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Toxic People
The havoc wrought by a narcissistic mother can span oceans and decades…
Jenny, a member of the rich and influential Donaldson family, is used to the finest of all things. So, when her exclusive Dublin home comes under threat, she will do almost anything to save it.
First, her husband Shane is almost murdered during a robbery that does take the life of a burglar. Then, a threatening stranger warns of doom before nightfall. But for which of them, and how, and why?
As the hours rush by, Jenny and Shane find their pasts, their presents and their ideal futures colliding in a tornado of hate and love, jealousies and frustration, rage and regret. Meanwhile, one woman – Jenny’s mother, Vera – wrests centre stage, as she always has.
But however self-absorbed Vera may be, what mother could destroy everything her child holds precious, simply to further her own caustic interests? As the hour of reckoning approaches, and the hunt for the persecutor continues, Jenny is about to discover that vengeance can visit from the most unexpected quarters…
Compelling, fast-paced and tautly written, Toxic People is a superbly modern psychological thriller and a classic page-turner. Readers who appreciate the work of Patricia Highsmith and Gillian Flynn will no doubt thoroughly enjoy this, as will anyone with an interest in the psychology of crime and of family relationships.
Jenny, a member of the rich and influential Donaldson family, is used to the finest of all things. So, when her exclusive Dublin home comes under threat, she will do almost anything to save it.
First, her husband Shane is almost murdered during a robbery that does take the life of a burglar. Then, a threatening stranger warns of doom before nightfall. But for which of them, and how, and why?
As the hours rush by, Jenny and Shane find their pasts, their presents and their ideal futures colliding in a tornado of hate and love, jealousies and frustration, rage and regret. Meanwhile, one woman – Jenny’s mother, Vera – wrests centre stage, as she always has.
But however self-absorbed Vera may be, what mother could destroy everything her child holds precious, simply to further her own caustic interests? As the hour of reckoning approaches, and the hunt for the persecutor continues, Jenny is about to discover that vengeance can visit from the most unexpected quarters…
Compelling, fast-paced and tautly written, Toxic People is a superbly modern psychological thriller and a classic page-turner. Readers who appreciate the work of Patricia Highsmith and Gillian Flynn will no doubt thoroughly enjoy this, as will anyone with an interest in the psychology of crime and of family relationships.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2023
103 people are currently reading
1753 people want to read
About the author
S.D. Monaghan
6 books60 followersS. D. Monaghan grew up in Dublin before travelling extensively in Asia, Europe and America. After teaching English in Thailand for two years, he moved back to Ireland and gained an honours degree in psychology. While living in Canada for four years, he studied screenwriting in Toronto. S. D. Monaghan completed the Masters in Creative Writing at Trinity College, Dublin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
February 3, 2023
I started this book, I persevered with this book, I finished this book.
February 3, 2023
This book is as the title suggests about toxic people. A toxic family in particular with not a single likeable character. The opening events had potential for a great read but sadly became a long drawn-out diatribe of disparaging comments about women, abortions, money, wealth, learning, family, etc. I read this through my online bookclub, @Pigeonhole, and several readers, myself included, were waiting for a big reveal that turned out to be lukewarm at best. A disappointing 2 and a half stars.
March 30, 2023
The beginning of the book started off really well by drawing the reader in. I did enjoy the book; I was just a little disappointed by the lack of dialogue in the book. I did like the idea that the book took place over the course of the day, with flashbacks to the past. What I didn’t like was that the past had way too many needless details. Flashbacks to the past are necessary in this book because it explains how Jenny’s family dynamic became toxic. But I just wish it would have stuck with the need to know details for understanding. I caught on to one twist pretty early, but didn’t not catch on to the other at all. I was shocked at the reveal because I just didn’t see it coming! The language flows nicely, and this is an easy-to-read book. It is enjoyable, especially if you don’t mind that it isn’t dialogue driven and it’s mostly telling instead of experiencing.
