Well that was weird. As I was reading this book, I felt it was pretty much a 4 star book and I was enjoying trying to figure out what had happened to the characters. The writing is good and the story was compelling - - - until the end. It was a twist I didn't see coming, and I felt somehow cheated after going through the whole book thinking something different. It was a real surprise - and not a good one.

4.5 Startling Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

WOW! Whether intentional or not this book definitely has an ending that has caused some controversy... for me the ending was absolute PERFECTION! It made every piece of the puzzle in this book fall into place and make complete sense....I’ve read other reviews and people described their reaction to the twist as a gasp, or frustration, or pure hatred... not me... my reaction was.... AHA! now I understand..... now I get what ____ was,And why ____ happened! This is not to say I don’t understand why this ending did not appeal to everybody, because I do... but I think everyone needs to read the book and figure out if it works for them or not....

This was my very first Mary Kubica Book... and I’m not sure why, but I can guarantee I will remedy that real quick.... her writing was so beautiful and smooth, almost lyrical.... even though this was a slow burning suspense I found the pacing perfect... The characters were so well drawn and relatable... I empathized with Eden’s struggles and felt Jessie’s grief.... all the little hints sprinkled throughout this book that made that ending so perfect for me, were just brilliant....

Told from Jesse’s point of view in the present and Eden’s point of view in 1996.... Jesse is a young 20-year-old grieving the loss of her mother and trying to figure out who she really is... literally trying to figure out who she is, after finding out that her Social Security number belongs to a dead girl... eden is a young wife struggling with infertility.... my mind ran through so many scenarios as to who Jesse really was and what Eden had done.... both mother and daughter had tremendous love and respect for one another... you just wanted there to be a good answer for all of your questions....

Absolutely recommend to those who enjoy a good suspense thriller filled with some surprising twists....

*** many thanks to Harlequin for my copy of this book ***

3 1/2 ⭐️‘s

Kubica chose a different path for this novel, one that didn’t work as well as her previous novels. The storyline moved at a slow pace and the ending just seemed totally unbelievable to me. The reasons “why” were implausible. Told in alternating voices, the timelines jumped around quite a bit and kept the reader on their toes. This book had all the elements to make it a super read, but somehow it just didn’t come together the way it should have. While I liked it, I just didn’t ❤️ it.

When the Lights Go Out by Mary Kubica is a thriller that is told through again using alternating timelines and alternating points of view. Jessie is our character from the present timeline and Eden from the past.

The story begins with Jessie at her mother’s bedside as it seems along battle with cancer is coming to an end. Jessie has put her whole life on hold to be with her mother in these last few years as the battle went back and forth and now that it’s coming to an end Jessie needs to find out who she is on her own.

In the past Eden is a newly married wife with whom she and her husband are excited to begin working on their own family. However, as the months begin to pass without that second little line Eden starts feeling the pressure of not being able to conceive a child.

First I would start with there’s no doubt that Mary Kubica is a talented author even if my rating for this one doesn’t necessarily show that well. The story is one that is easy to read and follow along and I did find myself engaged rather quickly. However, the downside for me with this particular title really came with the wrap up. I had a feeling it was going to go where it did and I wasn’t a huge fan. Really though some may like this one and I would definitely still read more from this author.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

This could have been a four- or maybe even five-star book if not for that utter BS twist, So unworthy of Kubica's potential, she should know better. 2.5 stars for the 85% of the book that was before the twist.

I have to say this first to get it out of the way: I hated the twist at the end. It made everything not worth it and honestly, it felt cheap. That being said, I still didn’t find the story that compelling. I thought it would be more psychological thriller, but what I got were two women in transitional phases stories with a hint of suspense. I couldn’t care less about Jessie or Eden. They were both immature, naive, obsessive...a lot of negative qualities and no redeeming ones in my mind. There were a few interesting parts but that was it.

I’ve been interested in reading Kubica for a while, but after this book I’m hesitant to pick up another.

