heavy manner. One thing that was strikingly apparent in the early pages was that the prescient, consistent sense of foreboding Oates is building becomes near torturous — in a not fun but engaging, thrilling way — as the two protagonists waste no time in beginning to square-off, in a battle that you feel could only ever end one way — Violently, and finite.
This is an absolutely pulsating read, the author applies the tension in an utterly delicious and adroit manner, that fills the reader with so much anticipation it’s like you are having flashbacks of being 7 years-old on Christmas Eve, such is the tangible nature of the unyielding excitement you feel just to be that close to your present!
Oates has truly captured the psychological, tension layering that is required to truly capture a readers psyche & he handles this with what felt like expert precision, never pulling too hard, or creating palpable moments in a manner that felt unnatural or subservient to the narrative or either characters perspective. The conclusion is somewhat dubious, in that it doesn’t quite fit like a glove stylistically, however it is jarring, painful & also somewhat empty all the same.
I most enjoyed the small nods to literary criticism here and there, as well as the ongoing sense of control you as the reader could envisage each character yearning for. This could have been a true classic, but such is the tension in the build of this narrative, getting it there would be a gargantuan task indeed. In this way the author has managed the story well, even if some parts may in review feel a little morass, they eventually clear-up and contextualise with venom. The terror angles are consistently under the water here, Oates writes both characters with a deft touch, considering the poison in which is laden throughout the minds of the protagonists, I respected this and took note for it prevented me from ever really needing a break just for the fact of needing a break, the high-alert is always there but again it’s a vessel of tension, rather than sheer terror — this is skilful and makes me think this author has a few true gems in them to come in the years ahead.
A great example of character-study, despite using rather unlikeable characters, Gil remains — somewhat remarkably — relatable in his paranoia, whilst Matthew is never bad, overtly, when one takes a viewpoint outside of Gil’s potentially jaded suspicions, and with somewhat unreliable narrators — as much as cbs be when told in the style of the third-person I suppose — the reader is left to make their own mind up despite me never really feeling as though I had, until it snuck up on me in the final pages that I’d indeed made my mind up in the introductory chapters, another slightly joyful moment I again credit to the author and his skilful execution of the narrative.
Definitely one for anyone whom enjoys a psychological battle of Witts, without the over the top theatrics or violence, or graphical specificity. This one has quite an undertone of solemnity to it that’s refreshing!
January 5, 2023
3.5 stars
A Flaw in the Design held my interest due in large part to me being uncertain which direction the author was going take things. It's fun as a reader to have all these questions swirling around in your head as you try to figure out exactly what is going on. I might not have loved the conclusion but I still had a good time reading this thriller.
Gil is a professor living in Vermont with his wife and two daughters. His sister recently died and his teenage nephew, Matthew, has moved in with Gil and his family. Even though Gil didn't have much of a relationship with his sister or nephew these last few years, he agrees to the living arrangement partly because he will receive money from the estate to do so. While Matthew seems to be getting along with everyone, Gil is keeping a close eye on him and the more he sees, the more his concerns grow.
So I didn't quite know what to think while reading the story as either Gil was paranoid or maybe he truly does have reasons to be worried. And those were just the possibilities I was able to come up with but it's not like I wasn't aware at any moment the writer could throw a curveball into the mix. So wanting to find out where everything was headed drove my interest. The pacing was good as the story alternated between the present and the past in which you got more of the backstory and why Gil was suspicious of his nephew.
Alright, the weak spot was the ending although I might be in the minority with that opinion. Even though I didn't care for the last few chapters, it was the final one that really bugged the heck out of me. It comes across as a copout rather than a brilliant conclusion. Perhaps, that's harsh but it just didn't work for me.
Overall, I did enjoy this thriller as it did have me flipping the pages.
Thank you to Random House and Netgalley for providing a digital advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
A Flaw in the Design held my interest due in large part to me being uncertain which direction the author was going take things. It's fun as a reader to have all these questions swirling around in your head as you try to figure out exactly what is going on. I might not have loved the conclusion but I still had a good time reading this thriller.
Gil is a professor living in Vermont with his wife and two daughters. His sister recently died and his teenage nephew, Matthew, has moved in with Gil and his family. Even though Gil didn't have much of a relationship with his sister or nephew these last few years, he agrees to the living arrangement partly because he will receive money from the estate to do so. While Matthew seems to be getting along with everyone, Gil is keeping a close eye on him and the more he sees, the more his concerns grow.
So I didn't quite know what to think while reading the story as either Gil was paranoid or maybe he truly does have reasons to be worried. And those were just the possibilities I was able to come up with but it's not like I wasn't aware at any moment the writer could throw a curveball into the mix. So wanting to find out where everything was headed drove my interest. The pacing was good as the story alternated between the present and the past in which you got more of the backstory and why Gil was suspicious of his nephew.
