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A Likeable Woman
She's back in her affluent hometown for the first time in years and determined to unravel the secrets of her mother's death hidden in the unpublished memoir she left behind...even if it kills her...
After her troublemaker mother's mysterious death, Kira fled her wealthy Texas town and never looked back. Now, decades later, Kira is invited to an old frenemy's vow renewal party. Though she is reluctant to go, there are things calling her back . . . like chilled wine and days spent by the pool . . . like her sexy childhood crush, Jack. But, more importantly, it's the urgent texts from her grandmother who says she has something to give Kira. Something about her mother's death, something that looks an awful lot like murder.
When her grandmother gives Kira a memoir that her mother had been working on before she died, she is pulled into the past and all of the sizzling secrets that come along with it. With few allies left in her gossipy, country club town, Kira turns to Jack for help. As she gets closer to what--and who--might have brought about her mother's end, it becomes clear that someone wants the past to stay buried.
And Kira might be next.
After her troublemaker mother's mysterious death, Kira fled her wealthy Texas town and never looked back. Now, decades later, Kira is invited to an old frenemy's vow renewal party. Though she is reluctant to go, there are things calling her back . . . like chilled wine and days spent by the pool . . . like her sexy childhood crush, Jack. But, more importantly, it's the urgent texts from her grandmother who says she has something to give Kira. Something about her mother's death, something that looks an awful lot like murder.
When her grandmother gives Kira a memoir that her mother had been working on before she died, she is pulled into the past and all of the sizzling secrets that come along with it. With few allies left in her gossipy, country club town, Kira turns to Jack for help. As she gets closer to what--and who--might have brought about her mother's end, it becomes clear that someone wants the past to stay buried.
And Kira might be next.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published July 11, 2023
278 people are currently reading
20736 people want to read
About the author
May Cobb
7 books1,658 followersMay Cobb is the bestselling author of All The Little Houses and The Hunting Wives, soon to be a series on Netflix. Her previous novels include The Hollywood Assistant, A Likeable Woman, My Summer Darlings, and Big Woods. She earned her MA in literature from San Francisco State University and her essays and interviews have appeared in The Washington Post, Texas Highways, Good Housekeeping, and more. A Texas native, she lives in Austin with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 546 reviews
November 3, 2023
Call Justin Timberlake because we need to bring sexy back!
May Cobb is really my go-to author for steamy thrillers, but A Likeable Woman is missing the steam and is lackluster as a thriller.
Usually, someone is in their birthday suit by the 10% mark in a May Cobb book but not this time. This didn't feel like a guilty pleasure. In one of the "steamy" scenes, the action is limited to one or two paragraphs.
Also, the narrative voice should have been better, and it took me AGES to finish this book. When I was struggling, someone volunteered to read the book aloud for me. Of course, this volunteer could not stick to the actual words of the text but punched up everything, creating little nicknames like Jack in the Box for Jack, Saddie Sadie, Ethan Hunt, and Michael Jordan for Mike. He had me in stitches, and that was the most enjoyable portion of the book.
Our main character is Kira followed by Sadie, and both of them were very sad and woe-is-me. We needed something a bit more lighthearted and fun. Steamy thrillers aren't supposed to be so dark and heavy.
Sadly, this was a miss for me.
*Thanks, NetGalley, for a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.
May Cobb is really my go-to author for steamy thrillers, but A Likeable Woman is missing the steam and is lackluster as a thriller.
Usually, someone is in their birthday suit by the 10% mark in a May Cobb book but not this time. This didn't feel like a guilty pleasure. In one of the "steamy" scenes, the action is limited to one or two paragraphs.
Also, the narrative voice should have been better, and it took me AGES to finish this book. When I was struggling, someone volunteered to read the book aloud for me. Of course, this volunteer could not stick to the actual words of the text but punched up everything, creating little nicknames like Jack in the Box for Jack, Saddie Sadie, Ethan Hunt, and Michael Jordan for Mike. He had me in stitches, and that was the most enjoyable portion of the book.
Our main character is Kira followed by Sadie, and both of them were very sad and woe-is-me. We needed something a bit more lighthearted and fun. Steamy thrillers aren't supposed to be so dark and heavy.
Sadly, this was a miss for me.
*Thanks, NetGalley, for a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.
November 4, 2023
Another brilliant, intense, and riveting page-turner comes from May Cobb, guaranteed to keep you on your toes and hook you from the first chapter!
The dual perspectives of the mother and daughter take you on a journey through time, moving back and forth to provide clues about the suspicious suicide of Sadie and the determination of her devoted daughter, Kira, to uncover the truth more than two decades later.
Kira, at 38 years old, lives in La-La Land and is estranged from the rest of her family in Texas after her mother's scandalous overdose. Her dull office job and reserved life drive her to find the truth about what happened to her mother, leaving her stuck in limbo. She receives a surprising invitation from an old acquaintance, Genevieve, which she is about to reject until her grandmother sends a text to inform her that it's time to reveal the truth about her mother. Intrigued, Kira decides to go back to Texas, which means confronting her childhood crush, Jack, who is now married with a child who has autism. She must also face her sister and their problematic, dysfunctional relationship.
As soon as Kira returns to Texas, she becomes the subject of small-town gossip and receives threatening text messages warning her not to delve into the past. She discovers that her mother wrote a memoir about her life, which could help her piece together what really happened. Despite the danger, she cannot stop until she knows the whole truth.
The author does a great job with Sadie's storyline, which is bold, eccentric, artsy, and unconventional. Sadie's fight for control over her fate, her resistance to conform to small-town life, and her ultimate decision to fake her way to be likable are the best-written parts of the book.
However, Kira is portrayed as passive and naive, with people constantly pushing her towards a relationship with Jack, even though he is married. Jack's wife is depicted as dislikable and distant, but that doesn't necessarily make her the villain.
Overall, the author does a good job of keeping the reader engaged and the final twist, while somewhat predictable, still managed to leave the reader on the edge of their seat. I'm giving this book four stars for its exciting whodunit plot, likable characters, and Texas setting.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
The dual perspectives of the mother and daughter take you on a journey through time, moving back and forth to provide clues about the suspicious suicide of Sadie and the determination of her devoted daughter, Kira, to uncover the truth more than two decades later.
Kira, at 38 years old, lives in La-La Land and is estranged from the rest of her family in Texas after her mother's scandalous overdose. Her dull office job and reserved life drive her to find the truth about what happened to her mother, leaving her stuck in limbo. She receives a surprising invitation from an old acquaintance, Genevieve, which she is about to reject until her grandmother sends a text to inform her that it's time to reveal the truth about her mother. Intrigued, Kira decides to go back to Texas, which means confronting her childhood crush, Jack, who is now married with a child who has autism. She must also face her sister and their problematic, dysfunctional relationship.
