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Beautiful Ugly
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Expected 30 Jan 25Win a free print copy of this book!
6 days and 02:10:02
100 copies available
U.S. only
The million-copy bestselling Queen of Twists Alice Feeney returns with a gripping and deliciously dark thriller about marriage. . .
. . . and revenge.
Author Grady Green is having the worst best day of his life.
Grady calls his wife to share some exciting news as she is driving home. He hears Abby slam on the brakes, get out of the car, then nothing. When he eventually finds her car by the cliff edge the headlights are on, the driver door is open, her phone is still there. . . but his wife has disappeared.
A year later, Grady is still overcome with grief and desperate to know what happened to Abby. He can’t sleep, and he can’t write, so he travels to a tiny Scottish island to try to get his life back on track. Then he sees the impossible – a woman who looks exactly like his missing wife.
Wives think their husbands will change but they don’t.
Husbands think their wives won’t change but they do.
. . . and revenge.
Author Grady Green is having the worst best day of his life.
Grady calls his wife to share some exciting news as she is driving home. He hears Abby slam on the brakes, get out of the car, then nothing. When he eventually finds her car by the cliff edge the headlights are on, the driver door is open, her phone is still there. . . but his wife has disappeared.
A year later, Grady is still overcome with grief and desperate to know what happened to Abby. He can’t sleep, and he can’t write, so he travels to a tiny Scottish island to try to get his life back on track. Then he sees the impossible – a woman who looks exactly like his missing wife.
Wives think their husbands will change but they don’t.
Husbands think their wives won’t change but they do.
ebook
Expected publication January 14, 2025
About the author
Alice Feeney
15 books23.9k followersAlice Feeney is a New York Times million-copy bestselling author. Her books have been translated into over thirty languages, and have been optioned for major screen adaptations. Including Rock Paper Scissors, which is being made into a TV series by the producer of The Crown. Alice was a BBC journalist for fifteen years, and now lives in Devon with her family. Good Bad Girl is her sixth novel.
You can follow Alice on Instagram or Twitter: @alicewriterland
For the latest book and TV news, and to sign up for Alice's free newsletter, please visit her website: www.alicefeeney.com
You can follow Alice on Instagram or Twitter: @alicewriterland
For the latest book and TV news, and to sign up for Alice's free newsletter, please visit her website: www.alicefeeney.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,199 reviews
Want to read
December 6, 2024Things I planned to barter to receive an ARC copy of this book:
-The grey cells of my husband (not many left after his addiction to watching Black Mirror episodes before bed)
-My selected Chardonnay, Sancerre, and Chablis collection (of course, the bottles are empty—I can't waste any good drink)
-My teenage diary (I still keep it to read aloud and berate my younger self in front of others)
-My DVD collection (who still has a DVD player, by the way?)
-My VHS collection (okay, this is a lie! Even I don't have those things)
-My self-pity and self-control (I don't have any of those, so if you find them, please return them!).
Overall: I need this book ASAP! Please, dear publishers, consider this avid reader and twisty crime thriller maniac at your service. Give it to me, give it to me, give it to me!
-The grey cells of my husband (not many left after his addiction to watching Black Mirror episodes before bed)
-My selected Chardonnay, Sancerre, and Chablis collection (of course, the bottles are empty—I can't waste any good drink)
-My teenage diary (I still keep it to read aloud and berate my younger self in front of others)
-My DVD collection (who still has a DVD player, by the way?)
-My VHS collection (okay, this is a lie! Even I don't have those things)
-My self-pity and self-control (I don't have any of those, so if you find them, please return them!).
Overall: I need this book ASAP! Please, dear publishers, consider this avid reader and twisty crime thriller maniac at your service. Give it to me, give it to me, give it to me!
November 18, 2024
It's been years since I read an Alice Feeney book because the last one I read-- I Know Who You Are --was so bad that it really put me off. But she's gained an impressive fan base since then; enough to make me want to try another. So here we are.
And I can now feel confident in my decision to avoid the author's books. Beautiful Ugly is simply one of those types of thrillers I never like and, for some reason, are extremely popular. The Freida Mcfadden-type thrillers where weak characters, loose plotting, everything is built around a wacky twist that of course you didn’t see coming because it’s so ludicrous.
We open Beautiful Ugly to struggling author Grady detailing his wife's disappearance a year ago. While on the phone to him, she saw a woman lying by the side of the road, got out to help her, and hasn't been seen since. Her car was found abandoned at the roadside.
Now, Grady is tortured by what happened to her. He can't sleep. Can't write. When his agent offers him a unique opportunity-- to live in the remote writing cabin of a much-loved and deceased author --even moving to a strange little island seems worth it if he can rescue his career.
The premise is interesting and there is enough in the first half that is compelling and eerie to make me give this two stars instead of just one. But there is not a single character worth caring about and, in fact, I cared less about both Grady and Abby the more I read about them. Plus, the further I got into the book, the more the implausibility mounted.
Everything is built up around the twist, and the truth is that I just couldn't believe in it. Part of the explanation of events made me laugh out loud because it was so bizarre and silly. Many characters behaved in a way that didn't make sense. And when we got to the whole island backstory, my god... what a convoluted mess.
I like a good twist as much as anyone, but it is not enough, for me, for it to be shocking. It also has to be somewhat believable.
And I can now feel confident in my decision to avoid the author's books. Beautiful Ugly is simply one of those types of thrillers I never like and, for some reason, are extremely popular. The Freida Mcfadden-type thrillers where weak characters, loose plotting, everything is built around a wacky twist that of course you didn’t see coming because it’s so ludicrous.
We open Beautiful Ugly to struggling author Grady detailing his wife's disappearance a year ago. While on the phone to him, she saw a woman lying by the side of the road, got out to help her, and hasn't been seen since. Her car was found abandoned at the roadside.
Now, Grady is tortured by what happened to her. He can't sleep. Can't write. When his agent offers him a unique opportunity-- to live in the remote writing cabin of a much-loved and deceased author --even moving to a strange little island seems worth it if he can rescue his career.
The premise is interesting and there is enough in the first half that is compelling and eerie to make me give this two stars instead of just one. But there is not a single character worth caring about and, in fact, I cared less about both Grady and Abby the more I read about them. Plus, the further I got into the book, the more the implausibility mounted.
Everything is built up around the twist, and the truth is that I just couldn't believe in it. Part of the explanation of events made me laugh out loud because it was so bizarre and silly. Many characters behaved in a way that didn't make sense. And when we got to the whole island backstory, my god... what a convoluted mess.
I like a good twist as much as anyone, but it is not enough, for me, for it to be shocking. It also has to be somewhat believable.
November 26, 2024
Five Happy Dance Stars!!! 💃💃💃💃💃⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Author Grady Green is having the worst best day of his life.
Grady calls his wife to share some exciting news as she is driving home. He hears Abby slam on the brakes, get out of the car, then nothing. When he eventually finds her car by the cliff edge the headlights are on, the driver door is open, her phone is still there. . . but his wife has disappeared.