April 28, 2023
Jennifer and Shane fell in love in college and are still in love. They live in one of the most storied neighborhoods she is an interior designer and Instagram or and he is a true crime writer when he arrived home early one day it was the find someone had broken in his house when he decides to chase the culprit in an attempt to get away they ran the car into Shane’s in the driver a young girl wild up dead. He insists there was another guy at the scene but the police and Jennifer act as if they don’t believe him and even when he gets flowers and a note that says the same thing the guy at the scene said the police said you have to be careful when things like this happen there’s screwballs that come out of the woodwork and essentially blow him off once again. Shane also start seeing a bearded guy in a leather coat once staring at his house and begin when he goes to retrieve a check that Jennifer gave to his nemesis Auto this isn’t his only problem though Jennifer is keeping a secret from him and when her sister Joan shows up alluding to it, Shane insist Jennifer tell him but the secret she divulges although bad isn’t even close to the one her mom and sister want her to tell him. They have never liked Shane but that’s something he’s never let bother him. who is the guy in the leather jacket and what is the secret Jennifer has to tell and will her and Shane be together when it’s over? Trust me when I say this isn’t even half the story this was such a great story and one you would definitely not want to put down. I know a lot of reviewers say that and they put it in the summary so often but in this case it is absolutely true this is a great book the cat the beach or interest and hold it until the finale. I wish all books were as good as Toxic People by SD Monahan because if they were everyone would love reading. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
January 29, 2023
If you're looking for a good psychological thriller with a toxic family theme, you've come to the right place. In "Toxic People" we are dealing with a toxic family from which the youngest daughter wants to escape. There are two main characters in this story. The first is Shane. He is forty-four years old. He is married and unfortunately childless. He would love to have children, but his wife has a different opinion on this subject. Shane is a very smart man. He writes books. By getting to know this hero, you will get to know his earlier life. What awaits him, will not be pleasant. The other character is Jenny. She is currently married to the first hero. She does not want to have children. Why? By learning her whole story, you will know the answer to this question. She has a very toxic mother, Vera and a sister, Joan, who is just like her mother. Vera is a narcissist. Everything she does, she does for herself. That's why Jenny wanted to run away from her family. Someone in this book is threatening her. This scares her and her husband, why? Who cares about revealing the truth? Who hates Jenny so much? The truth shocked me deeply. I didn't expect this turn of events. The ending was shocking. Interesting plot. The action was mediocre in places, but I wanted to get to the end of the story at all costs because I wanted to know the truth. I didn't like Vera. I don't understand how she could act like this. If you want to find out what the narcissistic Vera looks like and how her relationship with the environment is going, be sure to read this story.
February 3, 2023
To summarise at the start, this is a very disappointing read. Although you'd expect the characters to be toxic, as per the title, they are entirely without a single redeeming feature and inhabit a protracted narrative with clunky dialogue and a bizarrely dull plotline.
I read this book through Pigeonhole online book club, in which a stave (several chapters) is released each day over 10 days, and although others have suggested that it didn't work because of the breaks in reading, I ended up reading most of it in a couple of days and I still think it was a poor read.
In an attempt at being slightly constructive with my feedback, I'd say that the author would benefit from scaling back on the similies, which are extremely numerous but bring nothing more to the reading experience than an increased word count. A particularly awful one of these, to give a flavour, relates to a character who has wet himself, which is described as being "like he was a woman miscarrying in a late trimester." This, combined with general misogynistic objectification of women and the "technique" of building suspense by constantly referring to a secret but failing to reveal anything until around the 95% mark - and then the secret being exactly what many of the Pigeons reading had thought it would be - made the whole experience an unpleasant combination of boring, angering and nauseating.
I rarely give 1 star reviews but have really struggled to find a single positive to warrant a higher rating. I certainly would not be rushing to read another book by this author.
I read this book through Pigeonhole online book club, in which a stave (several chapters) is released each day over 10 days, and although others have suggested that it didn't work because of the breaks in reading, I ended up reading most of it in a couple of days and I still think it was a poor read.
In an attempt at being slightly constructive with my feedback, I'd say that the author would benefit from scaling back on the similies, which are extremely numerous but bring nothing more to the reading experience than an increased word count. A particularly awful one of these, to give a flavour, relates to a character who has wet himself, which is described as being "like he was a woman miscarrying in a late trimester." This, combined with general misogynistic objectification of women and the "technique" of building suspense by constantly referring to a secret but failing to reveal anything until around the 95% mark - and then the secret being exactly what many of the Pigeons reading had thought it would be - made the whole experience an unpleasant combination of boring, angering and nauseating.
I rarely give 1 star reviews but have really struggled to find a single positive to warrant a higher rating. I certainly would not be rushing to read another book by this author.
June 8, 2025
I did like this, and it kept me engrossed, although it was a bit predictable.
None of the characters were likeable at all (I guess the clue was in the title!) but it was good to watch how it all unfolded.
Although she wasn't likeable I did feel a bit sorry for Jenny. I think I would read another by this author.
None of the characters were likeable at all (I guess the clue was in the title!) but it was good to watch how it all unfolded.
Although she wasn't likeable I did feel a bit sorry for Jenny. I think I would read another by this author.
February 3, 2023
I read this through Pigeonhole and it’s not a book that works well in staves.
It started well but then the big reveal was so drawn out that by the time it came I’d lost interest and found it to be ‘meh’.
Not a single likeable character with everyone living up to the title of toxic people.
It started well but then the big reveal was so drawn out that by the time it came I’d lost interest and found it to be ‘meh’.
Not a single likeable character with everyone living up to the title of toxic people.
February 3, 2023
The beginning of this book was quite compelling however, I felt the writing style soon impeded any further engagement for me. Unpleasant people, frustrating delayed reveals, hardly any sense of place and unconvincing dialogue.
Thank you to pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book.
Thank you to pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book.
February 24, 2023
At times I really enjoyed this book, and at times I found it a bit of a struggle - all In all a good read, but nothing spectacular.
Worth a read though 🤷
Worth a read though 🤷
June 5, 2023
⭐️ 3.5/5
“Life was simply a game of snakes and ladders”
Vera has 3 children, but only one can be her favourite, right? 43 year old Jenny is the 3rd favourite and she feels this tension in every interaction with her mother. When Jenny’s end of terrace Victorian home in the exclusive Clareville neighbourhood in Dublin is threatened, and her secrets are about to be exposed, is she the only one with unspoken debts?
