"The Next Girl" by Pip Drysdale is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Drysdale's writing is taut and suspenseful, drawing readers into the dark and twisted world of online dating and obsession.

The protagonist, a strong-willed and independent woman named Tallulah, is both relatable and compelling. As she navigates the complexities of modern romance and grapples with her own insecurities, readers can't help but root for her to overcome the challenges she faces.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its exploration of the dangers of online relationships and the blurred lines between fantasy and reality. Drysdale deftly navigates this terrain, highlighting the ways in which social media can facilitate both connection and deception.

The pacing of the novel is brisk, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end. Each chapter ends on a cliffhanger, propelling the story forward and making it difficult to put the book down.

While "The Next Girl" is undeniably a page-turner, it is not without its flaws. Some readers may find certain plot developments to be predictable, and the ending may feel somewhat rushed compared to the rest of the novel.

Overall, "The Next Girl" is a thrilling read that will appeal to fans of psychological suspense. With its compelling protagonist, suspenseful plot, and timely themes, it earns a solid 4/5 rating. Readers looking for a fast-paced and thought-provoking thriller won't be disappointed.

This is a very detailed book. It's actually so detailed that sometimes I found myself rolling my eyes. I don't need to know all the ins and outs of phone hacking and burner phones. So much detail made the book very wordy and I was lost about half way through.

I've never read this author before and would try a different novel, but this one just wasn't for me.

Looking for your next thrilling story about love, anger, and revenge? Be the next Girl to read this one!!

I could not stop reading this book. It was so thrilling to read. From the second I started it, I just needed to know what came next.

I loved it.

An ARC was provided by NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada in exchange for an honest review.

An exciting and compulsive read that kept me on the edge of my seat!!

I read and really enjoyed Pip Drysdale's debut novel, “The Sunday Girl”. After reading the description for "The Next Girl", I knew it was one I just had to read.

Once again it was a story about love, anger, and revenge but the plot was still intriguing and original. I flew through this fast paced and tense story. I found it suspenseful and entertaining. Overall, a terrific psychological suspense novel.

So now I'm two for two with this talented author and I'm looking forward to reading more!

I did not finish this one, it was not for me, I couldn't relate to the characters, and just did not care for the story.

An intriguing read that will have you hooked from one chapter to the next. I enjoyed this one and would recommend it.

Billie is a badass woman. Definitely reckless, but also determined. She is going to get justice regardless of the cost to herself.

She’s a modern-day vigilante who has taken it upon herself to dole out justice to men who have gotten away scot-free, despite their crimes against women.

In doing so, she places herself in the dangerous position of potentially becoming the next victim (hence the title!).

This book was pulse-pounding and had me on the edge of my seat the entire read. I was terrified for Billie, all while cheering her on. I was so personally invested in her need to succeed!

While this was my first book by Drysdale, it will definitely not be my last.

If you enjoy fast-paced and nail-biting thrillers, definitely check this one out! Please check the trigger warnings before reading as it does involve violence against women.

Pip Drysdale's latest release, "The Next Girl," plunges readers into an exhilarating narrative rife with themes of toxic masculinity, online harassment, and the intricate dance between revenge and justice.

At the heart of the story is Billie, a paralegal with an unwavering passion for the justice system. However, her world shatters when a case ends in acquittal for her client's abuser, leading to her dismissal from her job. In a twist of fate, Billie takes matters into her own hands, determined to expose the truth and bring retribution to the victim. To achieve this, she delves into the enigmatic realm of her adversary, embodying what she aims to unmask: becoming his next girl.

Billie's character, though fueled by a commendable drive, is presented with such intensity that it occasionally hindered my immersion in the story. Her constant whirlwind of activities made it challenging to settle into the narrative, as the pace remained consistently frenetic.

"The Next Girl" intriguingly adopts a vigilante-style narrative, interlaced with multiple layers of mystery that tease the reader's curiosity. However, I occasionally found myself struggling amidst the numerous uncertainties, as the lack of answers at times led to confusion rather than captivation.

Timely and thought-provoking, "The Next Girl" effectively navigates the complexities of its themes. While I did appreciate the story's intent and the thrill it offered, I must admit that it didn't resonate with me as strongly as some of Pip Drysdale's other works. "The Next Girl" is undeniably an engaging read, albeit not my personal favorite from the author's collection.

I absolutely loved this book!! I couldn’t put it down.
I just loved all the characters. I highly recommend this book.

This was a very good read with a very intriguing plot. A brave young women with a courageous mission. Will have you hooked from the beginning. For those who like the mystery/thriller genre this is a good one, add it to your TBR pile.

Frantic! Exhilarating! Next chapter. Next chapter. Next chapter.