Alright, the weak spot was the ending although I might be in the minority with that opinion. Even though I didn't care for the last few chapters, it was the final one that really bugged the heck out of me. It comes across as a copout rather than a brilliant conclusion. Perhaps, that's harsh but it just didn't work for me.
Overall, I did enjoy this thriller as it did have me flipping the pages.
Thank you to Random House and Netgalley for providing a digital advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
March 12, 2023
When his sister and her husband are killed in a car crash, writer and professor Gil Duggan becomes the guardian of his 17-year-old nephew, Matthew. And, family tragedy aside, he’s not exactly happy about it: Gil has hated Matthew since an incident involving his daughter on a family holiday some years ago, and believes he is a nascent psychopath. When Matthew moves into the Duggans’ home in Vermont, tensions rise. Gil becomes increasingly obsessed with his nephew, partly because of his jealousy of Matthew’s immense wealth (his father was a high-flying banker). Matthew certainly seems devious. But Gil, we know, is an unreliable narrator, and the more he crosses the line – following Matthew, devising outlandish theories – the more his credibility falters.
There are no true surprises here: as so often with this type of story, the pleasure is in the writing, and in the small details of the characterisation, particularly of Gil. I am getting a bit tired of the archetype he represents – the perfectly comfortable middle-class person who thinks not being super-rich is the same thing as being poor – but it’s undeniably used very well here: so clearly an obsession Gil can’t let go of, as much a factor in his disintegration as his hatred of Matthew. Things are wrapped up really smartly at the end, too, with a conclusion that’s satisfying on several fronts. I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoyed A Lonely Man or Hawk Mountain.
I received an advance review copy of A Flaw in the Design from the publisher through NetGalley.
There are no true surprises here: as so often with this type of story, the pleasure is in the writing, and in the small details of the characterisation, particularly of Gil. I am getting a bit tired of the archetype he represents – the perfectly comfortable middle-class person who thinks not being super-rich is the same thing as being poor – but it’s undeniably used very well here: so clearly an obsession Gil can’t let go of, as much a factor in his disintegration as his hatred of Matthew. Things are wrapped up really smartly at the end, too, with a conclusion that’s satisfying on several fronts. I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoyed A Lonely Man or Hawk Mountain.
I received an advance review copy of A Flaw in the Design from the publisher through NetGalley.
July 6, 2024
Like most reviewers said, there’s not a whole lot you can say about this book outside what you’ve already read in the excerpt, without giving the entire thing away. Even reading that summarization itself gives you a pretty good idea of how the story is going to turn out.
But even if it turns out exactly the way you’d expect it to, I still feel like most readers will walk away from this book feeling a bit disappointed. The uncle/unreliable narrator who takes his nephew in after the accidental (or was it?) death of his parents is just flat out annoying.
Sure, he has obvious reasons to mistrust this kid, given an incident in the past between his youngest daughter, Ingrid (6 at the time, to Matthew’s 12). But it’s certainly not a “cat and mouse game”, as Matthew undoubtedly holds all the cards and Uncle Gil does himself no favors by stalking the kid while he’s doing totally normal teenage stuff.
Gil was just… weird. Why did he have to lust after the girls Matthew was interested in? (One being one of his favorite students at the college he teaches - he basically forced Matthew into letting him come into the city with him, then is somehow surprised when Matthew, a nearly 18-year-old boy, with good looks, intelligence, and money…is horny, and girls are into him? 🤔) but he’s just a CREEP…
”Oh, Professor Duggan,” a voice said, and Gil turned quickly on his stool, nearly fell, just catching himself on the slick stone counter. It was Susie, wearing only a white button up shirt…
… she came up to the counter beside him so he could smell her hair, a faint scent of vanilla, and she rose on tiptoes, shirt riding along her legs, revealing, for an instant, the curve of her butt, her lacy black underwear.”
There’s another time later when he watches them having sex through a window back in VT (until the damn dog ruins it all for him by barking, anyway). And ANOTHER time, with him stalking his nephew back in the City, AGAIN creeping on a high school senior:
”It seemed wrong anyone could be so pretty, much less someone so young. Her thin legs were tucked under her, so her skirt rode up to her waist.
Gil stared at the girl, hiked skirt or no, trying to get her to remember, to focus, TEXT MATTHEW NOW. She shifted her legs so he could see right up to the black triangle of her underwear.”
Wow, and you wonder why he and his wife are growing apart… if he spent as much time with her as he did lusting after young girls and being overly consumed by his nephew’s wealth, they’d have a wonderfully fantastic relationship. I just didn’t care for any of the characters and their naïveté, their obsessions, their arrogances (take your pick).