A year later, Grady is still overcome with grief and desperate to know what happened to Abby. He can’t sleep, and he can’t write, so he travels to a tiny Scottish island to try to get his life back on track. Then he sees the impossible – a woman who looks exactly like his missing wife.
Wives think their husbands will change but they don’t.
Husbands think their wives won’t change but they do.
I just love this book. It blew my mind. On the island nothing is what it seems to be. Odd and bizarre things happen on this island. There are so many crazy characters on the island too they are all unlikable.
I listened to the audiobook and The twists kept on coming. It was loaded with twists. I kept rewinding it, listening to the twist again and I would say, Say what? You got to be kidding me. The twists made my jaw drop to the floor. There were a lot of jaw dropping moments. I kept on asking myself, What did I just read??
When I got approved for this audiobook I screamed with excitement! Because I just love this author. The audiobook was so awesome. I loved the narrators they did a great job. You also hear sound effects of the sea and walkie talkies along with the phone ringing tone.
I am jumping up and down with excitement because I fell in love with this audiobook. It was my everything! It had everything that I love in a thriller! I can't wait for my next Alice Feeney book!
This was a buddy read with Jayme, DeAnn and Marilyn. Make sure you check out their reviews!
I want to thank Netgalley, Macmillan Audio for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Author Grady Green is having the worst best day of his life.
Grady calls his wife to share some exciting news as she is driving home. He hears Abby slam on the brakes, get out of the car, then nothing. When he eventually finds her car by the cliff edge the headlights are on, the driver door is open, her phone is still there. . . but his wife has disappeared.
A year later, Grady is still overcome with grief and desperate to know what happened to Abby. He can’t sleep, and he can’t write, so he travels to a tiny Scottish island to try to get his life back on track. Then he sees the impossible – a woman who looks exactly like his missing wife.
Wives think their husbands will change but they don’t.
Husbands think their wives won’t change but they do.
I just love this book. It blew my mind. On the island nothing is what it seems to be. Odd and bizarre things happen on this island. There are so many crazy characters on the island too they are all unlikable.
I listened to the audiobook and The twists kept on coming. It was loaded with twists. I kept rewinding it, listening to the twist again and I would say, Say what? You got to be kidding me. The twists made my jaw drop to the floor. There were a lot of jaw dropping moments. I kept on asking myself, What did I just read??
When I got approved for this audiobook I screamed with excitement! Because I just love this author. The audiobook was so awesome. I loved the narrators they did a great job. You also hear sound effects of the sea and walkie talkies along with the phone ringing tone.
I am jumping up and down with excitement because I fell in love with this audiobook. It was my everything! It had everything that I love in a thriller! I can't wait for my next Alice Feeney book!
This was a buddy read with Jayme, DeAnn and Marilyn. Make sure you check out their reviews!
I want to thank Netgalley, Macmillan Audio for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2024
“I hope you die in your sleep.”
The queen of the twists has done it again! Beautiful Ugly can best be described as Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl meets Catriona Ward’s Looking Glass Sound. Feeney’s latest domestic thriller keeps readers engaged and on the edge of their seats from the beginning to the end!
Grady is patiently waiting for the call from his publisher, as he might have written a New York Times Best Seller! However, he wants his wife Abby by his side to help celebrate the good news. He is frantic when he learns that on her way home from work she disappears after stopping to help a woman lying in the road. Consequently, Grady is grief stricken and believes he has lost everything…his wife, the ability to write, and all of their money. When an opportunity arises to write on an island all expenses paid, he takes the offer.
However, despite its great beauty, something sinister is happening on the island. After all, there is no phone or ferry service to the mainland and Grady keeps seeing Abby everywhere. Is she really alive or is it just the insomnia, alcohol, and grief? What happened to Abby? Will Grady make it off the island?
Locked room mystery ✅
Unreliable narrator✅
Twists and turns ✅
Clever plot ✅
Red herrings ✅
Predictable ❌
Readers, enjoy the ride! No one makes you question everything like Alice Feeney!
I highly recommend this unpredictable domestic thriller!
5/5 stars
Expected publication date: 1/14/25
Thank you to Edelweiss and Flatiron Books for the ARC of Beautiful Ugly in exchange for an honest review.
The queen of the twists has done it again! Beautiful Ugly can best be described as Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl meets Catriona Ward’s Looking Glass Sound. Feeney’s latest domestic thriller keeps readers engaged and on the edge of their seats from the beginning to the end!
Grady is patiently waiting for the call from his publisher, as he might have written a New York Times Best Seller! However, he wants his wife Abby by his side to help celebrate the good news. He is frantic when he learns that on her way home from work she disappears after stopping to help a woman lying in the road. Consequently, Grady is grief stricken and believes he has lost everything…his wife, the ability to write, and all of their money. When an opportunity arises to write on an island all expenses paid, he takes the offer.
However, despite its great beauty, something sinister is happening on the island. After all, there is no phone or ferry service to the mainland and Grady keeps seeing Abby everywhere. Is she really alive or is it just the insomnia, alcohol, and grief? What happened to Abby? Will Grady make it off the island?
Locked room mystery ✅
Unreliable narrator✅
Twists and turns ✅
Clever plot ✅
Red herrings ✅
Predictable ❌
Readers, enjoy the ride! No one makes you question everything like Alice Feeney!
I highly recommend this unpredictable domestic thriller!
5/5 stars
Expected publication date: 1/14/25
Thank you to Edelweiss and Flatiron Books for the ARC of Beautiful Ugly in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2024
thank you netgalley and macmillan for the arc!
➳ 2 ☆
this novel starts out with a missing wife and a husband who is desperate to find out what happened to her. grady green—an author—finds himself on a reclusive private island in the scottish area, hoping to write a novel after this tragedy. it is told in dual first person POV between abby (the wife) before she went missing, and grady (past & present).
i have read five alice feeney novels and in my opinion, they aren’t anything super special and have a tendency to be redundant and repetitive. for 65% of this novel, there is quite literally NOTHING happening in regards to the characters or the plot. after that, there is a plot twist, which i was able to predict even before i started the book. entail, this leaves the ending to be very jarring and bereft with an unsatisfying confusion to the narrative. i saw many reviews saying the last sentence ties this together, however, that one sentence made me more confused than i already was.
all in all, i do not hate the book, but there is too much melodrama and theatrical antics for a thriller. seeing as this is my favorite genre, i am usually quite peculiar about the ways i like these novels to be constructed. the atmosphere was adequate and the setting was pleasant. other than that; the characters mannerisms and deportment were not a strong suit for this book and could’ve used less inessential monologue. lastly, her books have a tendency to over use certain facile plot devices. unfortunately, this had the overall prose to be lacking, which is a shame because there was a potential for this to be a good winter thriller.
