Cover Image: She Was the Quiet One

She Was the Quiet One

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

This story was interesting, and it definitely had me hooked. I wanted to continue reading on, to figure out how the plot was going to unfold. I love the narrative of the sisters, and I thought it did a great job of highlighting the ups and downs that women often go through. I felt like it hit all the notes of a great thriller, while still being well developed and engrossing.

Was this review helpful?

I was really intrigued with the beginning of this book.
I didn't like Heath at all, thought that he was slimey.
I was hoping for more than what I got.
Thanks to Netgalley, Michele Campbell and St. Martins Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this tense story about twin sisters who could not be more different than night and day. I got drawn in to their stories. I liked the ending even though it made me a bit mad at the grandmother.

Was this review helpful?

I came close to giving up on this book. Once I was able to move past my initial misgivings that this would be just another "Mean Girls", I discovered there was more to the story than meets the eye. The family/marital dynamics between the Donovans was the most compelling part of the story for me. I loved Sarah's inner monologue. She seemed to constantly grapple between doing what was morally right (and maybe a little dangerous) and going with the flow. Sarah is the classic enabler--making excuses and turning a blind eye to the obvious lies and manipulation of her husband. I kept waiting for the truth to come out to see the reactions of the major players. I wanted to see more from Rose and the grandmother and I was a little disappointed that there was no "after" story for Sarah. Endings are hard. More often than not the endings leave me underwhelmed and this was no exception. Still, the story was more complex and entertaining than I originally thought it would be and for that reason, I would recommend it.

Was this review helpful?

This was a super fast paced thriller that sucked me right in. I love books set in boarding schools and the addition of twins was fascinating. I enjoyed Campbell’s take on the boarding school setting and her handling of the fact that money does crazy things to people. Overall this was a really great thriller and I look forward to more books from this author.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you #NetGalley for a copy of #SheWastheQuietOne.

So I've been thinking all day about how I was going to review this book. Let me start by saying that I did enjoy this book and would definitely recommend it to people who enjoy psychological thrillers like I do, however don't go into this with high expectations in regards to the "wow" factor... This is the second book I've read by Michele Campbell and I found this one to be less predictable than "It's Always the Husband". I kept waiting for that big twist where I read a page, and then have to re-read it to make sure I actually read what I thought I just read, and then sit back and just say "wow!" Unfortunately, that "wow" moment never came but don't let that dissuade your desire to check this book out for yourself.

Being a semi-millennial (I don't consider myself one but according to the birth years of millennials, apparently I fall into that category), it was easy to read the story of orphan twins Bel and Rose and not be surprised by the bullying and nastiness that these girls, and others of their age, put their peers through. Even when it comes to sisters you would think that bond would be stronger than "hanging with the cool kids" but that's not always the case. The need to fit in now-a-days is such a big part of teenagers lives. Now, this book also portrayed the relationship between husband and wife Sarah and Heath Donovan, teachers and dorm heads for the Moreland dorm, that both Rose and Bel are residents of. When you hear rumors about your spouse, or even a family member, what do you think? Do you think it's true? Do you think it's just gossip? What if you want to think it's just gossip, but in your heart you know it's not? How do you handle this type of moral dilemma. This is exactly what Sarah has to deal with and I'm honestly glad I've never been put in this type of situation, and hope I never will be, because personally I don't know what I would do. It is something that would tear you apart inside trying to decide who to be loyal too or who is telling the truth. Ugh I would be so torn!!

I will say the epilogue was great! Once you read this book you'll understand what this means, but I completely forgot about one important piece of the story, and then the epilogue came and I thought to myself "OH YA! I forgot about this piece" and was rather surprised!

Was this review helpful?

A page-turning story of teenaged twin girls (fraternal) who have been orphaned and sent to an elite East Coast boarding school by their grandmother who does not want to raise them. The twins, Rose and Bel, have a slight "twin bond," but once they get to the school, they become estranged. They both find trouble there, and make several questionable choices, resulting in a fatal outcome. Their story is told from several points of view in this gripping book and you will find it hard to put down or to forget.

Was this review helpful?

The blurb of the book caught my attention and made me want to read. The book started off strong but it started to go downhill as I read. I was expecting a mature YA read and at times this plot was juvenile. Rose and Bel's parents are dead and you would think they would stick together in a new environment but that doesn't happen. Rose gets upset at Bel for not sticking up for her, when Bel's new friend at school called her fat. When Bel apologizes the next day, Rose doesn't accept it because its too soon. Then she gets mad when weeks go by and she doesn't get a second apology. Come on now. That made no sense. Then you have the married couple Heath and Sarah who are the dorm masters and they do a horrible job of things. They know they are supposed to report things but try to gloss it over so Heath will get that promotion. Sarah had no backbone when it came to Heath and in my opinion she should have taken her kids and left him after the book incident. I ended up skimming this book and when we get to the end and find out why the killing happened it was very lackluster to say the least.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to preview this ARC of She Was the Quiet One by Michele Campbell.