“Secrets are only fun when you know them”
I enjoyed reading it. It was tense, with lots of unexpected surprises. There were so many quotes that I absolutely loved throughout!
“As with any game that depended on pure luck, the only way to be absolutely sure of winning, was to cheat”
Expect; Family dynamics. Love. Secrets. Lies. A lot of triggers.
“No one ever sold their soul to an angel”.
“Life was simply a game of snakes and ladders”
Vera has 3 children, but only one can be her favourite, right? 43 year old Jenny is the 3rd favourite and she feels this tension in every interaction with her mother. When Jenny’s end of terrace Victorian home in the exclusive Clareville neighbourhood in Dublin is threatened, and her secrets are about to be exposed, is she the only one with unspoken debts?
“Secrets are only fun when you know them”
I enjoyed reading it. It was tense, with lots of unexpected surprises. There were so many quotes that I absolutely loved throughout!
“As with any game that depended on pure luck, the only way to be absolutely sure of winning, was to cheat”
Expect; Family dynamics. Love. Secrets. Lies. A lot of triggers.
“No one ever sold their soul to an angel”.
November 9, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This one sounded better than it actually was. Wasn’t really one I enjoyed.
This one sounded better than it actually was. Wasn’t really one I enjoyed.
August 3, 2023
This was my first book by S.D. Monaghan. It ended up not being for me. The book begins with married couple Jenny and Shane receiving threatening notes that their lives would be destroyed by that evening. A lot of time is spent on the dysfunctional relationships between the members of Jenny’s family. I thought all of the characters were very unlikeable. Usually that doesn’t bother me in a book but it did in this case.
The beginning of the book started off really well by drawing the reader in. I did enjoy the book; I was just a little disappointed by the lack of dialogue in the book. I did like the idea that the book took place over the course of the day, with flashbacks to the past. What I didn’t like was that the past had way too many needless details. Flashbacks to the past are necessary in this book because it explains how Jenny’s family dynamic became toxic. But I just wish it would have stuck with the need to know details for understanding. I caught on to one twist pretty early, but didn’t not catch on to the other at all. I was shocked at the reveal because I just didn’t see it coming! Unfortunately, that was the only surprise for me.
I was actually invested in the mystery of why Jenny and Shane were receiving threatening notes and texts. However, I found the conclusion to be disappointing and a bit implausible.
At times I really enjoyed this book, and at times I found it a bit of a struggle to go on. All In all a good read, but it just was not for me. I would definitely read another S.D. Monaghan book.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author S.D. Monaghan, and the publisher Lume Books for the opportunity to read and review an advanced reader's copy of this book.
The beginning of the book started off really well by drawing the reader in. I did enjoy the book; I was just a little disappointed by the lack of dialogue in the book. I did like the idea that the book took place over the course of the day, with flashbacks to the past. What I didn’t like was that the past had way too many needless details. Flashbacks to the past are necessary in this book because it explains how Jenny’s family dynamic became toxic. But I just wish it would have stuck with the need to know details for understanding. I caught on to one twist pretty early, but didn’t not catch on to the other at all. I was shocked at the reveal because I just didn’t see it coming! Unfortunately, that was the only surprise for me.
I was actually invested in the mystery of why Jenny and Shane were receiving threatening notes and texts. However, I found the conclusion to be disappointing and a bit implausible.
At times I really enjoyed this book, and at times I found it a bit of a struggle to go on. All In all a good read, but it just was not for me. I would definitely read another S.D. Monaghan book.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author S.D. Monaghan, and the publisher Lume Books for the opportunity to read and review an advanced reader's copy of this book.
February 8, 2023
I found the first few pages overly descriptive and, at some points, a little cringe; this immediately made me worry that the rest of the story would be like this and I would be unable to enjoy the story and forget about the writing style. I feel with a mystery thriller of this style, opening with a little more suspense and intrigue would go a long way. I think a lot of people may exit early due to this.
I happily ploughed through to around 70% and started to get into the groove, although identifying with the main character was somewhat tricky. I found it hard to sympathise with her and want her to succeed; she seemed to only care for herself.
As soon as her secret years from 24 years ago was revealed, I felt even less towards her and simply sad for Shane.
It's doubtful I will finish the story as I don't really care what happens to her.
I happily ploughed through to around 70% and started to get into the groove, although identifying with the main character was somewhat tricky. I found it hard to sympathise with her and want her to succeed; she seemed to only care for herself.
As soon as her secret years from 24 years ago was revealed, I felt even less towards her and simply sad for Shane.
It's doubtful I will finish the story as I don't really care what happens to her.
December 23, 2022
If you liked novels by Louise Candlish and Gillian Flynn you’ll LOVE this too.
Ticks every box ! It’s a don’t call me, don’t text me, have-to-cancel-that-meet up, enormously satisfying, one-sitting meal of a novel.
In this one, the “Narcissist Personality Disorder mother” and a “marriage in tumultuous times” was a big draw for me.
That’s in context of a significant threat to the central characters, of what the reader finds out are a True Crime documenting author and his design media wife.
If you like psychological depth, high quality writing and a fast, super compelling narrative - well this totally just delivers.
(Feel like it would make an excellent T.V adaptation too. ?)