➳ 2 ☆
this novel starts out with a missing wife and a husband who is desperate to find out what happened to her. grady green—an author—finds himself on a reclusive private island in the scottish area, hoping to write a novel after this tragedy. it is told in dual first person POV between abby (the wife) before she went missing, and grady (past & present).
i have read five alice feeney novels and in my opinion, they aren’t anything super special and have a tendency to be redundant and repetitive. for 65% of this novel, there is quite literally NOTHING happening in regards to the characters or the plot. after that, there is a plot twist, which i was able to predict even before i started the book. entail, this leaves the ending to be very jarring and bereft with an unsatisfying confusion to the narrative. i saw many reviews saying the last sentence ties this together, however, that one sentence made me more confused than i already was.
all in all, i do not hate the book, but there is too much melodrama and theatrical antics for a thriller. seeing as this is my favorite genre, i am usually quite peculiar about the ways i like these novels to be constructed. the atmosphere was adequate and the setting was pleasant. other than that; the characters mannerisms and deportment were not a strong suit for this book and could’ve used less inessential monologue. lastly, her books have a tendency to over use certain facile plot devices. unfortunately, this had the overall prose to be lacking, which is a shame because there was a potential for this to be a good winter thriller.
November 27, 2024
Hmm... I'm still really not sure what I think about this one lol. I've only read one other Alice Feeney book, which I wasn't very impressed with.
I really thought I was going to be super disappointed with this one too - the first 60% of this book really drags. I mean it's the most mundane day to day activities that the characters were doing that it was really easy to zone in and out while listening to the audio.
At 2x speed, it didn't seem fast enough on occasion.
But anyway, once we get past that 60% things start to pick up and one of the twists knocked me on my ass a bit, I was definitely surprised, but then it got weird and confusing. I wasn't sure if I was nuts or ... idk, dumb?
I'm a little indifferent with this one. While some parts were fun, they didn't outweigh my boredom for a good chunk of the book.
╰⪼ 💙Missing Woman
╰⪼ 💙Secluded Island
╰⪼ 🏰Scotland Setting
╰⪼ 📚Recluse Author
╰⪼ 💙Unreliable Narrator
╰⪼ 💙Locked Room
╰⪼ 💙Red Herrings/Shocking Twists
╰⪼ 💙Atmospheric
Expected Release Date - 01/14/25
✨ Many thanks to my besties at Macmillan Audio for gifting me an advanced audio copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ✨
I really thought I was going to be super disappointed with this one too - the first 60% of this book really drags. I mean it's the most mundane day to day activities that the characters were doing that it was really easy to zone in and out while listening to the audio.
At 2x speed, it didn't seem fast enough on occasion.
But anyway, once we get past that 60% things start to pick up and one of the twists knocked me on my ass a bit, I was definitely surprised, but then it got weird and confusing. I wasn't sure if I was nuts or ... idk, dumb?
I'm a little indifferent with this one. While some parts were fun, they didn't outweigh my boredom for a good chunk of the book.
╰⪼ 💙Missing Woman
╰⪼ 💙Secluded Island
╰⪼ 🏰Scotland Setting
╰⪼ 📚Recluse Author
╰⪼ 💙Unreliable Narrator
╰⪼ 💙Locked Room
╰⪼ 💙Red Herrings/Shocking Twists
╰⪼ 💙Atmospheric
Expected Release Date - 01/14/25
✨ Many thanks to my besties at Macmillan Audio for gifting me an advanced audio copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ✨
August 27, 2024
The queen of the twisty twist is back 💃🏾 and her crown is firmly in place.
Life is both beautiful and ugly.
The day Grady Green becomes a New York Times best selling author is both the best day and the worst day of his life. Why so? His doggedly brave investigative journalist wife Abby is driving home when he calls her to share his excitement. Mid call, she suddenly breaks, gets out of the car and disappears. A panic stricken Grady dashes to find her, discovers the car with its headlights on, the drivers door wide open but there’s no sign of Abby. One year on, in a state of stasis, he’s unable to function in any way shape or form, stuck in an awful land of limbo. When he’s offered the use of a cabin on the tiny Scottish island of Amberley, he jumps at the chance, travelling north hoping to find the peace and tranquility he needs to get his life back on track. Perhaps it will even enable him to pen a new novel. There, the impossible happens - can the impossible become the impossible?
There are so many layers to this latest psychological thriller from one of my favourite authors but first let me mention the beautiful and magical descriptions of Scotland. The love of the place really stands out with a rich and ever-changing atmosphere permeating all. You get all weathers in one day which could equally apply to the ever-changing mood of those that live on the island and of Grady himself. As he approaches the island there’s a strong sense of calm before a storm although his excitement and anticipation are infectious. Perhaps though, the noisy seagulls as he awaits the ferry to whisk him Amberley sound a warning that he should heed. Prophetically so as it soon becomes very ominous.
The peace of the island, its isolation and silence are used so masterfully to drop little bombshells into the illusionary calm which of course being Alice Feeney are often worthy of an OMG jaw drop. It’s very cleverly done as you become as unsure as Grady about what’s real and what not. Is someone playing mind games or is it Grady’s mind that is broken? The island becomes stranger and stranger, with the residents behaving oddly and the whole feel is off kilter. At times it has a sense of Stepford Wives which is very unnerving. There’s tension which underpins the whole storyline and there are occasions where it’s so intense I realise that I’m holding my breath. As well as having a spooky, chilling and sinister tone, it’s also a very good character study. All are well portrayed but especially Grady and Abby. Through them a number of pertinent issues are raised and questioned which I really enjoy. It has several twists of course and an excellent ending – just desserts?
Overall, this is a thought provoking and suspenseful psychological thriller. It’s perhaps a bit more understated than some of her other novels but it packs a punch nonetheless . Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to. Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Publishes in the U.K. in January 2025.
Life is both beautiful and ugly.
The day Grady Green becomes a New York Times best selling author is both the best day and the worst day of his life. Why so? His doggedly brave investigative journalist wife Abby is driving home when he calls her to share his excitement. Mid call, she suddenly breaks, gets out of the car and disappears. A panic stricken Grady dashes to find her, discovers the car with its headlights on, the drivers door wide open but there’s no sign of Abby. One year on, in a state of stasis, he’s unable to function in any way shape or form, stuck in an awful land of limbo. When he’s offered the use of a cabin on the tiny Scottish island of Amberley, he jumps at the chance, travelling north hoping to find the peace and tranquility he needs to get his life back on track. Perhaps it will even enable him to pen a new novel. There, the impossible happens - can the impossible become the impossible?
There are so many layers to this latest psychological thriller from one of my favourite authors but first let me mention the beautiful and magical descriptions of Scotland. The love of the place really stands out with a rich and ever-changing atmosphere permeating all. You get all weathers in one day which could equally apply to the ever-changing mood of those that live on the island and of Grady himself. As he approaches the island there’s a strong sense of calm before a storm although his excitement and anticipation are infectious. Perhaps though, the noisy seagulls as he awaits the ferry to whisk him Amberley sound a warning that he should heed. Prophetically so as it soon becomes very ominous.
The peace of the island, its isolation and silence are used so masterfully to drop little bombshells into the illusionary calm which of course being Alice Feeney are often worthy of an OMG jaw drop. It’s very cleverly done as you become as unsure as Grady about what’s real and what not. Is someone playing mind games or is it Grady’s mind that is broken? The island becomes stranger and stranger, with the residents behaving oddly and the whole feel is off kilter. At times it has a sense of Stepford Wives which is very unnerving. There’s tension which underpins the whole storyline and there are occasions where it’s so intense I realise that I’m holding my breath. As well as having a spooky, chilling and sinister tone, it’s also a very good character study. All are well portrayed but especially Grady and Abby. Through them a number of pertinent issues are raised and questioned which I really enjoy. It has several twists of course and an excellent ending – just desserts?