Rose and Bel are two teenaged orphaned twins being raised by their Grandma who is eager to provide them a good education. She sends them off to a New England boarding school at the dismay of Bel, and excitement of Rose. Having the time of her life, Rose is continually baffled at Bel's behavior with "the popular crowd" as well as hurt by Bel's jibes and rejections to interact with her. In the meantime, Bel is having a hard time finding where she fits with this popular crowd that isn't actually so great, all the while finding herself in the dangerous position of falling for her professor. Everything comes to a head one stormy night, when one of them turns up dead. What secrets will be uncovered to discover what happened.

I don't know if this is a fair criticism, but Campbell isn't one to write very likable characters. I didn't care for many of her players in It's Always the Husband either. I can't stand to read about people who seemed absolutely determined to self sabotage, or characters who are in denial of an almost comical nature. Just about everything about this was way too far fetched and full of holes.

Was this review helpful?

What a twisty, turny ride of a read this one was. What happens when recently orphaned twins have to move cross country and make a transition from public school to an exclusive private school? In this instance, murder and mayhem. Rose and Bel are very different, and not just because they're fraternal twins. The move and their subsequent actions drive a deep wedge between them, and their actions have serious consequences. The story is told from several different viewpoints, and there is much mystery surrounding who has done what, including who the actual victim is. She creates a lovely setting for a series of decidedly unlovely events.

I really enjoyed this one - all those twists and turns kept me guessing right through to the epilogue. It definitely left me wanting to read Campbell's first book, and whatever subsequent books she writes.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

I LOVE this author!!! "She Was the Quiet One" kept you guessing until the end---and had a fabulous ending to boot. So many thrillers are out now - and while many are good reads, they always fall short for me in the ending. Michele Campbell is a master of both story and ending. I have recommended this book (and her former, It's Always the Husband) to all of my friends. Truly great reads!

Was this review helpful?

This book was so well written. I was so excited to dive in and couldn’t put it down. Campbell did an amazing job at creating believable characters and making us root for them! The end was somewhat expected, but the way it was worded and drawn out so delicately, made me not mind at all!

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book. Taking place at a private school where twin sisters have been sent by their Grandmother after the death of their mother. It is the story of how 2 siblings can take very different paths while living in the same environment, the story of an overly ambitious teacher and bullying by peers. It has a heart wrenching ending but the building suspense will keep you riveted.

Was this review helpful?

While this was a book about teenagers, it didn’t really feel like a YA book. Yes, there was the crushes, and of course drama.. but it had a little bit of an edge to it.

I was sucked in, and sad for it to end. I am excited to read this authors other book!

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

For twin sisters Rose and Bel, enrolling at the prestigious new boarding school should have been a fresh start. But with its sinister rituals and traditions, Odell soon brings out a deadly rivalry between the sisters. For Sarah and husband Heath, the chance to teach at Odell seems like the best thing that ever happened to their small family – a chance to rise through the ranks and put the past behind them. Until one dark night ends in murder. But who’s guilty and who’s telling the truth?

Well this is a childish book if there ever was one! I just could not connect with the characters or the plot. The plot actually has a dark undertone running through it, which is very serious, however the childlike behaviour that occurred the rest of the time just weakened this and made the plot seem laughable. We begin with Rose and Bel starting at Odell and it is here the childish behaviour begins. I understand they are school antics but it really did not endear me to the characters or the plot. They really needed to grow up.

Then we come to the bulk of the plot, which, disappointingly, was obvious, I kept thinking surely it is not going to be who we are led to believe it is, but alas the twist never came. The plot is actually quite dull so for there to be no twist was incredibly disappointing and did not save the book.

This has been very harsh so onto a positive and I did like the character of Sarah. Finally we had a character who was realistic and likeable. Okay perhaps she is naive at times but she comes across well and I enjoyed reading about her. I actually think this could have been vastly improved had the book focused on her character more. The other characters are, dare I say it, childish and I could not gel with them. I struggled with Rose and Bel in particular, for two people who are actually our main characters, I thought they were under developed and I could not get a clear picture of them.

Disappointingly I found 'She Was the Quiet One' to be a dull read, one with childish behaviour and unlikeable characters and I just did not enjoy it.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy.

Was this review helpful?

A great thriller that had me guessing at the end. The story was dark and twisted. A good sister and a bad sister who ultimatly paid the price.

Was this review helpful?

Murder mystery in a posh, expensive American school. Twins Bel and Rose are sent here by their grandmother when their mother dies. Handsome teacher, handwringing wife and attractive schoolgirls with crushes - a recipe for disaster! Who would want to go to boarding school after reading this tale? Goes along nicely, gathering pace as the villain is revealed. I liked the idea and found it easy to get on with and would buy it as a nice little stocking filler.

Was this review helpful?

She Was the Quiet One by Michele Campbell is a dark and twisty drama that keeps you up at night! A story of two orphaned twin sisters shipped off to a fancy boarding school just to be pitted against each other... and someone winds up dead! I highly recommend this book! I received an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This is the second book by Michelle Campbell that I read. I loved It's Always The Husband and this second book was just as good and twisty. The very beginning of this book, there is a murder of one of the Enright sisters, but you don't know which one died and of course, you don't know by whom. It kept me guessing throughout I loved this book and can't wait until Ms. Campbell's next book. Since this one just came out at the very end of July, I have a good wait

Was this review helpful?

I was not interested after the first few chapters. The plot had scope for a great reading but once I guessed where it was heading I was bored because the writing did not pull me in

Was this review helpful?