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An Anonymous Girl
An Anonymous Girl
Greer Hendricks, Sarah Pekkanen | 2019 | Mystery, Thriller
10
7.5 (15 Ratings)
Book Rating
Split Narration Format (1 more)
Engaging Plot
Yet Another Great Psychological Thriller
Contains spoilers, click to show
“An Anonymous Girl” is the newest book written by the authors of the prior bestseller “The Wife Between Us”, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. The book follows the stories of two people, a young woman named Jessica, a makeup artist, who enters a psychological study, and the prominent psychiatrist who runs the study, Dr Lydia Shields.

     Written in a split narration format, the story unfolds from the perspectives of both characters simultaneously, allowing you to be immersed in the inner workings of both minds, pulling you into their world, and making you feel their emotions. It pulls you into the uncertainty and fear of a participant lured into a dangerous place unknowingly, and the rage, despair, and hope of a psychiatrist who has been betrayed and seeks retribution.

     Guilt and fear can be powerful motivators, and “An Anonymous Girl” plays on that narrative quite well. A book full of twists and turns, it definitely lures you in. It is hard to put down, and leaves you wanting more. I would recommend picking it up and giving it a Good Read!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an advanced readers copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
  
The Roanoke Girls
The Roanoke Girls
Amy Engel | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (14 Ratings)
Book Rating
A deeply disturbing psychological drama
I would not consider this a conventional thriller as it was understandable that the ending would play out in such a way. But it is a harrowing, horribly grim perspective on intergenerational sexual abuse and incest. It raises questions about how such acts can continue to happen over long periods of time, how abusers manipulate their victims to make them feel they are to blame in their trauma as well as the complicity of outside factors such as the other parent and the outside community. A horrifying look at patriarchal structures.
  
The Watcher
The Watcher
Ross Armstrong | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
9
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
"One of the best thrillers I've read in a while"
No doubt there are clear remnants of Girl on a Train and Rear Window in this psychological thriller, and having heard a fair few, sometimes it seems obvious who the culprit is.

However - the twists and turns to get to the climax are absolutely gut wrenching, the first personal dialogue writing in a journal is engaging and the contemporary plot is interesting - so it's well worth the read. Catherine Steadman is a great performer - and it reminded me of listening to Paula Hawkin's character - there are clear similarities. Overall, definitely worth any hype.
  
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Lauren (1 KP) rated Disclaimer in Books

Jan 24, 2018  
Disclaimer
Disclaimer
Renee Knight | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
7
7.1 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
The ending was a complete surprise, as well as the premise being a really good idea. (0 more)
Execution of the premise wasn't as amazing as expected. First few chapters a bit slow and wobbly, but the second half makes up for it. (0 more)
A good debut from Renee Knight
At surface level, this is a really good psychological suspense/thriller book. However, you will find flaws if you look deeper. I couldn't really relate to any characters, I didn't particularly like or become attached to any of them, but the multi-layered family conflict was good and realistic.
  
Then She Was Gone
Then She Was Gone
Lisa Jewell | 2017 | Thriller
7
8.1 (21 Ratings)
Book Rating
A little far-fetched but still exciting
While this thriller seems highly unlikely, it is pretty exciting with twist after twist. More than a decade after the disappearance and death of Ellie Mack, mother Laurel begins a new relationship with a family with a sinister connection.

Some aspects seem hugely unrealistic, i.e. relying on face value to make judgements, and the interconnections appear a little tenuous but this book should be enjoyed as an exhilarating read, rather than a psychological drama. There is very little character development, and sparse information regarding the wider characters such as Hannah and Paul. However, it's interesting nonetheless.
  
Delirium (2018)
Delirium (2018)
2018 | Horror
The story and acting. (0 more)
The slow pace at times. (0 more)
Well Done
This psychological thriller on Netflix turned out to be pretty interesting. Topher Grace did a good job playing his role as the main protagonist. No flashy effects or true scares but the story played out well and ended up being pretty twisted. Kept you wondering what was in his head and what wasn't throughout most of the movie. I'd definitely recommend this one. The cinematography was well done and all the actors played their parts well. It's kind of slow moving at times, but really worth a watch!