Oh, and the ending. I don’t even think it’s possible to give it away when I’m not exactly sure what the hell happened (aside from some vague details), I feel a lot of things never really came together as they should have.
This might be a great read for a lot of people, but for me, it was an interesting premise that had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, the book ultimately fell short of living up to its potential, not delivering the twists and turns and manipulative games I had anticipated.
But even if it turns out exactly the way you’d expect it to, I still feel like most readers will walk away from this book feeling a bit disappointed. The uncle/unreliable narrator who takes his nephew in after the accidental (or was it?) death of his parents is just flat out annoying.
Sure, he has obvious reasons to mistrust this kid, given an incident in the past between his youngest daughter, Ingrid (6 at the time, to Matthew’s 12). But it’s certainly not a “cat and mouse game”, as Matthew undoubtedly holds all the cards and Uncle Gil does himself no favors by stalking the kid while he’s doing totally normal teenage stuff.
Gil was just… weird. Why did he have to lust after the girls Matthew was interested in? (One being one of his favorite students at the college he teaches - he basically forced Matthew into letting him come into the city with him, then is somehow surprised when Matthew, a nearly 18-year-old boy, with good looks, intelligence, and money…is horny, and girls are into him? 🤔) but he’s just a CREEP…
”Oh, Professor Duggan,” a voice said, and Gil turned quickly on his stool, nearly fell, just catching himself on the slick stone counter. It was Susie, wearing only a white button up shirt…
… she came up to the counter beside him so he could smell her hair, a faint scent of vanilla, and she rose on tiptoes, shirt riding along her legs, revealing, for an instant, the curve of her butt, her lacy black underwear.”
There’s another time later when he watches them having sex through a window back in VT (until the damn dog ruins it all for him by barking, anyway). And ANOTHER time, with him stalking his nephew back in the City, AGAIN creeping on a high school senior:
”It seemed wrong anyone could be so pretty, much less someone so young. Her thin legs were tucked under her, so her skirt rode up to her waist.
Gil stared at the girl, hiked skirt or no, trying to get her to remember, to focus, TEXT MATTHEW NOW. She shifted her legs so he could see right up to the black triangle of her underwear.”
Wow, and you wonder why he and his wife are growing apart… if he spent as much time with her as he did lusting after young girls and being overly consumed by his nephew’s wealth, they’d have a wonderfully fantastic relationship. I just didn’t care for any of the characters and their naïveté, their obsessions, their arrogances (take your pick).
Oh, and the ending. I don’t even think it’s possible to give it away when I’m not exactly sure what the hell happened (aside from some vague details), I feel a lot of things never really came together as they should have.
This might be a great read for a lot of people, but for me, it was an interesting premise that had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, the book ultimately fell short of living up to its potential, not delivering the twists and turns and manipulative games I had anticipated.
March 20, 2023
This is one of those books that you can’t say much outside of the synopsis without spoiling anything. Unfortunately, there really isn’t much to spoil…
Gil and Molly get notice one day that Gil’s sister and her husband were killed in a car accident, and in their will, they ask that Gil take in their 17-year-old son, Matthew. Matthew’s parents were very wealthy, and the arrangement leave Gil and Molly with quite a bit of extra money, which is one of the only reasons they said yes.
One big reason the boy’s uncle doesn’t want to take him in is because Matthew almost killed one of their daughters on a family vacation seven years prior. Everyone assumed that it was an accident, but Gil has always seen an edge, a hint of danger in Matthew’s eyes, and he believes it was no accident.
So they take Matthew in, and he gets along great … with everybody but Gil. Gil is a creative writing professor, and Matthew signed up for his class. You get a couple “book within a book” chapters out of this, but you’ll be left wondering what his writing means. Does he write things for shock value, or to cleanse his soul?
This book was pretty middle-of-the-road for me. I thought the writing was good and the characters were decent, but there was just something missing. It wasn’t very exciting, and the ending left a few questions. Three stars for this one that didn’t hit the way I wanted it to, but was still enjoyable to read.
(Thank you to Random House, Nathan Oates and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on March 21, 2023.)
Gil and Molly get notice one day that Gil’s sister and her husband were killed in a car accident, and in their will, they ask that Gil take in their 17-year-old son, Matthew. Matthew’s parents were very wealthy, and the arrangement leave Gil and Molly with quite a bit of extra money, which is one of the only reasons they said yes.
One big reason the boy’s uncle doesn’t want to take him in is because Matthew almost killed one of their daughters on a family vacation seven years prior. Everyone assumed that it was an accident, but Gil has always seen an edge, a hint of danger in Matthew’s eyes, and he believes it was no accident.
