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Book Details:
Title: Beautiful Ugly
Author: Alice Feeney
Genre: Psychological thriller, thriller, mystery
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Print Length: 320 pages
Source: A copy from the local library
Blurb:
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER from the author of His & Hers, now a #1 Netflix show, and the hit bestseller My Husband's Wife!“Her best book yet.” ―Harlan Coben
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.
“Magnetic and jaw-dropping.” ―Mary Kubica, bestselling author
"Unforgettable." ―Chris Whitaker, bestselling author
Purchase Link:
My Review:
This gripping thriller follows a bestselling author whose life is turned upside down when his wife mysteriously disappears. Struggling with grief and unable to move forward, he retreats to the secluded island of Amberley to finish his next novel. The trip is encouraged by his agent and a close family friend, who hope the peaceful setting will help him heal and rediscover his creativity.
But Amberley is far from the quiet escape it appears to be. The island is filled with secrets, hidden histories, and unexpected connections—one of which ties directly to his missing wife. When he unexpectedly encounters her on the island, the mystery deepens, and nothing is quite what it seems.
Beyond the suspense, the story explores relationships, the secrets people keep, and the sacrifices and compromises we make for those we love.
What I Loved
I thoroughly enjoyed the storytelling. The narrative is engaging from the very beginning, and the suspense keeps building with every chapter. It was one of those books that was difficult to put down.
The multiple points of view add depth to the story and make the mystery even more compelling. There are plenty of unexpected twists and revelations that keep you guessing until the end. I also loved the atmospheric setting—the island's unpredictable weather, its isolated landscape, and its intriguing residents all contribute to the book's eerie and suspenseful tone.
The pacing felt just right. The story unfolds steadily, revealing clues at the perfect moments without ever feeling rushed. I especially appreciated that the climax felt believable and grounded rather than overly dramatic.
Overall
A fascinating, immersive thriller packed with mystery, secrets, and surprising twists. If you enjoy atmospheric suspense and character-driven mysteries, this is definitely a book worth picking up. It's easy to see why Goodreads readers have been recommending it so highly—it was one of my favorite thriller reads of the year as well.
My Rating: 5/5
Until next time,