I really enjoyed reading this book, sped through it even, but was disappointed by the ending. It made me feel that my time invested in the character and her plight was a waste.

Wow! Another Mary Kubica book with an ending that really, really made my jaw drop. I was not expecting the story to end that way AT ALL. As in her previous books, the story is told in two points of view (something I actually like in books), Eden in 1996 and her daughter Jessie in present day. Both of their stories are heartbreaking at times. So much emotion from both. I started thinking that poor Jessie was really losing it. I want to say more about the story but feel I might give too much away. What I will say was that it was quite the page-turner for me and very difficult to put down. Excellent writing once again by MK. But that ending!! Again....wow!!

I think that Mary Kubica is amazing! I was SO excited to get to this book I was distracted reading my TBR the past few weeks knowing this was coming! When The Lights Go Out is thrilling, and complex. It has all the suspense and twists Kubica is known for! No spoilers - but I do not like the ending... I am however still thinking about it 4 days later... so all my friends must read this book now so I can get all my “but what about” questions answered!! I received an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.

When the Lights Go Out is an amazing novel by Mary Kubica. Jessie Sloan is an 18-year-old girl who has been raised by a single mother. Jessie has no idea who her father is. Unfortunately Jessie's mom, Eden, is dying and when we meet Jessie she is sitting vigil with her mother in the hospital. Kubica skillfully alternates between Eden's recounting of her past and Jessie's narrative of her present life. Eden dies and Jessie faces life alone. Can she overcome the obstacles that Kubica puts in her way? This is Kubica's best book yet. a must read for lovers of the Creepy Girl genre.

When The Lights Go Out is my first read from Mary Kubica. That being said it was a good read. It didn’t blow me away, and I didn’t dislike it. It was just a good read. If you’re looking for a slow building psychological mystery thriller, then this book may be for you. The story is told from two narrators. One being the daughter, and the other being the mother in the form of a journal. This book has a lot of build up. It will keep you guessing until the very end.

I’ve seen mixed reviews about the ending, and I will say you will either hate it or accept it. I’m leaning on the side of acceptance at this point.

All in all this was a good read, and I’ll definitely be checking out more of this authors work.

Coming 9/4!

4/5 stars

This book honestly had an ending I didn't see coming.

I enjoyed this just like I have all the other books by this author. This book had me wondering exactly what had happened in Jessie's mom's past. The way this story was told made me want to read and not stop until I knew what happened. I had to know the end.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy in exchange for a review.

Expected Publication: Tomorrow!

Man! I really wanted this book to be amazing! Mary Kubica is such a superstar author and I've loved everything of hers I've ever read. But unfortunately When the Lights Go Out was not my favorite book.

It's super hard to describe this book without giving away spoilers, but essentially the book is about a girl who is taking care of her dying mother. With the anxiety and worry that comes with a dying family member, she can't sleep. What follows is a question of delusion or reality.

So my thoughts... The first 90% of the book was enthralling. So many bizarre things happened, and I wanted to know what was coming next. Unfortunately, what was coming next was a complete let down. The end made me want to hurl my book across the room in frustration. While I understand where Kubica was going with it, it just wasn't for me.

But don't take my opinion as fact. Read it for yourself. It comes out tomorrow and is sure to be a good controversial, conversation starter in book clubs across the nation.

-I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Mary Kubica, and HARLEQUIN for the opportunity to review.-

Dark, twisted, and emotional—this book haunted me! I couldn’t put it down and I couldn’t look away. I have heard wonderful things about Mary Kubica, but I must admit this is the first book I read by her. The clever way all of the clues were in the story and how they unlocked the twist was wonderful. And that twist! It has been quite the controversy in the book world because I can tell you, of all the twists you can imagine it probably won’t be the one that occurs. And that in and of itself deserves a ton of credit! I have read a lot of thrillers and I love a good twist and I did NOT see this one coming!