As soon as Kira returns to Texas, she becomes the subject of small-town gossip and receives threatening text messages warning her not to delve into the past. She discovers that her mother wrote a memoir about her life, which could help her piece together what really happened. Despite the danger, she cannot stop until she knows the whole truth.
The author does a great job with Sadie's storyline, which is bold, eccentric, artsy, and unconventional. Sadie's fight for control over her fate, her resistance to conform to small-town life, and her ultimate decision to fake her way to be likable are the best-written parts of the book.
However, Kira is portrayed as passive and naive, with people constantly pushing her towards a relationship with Jack, even though he is married. Jack's wife is depicted as dislikable and distant, but that doesn't necessarily make her the villain.
Overall, the author does a good job of keeping the reader engaged and the final twist, while somewhat predictable, still managed to leave the reader on the edge of their seat. I'm giving this book four stars for its exciting whodunit plot, likable characters, and Texas setting.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
February 19, 2023
Kira’s mother died when she was only 15. It was ruled to be a suicide, but Kira refused to believe that and never really moved with her own life.
Eventually Kira left her hometown behind, never looking back. Until now! An invitation to the 20th wedding anniversary and party from a high school 'friend' is drawing her back.
Arriving home, everyone seems to have something to share with Kira regarding the truth about her mother's death. But no one would just come out and reveal what it was. Over and over. “Come back later and I’ll tell you.” Aaahhhhh! Just say it already, so we can all move on. 🤦🏻♀️
This was an extremely slow moving book. Sadly, I had the answers Kira was looking for right off the bat. She could have just asked me and I would have saved her a trip.🤣
This was my third read by this author. It had a completely different feel to it than her two previous that were light, fun, with a dash of snarkiness. This one just felt heavy and endless.
Hoping this is just a one off and I will be enjoying her next!
A buddy read with Susanne🤓📚
Thank you to Berkley Publishing via NetGalley.
Eventually Kira left her hometown behind, never looking back. Until now! An invitation to the 20th wedding anniversary and party from a high school 'friend' is drawing her back.
Arriving home, everyone seems to have something to share with Kira regarding the truth about her mother's death. But no one would just come out and reveal what it was. Over and over. “Come back later and I’ll tell you.” Aaahhhhh! Just say it already, so we can all move on. 🤦🏻♀️
This was an extremely slow moving book. Sadly, I had the answers Kira was looking for right off the bat. She could have just asked me and I would have saved her a trip.🤣
This was my third read by this author. It had a completely different feel to it than her two previous that were light, fun, with a dash of snarkiness. This one just felt heavy and endless.
Hoping this is just a one off and I will be enjoying her next!
A buddy read with Susanne🤓📚
Thank you to Berkley Publishing via NetGalley.
March 26, 2024
A Likeable Woman is the third novel that I have read from May Cobb and it will not be my last.
There's no denying that Cobb has a knack for writing Rich People Drama and I'm here for every OTT-minute of it.
In this story we meet Kira, a single-woman living in L.A., who is headed back to her wealthy and traditional hometown in East Texas for the first time in decades.
She's been invited to attend the vow renewal ceremony of an old frenemy. Although that's not high on her priority list, there are other things calling her back as well. It's time.
Kira fled town all those years ago following her mother's mysterious death. Having left the way she did though, there's of course unfinished business.
Additionally, her grandmother has been hounding her recently, telling Kira she has something to give her of her mother's. That's definitely piqued Kira's interest.
Thus, after reaching out to her childhood best friend, and biggest crush, Jack, Kira makes a plan and heads home. Jack agrees, if Kira is going, he'll go as well.
After they reunite, Kira's surprised when her grandmother gives her a memoir that was apparently written by her Mom just prior to her death. Her Mom, Sadie, was an artist, but Kira didn't know she was a writer too.
Even with everything going on that weekend, Kira can't help but diving into the memoir. The story she finds there, in her mother's own words, makes Sadie's death look a lot less mysterious and lot more like murder. Is that possible?
This novel is told from two perspectives: Kira in the present and her Mom, Sadie's, perspective that's put forth in her memoir. I enjoyed this choice for telling the story and found both perspectives equally enjoyable.
Kira's return to her hometown played into one of my favorite tropes too, so right off the bat, we were starting off ahead. As someone who left my hometown decades ago, and also rarely, if ever goes back, I always find something intriguing and relatable about that type of narrative.
I particularly enjoy when the MC is looking into some mystery from their past. Kira has never felt comfortable with the accepted story of her Mom's death. She's always felt there was more going on and through this memoir, she finally gets the opportunity to look into it further.
Upon returning, Kira feels completely out of place, like an outsider even though she knows everyone there. I found it interesting that through her Mom's recollections, you could tell that Sadie also frequently felt like an outsider.
Sadie was an artist and a bit of free spirit, who didn't quite fit into the mold that was expected of her in their small conservative town. Both Kira and Sadie ended up trying to fight the constraints put on them, but luckily for Kira, she was able to move away and build a new life for herself.
Unfortunately, Sadie never got that lucky.
In addition, I also really enjoyed watching Kira explore past relationships, particularly with Jake and her sister, Katie. Kira seemed to want to make connections so badly, but maybe because she had been on her own for so long, was a little clumsy in trying to express herself, or her needs.
The whole idea of the memoir was also great for me. I loved that idea of Kira finally learning about her Mom and having it be through her Mom's own words, even though she wasn't there to speak for herself. There was something so special about that.
I feel like there were some great messages in here too, which I won't get into for risk of spoiling anything, but honestly, this is more than an OTT-story. There's actually some great take-aways as well.
I know May Cobb's stories can be hit or miss for some, but I always enjoy her drama-fueled, East Texas-set, Domestic Thrillers. There's just something about well-to-do women and men behaving badly, that I am always down for.
I will say this one does feel more subtle than her previous stories that I have read. The others sort of pushed the limits in certain areas, or taboo subjects, but this one felt much more traditional, but also a bit more powerful. It's thoughtful, even in spite of all the drama. I liked that.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys small town Domestic Dramas, or Thrillers, where long-buried secrets are revealed. Also, to anyone who enjoys some quality Rich People Drama. Cobb always excels at that.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I cannot wait to see what Cobb delivers next!!
There's no denying that Cobb has a knack for writing Rich People Drama and I'm here for every OTT-minute of it.
In this story we meet Kira, a single-woman living in L.A., who is headed back to her wealthy and traditional hometown in East Texas for the first time in decades.
She's been invited to attend the vow renewal ceremony of an old frenemy. Although that's not high on her priority list, there are other things calling her back as well. It's time.
Kira fled town all those years ago following her mother's mysterious death. Having left the way she did though, there's of course unfinished business.
Additionally, her grandmother has been hounding her recently, telling Kira she has something to give her of her mother's. That's definitely piqued Kira's interest.