So they take Matthew in, and he gets along great … with everybody but Gil. Gil is a creative writing professor, and Matthew signed up for his class. You get a couple “book within a book” chapters out of this, but you’ll be left wondering what his writing means. Does he write things for shock value, or to cleanse his soul?
This book was pretty middle-of-the-road for me. I thought the writing was good and the characters were decent, but there was just something missing. It wasn’t very exciting, and the ending left a few questions. Three stars for this one that didn’t hit the way I wanted it to, but was still enjoyable to read.
(Thank you to Random House, Nathan Oates and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on March 21, 2023.)
December 13, 2022
DNF at 40%. I just can't do it anymore. This is so repetitive. Almost half way through and absolutely nothing happened. It was just the uncle worrying about what his nephew 'might' do based off his past behaviours and a couple of flashbacks. Bored out of my mind.
**I received a free arc from Serpent's Tail via Netgalley in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
**I received a free arc from Serpent's Tail via Netgalley in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
March 10, 2023
☆☆☆☆☆
“A Flaw in the Design” is one of the best debuts I’ve read! This brilliant psychological thriller kept me up way too late trying to race to the conclusion. Please tell me there is a sequel coming!
Anyone with children dreads the thought of dying before their children are grown. Choosing someone to raise them in their absence. And, honestly, is anyone excited about taking on the responsibility of a child that has just lived through such a traumatic experience? Especially a teenager. It’s a huge disturbance to your family dynamics and home. But it’s hard to say no to family, no matter what reservations you have. When you’re struggling financially and there is a large monthly stipend included, it sweetens the pot.
The last time Gil saw Matthew he was a young child and he put Gil’s daughter at risk. So even though Matthew is a charming young man now, Gil is suspicious that he is still the same dangerous sociopath.
Matthew is clever and begins to taunt Gil but he doesn’t let anyone else see this side of him. Gil becomes obsessed with revealing this dangerous side of his nephew and gets carried away. Soon it’s unclear who the unstable one is!
Many thanks to Nathan Oates and Random House for the gifted ARC supplied through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#AFlawInTheDesign #NathanOates #RandomHouse #netgalley #giftedARC #honestreview #sociopath #Vermont #hitandrunaccident #professor #writer #inheritance #wealthyparents #debutthriller #crimeandcocktailsbookcrew #mysteryandthrills #readwithme #bookaddict #thrilleraddict #thrillersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #lovebooks #bookreviewersofinstagram #lovetoreadbooks #cantstopreading #fortheloveofbooks
“A Flaw in the Design” is one of the best debuts I’ve read! This brilliant psychological thriller kept me up way too late trying to race to the conclusion. Please tell me there is a sequel coming!
Anyone with children dreads the thought of dying before their children are grown. Choosing someone to raise them in their absence. And, honestly, is anyone excited about taking on the responsibility of a child that has just lived through such a traumatic experience? Especially a teenager. It’s a huge disturbance to your family dynamics and home. But it’s hard to say no to family, no matter what reservations you have. When you’re struggling financially and there is a large monthly stipend included, it sweetens the pot.
The last time Gil saw Matthew he was a young child and he put Gil’s daughter at risk. So even though Matthew is a charming young man now, Gil is suspicious that he is still the same dangerous sociopath.
Matthew is clever and begins to taunt Gil but he doesn’t let anyone else see this side of him. Gil becomes obsessed with revealing this dangerous side of his nephew and gets carried away. Soon it’s unclear who the unstable one is!
Many thanks to Nathan Oates and Random House for the gifted ARC supplied through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#AFlawInTheDesign #NathanOates #RandomHouse #netgalley #giftedARC #honestreview #sociopath #Vermont #hitandrunaccident #professor #writer #inheritance #wealthyparents #debutthriller #crimeandcocktailsbookcrew #mysteryandthrills #readwithme #bookaddict #thrilleraddict #thrillersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #lovebooks #bookreviewersofinstagram #lovetoreadbooks #cantstopreading #fortheloveofbooks
May 10, 2024
Huh. Not sure about this book. It had some great aspects, and some not-so-great ones as well.
Gil, the MC, was an extremely well-written character. I felt EVERY bit of his emotions. I understood his motivations and actions, even when they started going off the rails. He was a complex, intriguing man, to be sure. (I especially empathized with his niggling self-doubts as a writer.)
But the rest of the cast remained cipher-ish. Even Matthew, Gil's nephew and nemesis, almost bordered on cartoonish. Molly, Gil's wife...who was she? I had no idea what she was thinking. I felt she was there mostly as a sounding board for Gil. She never became flesh and bone.