About the Book

Jessie Sloane is trying to rebuild her life. For years she cared for her mother who suffered from what eventually became terminal cancer. Jessie and her mother are incredibly close—best friends. Jessie is lost without her. The night her mother passes away Jessie is wracked with stress and finally gives into her exhaustion, sleeping through her mother’s passing.

Jessie is unable to forgive herself for missing her mother’s final moments, and she is terrified to go to sleep. Riddled with insomnia, and with no real friends, Jessie is lost. She tries to get her life on track by enrolling at the local community college. But they reject her application, saying that her social security number flagged. In a state of confusion, stress, and exhaustion, Jessie stumbles down the rabbit hole of her past.

Her mother’s last words to her, to find herself take on more weight as Jessie realizes she is not Jessie Sloane. But how does she go about finding out who she really is??

Reflection

There was so much emotion in this book for a thriller. Really without certain elements of the book (okay without a lot of elements of the book) this could have been rewritten as a standalone fiction book. The relationship between Jessie and her mother and between Eden and Aaron are both so beautiful. There is so much pure love in this book, and you’ don’t always find that in a psychological thriller.

Of course, this book IS a psychological thriller and it has the twists and psychological breakdowns to prove it! I can’t imagine being in Jessie’s position and losing her mother so young. Jessie is introverted and keeps to herself, and her mother is her best friend. And her mother loves her so deeply. Her mother is also imperfect, we learn. Keeping things from Jessie. It is hard to tell at first if she lies to protect herself or to protect Jessie. But that is all part of the twisty tale so I won’t divulge that aspect of this novel any more.

And then Jessie finds out her social security number is tied to someone deceased. How can this be? Is it a mistake, or is there a bigger conspiracy behind Jessie’s identity. And if Jessie isn’t Jessica Sloane, and if her only family she knows is gone, then who is Jessie? Jessie’s pain and confusion became my own. I loved her so much. She’s like this wounded bird, and she’s struggling. Her insomnia is so understandable. The last time she truly slept, she missed the most important moment of her life. She can’t bring herself to relax and it takes a toll on her mental health. Finding out what is going on and digging into Jessie’s past had me completely hooked on this novel!

And then that twist… Well it is polarizing for sure! When I first read it I was so confused. Was that…? Did I just read that…? But yes, dear reader! You did just read that correctly! I can promise that whatever I thought the twist would be, it wasn’t that one. But it was positively mind-blowing and I enjoyed it. And then the very ending was completely perfect for me. I can’t say even a bit more on that because there is NO way I’m spoiling this book. I hope you enjoy this one, book friends!

Many thanks to Harlequin books for my advanced copy of this book.

I finished reading this book 3 days ago. I woke up this morning thinking about this book and am still extremely upset by the ending. The first 90% of the book was classic, awesome writing with twists and turns and I was very excited to see how it all turned out. I think that is why I am so upset. Ms. Kubica has a cop out ending. The previous two times I can recall this trope being used, I didn't like it any better. The only thing I can say is that if you can enjoy the first 90% of a book and then be fine with however it is ended, then this would be a really good book to read. But I can't imagine anyone reading this book and not feeling let down by the ending.

I love Mary Kubica’s writing. It’s always suspenseful and has a high “can’t put down” rating for me. This novel was no different. I really liked the character of Jessie, though I felt badly for her as she’d had a tough time with her mother’s death and then struggling to figure out her identity (truly her identity, as in, she had no SSN or legal birth certificate).
I don’t want to give away too much, so I won’t spoil anything, but I will say that I had figured out one part of the novel, but had another part — one the author pretty much leads you to (possibly as a red herring) incorrect. I liked this story and will look forward to Ms. Kubica’s next one!
Thank you for my e-copy from Net Galley!

WOW! I was riveted as I read this book. My mind was racing and suspicions were at an all time high. This book is definitely a slow burn. It simply simmers as you read. You are seeped into anxiety right alongside the main character, Jessie.