Overall, this is a thought provoking and suspenseful psychological thriller. It’s perhaps a bit more understated than some of her other novels but it packs a punch nonetheless . Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to. Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Publishes in the U.K. in January 2025.
November 24, 2024
This is a review for the Audible version wonderfully narrated by Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton, with atmospheric music and sound effects to further enhance the listening experience! 🎧
9 hours, 19 minutes at 1.0 x
6 hours, 13 minutes at 1.5 x
“Wives think their husbands will change-But they don’t
Husbands think their wives won’t change-But they do!”
Highlight worthy passages like that one and her twisty storylines always have me eagerly awaiting the next Alice Feeney novel! I am always drawn in from the very beginning and stay engaged until the very end, and this was no exception.
Author Grady Green was hoping that his wife Abby would be with him when he received the phone call he had been waiting for his entire career-he was finally a N.Y. Times bestselling author!
But, his wife, an investigative journalist was running late. During an apologetic phone call to him, that she makes while driving home, he hears her slam on the brakes and get out of the car, quickly explaining that she spotted a woman lying on the side of the road.
And, then there is SILENCE.
She wasn’t far from their house, so he heads her way. Her car is by the cliff’s edge, and the headlights are still on, but there is no sign of his wife or of the woman she stopped to assist. Equally disturbing is the doll he finds in the passenger seat-one that has its mouth sewn shut.
A warning because of a story she wrote?
Fast forward one year later…
Grady is still debilitated by grief over Abby’s disappearance. His literary agent, Kitty has recently inherited a writing cabin on the tiny Scottish island of Amberley, so when she suggests that a change of scenery might do him good, offering him (and his faithful black Labrador, Colombo) the chance to stay there-he jumps at the chance.
The secluded Island is haunted by tragedies of its own, and the residents are a strange bunch, who don’t enjoy hosting non residents.
Grady begins to see and hear things that he can’t explain. And, he begins to receive anonymous envelopes labeled “READ ME”.
Do they contain clues about what happened to Abby? And how would someone on this Island, with a population of only twenty-five, have the answers?
Although, I enjoyed MOST of the reveals and was entertained throughout, I found the ENDING to be too convoluted for MY personal taste, so this wasn’t a favorite FEENEY for ME. (-.5)
BUT the final sentence whispered in this AUDIBLE version sent a shiver down my spine!
3.5 stars rounded up
No harm comes to Columbo! Woof! 🐕🦺
A buddy read with DeAnn, Mary Beth and MarilynW. Was it a 5 star book for them? Be sure to watch for their amazing reviews!
Available January 14, 2025
Thank You to Macmillan Audio for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley Shelf. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
9 hours, 19 minutes at 1.0 x
6 hours, 13 minutes at 1.5 x
“Wives think their husbands will change-But they don’t
Husbands think their wives won’t change-But they do!”
Highlight worthy passages like that one and her twisty storylines always have me eagerly awaiting the next Alice Feeney novel! I am always drawn in from the very beginning and stay engaged until the very end, and this was no exception.
Author Grady Green was hoping that his wife Abby would be with him when he received the phone call he had been waiting for his entire career-he was finally a N.Y. Times bestselling author!
But, his wife, an investigative journalist was running late. During an apologetic phone call to him, that she makes while driving home, he hears her slam on the brakes and get out of the car, quickly explaining that she spotted a woman lying on the side of the road.
And, then there is SILENCE.
She wasn’t far from their house, so he heads her way. Her car is by the cliff’s edge, and the headlights are still on, but there is no sign of his wife or of the woman she stopped to assist. Equally disturbing is the doll he finds in the passenger seat-one that has its mouth sewn shut.
A warning because of a story she wrote?
Fast forward one year later…
Grady is still debilitated by grief over Abby’s disappearance. His literary agent, Kitty has recently inherited a writing cabin on the tiny Scottish island of Amberley, so when she suggests that a change of scenery might do him good, offering him (and his faithful black Labrador, Colombo) the chance to stay there-he jumps at the chance.
The secluded Island is haunted by tragedies of its own, and the residents are a strange bunch, who don’t enjoy hosting non residents.
Grady begins to see and hear things that he can’t explain. And, he begins to receive anonymous envelopes labeled “READ ME”.
Do they contain clues about what happened to Abby? And how would someone on this Island, with a population of only twenty-five, have the answers?
Although, I enjoyed MOST of the reveals and was entertained throughout, I found the ENDING to be too convoluted for MY personal taste, so this wasn’t a favorite FEENEY for ME. (-.5)
BUT the final sentence whispered in this AUDIBLE version sent a shiver down my spine!
3.5 stars rounded up
No harm comes to Columbo! Woof! 🐕🦺
A buddy read with DeAnn, Mary Beth and MarilynW. Was it a 5 star book for them? Be sure to watch for their amazing reviews!
Available January 14, 2025
Thank You to Macmillan Audio for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley Shelf. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
Currently reading
December 11, 2024ᯓ
pre-read review
GOT MY FIRST EVER ARC OMG IM SO FREAKING EXCITED 🤞🏻
GOT MY FIRST EVER ARC OMG IM SO FREAKING EXCITED 🤞🏻
December 7, 2024
i liked this one a lot! finished in two sittings per usual bc Alice Feeney is one of the best thriller authors out there 👏🏼
NO ONE does domestic thriller plots like her! the twists and cat and mouse mystery vibes between husband and wife in her books are always so enjoyable to read.
this one had a fun setting—a remote island off of Scotland. no way to get back to the mainland, no internet or phone service, suspicious community members, and women who look like your missing wife 👀 the setting was a character in itself!
HIS & HERS remains my fave of her books so all the new ones are sadly getting compared. the MMC in this one was so whiny so it was hard to have his plot most of the time. i wish we had more of the FMC! that said, i enjoyed the twists and ending. a few twists were kinda predictable but a few weren’t, and that’s my fave part about thrillers. MULTIPLE twists!
TLDR; definitely recommend this one! happy i got my hands on it early thanks to BOTM! out in Jan 2025
NO ONE does domestic thriller plots like her! the twists and cat and mouse mystery vibes between husband and wife in her books are always so enjoyable to read.
this one had a fun setting—a remote island off of Scotland. no way to get back to the mainland, no internet or phone service, suspicious community members, and women who look like your missing wife 👀 the setting was a character in itself!
HIS & HERS remains my fave of her books so all the new ones are sadly getting compared. the MMC in this one was so whiny so it was hard to have his plot most of the time. i wish we had more of the FMC! that said, i enjoyed the twists and ending. a few twists were kinda predictable but a few weren’t, and that’s my fave part about thrillers. MULTIPLE twists!