Thus, after reaching out to her childhood best friend, and biggest crush, Jack, Kira makes a plan and heads home. Jack agrees, if Kira is going, he'll go as well.
After they reunite, Kira's surprised when her grandmother gives her a memoir that was apparently written by her Mom just prior to her death. Her Mom, Sadie, was an artist, but Kira didn't know she was a writer too.
Even with everything going on that weekend, Kira can't help but diving into the memoir. The story she finds there, in her mother's own words, makes Sadie's death look a lot less mysterious and lot more like murder. Is that possible?
This novel is told from two perspectives: Kira in the present and her Mom, Sadie's, perspective that's put forth in her memoir. I enjoyed this choice for telling the story and found both perspectives equally enjoyable.
Kira's return to her hometown played into one of my favorite tropes too, so right off the bat, we were starting off ahead. As someone who left my hometown decades ago, and also rarely, if ever goes back, I always find something intriguing and relatable about that type of narrative.
I particularly enjoy when the MC is looking into some mystery from their past. Kira has never felt comfortable with the accepted story of her Mom's death. She's always felt there was more going on and through this memoir, she finally gets the opportunity to look into it further.
Upon returning, Kira feels completely out of place, like an outsider even though she knows everyone there. I found it interesting that through her Mom's recollections, you could tell that Sadie also frequently felt like an outsider.
Sadie was an artist and a bit of free spirit, who didn't quite fit into the mold that was expected of her in their small conservative town. Both Kira and Sadie ended up trying to fight the constraints put on them, but luckily for Kira, she was able to move away and build a new life for herself.
Unfortunately, Sadie never got that lucky.
In addition, I also really enjoyed watching Kira explore past relationships, particularly with Jake and her sister, Katie. Kira seemed to want to make connections so badly, but maybe because she had been on her own for so long, was a little clumsy in trying to express herself, or her needs.
The whole idea of the memoir was also great for me. I loved that idea of Kira finally learning about her Mom and having it be through her Mom's own words, even though she wasn't there to speak for herself. There was something so special about that.
I feel like there were some great messages in here too, which I won't get into for risk of spoiling anything, but honestly, this is more than an OTT-story. There's actually some great take-aways as well.
I know May Cobb's stories can be hit or miss for some, but I always enjoy her drama-fueled, East Texas-set, Domestic Thrillers. There's just something about well-to-do women and men behaving badly, that I am always down for.
I will say this one does feel more subtle than her previous stories that I have read. The others sort of pushed the limits in certain areas, or taboo subjects, but this one felt much more traditional, but also a bit more powerful. It's thoughtful, even in spite of all the drama. I liked that.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys small town Domestic Dramas, or Thrillers, where long-buried secrets are revealed. Also, to anyone who enjoys some quality Rich People Drama. Cobb always excels at that.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I cannot wait to see what Cobb delivers next!!
July 31, 2023
Well hello gorgeous!! I have been loving the creative posts on Bookstagram with this fantastic cover!!! However… this is all you are getting from me.. 🤷♀️..as I am not that brave!! 😂 My favorite being from @e.g.scottwrites …he killed it!! 👏👏 Okay on to this fantastic book!!
I LOVED The Hunting Wives…So why haven’t I read My Summer Darlings?!! 😳🤷♀️ I have no idea!! However I immediately added to 🛒 and my copy is on the way!! @may_cobb is an auto buy for me after two 5 star ⭐️ reads!!
This book was such a page turner!! I seriously was blindsided by the twist!! 😳 I NEVER saw it coming!! I mean REALLY??! If Kira and I were BFFS 👯♀️… well I would have totally steered her wrong.😂😬
Kira going back home for some closure.. well I get it… however she is one brave girl 👱♀️to go back to her hometown in Texas!! Those frenemies of hers… were .. well definitely more on the enemies side vs friends. Just saying…🙄….I love love love unlikable characters and @may_cobb has that mastered.😉
My favorite part… well other than that fricking HUGE twist… that I never ever saw coming..😂🤷♀️🤐🤐🤐 was Sadie’s story. I couldn’t get enough of hearing her story.
Thank you @emma_reads_crime for this fun buddy read!! Thanks for listening to me freak out trying to figure out what was going on!! 🙄
Another thrilling 5 star!! I love her writing and can’t wait to read My Summer Darlings!! 🍒 Where the hell have I been?! 🤷♀️…Under my rock 🪨 apparently..🙄
❤️❤️❤️ Is this book on your list? What is your favorite @may_cobb book??
I LOVED The Hunting Wives…So why haven’t I read My Summer Darlings?!! 😳🤷♀️ I have no idea!! However I immediately added to 🛒 and my copy is on the way!! @may_cobb is an auto buy for me after two 5 star ⭐️ reads!!
This book was such a page turner!! I seriously was blindsided by the twist!! 😳 I NEVER saw it coming!! I mean REALLY??! If Kira and I were BFFS 👯♀️… well I would have totally steered her wrong.😂😬
Kira going back home for some closure.. well I get it… however she is one brave girl 👱♀️to go back to her hometown in Texas!! Those frenemies of hers… were .. well definitely more on the enemies side vs friends. Just saying…🙄….I love love love unlikable characters and @may_cobb has that mastered.😉
My favorite part… well other than that fricking HUGE twist… that I never ever saw coming..😂🤷♀️🤐🤐🤐 was Sadie’s story. I couldn’t get enough of hearing her story.
Thank you @emma_reads_crime for this fun buddy read!! Thanks for listening to me freak out trying to figure out what was going on!! 🙄
Another thrilling 5 star!! I love her writing and can’t wait to read My Summer Darlings!! 🍒 Where the hell have I been?! 🤷♀️…Under my rock 🪨 apparently..🙄
❤️❤️❤️ Is this book on your list? What is your favorite @may_cobb book??
August 30, 2023
When Kira gets an invitation to the vow renewal of her part friend part enemy, Genevieve, her initial thought is no way in hell. After all, she managed to escape the small, affluent town of Longview and the dark memories surrounding her mother’s death over twenty years ago. Why would she want to go back now?
So when she gets a text from her very persistent grandmother that there’s something she needs to give her regarding her mother, Kira initially thinks it’s just a ploy to get her to accept. But as she talks over the conundrum with her friend, Jack, who also just so happens to be her childhood crush, he agrees to go if she does. And she can’t possibly pass down the opportunity to spend some serious time catching up with him, now can she?
Arriving in town, it seems that nothing much has changed. The gang is still insulated by wealth, spending time lazily around the pool and downing expensive mixed drinks. It’s her grandmother, however, who seems to have changed. For in Kira’s long dead mother’s belongings, she’s found a memoir that alters her opinion on how her daughter-in-law died. Spinning away from suicide—and decidedly closer to murder.