The story is told from two main viewpoints and alternating timelines. We experience Jessie's story firsthand, in the present. While also uncovering her mother Eden's story, told from the past. Their's is a relationship built on a secret. Secrets always have a way of finding their way into light, don't they? It's the journey to the revelation that Kubica so expertly pens. She opens us up to so many questions, so many possibilities.

Then, we get to the big reveal. I'm almost sorry to admit what a letdown it was for me. After all those enticing possibilities - it was the lamest of them all! I truly enjoyed the book - right up until the ending! Personally, it didn't work for me but I will say it was unexpected and different. I just felt there was so much more potential for the ending. Given all the twists the book took, I was simply expecting a much juicer ending.

Just like Jessie in the book, Mary Kubica had me feeling like an insomniac, staying up all hours of the night trying to finish this psychological thriller. Jessie, one of the main characters, is so sleep deprived from bed-sitting her dying mother, that she veers into the world of somnolence but is unable to sleep for an extended period. We see the world through her twitching, sleep deprived eyes, we hear her auditory hallucinations, but like her empathetic landlady, we don’t know whether to believe or humor her.

Throughout Jessie’s 20 years, Eden, her mother, has refused to discuss her paternity . This leads Jessie spiraling out of control on a quest to find her father, a faceless man she may have glimpsed among her mother’s mementos. We get glimpses of a younger Eden, desperate for a child, but unable to conceive or hold on to a pregnancy. We see her obsessiveness turn into the destruction of her marriage.

Was it a long way to the ending? Yes. Was it a pleasure to read the story as Mary Kubica wove her way in and out of these two women’s lives? Yes. But just when you think you know what happened, along comes the suspenseful and twist ending. Some readers will love the ending; others will feel blindsided. The ending actually gave me more respect for the story-line than another ending might have.

Come on! The ending of this book made me so angry! It was a fairly enjoyable read, if not heavy at times, dealing with the subject of loss and grief. I liked the main characters and enjoyed joining them on their journey, while trying to figure out the puzzle. However, when all is revealed at the end, it was a huge letdown to me. Thus the two star rating.

Sorry Mary Kubica. I’m a fan of your other works but this didn’t do it for me

An avid fan, from her smashing debut, THE GOOD GIRL (acquired for film), PRETTY BABY, DON’T YOU CRY, EVERY LAST LIE to her latest, psychological thriller—WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT. Everything this bestselling author (a favorite), Mary Kubica writes is solid gold.

A slow-burning twisty psychological suspense. A heart-pounding, a tale of one woman's desperate search for answers. From an array of emotions —grief, disbelief, anger, fear, and confusion.

WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT is yet another superb addition to her "collection of girls". (cover crush). As I have mentioned previously, she deserves her own Chicago billboard. Hope you enjoy as much as I did. I was drawn into this tale on many levels.

In her fifth novel, a woman is forced to question her own identity in this riveting and emotionally charged psychological suspense thriller. Totally Unpredictable. THAT ENDING! Talk about "the twist!" Cleverly crafted, an ending you do not see coming.

Stay Tuned for all the details from Mary Kubica. My first interview with one of my very favorite authors (Coming Sept 3)— I am thrilled for everyone to dive into her new book WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT.


Set in Chicago and Wisconsin, WTLGO is written from two women’s perspectives (mother and daughter) as well as dual timelines and locations. I enjoy this style, allowing the reader to experience the character’s emotions first-hand. The author gets into their heads.

From the past: Eden is a young wife obsessed with having a baby. They are in love. She is desperate. She has hidden secrets. She wants those secrets to remain buried. Time is running out.

Jessie is her grown daughter in a desperate search of her true identity. She is sitting with her mom in a hospital room. Her mom Eden is dying of terminal cancer. Her mom sleeps next to her in a drug-induced daze that keeps her both pain-free and fast asleep.

Jessie suffers from severe insomnia. What she would give to sleep like her mom. With the lack of sleep, brings emotional instability. Crying and laughing for no reason. Behaving erratically. Losing concept of time. Seeing things. Hallucinating.