TLDR; definitely recommend this one! happy i got my hands on it early thanks to BOTM! out in Jan 2025
November 27, 2024
Dark, gripping, thought provoking, and shocking! Beautiful Ugly keep me on my toes and managed to shock me with one of the reveals in the book. I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it as the narrator did a great job bringing this clever and well thought out book to life. I didn't want to put this one down. I have to say some of the aspects of this book reminded me fold horror books which I enjoy reading. Beautiful Ugly is another addictive book by Alice Feeney.
Grady Green is an author who experienced the best and worst day in this life all at once. He is on the phone with his investigative journalist wife, Abby, to share with her some news he is very excited about but instead he is horrified when she stops her car and gets out....
A year after his wife went missing and her car was found near a cliff, Grady is wallowing in grief and cannot write, sleep or function. His agent sends him to Amberley, an island off the coast of Scotland to get away from things and to write. He will be staying at the home of a best-selling reclusive author who has passed away. There he will have some time to himself and hopefully get his life and writing back on track.
The islanders are welcoming yet odd. They are polite yet aloof. He chalks it up to them living on an island that relies on the ferry to bring them news and items from the outside world. It is there that he sees a woman wearing a red coat who looks exactly like his wife!
I loved the vivid descriptions of the island. The towering redwoods, the lush forests, the home on the edge of the cliff. It sounds like a lovely and relaxing place to visit and stay for a while, doesn't it?
I had no idea what I was getting into when I began this book. I loved the eerie feel of the island, the islanders, and the tension and unease that began to seep from the pages. What began as a relaxing get away in order to focus and write becomes something completely different for Grady. As he began to experience odd things, I began to wonder to myself what was happening.
What a brilliant psychological thriller! I was completely invested in the plot and Grady's plight. I became more anxious for him as the book progressed. I love trying to figure books out but sat back and enjoyed this wild ride of a book. I ate up the eerie feel and uneasy vibe of this book. Plus, there were quite a few shocking twists and a jaw dropping reveal which I did not see coming at all! I love it when that happens.
Dark, shocking, well thought out, and addictive!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Grady Green is an author who experienced the best and worst day in this life all at once. He is on the phone with his investigative journalist wife, Abby, to share with her some news he is very excited about but instead he is horrified when she stops her car and gets out....
A year after his wife went missing and her car was found near a cliff, Grady is wallowing in grief and cannot write, sleep or function. His agent sends him to Amberley, an island off the coast of Scotland to get away from things and to write. He will be staying at the home of a best-selling reclusive author who has passed away. There he will have some time to himself and hopefully get his life and writing back on track.
The islanders are welcoming yet odd. They are polite yet aloof. He chalks it up to them living on an island that relies on the ferry to bring them news and items from the outside world. It is there that he sees a woman wearing a red coat who looks exactly like his wife!
I loved the vivid descriptions of the island. The towering redwoods, the lush forests, the home on the edge of the cliff. It sounds like a lovely and relaxing place to visit and stay for a while, doesn't it?
I had no idea what I was getting into when I began this book. I loved the eerie feel of the island, the islanders, and the tension and unease that began to seep from the pages. What began as a relaxing get away in order to focus and write becomes something completely different for Grady. As he began to experience odd things, I began to wonder to myself what was happening.
What a brilliant psychological thriller! I was completely invested in the plot and Grady's plight. I became more anxious for him as the book progressed. I love trying to figure books out but sat back and enjoyed this wild ride of a book. I ate up the eerie feel and uneasy vibe of this book. Plus, there were quite a few shocking twists and a jaw dropping reveal which I did not see coming at all! I love it when that happens.
Dark, shocking, well thought out, and addictive!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
December 9, 2024
Currently a GR giveaway going on
3⭐
Genre ~ domestic mystery
Setting ~ Scotland
Publication date ~ January 15, 2025
Publisher ~ Macmillan Audio
Est Page Count ~ 320
Audio length ~ 9 hours 19 minutes
Narrators ~ Richard Armitage, Tuppence Middleton
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ locked room (island), secrets, slow burn
Grady & Abby
A year after Abby disappears, Grady and his faithful dog, Colombo, are off to Scotland to try to write his next bestseller. Then he starts getting weird things delivered to him, and thinks he sees Abby. Is he going crazy or could Abby be on this picturesque island, too?
The locked room (island) is well done. No phones, a bunch of weird islanders and the ferry rarely visiting gave it a creepy vibe.
The prologue was super intriguing and the twist was twistable, but I can't say I was blown away. It's quite the slow burn as the author really built up the suspense making us wait for ages. It did do a pretty good job of keeping me engaged, though. Perhaps because it was due to the well done audio version. Even though I do seem to be a bit of an outlier I'm sure this one will be a big hit.
Side note ~ Colombo is safe throughout!
Narration notes:
2, woo hoo! They did great. I love when there are added side effects when they are on the phone to make it sound like they really are on the phone. Appreciate the extra pizzazz.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
3⭐
Genre ~ domestic mystery
Setting ~ Scotland
Publication date ~ January 15, 2025
Publisher ~ Macmillan Audio
Est Page Count ~ 320
Audio length ~ 9 hours 19 minutes
Narrators ~ Richard Armitage, Tuppence Middleton
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ locked room (island), secrets, slow burn
Grady & Abby
A year after Abby disappears, Grady and his faithful dog, Colombo, are off to Scotland to try to write his next bestseller. Then he starts getting weird things delivered to him, and thinks he sees Abby. Is he going crazy or could Abby be on this picturesque island, too?
The locked room (island) is well done. No phones, a bunch of weird islanders and the ferry rarely visiting gave it a creepy vibe.
The prologue was super intriguing and the twist was twistable, but I can't say I was blown away. It's quite the slow burn as the author really built up the suspense making us wait for ages. It did do a pretty good job of keeping me engaged, though. Perhaps because it was due to the well done audio version. Even though I do seem to be a bit of an outlier I'm sure this one will be a big hit.
Side note ~ Colombo is safe throughout!
Narration notes:
2, woo hoo! They did great. I love when there are added side effects when they are on the phone to make it sound like they really are on the phone. Appreciate the extra pizzazz.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
November 5, 2024
Thank you Flatiron books for an ARC of this book! WOW! Definitely one of her best to date. Absolutely mind blown and loved it to pieces.
Video review: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTFcNy1ts/
Video review: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTFcNy1ts/
December 11, 2024
Taking place on an enigma of an island with a plot that undeniably matched the setting step for step, Beautiful Ugly was quite possibly Alice Feeney’s most mind-blowing novel yet. From the twistiest of twists to the deliciously eccentric characters, I was thoroughly immersed in a book that will easily be one of my favorites of the year. It wasn’t until I closed the gorgeous cover, however, that I was hit with the clever, thought-provoking message. Seemingly much deeper than any of this author’s prior works, it made me feel all of the feels while also delivering one altogether beautifully written tale.