Eager to dive into her mother’s memories of the past, Kira starts to read the manuscript her mother had been writing at the time of her death. But as the pages begin to reveal deep, dark secrets she turns to the one person she knows she can trust—her still sexy friend, Jack. As the truth gets closer to getting exposed and Kira starts putting pieces together, however, it becomes clear that there’s someone in town just as motivated to keep everything dead and buried. Will she managed to uncover what really happened all those years ago? Or has it already been too long?
Holy cow! I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up A Likeable Woman as this was the first May Cobb book that I’ve read. So naturally, I looked at reviews, where it’s been touted as a page turner, bingeable, and a simmering domestic thriller. After closing the cover, I wholeheartedly agree. While perhaps not all that original, the ever ratcheting suspense took me on a weaving path of clues that I absolutely could not put down. Even better, the snappy wit and cutting sarcasm meant for some fun along the way.
The shining star of this one, though, were easily the two female narrators. Told in a sublime combination of Kira’s present and Sadie’s past in the form of her memoir chapters, I got thoroughly absorbed in what was happening both then and now. Kira, in particular, was perfectly drawn as, both fully fleshed out and genuine, she led us through the plot in her determined race to discover the truth once and for all.
As for the plot, it was a slow burn unwinding that felt decidedly more like domestic suspense than thriller. Heck, to this crime fiction lover, there were even shades of that subgenre if I looked hard enough. Not exactly the hard hitting psychological thriller that I’ve heard Cobb’s first two books were, but, if anything, that fact has only made me appreciate her prowess even more. After all, she has easily shown the skill she holds in not just one type of novel, but two.
The one teeny, tiny fly in the ointment, however, was the fact that I was able to glimpse where the plot was headed. Not the specifics, per se, but who was behind all of the evil deeds. So, unfortunately, the big twist wasn’t all that shocking for me, merely confirming my armchair sleuthing. Ultimately, however, this was probably due to my gigantic appetite for thrillers and not so much about the writing. But enough said as I wouldn’t want to spoil what was surely a mind-blowing twist.
All said and done, though, between the complex characters and the perfectly conceived small town, I just could not get enough of this one. And the fact that this was, in part, a book within a book only made me love it more. After all, with a gripping climax that finished with a satisfying conclusion, it was everything I look for in a book and more. Gripping, fun, and perfectly crafted, I definitely recommend grabbing this book ASAP. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Trigger warning: autism, infidelity, spousal abuse, getting roofied, gaslighting, mention of: suicide, anxiety, breaking and entering, burglary, drug overdose, stalking
So when she gets a text from her very persistent grandmother that there’s something she needs to give her regarding her mother, Kira initially thinks it’s just a ploy to get her to accept. But as she talks over the conundrum with her friend, Jack, who also just so happens to be her childhood crush, he agrees to go if she does. And she can’t possibly pass down the opportunity to spend some serious time catching up with him, now can she?
Arriving in town, it seems that nothing much has changed. The gang is still insulated by wealth, spending time lazily around the pool and downing expensive mixed drinks. It’s her grandmother, however, who seems to have changed. For in Kira’s long dead mother’s belongings, she’s found a memoir that alters her opinion on how her daughter-in-law died. Spinning away from suicide—and decidedly closer to murder.
Eager to dive into her mother’s memories of the past, Kira starts to read the manuscript her mother had been writing at the time of her death. But as the pages begin to reveal deep, dark secrets she turns to the one person she knows she can trust—her still sexy friend, Jack. As the truth gets closer to getting exposed and Kira starts putting pieces together, however, it becomes clear that there’s someone in town just as motivated to keep everything dead and buried. Will she managed to uncover what really happened all those years ago? Or has it already been too long?
Holy cow! I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up A Likeable Woman as this was the first May Cobb book that I’ve read. So naturally, I looked at reviews, where it’s been touted as a page turner, bingeable, and a simmering domestic thriller. After closing the cover, I wholeheartedly agree. While perhaps not all that original, the ever ratcheting suspense took me on a weaving path of clues that I absolutely could not put down. Even better, the snappy wit and cutting sarcasm meant for some fun along the way.
The shining star of this one, though, were easily the two female narrators. Told in a sublime combination of Kira’s present and Sadie’s past in the form of her memoir chapters, I got thoroughly absorbed in what was happening both then and now. Kira, in particular, was perfectly drawn as, both fully fleshed out and genuine, she led us through the plot in her determined race to discover the truth once and for all.
As for the plot, it was a slow burn unwinding that felt decidedly more like domestic suspense than thriller. Heck, to this crime fiction lover, there were even shades of that subgenre if I looked hard enough. Not exactly the hard hitting psychological thriller that I’ve heard Cobb’s first two books were, but, if anything, that fact has only made me appreciate her prowess even more. After all, she has easily shown the skill she holds in not just one type of novel, but two.
The one teeny, tiny fly in the ointment, however, was the fact that I was able to glimpse where the plot was headed. Not the specifics, per se, but who was behind all of the evil deeds. So, unfortunately, the big twist wasn’t all that shocking for me, merely confirming my armchair sleuthing. Ultimately, however, this was probably due to my gigantic appetite for thrillers and not so much about the writing. But enough said as I wouldn’t want to spoil what was surely a mind-blowing twist.
All said and done, though, between the complex characters and the perfectly conceived small town, I just could not get enough of this one. And the fact that this was, in part, a book within a book only made me love it more. After all, with a gripping climax that finished with a satisfying conclusion, it was everything I look for in a book and more. Gripping, fun, and perfectly crafted, I definitely recommend grabbing this book ASAP. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Trigger warning: autism, infidelity, spousal abuse, getting roofied, gaslighting, mention of: suicide, anxiety, breaking and entering, burglary, drug overdose, stalking
June 20, 2023
I’m one for one ☝️
I enjoyed The Hunting Wives but this was a no go for me.
Rant ahead: ⬇️
❌ I felt there were just too many characters most being relatively irrelevant. There were too many girls and guys that were talked about and most weren’t brought up more than once.
❌ Speaking of, the girls in this were made out to be ‘bitches’ but all they really did was a whole bunch of staring and glaring. The MC, Kira, talked a lot about how horrible they were but we really didn’t see much of that.
❌ Sadie, Kira’s mom writes a memoir (although to me they read more as short letters than anything) but it seemed mostly pointless to me.
❌ A character, Melanie, is constantly being accused of being a terrible mom and wife by our MC. Melanie has a son diagnosed with Autism and it’s brought up how much it’s put a stress on her marriage. Kira is constantly judging her drinking, pill popping and mothering. I found the situation more sad than something to be judged. I don’t think these should have been instances for us to despise a character.
❌ There were a few things brought up that were never circled back to so I can’t say without spoiling but that’s always a big pet peeve of mine.
There were some okay scenes and I do think the author has a way with words and descriptions but a lot of this book is suspending belief so you may enjoy it if you have no problem with that.
2.5⭐️ rounding up.
I enjoyed The Hunting Wives but this was a no go for me.