She is unable to take sleeping pills, and she does not want to miss a thing. Her mom is so close to the end. There are still unanswered questions. She is running out of time. She continues to run into dead ends.

It has always been just she and her mother. They are close. There are things Jessie wants to know. Who is her father? Her mom never wanted to discuss.

The author takes us back to 1996 where we meet Eden and Aaron. Egg Harbor, WI. (a beautiful idyllic area). A young couple deeply in love. They purchased a lovely cottage overlooking the bay. Their dreams. A garden, and high hopes for a family.

Aaron wants a family, and at 28 and 29, they decide they are ready. However, soon their dreams turn into a nightmare. Miscarriages. Invitro. Their relationship is strained. Draining their finances for a chance at having a baby. Aaron is busy working at a restaurant, and he wants Eden to stay home (since she soon would be pregnant). They soon grow apart.

However, staying at home brings more time for Eden to dwell on her situation and obsess. She stalks other mothers and daughters. If only she could be a mother. Plus her neighbor (Miranda and Jack) have kids, and she is pregnant again. She does not even want to be a mother.

How could fate be so cruel? Soon her marriage is destroyed due to the obsession to conceive. She thinks of kidnapping a child. She is selfish. Aaron thinks they should stop the madness.

Now at the end of her life, she only has a daughter. A secret life. A mysterious photo and journal. A lone wolf. She was diagnosed with cancer when Jessie was fifteen. Jessie has taken care of her.

Jessie's mom always wanted her to find herself. However, what did this mean? Soon she discovers she may not be the person she thought she was. When she goes to apply for a community college, her social security number belongs to a person who is deceased.

From past to present, now her mom is gone, and she is left with insomnia and unanswered questions. She is losing her mind. Determined to find her true identity.

Surely there are clues somewhere. Eleven days with hardly any sleep, she feels like she may go mad. What is her mom hiding and who is the mysterious man in the photo? Will she be able to find the answers she desperately needs?

INTENSE! A page-turner you cannot put down— until you learn the mystery behind Jessie and Eden. (I loved Aaron and Jessie).

Jessie is experiencing acute, chronic insomnia. I enjoyed this topic and her character, especially the mystery behind her mother’s past and how this impacted her daughter Jessie. I was drawn to her storyline for many personal reasons and recently tore through my mom’s house after her death (cancer) — searching for clues about her secrets and my own identity. Plus. I have experienced insomnia my entire life. It is horrible. I also loved the cottages. I have lived in some quaint historic cottages over the years and carriage homes. They have so many stories.

Kubica explores many highly-charged female themes. From marriage, motherhood, in vitro, stolen identity, abduction, obsession, grief, cancer, death, insomnia, financial, moral ambiguity, and of course dark secrets of the past.

Throughout all her books, the author is in tune with these powerful and provocative issues of women, and the human mind. Attracting women of all ages to the ever-growing intriguing domestic suspense genre. Each of her books is unique. The characters have an urgent need to belong —allowing society to dictate their version of happiness.

All her books are plot-driven as well as character-driven, and WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT is another perfect example. As well as addictively suspenseful and tautly written. Among her signature qualities, is the uncanny ability to write "hypnotic" thrillers about women placed in stressful situations and their intensely inner turmoil.

When reviewing my favorite books over the years, Mary Kubica and Karin Slaughter are the only two authors landing on my Top Books of the year for five consecutive years! (started my blog in 2014).

Check out my List:
2014
2015
2016
2017
and 2018 (coming soon).

I loved WTLGO on so many levels! I realize the ending is quite controversial; however, in this genre, it would be quite dull if everything was tied up in a neat bow. I liked it! Highly Recommend. I would have to agree with Kirkus Reviews. “Kubica is a helluva storyteller."

A special thank you to Park Row Books and #NetGalley for an advanced reading copy. Also pre-ordered the hardcover and audiobook.

JDCMustReadBooks

Thank you, Mary, for a great interview! Cannot wait to see what is next.