With dual timelines and dual POVs, the characters gleamed with all of their wacky, oddball behavior. Along with an unreliable narrator caught in a locked room mystery plot, the inevitable twists and turns kept me spellbound until the last shocking word. But it was the island itself that made those very words come alive. So intensely evocative that the Isle of Amberly seemed like yet another character in the story, the vivid descriptions brought the smell of salt water to my nose and the sight of misty fog to my eyes. When I say that this was a truly special novel, I’m not exaggerating in the slightest. It was Feeney at her finest, no doubt about it.
Then there was the underlying feel of the novel. Ringing with foreboding and an ever present sinister vibe, I just knew that something wasn’t quite right—even if I was happily blind to what exactly it was. Twist after brilliant twist was laid at my feet until the truth was finally revealed in all of its perfectly timed glory. And through ever present tension and suspense, this often hard to find thriller double-act delivered in spades. Even better, however, it was all rounded off with a truly unguessable conclusion that had me smiling with glee. After all, there’s a reason why Alice Feeney’s known as the queen of unforgettable twists.
All said and done, I’m utterly blown away. From the riveting start to the somewhat open ending, I was glued to the pages as this book was 100% unputdownable for this thriller lover. So if you love a good jaw-dropping twist or sublime character study that packs quite the punch, this is most definitely a book you need to read. I mean, half of the time I was unsure what I could believe. Was Grady seeing things? Or was it all real? I promise that I won’t say another word other than that you need to order this one ASAP. Flawlessly crafted and plotted to perfection, be prepared to second guess everything within these awe-inspiring pages. Rating of 5+ stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Author Grady Green is having the worst best day of his life.
Grady calls his wife to share some exciting news as she is driving home. He hears Abby slam on the brakes, get out of the car, then nothing. When he eventually finds her car by the cliff edge the headlights are on, the driver door is open, her phone is still there…but his wife has disappeared.
A year later, Grady is still overcome with grief and desperate to know what happened to Abby. He can’t sleep, and he can’t write, so he travels to a tiny Scottish island to try to get his life back on track. Then he sees the impossible—a woman who looks exactly like his missing wife.
Thank you to Alice Feeney and Flatiron Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 14, 2024
Trigger warning: missing person, mention of: sexual abuse, drowning
With dual timelines and dual POVs, the characters gleamed with all of their wacky, oddball behavior. Along with an unreliable narrator caught in a locked room mystery plot, the inevitable twists and turns kept me spellbound until the last shocking word. But it was the island itself that made those very words come alive. So intensely evocative that the Isle of Amberly seemed like yet another character in the story, the vivid descriptions brought the smell of salt water to my nose and the sight of misty fog to my eyes. When I say that this was a truly special novel, I’m not exaggerating in the slightest. It was Feeney at her finest, no doubt about it.
Then there was the underlying feel of the novel. Ringing with foreboding and an ever present sinister vibe, I just knew that something wasn’t quite right—even if I was happily blind to what exactly it was. Twist after brilliant twist was laid at my feet until the truth was finally revealed in all of its perfectly timed glory. And through ever present tension and suspense, this often hard to find thriller double-act delivered in spades. Even better, however, it was all rounded off with a truly unguessable conclusion that had me smiling with glee. After all, there’s a reason why Alice Feeney’s known as the queen of unforgettable twists.
All said and done, I’m utterly blown away. From the riveting start to the somewhat open ending, I was glued to the pages as this book was 100% unputdownable for this thriller lover. So if you love a good jaw-dropping twist or sublime character study that packs quite the punch, this is most definitely a book you need to read. I mean, half of the time I was unsure what I could believe. Was Grady seeing things? Or was it all real? I promise that I won’t say another word other than that you need to order this one ASAP. Flawlessly crafted and plotted to perfection, be prepared to second guess everything within these awe-inspiring pages. Rating of 5+ stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Author Grady Green is having the worst best day of his life.
Grady calls his wife to share some exciting news as she is driving home. He hears Abby slam on the brakes, get out of the car, then nothing. When he eventually finds her car by the cliff edge the headlights are on, the driver door is open, her phone is still there…but his wife has disappeared.
A year later, Grady is still overcome with grief and desperate to know what happened to Abby. He can’t sleep, and he can’t write, so he travels to a tiny Scottish island to try to get his life back on track. Then he sees the impossible—a woman who looks exactly like his missing wife.
Thank you to Alice Feeney and Flatiron Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 14, 2024
Trigger warning: missing person, mention of: sexual abuse, drowning
November 25, 2024
RTC.....
🎧Audiobook🎧
I’m excited for this one!
My AF book ratings-
Rock, Paper, Scissors- 3 Stars
His & Hers- 4 Stars
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨
🎧Audiobook🎧
I’m excited for this one!
My AF book ratings-
Rock, Paper, Scissors- 3 Stars
His & Hers- 4 Stars
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨
November 25, 2024
Alice Feeney's books really hit all over the place with me, from loving to hating, so I was really excited to pick up her upcoming 2025 psychological thriller, BEAUTIFUL UGLY. The book revolves around author Grady Green the disappearance of his wife Abby. Grady Green’s life is shattered when, mid-phone call, he hears his wife Abby slam on the brakes, get out of the car—and then silence. Racing to the scene, he finds her car abandoned by a cliff edge, headlights on and her phone inside, but no sign of Abby. A year later, paralyzed by grief, Grady escapes to a remote Scottish island to recover and begin writing a new book to gain control of his career. Then, in a shocking twist, he spots a woman who looks just like his missing wife.
Beautiful Ugly unfolds much more slowly than Feeney's previous works, leaving me uncertain where the story would go, but constantly guessing. The island’s eerie setting and Grady’s insomnia blur the lines of reality, immersing you in his experience on this island. While the pacing drags a bit in the middle, it adds depth to the characters and intensifies the suspense, building up to a twist that I did not see coming!
Beautiful Ugly unfolds much more slowly than Feeney's previous works, leaving me uncertain where the story would go, but constantly guessing. The island’s eerie setting and Grady’s insomnia blur the lines of reality, immersing you in his experience on this island. While the pacing drags a bit in the middle, it adds depth to the characters and intensifies the suspense, building up to a twist that I did not see coming!
October 13, 2024
Alice Feeney is BACK
December 6, 2024
Alice feeney's best one yet.
the hidden message is brilliantly done. the twists got me every time. I loved everything about this, down to the oxymorons in every chapter title.
the hidden message is brilliantly done. the twists got me every time. I loved everything about this, down to the oxymorons in every chapter title.
November 20, 2024
It pains me to say this, because Alice Feeney has always been one of thriller authors, but unfortunately I didn't love this one. Don't get me wrong, I liked the story but I did feel a bit disappointed with it.
My main issue with Beautiful Ugly was the extremely slow pacing. It felt like nothing exciting whatsoever happened in the book up until 80% of the way in.
The redeeming part of the book was the twists. Alice Feeney isn't known as the Queen of the Thriller Twist for nothing. Beautiful Ugly delivers multiple twists towards the end, and that last one, completely changes everything (in the best way)!
Maybe I got myself too psyched up or maybe my expectations were too high going into this one. Or maybe I’m still not over my thriller slump. Even though this one didn't blow me away, I will still continue to read whatever Alice Feeney writes in the future and I also recommend Beautiful Ugly to thriller readers (as well as Feeney’s backlist).