Rant ahead: ⬇️
❌ I felt there were just too many characters most being relatively irrelevant. There were too many girls and guys that were talked about and most weren’t brought up more than once.
❌ Speaking of, the girls in this were made out to be ‘bitches’ but all they really did was a whole bunch of staring and glaring. The MC, Kira, talked a lot about how horrible they were but we really didn’t see much of that.
❌ Sadie, Kira’s mom writes a memoir (although to me they read more as short letters than anything) but it seemed mostly pointless to me.
❌ A character, Melanie, is constantly being accused of being a terrible mom and wife by our MC. Melanie has a son diagnosed with Autism and it’s brought up how much it’s put a stress on her marriage. Kira is constantly judging her drinking, pill popping and mothering. I found the situation more sad than something to be judged. I don’t think these should have been instances for us to despise a character.
❌ There were a few things brought up that were never circled back to so I can’t say without spoiling but that’s always a big pet peeve of mine.
There were some okay scenes and I do think the author has a way with words and descriptions but a lot of this book is suspending belief so you may enjoy it if you have no problem with that.
2.5⭐️ rounding up.
August 19, 2023
May Cobb is brilliant at writing salacious stories about adults behaving badly. this book was much tamer than her prior two books. The characters were dancing on the line of salaciousness but never crossed over it. I mean they still made bad choices, but somehow they were possibly redeemable. if you did not like her prior books then this book will probably work for you. If you were a big fan of her prior books just know these characters are a little less vapid and a little more shall I say likable. and the audio is excellent!
July 17, 2023
3.5 stars rounded down - Nobody else does the Texas “rich bitch/mean girls” trope quite like May Cobb, LOL. But I didn’t think this one was as good as her previous works, but still enjoyed getting to the heart of what happened to poor Sadie back in the day & her daughter Kira’s cray dysfunctional family & community - sadly, I did guess the culprit way, way too early, which always detracts from a mystery. Just kinda a "meh" read..
August 15, 2023
Sexy and suspenseful with delectable prose you'll want to savor. A Likeable Woman is a must-read for fans of domestic thrillers. May Cobb is at her best!
July 14, 2023
After her mother passed away under mysterious circumstances, Kira left her wealthy family and Texas town and never looked back. Decades later Kira receives an invite to a former frenemy’s vow renewal ceremony. There’s no way that Kira would return but her grandmother insists that she has something important to show her.
When Kira arrives, her grandmother gives her a memoir that her mother was working on. The memoir is filled with scandalous secrets. With few people in town she can trust, Kira relies on her handsome childhood pal Jack. As Kira gets closer to figuring out what really happened to her mother it becomes clear that someone doesn’t want Kira digging into the past.
Nothing screams summer more than a sizzling new read from May Cobb! A Likeable Woman reads like a binge-able Netflix series that keeps you guessing what’s going to happen next. The story alternates between Kira’s point of view in the present and Sadie’s (Kira’s mom) point of view in the past. I loved reading both of their perspectives especially all of the juicy small town secrets! I kept trying to guess the whodunit part and thought I had it figured out but when the killer was revealed, I was absolutely blindsided.
A Likeable Woman by May Cobb was published on July 11 so it is available now! Many thanks to Berkley Pub for the gifted copy!
When Kira arrives, her grandmother gives her a memoir that her mother was working on. The memoir is filled with scandalous secrets. With few people in town she can trust, Kira relies on her handsome childhood pal Jack. As Kira gets closer to figuring out what really happened to her mother it becomes clear that someone doesn’t want Kira digging into the past.
Nothing screams summer more than a sizzling new read from May Cobb! A Likeable Woman reads like a binge-able Netflix series that keeps you guessing what’s going to happen next. The story alternates between Kira’s point of view in the present and Sadie’s (Kira’s mom) point of view in the past. I loved reading both of their perspectives especially all of the juicy small town secrets! I kept trying to guess the whodunit part and thought I had it figured out but when the killer was revealed, I was absolutely blindsided.
A Likeable Woman by May Cobb was published on July 11 so it is available now! Many thanks to Berkley Pub for the gifted copy!
April 6, 2023
May Cobb always has the most fun bingeable reads ever and she's back with her newest novel, A LIKEABLE WOMAN. Cobb has changed course in this book, so if you're expecting more of the same from her, think again! The story focuses on two women, Kira and Sadie, but mainly Kira (and I won't address Sadie in this review) and her return back to her wealthy Texas hometown after being invited to a vow renewal party. Kira left her hometown decades ago after her mother's mysterious death and now lives in Los Angeles. When she returns back home, she meets with her grandmother and her ex-childhood crush Jack and notices that she still has butterflies when around him. When she meets with her grandmother, Kira receives a memoir that her mother was working on prior to her death. This memoir, A LIKEBLE WOMAN, brings back memories and secrets during this tumultuous time with her mother. Kira knows that her mother didn't commit suicide and now with this memoir in her hands, she's going to find out exactly what happened.
A LIKEABLE WOMAN is a deviation from the author's previous beachy read psychological thrillers. This book is more of a neighborhood suspense / drama, similar to Liane Moriarity. I always devour this author's books, and this one is just as fun to investigate while reading. May Cobb just always delivers such fun escapes for me and this book is no different. I found that by pacing myself with this book, I enjoyed it a lot more than when I was in the mood to binge longer than necessary. I will continue to always read this author's work and I can't wait for what she has next for us readers. A LIKEABLE WOMAN will have a lot of people guessing, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts!
A LIKEABLE WOMAN is a deviation from the author's previous beachy read psychological thrillers. This book is more of a neighborhood suspense / drama, similar to Liane Moriarity. I always devour this author's books, and this one is just as fun to investigate while reading. May Cobb just always delivers such fun escapes for me and this book is no different. I found that by pacing myself with this book, I enjoyed it a lot more than when I was in the mood to binge longer than necessary. I will continue to always read this author's work and I can't wait for what she has next for us readers. A LIKEABLE WOMAN will have a lot of people guessing, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts!
April 21, 2023
Dear May Cobb, why you gotta go put those big tittays on the cover????
That was a rhetorical question – I read the book so I’m well aware that there is a monumental moment in the story which takes place in a pool. However, I also didn't just fall off the turnip truck so realistically I know this cover was designed to to sell copies of this new release. And guess what? It worked . . . but mainly because I thought this was going to be a “poolside” summertime read. While My Summer Darlings was a swing and a miss for me, I SERIOUSLY dug The Hunting Wives and thought this fun and flirty cover was surely going to deliver some more over-the-top shenanigans. What I got instead was a story about Kira, who has returned home for the first time in over twenty years in order to attend a former frenemy’s vowel renewal ceremony . . . and potentially figure out what REALLY caused her mother’s death which was ruled suicide all those years ago that was accompanied by a whodunit I sniffed out immediately.
