This was intriguing every single step of the way. There were moments — especially toward the middle, when the creepiness really escalates — where I physically felt ill. I was repulsed by Josie even before the full picture came into view. It’s wild how strongly I reacted. I genuinely wanted to throw the book just to push her away from me. I felt the gag in my throat and kept wanting to scream at Alix to get away.
I’ve said in a previous review that some books make me feel like I’m experiencing events alongside the character in real time; others make me feel like a witness to a secret as it unfolds. This one was absolutely the former. I felt like a ghost hovering in the room — unseen, unheard, but shouting no, get her away at Alix, feeling sick to my stomach, wanting to scare Josie off myself. LOL But honestly, that just shows how effective Lisa Jewell’s writing is. This was truly a page‑turner.
And on a small personal note: one of the final chapters is titled with my birthday, and I’m relieved it wasn’t one I hated (for the events, not the writing). It still carries a deluded, creepy, manipulative oh‑wow‑I‑can’t‑believe‑this‑lady moment, but mostly there’s the energy of reclaiming and healing woven in for the characters I root for. I’ll hang on to that.
4.25 ⭐
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Rating Guide: My star ratings represent personal resonance, not universal value. I admire writers for the courage it takes to be seen and the discipline it takes to create. Thank you for writing, and for reading.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 — Deeply resonant, even when I can’t fully put it into words
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 — Compelling and well‑written
⭐⭐⭐ 3 — Not quite my style, but still enjoyable
⭐⭐ 2 — Had promise but didn’t quite land
⭐ 1 — Fell short of what I hoped for