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney will be available on January 14, 2025. Many thanks to Macmillan Audio and Flatiron Books for the gifted audiobook!
My main issue with Beautiful Ugly was the extremely slow pacing. It felt like nothing exciting whatsoever happened in the book up until 80% of the way in.
The redeeming part of the book was the twists. Alice Feeney isn't known as the Queen of the Thriller Twist for nothing. Beautiful Ugly delivers multiple twists towards the end, and that last one, completely changes everything (in the best way)!
Maybe I got myself too psyched up or maybe my expectations were too high going into this one. Or maybe I’m still not over my thriller slump. Even though this one didn't blow me away, I will still continue to read whatever Alice Feeney writes in the future and I also recommend Beautiful Ugly to thriller readers (as well as Feeney’s backlist).
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney will be available on January 14, 2025. Many thanks to Macmillan Audio and Flatiron Books for the gifted audiobook!
December 9, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Dark, intriguing, and such a mystery of what truly happened. I loved the different POVs. It truly gave more depth to the characters. I was on the edge of my seat, then shocked! The narrator did an amazing job with some sound effects, too! Truly helped me process and love the story even more!
I received this Audiobook ARC from NetGalley and MacMillan Audio to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully listening to this Audiobook.
I received this Audiobook ARC from NetGalley and MacMillan Audio to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully listening to this Audiobook.
December 3, 2024
It has been A LONG TIME since a book has completely hooked me and I finish it in less than 24 hrs. But THIS book did just that, I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT and I believe this is @alicewriterland’s best book yet!
From the start, this mystery of a missing wife completely consumed me. What happened to her? Is Grady crazy? I could not stop reading. After traveling to Scotland this year, I’m obsessed with any book that takes place there and this is no different. The atmospheric setting, the cut off from the rest of the world, the eerie little town - I was creeped out but completely intrigued. AND THAT ENDING?! Miss Ma’am! Excuse me, but that was art.
READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!
From the start, this mystery of a missing wife completely consumed me. What happened to her? Is Grady crazy? I could not stop reading. After traveling to Scotland this year, I’m obsessed with any book that takes place there and this is no different. The atmospheric setting, the cut off from the rest of the world, the eerie little town - I was creeped out but completely intrigued. AND THAT ENDING?! Miss Ma’am! Excuse me, but that was art.
READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!
November 21, 2024
I would write this review in all caps if that wasn’t rude, but I want you to read this like I’m yelling it - I LOVED Beautiful Ugly so much. So so much.
I started listening to this Netgalley audio arc as a distraction and anxiety coping mechanism during a 90 minute dental crown appointment. As the drill did its work, Alice Feeney performed a miracle and kept my brain engaged in a beautifully written story while my body underwent trauma. I then spent the next 24 hours looking for reasons to listen instead of the billion other things I needed to be doing.
Unfortunately the review I was writing in my head to explain how the story paid homage to particular authors, books and genre cannot be shared because mentioning any of those other beloved works would spoil your journey.
Just get this book. I can highly recommend the audio narrated by the fabulous Richard Armitage who knocks everything he touches out of the park.
Probably my all time favorite book of the year. Five glorious stars.
I started listening to this Netgalley audio arc as a distraction and anxiety coping mechanism during a 90 minute dental crown appointment. As the drill did its work, Alice Feeney performed a miracle and kept my brain engaged in a beautifully written story while my body underwent trauma. I then spent the next 24 hours looking for reasons to listen instead of the billion other things I needed to be doing.
Unfortunately the review I was writing in my head to explain how the story paid homage to particular authors, books and genre cannot be shared because mentioning any of those other beloved works would spoil your journey.
Just get this book. I can highly recommend the audio narrated by the fabulous Richard Armitage who knocks everything he touches out of the park.
Probably my all time favorite book of the year. Five glorious stars.
November 21, 2024
This book surpassed all my expectations and I just couldn’t turn the pages fast enough while reading it! This story was packed with tension and unexpected twists that kept me up all night. Feeney does such a great job weaving suspense with character drama. The more I read, the more I questioned what was real and who I could trust. Each character brought their own secrets and complexities, making me second-guess everything. Even the quirky, nosy neighbors had me wondering what they were hiding.
And the setting! I could practically feel the mist and cold air of the Scottish island, and it added so much atmosphere to the story. Every twist felt sharper, every reveal hit harder—it’s the kind of book that makes you feel like you’re right there in the middle of it all.
If you’ve read any of Alice Feeney’s previous works, you know you’re in for a wild ride where nothing is as it seems, and nobody is who they claim to be. This book is no exception—trust nothing, question everything, and brace yourself for a story that will mess with your head!
The narrators really brought this story to life for me—they added so much depth and emotion to the characters that it felt like I was right there with them. I also loved the sound effects at the start of each chapter; they helped me stay oriented and added a little something extra to the experience. If you’re thinking about reading this book, I’d definitely say go for the audiobook—it made the story even more immersive for me!
An absolutely brilliant novel—one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year. If you’re looking for a thriller that will keep you up all night questioning everything, you need to read this. Highly recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
And the setting! I could practically feel the mist and cold air of the Scottish island, and it added so much atmosphere to the story. Every twist felt sharper, every reveal hit harder—it’s the kind of book that makes you feel like you’re right there in the middle of it all.
If you’ve read any of Alice Feeney’s previous works, you know you’re in for a wild ride where nothing is as it seems, and nobody is who they claim to be. This book is no exception—trust nothing, question everything, and brace yourself for a story that will mess with your head!
The narrators really brought this story to life for me—they added so much depth and emotion to the characters that it felt like I was right there with them. I also loved the sound effects at the start of each chapter; they helped me stay oriented and added a little something extra to the experience. If you’re thinking about reading this book, I’d definitely say go for the audiobook—it made the story even more immersive for me!
An absolutely brilliant novel—one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year. If you’re looking for a thriller that will keep you up all night questioning everything, you need to read this. Highly recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 29, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up for the "twist", but honestly a bit disappointed with Feeney's latest, sigh... The first half really failed to engage me, just rather dull. It did pick up, but I sorta guessed (correctly) where it was all going. She's still good at these twisty thrillers, so will hope for better next time around
November 22, 2024
This story has many good twists I was not expecting. I like going into stories blindly. At first, I was just following the author and his love of writing and his excitement awaiting for news if he's a New York Times bestseller or not. He was upset that his wife was not near him to celebrate his happy moments. A nice surprise when there's an alternative point of view. The alternating view also alters what we see the author to be. His words against hers. In every situation, there are two views. The author made himself to be someone for us readers to feel bad for but the alternating view makes us think that there's more than that.
This story has horror aspects because the author relocated to an island, a secluded area to write his next novel. He likes quiet. This island has a mystery. Or several mysteries. The author hasn't seen his wife for a year. He said she disappeared while on the phone with him on her way home to him. Since her disappearance, he struggled to write. At this island, he thought he was going mad when he thought he saw her but upon chasing her down, the lady was not her. But that wasn't the last time he thought he glimpsed her. He was tested on the island. Would he put his writing above all else? Would he take an idea that's not his own?
