Lake Union Publishing | 1 August 2018 | 268 pgs
Source: Library
Jane is working as a data entry clerk in an insurance company. At first glance, she's simple and meek and at times, insecure about herself. Her pretty face and her personality catches the attention of the company's manager, Steven Hepsworth; and likewise Steven caught Jane's attention but for different reasons. The real Jane is hardly a meek and insecure woman. In fact, she's a self-proclaimed sociopath and before moving back to Minneapolis, she had a great career as an import-export attorney and lived in a nice apartment in Kuala Lumpur. There's only one reason she's back and leading a double life - getting revenge for her late best friend, Meg.
Meg and Steven were a couple until his hot and cold behavior and his emotionally abusive streak led Meg to end her life. Meg's death shattered Jane's equilibrium considering how close they used to be; and this has led Jane to lose all interest in life and decided to avenge for Meg. Jane is familiar with Steven’s gaslighting antics; after all she'd heard enough of his behaviours through Meg and she felt angry that her best friend had chosen to ignore or gave reasons for Steven’s behaviours. Jane has nothing to lose as she's prepared to bring Steven down along with his family members, but her encounter with an old friend/ex-lover complicates her plans.
Whether if it was a case of character study of Jane (yes, she does has some issues) or a story about revenge, Jane Doe made a compelling read with the developments for both the characterisations and the storyline. Jane was an intriguing character; and I liked her fearlessness and her loyalty towards her friend. Her self-proclaimed as a sociopath may not portray her in a positive light, yet it didn't deem her as an anti-heroine either the more I learnt about her. There are some topics which are difficult to read but they delve into the issues of what some women are facing in the real world. Jane will appear in another book titled Problem Child and it looks like she's met her match with her teenage niece.
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Hmmm. A sociopath, but a loyal one. I'm definitely intrigued!
Jenclair - I've never read a sociopath character like Jane so this book was a refreshing read based on her narrative. And I'm definitely intrigued with the next book. :)
I don't usually like to read revenge books, but I might make an exception for this one, mostly because the second book sounds good, too.
I think I would like this one. Jane sounds like such an interesting character. I read another of this author's books years ago (False Step) and enjoyed it. I will have to give this one a try.
Lark - For me, I think it has to depend on the premise, purpose and the story direction when revenge books are concerned. The second book seems a bit different from this one so I'll have to add it to my wishlist. :)
Wendy - I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on this book if you do read it, Wendy. I need to check out her other books as well.
How interesting. I mean, she's clearly disturbed but to be so loyal to her friend to want to avenge her? Definitely a different suspense read. Glad you enjoyed this one!
Iliana - Jane definitely makes an intriguing character based on her characteristics and the way she avenged for her friend. It was a refreshing read to me from all the other thrillers.