The interpersonal stratas are very authentic, between the early 40’s married couple and the caustic wife’s family envelope.
I really liked the device of a home outright ownership issue, just tenuously hanging on the humours of a parent, who is just one of the titular “Toxic People” in the book.
The “Golden Chid” sister is a serious piece of work too.
There’s the veritable roller coaster of plot twisty, O.M.G-ish story turns that are too complicated to allude to, without giving things away.
For sure, the tall dark menacing stranger who’s come to town, is NOT of the cliched variety.
Another stand out feature of Toxic Ppple was that it had of THE most original and clever style and deivery of ending I’ve read in years.
In one regard it asks an uncomfortable question of people on all sides of a polarising contentious social issue, whilst being just exceptionally satisfying and unpredictable as a psychological thriller FIN.
I’m already a fan of this author from 2 earlier ones so great to spot it in the New Irish Bks review offerings.
Toxic People doesn’t disappoint and is definitely one of those 1st class, Five Star, #MustReads.
HIGHLY recommended !!!
( Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. )
Ticks every box ! It’s a don’t call me, don’t text me, have-to-cancel-that-meet up, enormously satisfying, one-sitting meal of a novel.
In this one, the “Narcissist Personality Disorder mother” and a “marriage in tumultuous times” was a big draw for me.
That’s in context of a significant threat to the central characters, of what the reader finds out are a True Crime documenting author and his design media wife.
If you like psychological depth, high quality writing and a fast, super compelling narrative - well this totally just delivers.
(Feel like it would make an excellent T.V adaptation too. ?)
The interpersonal stratas are very authentic, between the early 40’s married couple and the caustic wife’s family envelope.
I really liked the device of a home outright ownership issue, just tenuously hanging on the humours of a parent, who is just one of the titular “Toxic People” in the book.
The “Golden Chid” sister is a serious piece of work too.
There’s the veritable roller coaster of plot twisty, O.M.G-ish story turns that are too complicated to allude to, without giving things away.
For sure, the tall dark menacing stranger who’s come to town, is NOT of the cliched variety.
Another stand out feature of Toxic Ppple was that it had of THE most original and clever style and deivery of ending I’ve read in years.
In one regard it asks an uncomfortable question of people on all sides of a polarising contentious social issue, whilst being just exceptionally satisfying and unpredictable as a psychological thriller FIN.
I’m already a fan of this author from 2 earlier ones so great to spot it in the New Irish Bks review offerings.
Toxic People doesn’t disappoint and is definitely one of those 1st class, Five Star, #MustReads.
HIGHLY recommended !!!
( Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. )
June 16, 2023
This had SO much potential. I was looking forward to this so much, I thought it sounded juicy, full of secrets, a family that's toxic and can't help themselves.....And whilst, I got that, I still felt so frustrated by the end of it and overall just letdown.
Whilst the writing is great, and I appreciate whole heartedly, an author who chooses to make all but one (in my opinion) characters completely hateful, self-centered, money-hungry people, which in itself is a bold choice and was done very successfully, the whole story was entirely too long and definitely could've been condensed to half its size to make for a punchier read.
I think if it was shorter, I'd be less fucked off with the lacklustre secrets involved for this family, which in all honesty, could've been spoken about between husband and wife and resolved the 25 years it has been since the said incident occurred. For how much Jenny and Shane love each other, they definitely could've gotten past it, as shown by the ending when...they got past it more dramatically. I found myself skipping chunks and chunks to get to the point towards the end because I'd read nearly 290 pages and I'd just had enough by this point.
Ireland has its own thing going on when it comes to how relationships, sex, children, or lack thereof, are seen. Even in today's world, they have rules which other places in Great Britain don't, and the opinions of more conservative people and highly religious folks are still against a lot of things. That being said, to me at least, the scandal just isn't a scandal....and I think a lot of people reading, unless they sympathise heavily with the situation also won't find it one, which is why it just doesn't have that effect of 'oh my god that's CRAZY'.
That being said, I'm not going to dismiss this author. I think their writing is great, and I enjoyed that aspect of it, but my hopes for the story were high, and I did expect great things...It just fell short and missed the mark completely for me. I'd give the author's other books a read.
Whilst the writing is great, and I appreciate whole heartedly, an author who chooses to make all but one (in my opinion) characters completely hateful, self-centered, money-hungry people, which in itself is a bold choice and was done very successfully, the whole story was entirely too long and definitely could've been condensed to half its size to make for a punchier read.
I think if it was shorter, I'd be less fucked off with the lacklustre secrets involved for this family, which in all honesty, could've been spoken about between husband and wife and resolved the 25 years it has been since the said incident occurred. For how much Jenny and Shane love each other, they definitely could've gotten past it, as shown by the ending when...they got past it more dramatically. I found myself skipping chunks and chunks to get to the point towards the end because I'd read nearly 290 pages and I'd just had enough by this point.
Ireland has its own thing going on when it comes to how relationships, sex, children, or lack thereof, are seen. Even in today's world, they have rules which other places in Great Britain don't, and the opinions of more conservative people and highly religious folks are still against a lot of things. That being said, to me at least, the scandal just isn't a scandal....and I think a lot of people reading, unless they sympathise heavily with the situation also won't find it one, which is why it just doesn't have that effect of 'oh my god that's CRAZY'.
