I am over it. Over it. All these thrillers lately seem to only serve one purpose: to see if they can top each other on creating empty, soulless characters that have no redeemable characters in order to be total Edgelords and An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen is no different.

I mean, I get why this one is so popular, I guess. It has a lot of twists and it is super fast paced. The tension is so well crafted that as a reader I actually felt it: fast heartbeat, catch of breath, sweaty palms. The writers are really good at pacing, which is kind of amazing because I would think it would be hard to get that down so cohesively when you have two writers working together.
The writing is good here. The elements of good writing are mostly there. There’s even a nice symbolic falcon that dares the reader to be careful to notice any movements below the surface... It’s just the characters that had me over this book and that isn’t even the fault of Hendricks and Pekkanen. honestly, it’s not. That seems to be a new genre convention of the thriller. I just don’t like it. It has honestly gotten distracting because it really does feel like a competitive sport to see which author can create the worst cast of characters. The problem with that is there’s no one to root for because everyone’s so awful and listen, I’m no preacher over here. I had a crush on Hannibal Lecter. I totally empathized with Tony Soprano. I like a villain—-if they’re well crafted. If you see more underneath it all. I don’t expect perfection, I expect authenticity. There is not this much bad in the world and most people have more than one side.

3/5

https://bibwithblog.blogspot.com/2019/01/everybody-sucks-and-people-are-awful.html?m=1

A very twisty, psychological thriller. Very well-written and crafted. I can't wait for the next title from this writing duo.

4.5 stars - I was really torn between a 4 star and a 4.5 star. I really enjoyed this story but I just didn’t get the hype behind this one. Compared to the “The Wife Between Us” there weren’t many twists. There was a couple of unpredictable storylines but overall I just wasn’t quite surprised. What pushed me to give a 4.5-star rating was the writing. I absolutely love the style of writing, it just keeps you on your toes and you can’t put it down! The story was also very original! I did also really like the main Character, Jessica. She was very relatable and I really rooted for her. Personally, I felt like the ending was left to be desired. Regardless, I did really enjoy this story and the exceptional writing, a must-read!

I cannot tell a lie...I did NOT like this duo's previous book, "The Wife Between Us." At all. So I went into this one with some trepidation...But it didn't take long for me to realize I needn't be hesitant, because I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was interesting from the get-go, with an intriguing story and interesting characters. There are several twists, some you are coming, some you don't, and the story propels you forward at a brisk clip. I definitely recommend this fun read!

Kingdom of Needle and Bone
Kingdom of Needle and Bone by Mira Grant
Kingdom of Needle and Bone
by Mira Grant

M 50x66
Lou Jacobs's review
Aug 06, 2018 · edit

really liked it

A harrowing glimpse into the possible world of consequences of expansion of the anti-vaccination movement that plagues are society. The memory and consequences of the multiple childhood diseases has faded from our collective mind. The end result will be loss of herd immunity in our society.
This tale starts with the feverish child LisaMorris not wanting to miss her last day for a chance to ride the roller coaster. Events quickly spiral out of control as she unknowingly infects hundreds of unsuspecting adults and children with her virus particles. Without herd immunity being strong enough an epidemic ravages the US and then the world ... giving rise to the Morris Disease ... an apparent mutation from the common childhood disease measles. Unfortunately the disease also renders the individual virtually immunosuppressed. The fate and success of future generations is left in the hands of Lisa's aunt, Dr Isabella Gauley ... noted pediatrician and previous virology researcher.
Thanks to Netgalley and SubTerranean Press for providing this wonderful novella in exchange for an honest review. @SubPress

The duo of Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen have written yet another seamless, binge worthy psychological thriller that uniquely questions, how can you know who to trust?

Jess uses her street smarts to work her way in to a study on morality. Dr. Shields is the researcher who uses her influence and subjects to exact a personal agenda. The result is a fast paced battle of wits and control. This is a must read for anyone who enjoys quick build suspense.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and advance copy, in exchange for my honest review.