How did the book make me feel/think?

Frantic!

What did I do? How did I get here?

I must make things right.

I know. I’ll fix things. I have a plan.

I’ll do this, and this, and this. There, that should fix things. Vengeance will be grand. Stop. Destroy. I can’t leave a trail. So come with me to the next chapter. We'll be safe in there.

Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god.

I’m being followed. It’s not safe in here. If I’m caught, I’m finished. I will pay for something I haven’t done. Who is that? How was I found?

I need allies.

You. You. You.
More vengeance. I’ve got you. I must destroy the evidence. Vengeance is a fickle beast. I’m only going to peek. One last time. Someone’s here. The hairs on my arm are standing on end. I’m doomed. I need an escape.

Next chapter. Next chapter. Next chapter.
More. Run. Take a deep breath. I’m absolved. Oh, no, someone is here. I’m trapped. I’m finished. Fight of flight. Flight.
What are you doing here?
I’m doomed.
Next chapter. Next chapter. Next chapter.

One more hit, a peek; am I living in denial?

Next chapter.

Exhilarating!

WRITTEN: 29 March 2023

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

“The Next Girl” is a fast-paced, over the top thriller that had me completely on board.

The story follows Billie, a messed-up paralegal who, at the beginning of the book, wakes up in bed with a stranger, missing a shoe and a long way from her home in Manhattan. She has no memory of how she got there. She later discovers she’s been fired from her job with a law firm after apparently being responsible for losing a high profile case. Knowing she is innocent and with nothing to lose, she goes after the real perpetrator.

The book is a great time. It’s far-fetched and the main character keeps making bad decisions, but it’s fun and engrossing. It was an easy read and I tore through it in a couple of days. Suspect your disbelief and you’ll love it.

Readers are introduced to Billie, a determined paralegal with dreams of becoming a lawyer. But beneath her professional facade lies a hidden agenda, fueled by a secret side hustle and a dark habit. As the plot unfolds, Billie finds herself entangled in a web of deceit and danger, with her past closing in on her rapidly. Suddenly, the tables are turned, and Billie, once aspiring to be a lawyer, becomes the one in need of legal representation. The author skillfully weaves together elements of suspense, moral dilemmas, and the complexities of personal growth to deliver a thought-provoking story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinon.

This was the first book I have read by this author and it was a great introduction to her. I will definitely check out more books by this author. I didn't really like the main character, Billie, I found she was wishy washy, but it was easy to overlook because the other characters were great. Billie is in a terrible spot in her life, she really needs something to get her back on track. There were lots of twists and turns and I did not guess the ending. Great summer read.

This was a 5 star read for me!! I found this book to really pull me in with the writing style, and i couldn't put it down. This was the first book i have read from this Author and will be excitedly watching to read more. I found it to be fast paced which really increased readability.

Definitely been a hot minute since I posted a review. But I’ve been busy with finishing up school and working. I’ve been able to get some fun reading done too which I am thankful for, because it’s a nice break from school.

This book was amazing. I enjoyed every single second and found it hard to put down. I would really love for there to be another story about Billie because I want to learn about before.

Also, this book has a QR code you can scan for a list of music that is mentioned throughout the book (Billie really loved her music). Lots of incredible songs on that list. I wish more books would do this!

Definitely check this book out!!

Thank you to Pip Drysadle, Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for the advanced eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first novel I’ve read from Drysdale, and won’t be my last. A good summer or weekend read!
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for a chance to enjoy this ARC!

The Next Girl is a suspense and thriller novel about revenge and exposure. Billie Spencer-Tate is a badass 24-year old woman who tracks down powerful, entitled men who prey on vulnerable women. These men have committed a plethora of crimes, from murder, to sexual abuse, to domestic abuse, to drunk driving ending in death. Through less than legal means, Billy infiltrates herself in these men's lives to gather information, expose dark secrets, and receive justice for the victimized women.

This novel was an absolute page-turner from beginning to end, with short chapters ending with cliff-hangers. This book will keep you reading past your bedtime. I also wouldn't be surprised if a sequel is to come...

⚠️ Potential trigger warnings: sexual assault, loss of a loved one, alcoholism, drugging, pornography, domestic abuse (may not be an exhaustive list)

🙏 Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for the gifted electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Paralegal by day, vigilante by night Billie is an interesting character driven to help provide justice to abused women she comes across. Well maybe not in the classical "vigilant" sense with guns ablazing and fist-a-cuff action. Rather she manipulates things so that the offender is brought to light for their crimes. But it doesn't always work out well and there may be a body or 2 scattered about in direct relation to her activies.

I enjoyed the writing style with short snappy chapters and the various plot twists that come about. Who can she trust and is there someone out to do her harm?

4 stars