That being said, I'm not going to dismiss this author. I think their writing is great, and I enjoyed that aspect of it, but my hopes for the story were high, and I did expect great things...It just fell short and missed the mark completely for me. I'd give the author's other books a read.
April 26, 2023
Toxic People S D Monaghan
4 stars
This was a book about a couple’s marriage and in fact their whole life being dominated by the main toxic person in this book. Shane, an author is married to Jenny, an interior designer and they are very happy together. However their whole lives have been dominated by Jenny’s mother, Vera. She has ruled the family her whole life and her daughter, Joan, is almost like a servant to her. Joan’s own marriage has been unsuccessful and her children do not want to know her. Her life now consists of following her mother around, and doing whatever she is told.
Jenny and Shane have never had children even though Shane has always wanted them but are happy enough living in their beautiful house in Dublin. However it has only been rented to them by Vera and their lives are shattered when she gives them notice. Jenny’s father had always promised the house to her but it turns out that Vera has another person in mind and it is this person which is the basic hub of the book.
I enjoyed the way Shane and Jenny’s story is built up over the course of the book. We learn about how they met, were driven apart and finally came together again. But it is soon clear that what happened during their separation defines the whole story.
Although I did guess some of the story the ending was totally unexpected and shocked me, which, for me, is always a plus in this sort of book. Unfortunately I do know someone who has been like Vera all her life and the character is very well-written and believable. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story although I dropped a star because I found some of the story slightly unbelievable.
Karen Deborah
Reviewer for Net galley
4 stars
This was a book about a couple’s marriage and in fact their whole life being dominated by the main toxic person in this book. Shane, an author is married to Jenny, an interior designer and they are very happy together. However their whole lives have been dominated by Jenny’s mother, Vera. She has ruled the family her whole life and her daughter, Joan, is almost like a servant to her. Joan’s own marriage has been unsuccessful and her children do not want to know her. Her life now consists of following her mother around, and doing whatever she is told.
Jenny and Shane have never had children even though Shane has always wanted them but are happy enough living in their beautiful house in Dublin. However it has only been rented to them by Vera and their lives are shattered when she gives them notice. Jenny’s father had always promised the house to her but it turns out that Vera has another person in mind and it is this person which is the basic hub of the book.
I enjoyed the way Shane and Jenny’s story is built up over the course of the book. We learn about how they met, were driven apart and finally came together again. But it is soon clear that what happened during their separation defines the whole story.
Although I did guess some of the story the ending was totally unexpected and shocked me, which, for me, is always a plus in this sort of book. Unfortunately I do know someone who has been like Vera all her life and the character is very well-written and believable. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story although I dropped a star because I found some of the story slightly unbelievable.
Karen Deborah
Reviewer for Net galley
May 23, 2023
Monaghan's writing style is lackluster and fails to create a captivating atmosphere. The pacing is uneven, with long stretches of mundane dialogue and uneventful scenes that contribute little to the story. The plot lacks originality and relies heavily on tired tropes and predictable twists that can be seen coming from miles away. This results in a lack of suspense and tension, making it difficult to stay engaged or invested in the outcome.
Furthermore, the exploration of toxic relationships feels superficial and fails to offer any meaningful insights. The psychological aspects of the story are underdeveloped and lack the necessary depth to provide a thought-provoking examination of the subject matter. Instead, it feels like a missed opportunity to delve into the complex dynamics and lasting effects of toxic relationships.
Additionally, the prose is often clunky and awkward, hindering the flow of the narrative. The dialogue feels forced and unrealistic, lacking the authenticity required to make the characters come alive. The editing and proofreading of the book also leave much to be desired, with numerous grammatical errors and inconsistencies throughout.
Overall, "Toxic People" is a lackluster psychological thriller that fails to deliver on its potential. The underdeveloped characters, predictable plot, and unengaging writing style make for a disappointing reading experience. There are far better options available in the genre, and I would recommend exploring other books that offer a more nuanced and compelling exploration of toxic relationships.
Furthermore, the exploration of toxic relationships feels superficial and fails to offer any meaningful insights. The psychological aspects of the story are underdeveloped and lack the necessary depth to provide a thought-provoking examination of the subject matter. Instead, it feels like a missed opportunity to delve into the complex dynamics and lasting effects of toxic relationships.
Additionally, the prose is often clunky and awkward, hindering the flow of the narrative. The dialogue feels forced and unrealistic, lacking the authenticity required to make the characters come alive. The editing and proofreading of the book also leave much to be desired, with numerous grammatical errors and inconsistencies throughout.
Overall, "Toxic People" is a lackluster psychological thriller that fails to deliver on its potential. The underdeveloped characters, predictable plot, and unengaging writing style make for a disappointing reading experience. There are far better options available in the genre, and I would recommend exploring other books that offer a more nuanced and compelling exploration of toxic relationships.
February 5, 2023
Thank you to the author, publisher Lume Books, and online book club The Pigeonhole for the chance to read this. This is an honest and voluntary review.
Just no. Avoid.
Shane interrupts a possible housebreaking and ends up in a car crash where the would-be burglar dies. Then his wife receives a threat that her life will be destroyed by the end of the day.