As the ending drew nigh, I was hoping against hope that the plot was going to veer off into a twist that I knew would be brilliant if played out as it did in my imagination. But no; it just ended. Alas.
Gil, the MC, was an extremely well-written character. I felt EVERY bit of his emotions. I understood his motivations and actions, even when they started going off the rails. He was a complex, intriguing man, to be sure. (I especially empathized with his niggling self-doubts as a writer.)
But the rest of the cast remained cipher-ish. Even Matthew, Gil's nephew and nemesis, almost bordered on cartoonish. Molly, Gil's wife...who was she? I had no idea what she was thinking. I felt she was there mostly as a sounding board for Gil. She never became flesh and bone.
As the ending drew nigh, I was hoping against hope that the plot was going to veer off into a twist that I knew would be brilliant if played out as it did in my imagination. But no; it just ended. Alas.
March 16, 2023
A Flaw In The Design is an absolute thriller on so many levels! With psychological twists and turns and characters who somehow grab your heart and then break it, the story is filled with one shocking revelation after another in a gripping story which will carry you through to the last page.
Gil and his wife Molly are hesitatingly awaiting the arrival of Gil’s nephew, Matthew. Gil’s late sister and brother-in-law, who died in a tragic car accident in New York City had made Gil the guardian of Matthew. Since he is seventeen, he is coming to live with Gil, his wife and their two girls in Vermont until he goes off to college next year.
But the last time Gil’s family had actually seen Matthew was many years prior he tried to hurt one of his girls, allegedly. This heinous act caused a terrible rift between himself and his sister with Gil begging her to get Matthew help.
So as Gil waits for Matthew’s plane to land, he can’t help but feel this is a bad idea. Certainly, Matthew is much older than he was when the incident occurred, but he can’t help but feel a lack of trust in the boy and have a great deal of fear in being able to protect his own family. Although Matthew became very wealthy when his parents died, and Gil will be paid generously monthly for taking Matthew in, something still does not feel right about the situation.
Seriously, what could go wrong? He would only be at their house a few short months before he heads to college and be on his own.
When Matthew arrives, he seems to fit right into the family. As a matter of fact, Molly and the girls are taken with his charm. No mention is made about what happened. Gil’s senses are heightened to make sure Matthew is not being sneaky. Gil also finds out Matthew who is still in high school will be in his writing workshop at the college he works at for credits toward his degree.
Then Gil starts to see a few flaws in Matthew’s personality. He notices he’s beginning to go outside to make secret cell phone calls. He notices a difference in the way he is behaving in front of his daughters and especially his wife Molly. Everything in him feels Matthew is hiding something. But what could it be? When he mentions this to Molly, she seems to think it’s Gil’s imagination.
Through more snooping, Gil discovers perhaps Matthew is not the saint he is trying to portray, but the bad seed he had seemed. And then Matthew writes a story in the workshop which stuns and confirms Gil’s worst fears. It’s all been an act. But when Gil confronts Matthew, he is able to turn the tables and make Gil look like the bad person.
It is now up to Gil to find a way to prove Matthew is vey dangerous. He must be stopped before he can do any more harm than he already has. Because he will.
A Flaw In The Design is a fitting title, because in reality we all have flaws. Some more dangerous than others. The story reads like being on a roller coaster. There were so many emotions along the way. So much fear for the characters which we wanted to be protected. The ending? Well…flawless!
Thank you #NetGalley #RandomHouse #NathanOates #AFlawInTheDesign for the advanced copy.
Gil and his wife Molly are hesitatingly awaiting the arrival of Gil’s nephew, Matthew. Gil’s late sister and brother-in-law, who died in a tragic car accident in New York City had made Gil the guardian of Matthew. Since he is seventeen, he is coming to live with Gil, his wife and their two girls in Vermont until he goes off to college next year.
But the last time Gil’s family had actually seen Matthew was many years prior he tried to hurt one of his girls, allegedly. This heinous act caused a terrible rift between himself and his sister with Gil begging her to get Matthew help.
So as Gil waits for Matthew’s plane to land, he can’t help but feel this is a bad idea. Certainly, Matthew is much older than he was when the incident occurred, but he can’t help but feel a lack of trust in the boy and have a great deal of fear in being able to protect his own family. Although Matthew became very wealthy when his parents died, and Gil will be paid generously monthly for taking Matthew in, something still does not feel right about the situation.
Seriously, what could go wrong? He would only be at their house a few short months before he heads to college and be on his own.
When Matthew arrives, he seems to fit right into the family. As a matter of fact, Molly and the girls are taken with his charm. No mention is made about what happened. Gil’s senses are heightened to make sure Matthew is not being sneaky. Gil also finds out Matthew who is still in high school will be in his writing workshop at the college he works at for credits toward his degree.