The audiobook was good. At least 2 narrators. It has ocean sounds since they're at the island.
Thank you MacAudio and Flatiron Books for the opportunity to read, listen, and review!
This story has horror aspects because the author relocated to an island, a secluded area to write his next novel. He likes quiet. This island has a mystery. Or several mysteries. The author hasn't seen his wife for a year. He said she disappeared while on the phone with him on her way home to him. Since her disappearance, he struggled to write. At this island, he thought he was going mad when he thought he saw her but upon chasing her down, the lady was not her. But that wasn't the last time he thought he glimpsed her. He was tested on the island. Would he put his writing above all else? Would he take an idea that's not his own?
The audiobook was good. At least 2 narrators. It has ocean sounds since they're at the island.
Thank you MacAudio and Flatiron Books for the opportunity to read, listen, and review!
December 4, 2024
This "BEAUTIFUL UGLY" book was PRETTY.
1) PRETTY Twisty.
"The Queen of Twists" did not disappoint!
2) PRETTY Slow-Burn
Fortunately, the book's slow-burn beginning picked up at the 50% mark.
3) PRETTY Typical, yet Atypical.
Not a "typical" book about an insomniac author with writer's block and sightings of dead people.
Instead, talented author Alice Feeney put a devious and unique spin on the "same old, same old".
4) PRETTY Unreliable Narrators.
Who is unreliable and who is reliable? That is for readers to decide
5) PRETTY Gasp-Worthy.
I GOL (Gasped Out Loud) three times.
My gasp at the end of the book was particularly loud and resounding!
6) PRETTY Unusual Quote.
Is "I HOPE YOU DIE IN YOUR SLEEP" a good or bad comment to say to your spouse?
It's a BEAUTIFUL UGLY quote I will always associate with this PRETTY complex book.
7) PRETTY Awesome Audiobook Narration.
I listened to the audiobook expertly read by Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars.
October 5, 2024
I have liked and disliked Alice Feeney novels, but this one is the worst so far. The book exists only for the sake of the twist, and worst of all, everything leading up to the twist is quite boring! I kept seeing along the way all kinds of interesting things Feeney could do but she did not do them. I am not even sure I should mark this book as "read" since it was really just skimmed waiting for something good to happen and being disappointed.
Want to read
May 8, 2024This author is such a hit or miss for me, but i live for her TWISTS! Excited for this one! 😁😁❤️
November 29, 2024
This is only the second book I’ve read by Feeney, but as a big fan of Daisy Darker (5star read), I knew I wanted to read this one as soon as I came across it. It sounds exactly like my kind of story. I really like Alice Feeney; she is such a good writer and storyteller.
The book summary introduces the primary storyline of a grieving Grady, who has been mentally and emotionally incapacitated by the disappearance of his wife, Abby, a year earlier. As if it wasn’t bad enough that Grady was a needy, insecure, man-child before Abby’s disappearance, he has now become a full-on morose recluse incapable of taking care of himself, although he seems to still be able to still take care of Columbo, his devoted black Lab.
Anyway, what the book summary doesn’t mention is that his agent sends him to Amberly for the sole purpose of writing something before he is completely broke and bankrupt. Amberley is a really tiny Scottish island that is extremely remote. So remote that there is no wifi or internet service and no working land lines either. Furthermore, visitors aren���t allowed to bring cars onto the island and the ferry service is strictly for mail and supplies to the island. All of which make for the perfect setting to a really creepy story.
Another thing that the book summary doesn’t mention is that the cabin that Grady is staying in was owned by a famous writer, who was a well-known recluse, that died many years ago. Upon arriving at the cabin, Grady finds the final draft of the author’s last book that was rumored to have been lost or hidden, which it was in the floorboards of the cabin. Anyway, Grady finds it and decides to pass it off as his own. This trope has never gone well for characters in other stories who have tried to do this. None of this is a spoiler since it happens in the first 15-20% of the story.
The story flips back and forth between present day Grady on the island and pre-disappearance Abby. We get a pretty clear picture of how downtrodden and grief-stricken Grady is. The book summary also doesn’t mention another secret Abby was keeping and that was all the money she was funneling out of their joint account prior to disappearing, which is how Grady became so broke. This was also revealed from the start of the story.
Anyway, Feeney sets up some clear directions on where she wants our suspicions to go. In typical Feeney style, all is not what you think it is – it is so much darker and creepier. That crazy, shocking end was so far off from where I had gone it’s absolutely laughable. Alice Feeney is the Queen of crazy twists and turns. Moral of the story: be careful of what you ask for…..
The character development for Grady, Abby and Kitty was well done and even some of the supporting characters on Amberly were ok. The pacing was steady and the storyline very interesting that kept me engaged throughout. The writing was Feeney finest and will have me adding more of her work to my to-read list. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.5 that I am rounding down to a 5star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #BeautifulUgly
The book summary introduces the primary storyline of a grieving Grady, who has been mentally and emotionally incapacitated by the disappearance of his wife, Abby, a year earlier. As if it wasn’t bad enough that Grady was a needy, insecure, man-child before Abby’s disappearance, he has now become a full-on morose recluse incapable of taking care of himself, although he seems to still be able to still take care of Columbo, his devoted black Lab.
Anyway, what the book summary doesn’t mention is that his agent sends him to Amberly for the sole purpose of writing something before he is completely broke and bankrupt. Amberley is a really tiny Scottish island that is extremely remote. So remote that there is no wifi or internet service and no working land lines either. Furthermore, visitors aren���t allowed to bring cars onto the island and the ferry service is strictly for mail and supplies to the island. All of which make for the perfect setting to a really creepy story.
Another thing that the book summary doesn’t mention is that the cabin that Grady is staying in was owned by a famous writer, who was a well-known recluse, that died many years ago. Upon arriving at the cabin, Grady finds the final draft of the author’s last book that was rumored to have been lost or hidden, which it was in the floorboards of the cabin. Anyway, Grady finds it and decides to pass it off as his own. This trope has never gone well for characters in other stories who have tried to do this. None of this is a spoiler since it happens in the first 15-20% of the story.
The story flips back and forth between present day Grady on the island and pre-disappearance Abby. We get a pretty clear picture of how downtrodden and grief-stricken Grady is. The book summary also doesn’t mention another secret Abby was keeping and that was all the money she was funneling out of their joint account prior to disappearing, which is how Grady became so broke. This was also revealed from the start of the story.
Anyway, Feeney sets up some clear directions on where she wants our suspicions to go. In typical Feeney style, all is not what you think it is – it is so much darker and creepier. That crazy, shocking end was so far off from where I had gone it’s absolutely laughable. Alice Feeney is the Queen of crazy twists and turns. Moral of the story: be careful of what you ask for…..
The character development for Grady, Abby and Kitty was well done and even some of the supporting characters on Amberly were ok. The pacing was steady and the storyline very interesting that kept me engaged throughout. The writing was Feeney finest and will have me adding more of her work to my to-read list. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.5 that I am rounding down to a 5star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #BeautifulUgly
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