The book title makes it clear these characters are not intended to be likeable. But, if you’re going to base a book around toxic people they should at least be compelling in their awfulness. Instead this story that uses a ‘real-time’ chapter device to suggest the action takes place mostly over one day, is a painfully drawn out exploration of one-dimensional caricatures.
It actually became borderline humorous how the author overused a heavy-handed hint about a dark secret as a plot device. My eyes hurt from rolling them so hard at yet another switch of perspectives right at the moment of an imminent reveal. One of the inter things about the Pigeonhole book club is authors get a chance to see how readers react as their story emerges. I hope this author takes careful note of how quickly he lost the patience of readers and learns some very valuable lessons in pacing. And, while he’s learning think again about his ability to write female perspectives - there were significant chunks of clunky description and dialogue that deserve to be ridiculed on r/menwritingwomen on Reddit.
Just no. Avoid.
Shane interrupts a possible housebreaking and ends up in a car crash where the would-be burglar dies. Then his wife receives a threat that her life will be destroyed by the end of the day.
The book title makes it clear these characters are not intended to be likeable. But, if you’re going to base a book around toxic people they should at least be compelling in their awfulness. Instead this story that uses a ‘real-time’ chapter device to suggest the action takes place mostly over one day, is a painfully drawn out exploration of one-dimensional caricatures.
It actually became borderline humorous how the author overused a heavy-handed hint about a dark secret as a plot device. My eyes hurt from rolling them so hard at yet another switch of perspectives right at the moment of an imminent reveal. One of the inter things about the Pigeonhole book club is authors get a chance to see how readers react as their story emerges. I hope this author takes careful note of how quickly he lost the patience of readers and learns some very valuable lessons in pacing. And, while he’s learning think again about his ability to write female perspectives - there were significant chunks of clunky description and dialogue that deserve to be ridiculed on r/menwritingwomen on Reddit.
May 3, 2023
Thank you to @netgalley, @lumebooks, and the author, #sdmonaghan for the opportunity to read this #eARC in exchange for my #honestreview.
❗️Please note the TWs contain some spoilers! ❗️
On the outside, Jenny and Shane seem like they have it all. He’s followed his dreams of becoming a published author and she is a popular social influencer and designer whose star is rising. To top it off, the couple lives in one of her family homes she’s always had her sights set on with plans to buy the home outright anonymously from her mother. But her relationship with her mom and sister is like walking across a minefield. Her mother has the ultimate showdown in store - who will survive it?
Okay the setup for this was pretty solid. You have family drama; you have a stalker; you have a host of insufferable characters. But somewhere it just fell flat for me. The secrecy seemed a little implausible to keep under wraps for that long. The plot twist was too elaborate. And the callousness and childish cattiness of these characters just straight took me out. I think for a different reader, this could be solid but it just didn’t hit right for me personally.
TW: drug abuse, kidnapping, blackmail, abortion, adoption, abandonment, sexual assault, gaslighting, surprise pregnancy, violence, alcohol abuse
⭐️⭐️💫 - 2.5/5
❗️Please note the TWs contain some spoilers! ❗️
On the outside, Jenny and Shane seem like they have it all. He’s followed his dreams of becoming a published author and she is a popular social influencer and designer whose star is rising. To top it off, the couple lives in one of her family homes she’s always had her sights set on with plans to buy the home outright anonymously from her mother. But her relationship with her mom and sister is like walking across a minefield. Her mother has the ultimate showdown in store - who will survive it?
Okay the setup for this was pretty solid. You have family drama; you have a stalker; you have a host of insufferable characters. But somewhere it just fell flat for me. The secrecy seemed a little implausible to keep under wraps for that long. The plot twist was too elaborate. And the callousness and childish cattiness of these characters just straight took me out. I think for a different reader, this could be solid but it just didn’t hit right for me personally.
TW: drug abuse, kidnapping, blackmail, abortion, adoption, abandonment, sexual assault, gaslighting, surprise pregnancy, violence, alcohol abuse
⭐️⭐️💫 - 2.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2023
A slow burn but well worth the smoldering.
TOXIC PEOPLE by S.D. Monaghan is one of those books that will completely block out the world as you quickly turn the pages to find out what happens next. Jenny and her husband, Shane live in her dream home from childhood, which was supposed to be left to her by her father. Her mother, Vera, an affluent society lady holds all the pursestrings regarding the house and the puppet strings for Jenny‘s sister, Joan. Joan acts as her mother’s minion and constantly causes disruption to Jenny and Shane lives at Vera‘s behest.
After Shane is almost killed chasing a robbery suspect, threatening warnings begin to appear to both Jenny and Shane but neither shares the information with the other. We follow along as the day progresses and each tries in their own way to solve the riddle before time runs out at sunset. Passed truths and secrets come to light as Jenny and Shane each look back over incidents in their lives that have shaped who they have become
Just when you think you have it all figured out, a shattering confrontation leads to all of their past secrets being revealed. Or not? Will Jenny and Shane survive the explosive reveal?