Then Gil starts to see a few flaws in Matthew’s personality. He notices he’s beginning to go outside to make secret cell phone calls. He notices a difference in the way he is behaving in front of his daughters and especially his wife Molly. Everything in him feels Matthew is hiding something. But what could it be? When he mentions this to Molly, she seems to think it’s Gil’s imagination.
Through more snooping, Gil discovers perhaps Matthew is not the saint he is trying to portray, but the bad seed he had seemed. And then Matthew writes a story in the workshop which stuns and confirms Gil’s worst fears. It’s all been an act. But when Gil confronts Matthew, he is able to turn the tables and make Gil look like the bad person.
It is now up to Gil to find a way to prove Matthew is vey dangerous. He must be stopped before he can do any more harm than he already has. Because he will.
A Flaw In The Design is a fitting title, because in reality we all have flaws. Some more dangerous than others. The story reads like being on a roller coaster. There were so many emotions along the way. So much fear for the characters which we wanted to be protected. The ending? Well…flawless!
Thank you #NetGalley #RandomHouse #NathanOates #AFlawInTheDesign for the advanced copy.
November 8, 2023
A toxic cat and mouse game between a brilliant but cunning young nephew and his college professor uncle.
Gil became the guardian of his rich and privileged nephew after his wealthy sister dies in an auto accident. Most of the novel is narrated by Gil as he becomes obsessively convinced (and gradually unhinged) over thoughts that his nephew is a bad seed extraordinaire.
The novel was unputdownable even if disturbing in parts, with a surprisingly unexpected ending.
Gil became the guardian of his rich and privileged nephew after his wealthy sister dies in an auto accident. Most of the novel is narrated by Gil as he becomes obsessively convinced (and gradually unhinged) over thoughts that his nephew is a bad seed extraordinaire.
The novel was unputdownable even if disturbing in parts, with a surprisingly unexpected ending.
April 27, 2023
The audiobook is narrated by David Pittu and approx 10 hours on audio. I enjoyed the narration. Thank you PRH audio for the gifted alc.
This story is very character driven and I chucked at how the main character was quickly spiraling.
Recommend for fans of The Push or Baby Teeth.
This story is very character driven and I chucked at how the main character was quickly spiraling.
Recommend for fans of The Push or Baby Teeth.
April 6, 2023
I read this as an ARC that I got from work. It was okay, but I settled on 2 stars because I don't think I would recommend it.
So it's obvious that this novel is supposed to make you think immediately of stories like "We Need to Talk About Kevin." Even the model they used for the cover has a face exactly like Ezra Miller. What is interesting about this book is that the main character and his family already know from page one that Matthew is very likely a psychopath, so it isn't like most of these stories where everything starts out happy and innocent. The situation is already precarious. The slow burn of the story is whether or not Matthew has grown out of these tendencies and if this temporary living arrangement will prove dangerous for Gil, his wife and his daughters. Because honestly, the author does explain why they ultimately decided to take him in but you're still wondering as the reader why the fuck they would. (Especially after you are eventually given more information as to why they are so afraid of him.)
This book is well written, but overall I wasn't enthralled with it. Matthew is an interesting character that is easy to hate, but the protagonist Gil is very difficult to root for and I felt like the rest of his family had selective amnesia. Particularly his wife Molly, who was probably just trying to keep the peace in the house but came across as moronic and completely in denial. The whole experience was frustrating and I eventually just wanted it to be over. No spoilers, but the ending felt more like sequel bait than something that felt true to this book. I totally get what the author was going for: Is Matthew really dangerous or is Gil's obsession with trying to prove it actually making HIM completely unhinged? But wow, did Gil do idiotic things throughout this story. Though I did relate to him on the topic of being jealous of people with millions of dollars.
On a side note, I know that everyone teaches classes differently but what kind of fiction writing professor doesn't keep a copy of the student's story for himself to read and make notes on? That baffled me.
So it's obvious that this novel is supposed to make you think immediately of stories like "We Need to Talk About Kevin." Even the model they used for the cover has a face exactly like Ezra Miller. What is interesting about this book is that the main character and his family already know from page one that Matthew is very likely a psychopath, so it isn't like most of these stories where everything starts out happy and innocent. The situation is already precarious. The slow burn of the story is whether or not Matthew has grown out of these tendencies and if this temporary living arrangement will prove dangerous for Gil, his wife and his daughters. Because honestly, the author does explain why they ultimately decided to take him in but you're still wondering as the reader why the fuck they would. (Especially after you are eventually given more information as to why they are so afraid of him.)