This wasn’t baaaaad per se, it just wasn’t what I was hoping for from this author.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
That was a rhetorical question – I read the book so I’m well aware that there is a monumental moment in the story which takes place in a pool. However, I also didn't just fall off the turnip truck so realistically I know this cover was designed to to sell copies of this new release. And guess what? It worked . . . but mainly because I thought this was going to be a “poolside” summertime read. While My Summer Darlings was a swing and a miss for me, I SERIOUSLY dug The Hunting Wives and thought this fun and flirty cover was surely going to deliver some more over-the-top shenanigans. What I got instead was a story about Kira, who has returned home for the first time in over twenty years in order to attend a former frenemy’s vowel renewal ceremony . . . and potentially figure out what REALLY caused her mother’s death which was ruled suicide all those years ago that was accompanied by a whodunit I sniffed out immediately.
This wasn’t baaaaad per se, it just wasn’t what I was hoping for from this author.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2023
May Cobb has penned a simmering domestic thriller with her latest novel, A LIKEABLE WOMAN. Was anyone truly likeable in this book? No! But the author’s suspenseful storytelling kept me glued to the pages.
Main character Kira has returned to her hometown in Texas after a 20-year absence. She left not long after her mother’s alleged suicide, though Kira has long thought there was something more to it. Though she has no desire to visit her estranged sister and former friends (who seem to despise her now), Kira’s grandmother has lured her back with possible information on her mother’s death.
I enjoyed the dual POVs/time periods between Kira and her mother Sadie years before. I loved the tidbits of wisdom that Sadie left behind for Kira to discover, wisdom that readers should take to heart as well.
After finishing this book, I’m left with a few pesky questions, like why was Kira invited back for the event if she was so unliked by everyone? Just mean girl spirit? And though I enjoyed the surprising, twisted ending, does it make sense? Maybe.
The story is set in October in East Texas, and I could definitely feel the chill in the air reading this atmospheric mystery. Definitely pick this one up if you enjoy slow-burn suspense with lots of juicy drama!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Main character Kira has returned to her hometown in Texas after a 20-year absence. She left not long after her mother’s alleged suicide, though Kira has long thought there was something more to it. Though she has no desire to visit her estranged sister and former friends (who seem to despise her now), Kira’s grandmother has lured her back with possible information on her mother’s death.
I enjoyed the dual POVs/time periods between Kira and her mother Sadie years before. I loved the tidbits of wisdom that Sadie left behind for Kira to discover, wisdom that readers should take to heart as well.
After finishing this book, I’m left with a few pesky questions, like why was Kira invited back for the event if she was so unliked by everyone? Just mean girl spirit? And though I enjoyed the surprising, twisted ending, does it make sense? Maybe.
The story is set in October in East Texas, and I could definitely feel the chill in the air reading this atmospheric mystery. Definitely pick this one up if you enjoy slow-burn suspense with lots of juicy drama!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
December 1, 2023
Every May Cobb book I read immediately transports me to Texas, and I am dying to visit in real life! This novel was a lot more serious than her previous two books. Years after her mother's alleged suicide, Kira is given a copy of her mother's unfinished memoir. Throughout the story, she becomes increasingly paranoid as she is determined to figure out what really happened to her mother. I thought it was a nice touch that Cobb presented the reader with the memoir's passages as Kira was reading them for the first time. I loved the feeling I got when we were reading together, especially when Kira said, "Just one more chapter." Cobb is such a good writer that I didn't even care I guessed the twist; I was still left satisfied. While it was not as chaotic as I would expect from this author, you know I am already eyeing her next release.
August 16, 2023
A Likeable Woman sounded so promising to me but unfortunately the story wasn't for me.
My eyes hurt from all the eye rolling.
Others have enjoyed this story so maybe read one of their reviews.
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
My eyes hurt from all the eye rolling.
Others have enjoyed this story so maybe read one of their reviews.
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2025
Female protagonist that was nothing but a dumb home wrecker focused on the dumb shit instead of spending time with her dying grandma.
Lame. Don’t waste your time.
Lame. Don’t waste your time.
June 25, 2023
This was a fast, engaging, and twisty read that kept my interest, despite my frustration with the main character. The story centers on Kira, who is invited back to her home town for a vow renewal of a (kinda) friend after having fled the town upon her mother’s death 20+ years ago. Kira is convinced that there is more to the story about her mother’s “suicide” and takes the opportunity of everyone from that time being together to investigate. As soon as she arrives, she receives threatening warnings that she should stop digging, which of course she does not heed.
I had trouble getting behind the storyline because I couldn’t really figure out why Kira had cut off her grandmother all these years and how this event, hosted by people she didn’t really like, would be the thing that brought her back to her hometown. Once she arrives and her grandmother gives her a memoir her mom was writing, she not only doesn’t finish it immediately but she also starts asking lots of questions of people before she even knows all the information her mother wrote. Though this ramps up suspense, I can’t imagine any reasonable person doing this, not to mention refusing to talk to people who keep telling her they have important secrets to share. I had no real issue with her dubious integrity, as I think that makes the story interesting, but did have trouble getting beyond this other stuff. The culprit ended up being one of my guesses but I wasn’t 100% sure. I liked the ending and felt like it tied everything up.
Overall, definitely an engaging read but did have to get beyond some actions that just didn’t make sense to me. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had trouble getting behind the storyline because I couldn’t really figure out why Kira had cut off her grandmother all these years and how this event, hosted by people she didn’t really like, would be the thing that brought her back to her hometown. Once she arrives and her grandmother gives her a memoir her mom was writing, she not only doesn’t finish it immediately but she also starts asking lots of questions of people before she even knows all the information her mother wrote. Though this ramps up suspense, I can’t imagine any reasonable person doing this, not to mention refusing to talk to people who keep telling her they have important secrets to share. I had no real issue with her dubious integrity, as I think that makes the story interesting, but did have trouble getting beyond this other stuff. The culprit ended up being one of my guesses but I wasn’t 100% sure. I liked the ending and felt like it tied everything up.
Overall, definitely an engaging read but did have to get beyond some actions that just didn’t make sense to me. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2023
None of these characters were likeable. Not that can affect my enjoyment of the story, but it did with this one. I didn’t care what happened with Sadie, even if she was probably the one I actually liked. My issue was with Kira. She was so naive that I actually hated her by the end. Plus, the going back & forth with who killed her mom…..it was her, no it was him, no it was her…..🙄🙄🙄🙄. This was a very mediocre mystery. Then the reveal? And why? Not worth the read.
July 12, 2023
MAY COBB has done it again! A LIKEABLE WOMAN is a page-turner that blends mystery + the complications of female friendships + revisiting family history + finally confronting your past + a powerful overarching look at what it means to be a woman.