TOXIC PEOPLE by S.D. Monaghan is one of those books that will completely block out the world as you quickly turn the pages to find out what happens next. Jenny and her husband, Shane live in her dream home from childhood, which was supposed to be left to her by her father. Her mother, Vera, an affluent society lady holds all the pursestrings regarding the house and the puppet strings for Jenny‘s sister, Joan. Joan acts as her mother’s minion and constantly causes disruption to Jenny and Shane lives at Vera‘s behest.
After Shane is almost killed chasing a robbery suspect, threatening warnings begin to appear to both Jenny and Shane but neither shares the information with the other. We follow along as the day progresses and each tries in their own way to solve the riddle before time runs out at sunset. Passed truths and secrets come to light as Jenny and Shane each look back over incidents in their lives that have shaped who they have become
Just when you think you have it all figured out, a shattering confrontation leads to all of their past secrets being revealed. Or not? Will Jenny and Shane survive the explosive reveal?
April 13, 2023
Jenny is a member of a rich and influential family. One day, her husband, Shane, is almost killed in a car accident after trying to catch a burglar, and he only has a vague recollection of the accident, but something bothers him. Until he remembers the other man. And his threat. When they start receiving more threats, they don't know which one of them they are addressed to. Who is the real villain in this story?
Wow. I'm so sorry to have to say that I agree with all the other reviews I have read about this. This book was so promising, but it was clearly not for me. I found it boring and I didn't care about any of the characters (who are unlikable and toxic) nor did I care about what was happening. The writing was wonky and choppy, there was too much foreshadowing (which I really dislike). The only positive thing I can say about this is that I liked the format, the "real-time" chapters device was an interesting way to come at it (sadly, it failed).
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wow. I'm so sorry to have to say that I agree with all the other reviews I have read about this. This book was so promising, but it was clearly not for me. I found it boring and I didn't care about any of the characters (who are unlikable and toxic) nor did I care about what was happening. The writing was wonky and choppy, there was too much foreshadowing (which I really dislike). The only positive thing I can say about this is that I liked the format, the "real-time" chapters device was an interesting way to come at it (sadly, it failed).
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 3, 2023
I was given a copy of this book In return for an honest review.
I liked the idea of the book, I enjoy suspense books. I can’t say I didn’t like it, as I wanted to know how it ended but I do think the author spent too much time trying to build up the suspense with not a lot of information given. I can see why some people wouldn’t like the style of writing as a lot of chapters were left on a cliffhanger but not explained until a lot later in the book. So a chapter may end “She told her everything” but then the book goes to a different person or time and the reader is none the wiser.
Toxic People is the perfect title as the book is full of unbelievable, horrible people - mainly just looking out for themselves. I had little sympathy for any of the fictitious characters.
It is an easy read with quite short chapters. I hadn’t worked out who was responsible for what so I did get a surprise when I eventually was allowed to know towards the end of the book.
I liked the idea of the book, I enjoy suspense books. I can’t say I didn’t like it, as I wanted to know how it ended but I do think the author spent too much time trying to build up the suspense with not a lot of information given. I can see why some people wouldn’t like the style of writing as a lot of chapters were left on a cliffhanger but not explained until a lot later in the book. So a chapter may end “She told her everything” but then the book goes to a different person or time and the reader is none the wiser.
Toxic People is the perfect title as the book is full of unbelievable, horrible people - mainly just looking out for themselves. I had little sympathy for any of the fictitious characters.
It is an easy read with quite short chapters. I hadn’t worked out who was responsible for what so I did get a surprise when I eventually was allowed to know towards the end of the book.
May 27, 2023
For only 295 pages, this book took me way too long to read. There were some bits I really got into but on the whole it wasn't for me. And the addition of the random sex scene that came out of nowhere was just not needed.
I enjoyed the beginning but when I got to around 70 pages in I wondered why it was becoming such a chore to read. And then I realised the Author wrote another book which I didn't enjoy, so I think I'm just not a fan of his writing. Although I'm glad I gave him another chance (even subconsciously).
The last 100 pages were better than the rest of the book, but I still found myself so glad that it was done. I think you'll probably get it a bit more and enjoy it if you appreciate religion and the decisions and consequences people make because of it, but for me it was very much like 'wow and that's the massive secret...' 🙄
Safe to say I won't be picking up anymore of this Author's books, which is a shame as I love the covers and titles!
I enjoyed the beginning but when I got to around 70 pages in I wondered why it was becoming such a chore to read. And then I realised the Author wrote another book which I didn't enjoy, so I think I'm just not a fan of his writing. Although I'm glad I gave him another chance (even subconsciously).
The last 100 pages were better than the rest of the book, but I still found myself so glad that it was done. I think you'll probably get it a bit more and enjoy it if you appreciate religion and the decisions and consequences people make because of it, but for me it was very much like 'wow and that's the massive secret...' 🙄
Safe to say I won't be picking up anymore of this Author's books, which is a shame as I love the covers and titles!
July 1, 2023
I was really intrigued by the synopsis and was keen to get stuck in. The story takes place mostly over one day with flashbacks to the past. It's an unravelling of a seemingly idyllic lifestyle with family secrets being revealed and toxic relationships being explored. I really wanted to like the book but I just didn't find myself reaching for it. It started well but I didn't find myself engaged by the characters or invested in their story. It might partly be because I wasn't in the right mood to read it as it has certainly received some great reviews but I feel it may be a bit of a marmite book. Some bit were predictable and the pacing was perhaps a little off especially in the mid section. I liked the combination of a short timescale with insights into the past and I do like a story where secrets come out. A great read if you like unpleasant characters with toxic traits and the crumbling of a facade.