This book is well written, but overall I wasn't enthralled with it. Matthew is an interesting character that is easy to hate, but the protagonist Gil is very difficult to root for and I felt like the rest of his family had selective amnesia. Particularly his wife Molly, who was probably just trying to keep the peace in the house but came across as moronic and completely in denial. The whole experience was frustrating and I eventually just wanted it to be over. No spoilers, but the ending felt more like sequel bait than something that felt true to this book. I totally get what the author was going for: Is Matthew really dangerous or is Gil's obsession with trying to prove it actually making HIM completely unhinged? But wow, did Gil do idiotic things throughout this story. Though I did relate to him on the topic of being jealous of people with millions of dollars.
On a side note, I know that everyone teaches classes differently but what kind of fiction writing professor doesn't keep a copy of the student's story for himself to read and make notes on? That baffled me.
March 6, 2023
An unreliable narrator thriller that's so effective I suspect some readers will not realize it's an unreliable narrator.
I can't really think of a lot of books to compare this to, which is a great compliment. Has some campus novel, some psychological thriller, some domestic drama, some cat and mouse all wrapped up together in the slowly crumbling mind of our protagonist who becomes more and more obsessed with his newly orphaned teenaged nephew.
The ending tries a bit too hard for a couple last minute twists but it's nothing beyond the pale.
I can't really think of a lot of books to compare this to, which is a great compliment. Has some campus novel, some psychological thriller, some domestic drama, some cat and mouse all wrapped up together in the slowly crumbling mind of our protagonist who becomes more and more obsessed with his newly orphaned teenaged nephew.
The ending tries a bit too hard for a couple last minute twists but it's nothing beyond the pale.
November 25, 2022
Terrific literary thriller about a cat and mouse game between a writer, professor and dad and his nephew who may not be what he seems. This book grabbed me from the first page and kept up a great pace until the very last word. Gil is a writer and creative writer professor at a college in Vermont. He lives with his wife Molly, an artist and their two teenage daughters. When he finds out his estranged sister has been killed in a car accident along with her wealthy husband, he is asked to be a guardian to his seventeen year old nephew Matthew. Gil feels like this is the right thing to do and the $10,000 monthly fee he will get as a guardian will help but he cannot forget an incident that happened with Matthew and his younger daughter several years earlier and he doesn't trust the boy has changed.
I liked Gil and Molly and it was nice to read about a writer and professor who wasn't a predator for once. Gil isn't perfect and has his demons but he loves his family and will do anything to protect them , However, has Matthew changed or is he just hiding behind his polite facade? Molly, the girls and even the family dog like Matthew and think he fits in with the family; but when Matthew signs up for Gil's college course and starts writing some disturbing pieces, Gil is the only who thinks something is off. Good writing and pace and I thought the ending was perfect. Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for a free book in exchange for a review.
I liked Gil and Molly and it was nice to read about a writer and professor who wasn't a predator for once. Gil isn't perfect and has his demons but he loves his family and will do anything to protect them , However, has Matthew changed or is he just hiding behind his polite facade? Molly, the girls and even the family dog like Matthew and think he fits in with the family; but when Matthew signs up for Gil's college course and starts writing some disturbing pieces, Gil is the only who thinks something is off. Good writing and pace and I thought the ending was perfect. Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for a free book in exchange for a review.
July 13, 2023
I love a good psychological thriller, but not coupled with a whiney inner monologue. The cat and mouse game between an uncle and his psychotic nephew sounds interesting, but isn’t well delivered. While I enjoyed that the uncle seemed more unhinged than anything, I needed more from the nephew. Besides antagonizing his uncle some, like all seventeen year old boys are prone to do, he doesn’t come across as crazy. Even the things he did as a child, while not okay, could be explained by having a turbulent family
life or such. Anyways, at 56%, nothing has actually
happened. I refuse to read more, especially after reading reviews saying the ending is open and unresolved.
life or such. Anyways, at 56%, nothing has actually
happened. I refuse to read more, especially after reading reviews saying the ending is open and unresolved.
November 15, 2024
⭐️1 star ⭐️
Right on the cover page, the Observer describes this ‘terrifying’ psychological thriller as “Horribly claustrophobic, in the best possible way” . Horribly claustrophobic? Yes, I’ll give you that. The endless paranoia and resentment that constantly loops in Gil’s whiny thoughts were suffocating. He constantly switches from feeling somewhat fulfilled of his life to subconsciously perceiving it as pathetic and poor. Gil was the real nightmare here.
Sure, maybe he’s right and his nephew is a secret sociopath and only he can see it, but the search for the truth becomes absolute obscured by Gil, being so self-absorbed, weird and annoying, that it completely took all enjoyment away from the story.
My two year old could see the revelation. Awfully predictable and boring — you know from the beginning where the story is going, you hope for a mega twist to make you gasp and fall for the story, you end up launching the book across the room in disappointment.