I know that last statement is a bold one, but the commentary on how woman are viewed, particularly if they don’t fit into that perfect little box of looking, acting and dressing a certain way is so spot on. Ditto if they don’t follow a “prescribed” path. Add in the backlash if a woman refuses to stay small or play small. If women (gasp!) dare to follow a passion, to want something different than their peers, to embrace their bodies and their wants and their needs. It’s how these women are viewed and perceived and how those perceptions impact the actions of others that rang so true for me.
These observations are seamlessly woven into a story about Kira, who left her East Texas town 20 years ago after her mother, Sadie’s, mysterious death. Kira always believed something more sinister was at play, but her friends and family dismissed Kira, saying it was all in her head. Sadie’s death haunts Kira’s life and impacted every step she’s taken, or not taken, since leaving home.
When an invitation to the vow renewal of her frenemy Genevieve arrives, Kira’s grandmother baits her to make the reluctant return home, telling her that she has something of Sadie’s. Something Kira has longed for all these year that will finally unravel the secrets of Sadie’s death.
But not everyone is happy about Kira’s return. Threats. Suspicious characters. Old friends. Old rivals. A lot of bourbon. A sexy childhood crush. One weekend for some shiny facades to come crumbling down. Kira pulls back the curtain on a town and a group of people she thought she knew, only to learn that nothing is what it seems.
I found a sometimes uncomfortable familiarity in many of Kira and Sadie’s feelings and also found strength and inspiration from these women.
And also, Xandau.
Huge thanks to BerkleyPub and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my third MAY COBB read and I'm such a fan!
I know that last statement is a bold one, but the commentary on how woman are viewed, particularly if they don’t fit into that perfect little box of looking, acting and dressing a certain way is so spot on. Ditto if they don’t follow a “prescribed” path. Add in the backlash if a woman refuses to stay small or play small. If women (gasp!) dare to follow a passion, to want something different than their peers, to embrace their bodies and their wants and their needs. It’s how these women are viewed and perceived and how those perceptions impact the actions of others that rang so true for me.
These observations are seamlessly woven into a story about Kira, who left her East Texas town 20 years ago after her mother, Sadie’s, mysterious death. Kira always believed something more sinister was at play, but her friends and family dismissed Kira, saying it was all in her head. Sadie’s death haunts Kira’s life and impacted every step she’s taken, or not taken, since leaving home.
When an invitation to the vow renewal of her frenemy Genevieve arrives, Kira’s grandmother baits her to make the reluctant return home, telling her that she has something of Sadie’s. Something Kira has longed for all these year that will finally unravel the secrets of Sadie’s death.
But not everyone is happy about Kira’s return. Threats. Suspicious characters. Old friends. Old rivals. A lot of bourbon. A sexy childhood crush. One weekend for some shiny facades to come crumbling down. Kira pulls back the curtain on a town and a group of people she thought she knew, only to learn that nothing is what it seems.
I found a sometimes uncomfortable familiarity in many of Kira and Sadie’s feelings and also found strength and inspiration from these women.
And also, Xandau.
Huge thanks to BerkleyPub and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my third MAY COBB read and I'm such a fan!
July 13, 2023
This is one of those books I’m confused how it got published. The writing is NOT good and the character development is abysmal.
A few particulars that irked me:
1. Kira’s dialogue is so childish… her fight with her sister is highly unbelievable and I’m still not even sure why they fell out of touch? Don’t worry, all is forgiven by the epilogue!
2. Speaking of Kira’s childish nature, this read like a pretty little liars book in which every time she read a chapter of her mother’s book (TO WHICH SHE HAD ALL CHAPTERS OF AT HAND) she immediately decides she knows who the killer is and goes wild. It was cute when 16 year olds did it, not so cute when 33 year old Kira does.
3. EVERYONE IS OK WITH ADULTERY?? Even Jack’s own father is admitting he wants his son to cheat on his daughter in law. It’s a running joke, and not a funny one??
4. The killer is so obvious and ridiculous. And the fact Kira just jumps to the next guy screams desperate and lazy writing to make it a “happy” ending.
A few particulars that irked me:
1. Kira’s dialogue is so childish… her fight with her sister is highly unbelievable and I’m still not even sure why they fell out of touch? Don’t worry, all is forgiven by the epilogue!
2. Speaking of Kira’s childish nature, this read like a pretty little liars book in which every time she read a chapter of her mother’s book (TO WHICH SHE HAD ALL CHAPTERS OF AT HAND) she immediately decides she knows who the killer is and goes wild. It was cute when 16 year olds did it, not so cute when 33 year old Kira does.
3. EVERYONE IS OK WITH ADULTERY?? Even Jack’s own father is admitting he wants his son to cheat on his daughter in law. It’s a running joke, and not a funny one??
4. The killer is so obvious and ridiculous. And the fact Kira just jumps to the next guy screams desperate and lazy writing to make it a “happy” ending.
July 16, 2023
A trip home leads to the deadly unraveling of long buried secrets surrounding a death that someone wants to stay buried in the past.
May Cobb's summer releases have quickly become highly anticipated reads for me over the last few summers. I devoured both The Hunting Wives and My Summer Darlings. There's just something addictive about people behaving badly with little to no remorse. It's sinfully fun!
Sadly, I found A Likable Woman much tamer than her previous two books. It was lacking that same level of salacious behavior that I have come to look forward to from her books. We had glimpses of it but I wanted more. This was more of a simmering and suspenseful domestic thriller about a daughter trying to learn the truth surrounding her mother's death. It was good - I just wanted more of that adults behaving vibe that we got in The Hunting Wives.
May Cobb's summer releases have quickly become highly anticipated reads for me over the last few summers. I devoured both The Hunting Wives and My Summer Darlings. There's just something addictive about people behaving badly with little to no remorse. It's sinfully fun!
Sadly, I found A Likable Woman much tamer than her previous two books. It was lacking that same level of salacious behavior that I have come to look forward to from her books. We had glimpses of it but I wanted more. This was more of a simmering and suspenseful domestic thriller about a daughter trying to learn the truth surrounding her mother's death. It was good - I just wanted more of that adults behaving vibe that we got in The Hunting Wives.
January 30, 2023
Kira’s mother died of mysterious circumstances decades ago in her hometown in Texas. Kira had moved away after her mom passed and never looked back. She unexpectedly receives an invite from an old frenemy in Texas to her vow renewal party in her old hometown. She reluctantly attends and gets a surprise from her grandmother. A memoir from her mother that may shed some light on her death!
May Cobb has done it again! I can't tell you how much I love her books! A LIKEABLE WOMAN had me glued to the pages. I wanted to read it quickly, but I also didn't want it to end! I thought Kira's love for her mother, Sadie, and finding the truth behind what happened to her showed how much she cared about her. Kira may have been been naive, but many of us can be at times, including me. I can't recommend A LIKEABLE WOMAN enough. It's one I'll be recommending to all my friends!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future!