April 12, 2023
A difficult book for me to review as I didn't dislike it but I didn't love it. Jenny, daughter of the wealthy Donaldson family, was promised her house by her Father but sadly when he died her mother decides she's going to sell from under Jenny and her husband Shane. Their marriage is already in difficulty as Jenny wants to invest their savings into a "foolproof" offer from her accountant. But after a failed burglary in which Shane is nearly killed and the burglar dies their lives unravel even more.
The title is very apt as all the characters are unlikeable and toxic, lots of secrets written about but then chapter changes and secret is drawn out, but to me as the reader it seemed pretty obvious what the secret was.
But the book was a quick read and I like how it was all set in one day with references to 25 years previous
The title is very apt as all the characters are unlikeable and toxic, lots of secrets written about but then chapter changes and secret is drawn out, but to me as the reader it seemed pretty obvious what the secret was.
But the book was a quick read and I like how it was all set in one day with references to 25 years previous
May 2, 2023
This book had me hooked from the start. It’s written mostly over the course of a day with flashbacks to 26, 25, 24 & 15 years ago which all show the reasons why today is happening.
The story looks at how and why a strong family head will try to influence the lives of their future generations, how this can affect the personalities of those family members and their relationships with each other.
There were very few likeable characters in this book but it was interesting learning why they are who they are and seeing Jenny finding her way through their influence to building her life for herself.
I did guess the reveal about 5 pages before it happened and the way the story finally ended was kind of satisfying where I could understand why those bits I didn't like had to happen.
The story looks at how and why a strong family head will try to influence the lives of their future generations, how this can affect the personalities of those family members and their relationships with each other.
There were very few likeable characters in this book but it was interesting learning why they are who they are and seeing Jenny finding her way through their influence to building her life for herself.
I did guess the reveal about 5 pages before it happened and the way the story finally ended was kind of satisfying where I could understand why those bits I didn't like had to happen.
June 2, 2023
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗬𝗼𝘂 to @instabooktours & @lumebooks for having me on the tour.
This was the first book I've read by this author, and I had read many mixed reviews, so I wasn't sure what I was going to think of it...
But..
I actually really enjoyed it. I absolutely loved the suspenseful chapters alternating between the past and the here and now. I really felt compelled to read more the further the story went on as I really wanted to know what the secrets were.
The characters definitely lived up to the title of the book and were all toxic people. How many toxic people can be in one family?!? - a few, apparently.
It ticked every box for me, and if you're into psychological thrillers that are fuelled by toxic characters, then this one is for you.
This was the first book I've read by this author, and I had read many mixed reviews, so I wasn't sure what I was going to think of it...
But..
I actually really enjoyed it. I absolutely loved the suspenseful chapters alternating between the past and the here and now. I really felt compelled to read more the further the story went on as I really wanted to know what the secrets were.
The characters definitely lived up to the title of the book and were all toxic people. How many toxic people can be in one family?!? - a few, apparently.
It ticked every box for me, and if you're into psychological thrillers that are fuelled by toxic characters, then this one is for you.
June 16, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
This is a difficult book to review whilst I did enjoy it overall I did struggle with it in places.
I really wasn’t keen on the characters they were very unlikeable and toxic is definitely a good description of them. I did kind of feel sorry for Shane, Jenny’s husband. All the others just cared about themselves.
The story takes place over a day, so whilst it is fast paced in places, some parts also felt quite drawn out. We are given glimpses of the past to reveal the secret with flashback chapters which I did like.
The story picked up a lot with the last 100 or so pages to go and I didn’t guess the twist at the end it shocked me.
Overall an enjoyable read. Thank you to Instabooktours and the publisher for having me on the tour and for my gifted copy of the book.
This is a difficult book to review whilst I did enjoy it overall I did struggle with it in places.
I really wasn’t keen on the characters they were very unlikeable and toxic is definitely a good description of them. I did kind of feel sorry for Shane, Jenny’s husband. All the others just cared about themselves.
The story takes place over a day, so whilst it is fast paced in places, some parts also felt quite drawn out. We are given glimpses of the past to reveal the secret with flashback chapters which I did like.
The story picked up a lot with the last 100 or so pages to go and I didn’t guess the twist at the end it shocked me.
Overall an enjoyable read. Thank you to Instabooktours and the publisher for having me on the tour and for my gifted copy of the book.
February 3, 2023
I received a free advanced copy of Toxic People by Net Galley. It was my first book by S.D. Monaghan. It ended up being not my cup of tea. The book begins with married couple Jenny and Shane receiving threatening notes that their lived would be destroyed by that evening. A lot of time is spent on the dysfunctional relationships between the members of Jenny’s family. I thought all of the characters were very unlikeable. Usually that doesn’t bother me in a book but it did in this case. I was actually invested in the mystery of why Jenny and Shane were receiving threatening notes and texts. However, I found the conclusion to be disappointing and a bit implausible.
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