~~
Pre-review update: How can I like a book if I completely detest the main character? Answer, I can’t.
«That had been the boy’s one slip: showing Gil the truth. He was evil. »
Right on the cover page, the Observer describes this ‘terrifying’ psychological thriller as “Horribly claustrophobic, in the best possible way” . Horribly claustrophobic? Yes, I’ll give you that. The endless paranoia and resentment that constantly loops in Gil’s whiny thoughts were suffocating. He constantly switches from feeling somewhat fulfilled of his life to subconsciously perceiving it as pathetic and poor. Gil was the real nightmare here.
Sure, maybe he’s right and his nephew is a secret sociopath and only he can see it, but the search for the truth becomes absolute obscured by Gil, being so self-absorbed, weird and annoying, that it completely took all enjoyment away from the story.
«Maybe you think you know. Maybe you think you can see it, far off: the revelation»
My two year old could see the revelation. Awfully predictable and boring — you know from the beginning where the story is going, you hope for a mega twist to make you gasp and fall for the story, you end up launching the book across the room in disappointment.
~~
Pre-review update: How can I like a book if I completely detest the main character? Answer, I can’t.
April 18, 2023
Good psychological thriller!
September 26, 2022
Boasting a premise that promised more than it actually delivered, “A Flaw in the Design” is a psychological game of cat and mouse between a troubled 17 year old and the uncle who recently became his guardian. Right from the outset, I was drawn into the story, plowing through the book despite the sluggish pacing. But I found the uncle’s jealous attitude and negative fixation on wealth to be too much and too off putting, as well as a major detraction from my overall enjoyment. In addition, the plot twists just fell flat for me, offering no true surprises. Still, the story has its merits, but it’s not the edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller I was eagerly anticipating.
August 5, 2023
When Gil's sister and her husband die unexpectedly, he learns he is now guardian of his nephew, whom for good reason he doesn't trust. This book was OK, but I found the main character Gil annoying, and the book seems to drag along from beginning to end.
May 13, 2023
Full review to follow.
April 2, 2023
Did I read a different book then everyone else?? Lol. This was a book I pre ordered and couldn't wait to read. This book was so very boring. Throughout the entire thing, we have Gil running around trying to catch Matthew doing anything, and he's doing nothing. I expected so much more from this. Their was so many opportunities for Matthew to really do damage and make Gil feel even more crazy. That's what's it was, missed opportunity after missed opportunity. Besides Matthew talking disrespectful to Gil a few times, and Matthew writing his antagonizing papers for class, that was it. Why did we not get any action? Why did we not get to see the horrible deranged side of Matthew? If anything, Gil was the most deranged paranoid person in the book. He was completely unhinged in trying to catch Matthew being horrible, but he just made him self look horrible. Also, the way Gil was weirdly jealous of Matthew when it came to his wife threw me off. Matthew gifting Molly an expensive painting from an artist she loves, made Gil feel worthless and jealous. He would say how pathetic he was yet he did nothing to make any attempts with his wife. Really all Matthew did was bring Molly the painting and spend some time with her at home. Gil could have literally done any of these things, ( cooked dinner with his wife, helped his daughter with her homework) but instead, he was just paranoid that Matthew was doing all these things with his family and telling himself he was a complete failure. All he had to do was the bare minimum.
I'm not sure if I missed something, but did we even find out if Matthew in fact DID cause the car accident? That's how much my mind was wandering while reading this. I missed a super important part of the book. And if he did, what for? What was the point in doing so? He had all the money he needed while his family was alive and he was going to school. What's the motive here?
Oh, the ending. Why didn't Gil want to contact anyone in his family when he was finally able to talk?? I am left with more questions after reading this. I still believe there was so much more that could have been done here. But, I'm not an author so what do I know. I also hate to be so harsh when reviewing a book. I do not have the talent to write an entire book. I rarely give bad reviews and I feel terrible, because this is someone's hard work. I was just so disappointed over this one. I wanted way more then was was delivered.
I'm not sure if I missed something, but did we even find out if Matthew in fact DID cause the car accident? That's how much my mind was wandering while reading this. I missed a super important part of the book. And if he did, what for? What was the point in doing so? He had all the money he needed while his family was alive and he was going to school. What's the motive here?
Oh, the ending. Why didn't Gil want to contact anyone in his family when he was finally able to talk?? I am left with more questions after reading this. I still believe there was so much more that could have been done here. But, I'm not an author so what do I know. I also hate to be so harsh when reviewing a book. I do not have the talent to write an entire book. I rarely give bad reviews and I feel terrible, because this is someone's hard work. I was just so disappointed over this one. I wanted way more then was was delivered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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