May Cobb has done it again! I can't tell you how much I love her books! A LIKEABLE WOMAN had me glued to the pages. I wanted to read it quickly, but I also didn't want it to end! I thought Kira's love for her mother, Sadie, and finding the truth behind what happened to her showed how much she cared about her. Kira may have been been naive, but many of us can be at times, including me. I can't recommend A LIKEABLE WOMAN enough. It's one I'll be recommending to all my friends!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future!
July 11, 2023
A Likeable Woman
By May Cobb
Pub Date: 11 Jul 2023
Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers
The characters in May Cobb's A Likeable Woman are complex and mesmerizing, creating a thrilling landscape that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With each page, the plot thickens and the suspense builds, making readers anxious to see what unfolds next. In addition, the story is set in Longview, Texas. Being a native Texan, I am uniquely familiar with the region, and the setting adds to its appeal.
Synopsis:
Kira fled her wealthy Texas town after her mother's mysterious death. But the secrets of her past still haunt her, wherever she goes. Years later, Kira is invited to a vow renewal celebration by an old adversary. She is reluctant to return home, but her grandmother texted her that she had something for her related to her mother's death. With a wealth of questions and few answers, Kira is determined to get the truth - whatever the cost.
I am grateful to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sharing this exciting book with me. Reviewing it was a pleasure. I look forward to reading more from May Cobb in the future.
#ALikeableWoman #MayCobb
By May Cobb
Pub Date: 11 Jul 2023
Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers
The characters in May Cobb's A Likeable Woman are complex and mesmerizing, creating a thrilling landscape that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With each page, the plot thickens and the suspense builds, making readers anxious to see what unfolds next. In addition, the story is set in Longview, Texas. Being a native Texan, I am uniquely familiar with the region, and the setting adds to its appeal.
Synopsis:
Kira fled her wealthy Texas town after her mother's mysterious death. But the secrets of her past still haunt her, wherever she goes. Years later, Kira is invited to a vow renewal celebration by an old adversary. She is reluctant to return home, but her grandmother texted her that she had something for her related to her mother's death. With a wealth of questions and few answers, Kira is determined to get the truth - whatever the cost.
I am grateful to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sharing this exciting book with me. Reviewing it was a pleasure. I look forward to reading more from May Cobb in the future.
#ALikeableWoman #MayCobb
September 23, 2023
May Cobb blew me away with her sophomore novel The Hunting Wives and made me an instant fan. I have a handful of auto-buy authors that I don't always love all their books, but I still love their writing and she is definitely one of them. A Likeable Woman was very different from her last book, and I had such a fun time following along with Kira as she sleuths her way through her visit with her grandmother and her strange/less-than-friendly housekeeper Hilda; and her frenemy Genevieve's vow renewal ceremony/celebration. The viewpoints alternate between Kira and Sadie (her mom who supposedly committed suicide), and this was a great way of building suspense, and it really kept me guessing. I loved having both POVs and for the longest time had no idea where this was going to go.
Amanda Stribling narrates the audiobook, and I am glad I listened to it because I really loved it. She perfectly embodied Kira's character and I thought she did a great job with Sadie's as well. Kira was not a likeable character in my mind (wait to see how that ties into the book!), and she could be annoying at times, but I loved that she refused to give up until she figured out the truth surrounding her mom's death. There are some really great and suspenseful moments, and even though I did figure out what happened before the big reveal, I loved how everything came together and had me shouting I KNEW IT at my book. 🤣 This is a slow burn, but it was practically impossible for me to put it down and I am so glad that Cobb is BACK with a vengeance. I have a copy that I will be hanging onto, and I already can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Amanda Stribling narrates the audiobook, and I am glad I listened to it because I really loved it. She perfectly embodied Kira's character and I thought she did a great job with Sadie's as well. Kira was not a likeable character in my mind (wait to see how that ties into the book!), and she could be annoying at times, but I loved that she refused to give up until she figured out the truth surrounding her mom's death. There are some really great and suspenseful moments, and even though I did figure out what happened before the big reveal, I loved how everything came together and had me shouting I KNEW IT at my book. 🤣 This is a slow burn, but it was practically impossible for me to put it down and I am so glad that Cobb is BACK with a vengeance. I have a copy that I will be hanging onto, and I already can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
October 22, 2023
This was okay. I had most of it figured out pretty early on, which I usually don't, because I enjoy the thrill ride of not knowing. I liked some of the themes touched upon here, but overall there were too many unnecessary details. Like the number of characters named and described who didn't matter at all. The lack of character interactions. The memoir, which probably could have been its own book, a separate book. Part of what I like about thrillers is delving into the relationships, shallow or otherwise, and the ones that were showcased here didn't really appeal to me.
July 9, 2023
I love the authors brand of writing catty Texas women with a side of scandal and drama and the fact that Kira was trying to get to the bottom of her mothers death years ago is like cat nip for me, I’m a sucker for a cold case being resurrected. Not gonna lie, Kira was kind of annoying but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the story. When she gets the memoir that her mother was writing and doesn’t immediately read the entire thing in one sitting I was like umm no mam that would never happen. BUT I get it was written that way to build suspense and tension so I just went with it even though no one would ever really do that. It truly made me binge read this because I wanted to know what the memoir revealed so well played May, well played. 😉 Overall this was a fun and juicy summer read with a few surprises along the way.
March 10, 2024
The heroine in this story might be the dumbest dumb bunny ever. Everything I hated about this book falls firmly in spoiler territory, but just know the only reason I didn't DNF this is because, Lord help me, I had to find out who killed her equally messy dumb bunny mother.
July 8, 2023
If I'm completely honest I loved the cover for this latest thriller from May Cobb more than the story itself. In this book, Kira returns to her East Texas hometown for a vow renewal determined to get to the bottom of her mother's death.
Kira has never believed her mother killed herself and now armed with the book her mother left behind, she starts to piece together what really happened the summer she was 14. Twisty with some good misdirection and an ending I didn't see coming.
There was an old flame/high school crush reunion but he was married and cheats on his wife and it felt really icky. It eventually makes sense why it goes down the way it does but I wanted more likeable characters.
Overall just an okay thriller for me but I'm picky and this one just didn't feel all that original or earth-shattering. Good on audio though narrated by Amanda Stribling. Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and @prhaudio for early digital and audio copies in exchange for my honest review.
Kira has never believed her mother killed herself and now armed with the book her mother left behind, she starts to piece together what really happened the summer she was 14. Twisty with some good misdirection and an ending I didn't see coming.
There was an old flame/high school crush reunion but he was married and cheats on his wife and it felt really icky. It eventually makes sense why it goes down the way it does but I wanted more likeable characters.
Overall just an okay thriller for me but I'm picky and this one just didn't feel all that original or earth-shattering. Good on audio though narrated by Amanda Stribling. Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and @prhaudio for early digital and audio copies in exchange for my honest review.
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