G.P. Putnam's Sons | July 2019 | 352 pgs
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Phoebe Miller may be a heiress but she's living an unhappy and an isolated life in her exclusive house in a suburban neighborhood in Chicago. Her late father, Daniel Miller, was quite a character and had left a bad name to the Millers. Phoebe hates to be associated with him, and this explains why she keeps to herself and drowns her sorrow in alcohol and ice cream. It doesn't help that she and her husband, Wyatt, have different views when it comes to the baby issue and as a result their relationship is strained.
It is at this time that she begins to notice a blue car that always park by her driveway and it seems like whoever in the car is watching her. Whether she's being paranoid or not, Phoebe doesn't like the feeling of being watched and it's only when the Napiers family move in across the street that her attention starts to shift. Dr. Ron Napier has an intimidating demeanor while his wife, Vicki, appears friendly. But Phoebe's attention is on their handsome college-bound son, Jake, and it didn't take long that the two began to get close to each other. Phoebe does feel a bit guilty towards Vicki; after all they've become good friends and will confide with each other regarding their marriage woes. Just when she thought she has all the things balanced and work out her way, she receives an anonymous threatening note stating her secrets.
Now where shall I even begin? There was a lot of things happening in this story; not to mention it was filled with red herrings and all the twists and turns. The characters are not likeable but they do make you wonder about their characteristics and their motives. There are two parts in this story and I've to say the first part was the most intriguing. The second part felt a bit disjointed, though, and I think it's due to the shift of characters and the change of direction (and of course the big surprise reveal). As much as it was all very compelling, I felt the reader has to suspend some belief to fully appreciate the story. Overall it has a catching plot and as this is the author's debut, I'm curious to see what she'll have in store next.
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I'm not sure this book would work for me, but it sounds like Dickson is an author to keep an eye out for. Maybe her next book will be more my speed.
Lark - There's something about the author's writing that had me hooked to this book; then of course the plot was intriguing, too. I'm hoping her next book will surpass this one.
Since this is a debut novel, I'd likely be more inclined to continue reading. However, the subject matter and unlikable characters is not as appealing. I think I'm just not quite ready to move back over into the domestic thriller type books as yet. I'll keep this one in mind though. Nice review, Melody. Very informative.
When an author has a debut that catches your attention, but still has elements I quibble over, I debate whether or not to continue. Like Kay, though, the subject matter and unlikable characters doesn't do much for me.
Kay - Thanks, Kay! I agree the subject matter and the unlikable characters do not make this book very appealing but I was curious to see how it end, ha. Plus, as I mentioned to Lark, there's something about the author's writing which I find hard to resist.
Jenclair - The author's writing won me over despite the subject matter and the unlikable characters. :) Hopefully her next book will be different.
Hi Melody, I have this one on my TBR list but I'm starting to rethink. Unlikeable characters always mess with the overall enjoyment. Hmmmm, I think I will wait this one out.
Marce - I think readers will either like or dislike this story. I'm OK with unlikable characters but I think they're so commonly featured nowadays that perhaps some of us readers feel irritated by them, lol.
It's an interesting premise. Hopefully the author's skill will grow in future books. I might give this one a try.
Wendy - I'll be curious of your thoughts if you do read it, Wendy.