I lived this book! I had no idea where it was going, but I put myself in the authors’ hands and settled back for an exciting ride. This book did not disappoint!

Like Melissa, I’ve been a fan of Sarah Pekkanen’s since her first book, drawn by the Montgomery County connection and support of women’s fiction. While I really enjoyed her first collaboration with Greer Hendricks, The Wife Between Us, I think the pair really hits it out of the park with An Anonymous Girl. I read many offerings in the domestic thriller genre, and Girl stands out with its originality, characterization, and tight plotting.

Click on the link below for the full review.

Jessica Farris is a makeup artist and, simply put, she certainly isn't getting rich from it. When she overhears her clients discussing an upcoming survey that pays big while just asking a few questions, she manages to take on that very job. Little did she know that three simple questions, listed above in the description, would change her life forever.

What would you yourself say if just a few questions could net your a quick $500? Too irresistible to resist. But quick cash certainly came with a price for Jessica. She takes this opportunity to become brutally honest in her answers. However, the more information she relays, the more intrusive the questions become. The questions turn into mini-tasks, and eventually become full-fledged assignments.

The questions of honesty, obsession, fidelity and even murder flit throughout Jessica's head over and over again. Why can't she just walk away? What compels her to stay with it? Who is asking her these questions, by the way? A Dr. Shields, and boy, is she a doozy! She is unethical, twisted and controlling beyond belief. A side note: next time I am in a mall, and a surveyor approaches me, I will likely just walk away. No, I will run away. LOL.

What makes Jessica An Anonymous Girl beyond the survey questions? The answers get deeper and deeper. Layer after layer. We not only get to know Jessica on several levels, but we actually get to know Dr. Shields. And, the way this book is written, we are able to get into their very minds. We see their thoughts, motivations, actions. So, although things seemed quite innocuous at first, that certainly was not the case.

The twists and turns in this diabolical read go past the issues of morality and ethics. With intense characterization and exceptional storytelling, this book offers a compelling, suspenseful read with an unforgettable conclusion.

Time and life got in my way in more ways than one. For starters, it took me months to get to this book and a matter of almost two days to read it. After devouring The Wife Between Us by Hendricks and Pekkanen, I knew without a doubt that An Anonymous Girl would be loved by me just as much. I guess I was right. If at all possible, this book is even better, if not more addictive. I can say this, the next early copy I get from this talented pair will not simply be space taken on my Kindle. I will indeed carve out time to read it much sooner than I did this one.

I am so pleased to have learned that The Wife Between Us will be a feature film and that An Anonymous Girl is in development for a television series. Having had to opportunity to have read them first makes me feel pretty darned good.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read and review AN ANONYMOUS GIRL by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen.
I am often a little nervous about reading "sophomore" novels by authors whose debuts were runaway bestsellers as was THE WIFE BETWEEN US by this writing duo. From the first chapter of this current story, I knew this one was going to be another grand slam.
Jess is working hard for BeautyBuzz, a company that sends her out to do makeup for private clients. She had been a makeup artist for Off Broadway shows, but those gigs seem to have dried up. When she goes to do makeup for two young students going to a party, she hears one of them talking about doing a survey for money the following morning . The girl says she will be too tired after the night out. While the girls are out of the room Jess sneaks a peek at the cell phone and finds out details.
The study is about ethics and morality and Jess starts out by lying about what she is doing there. Still she is accepted and becomes #52. This encounter starts a downward spiral of secrets, deceit and lies. Jess becomes more involved in the study than she ever intended and learns more about Dr. Shields, who is conducting the studies, supposedly as part of a university project. It becomes hard to tell what the truth really is as their relationship becomes personal rather than anonymous.
The authors do an excellent job of giving both main characters than own unique voice. The way the past of both women is slowly revealed makes this a twisty psychological thriller that will keep you up past your bedtime.
Psychological thrillers have become a genre in their own in recent times with excellent novels and movies based on them. I hope hope both books by this fantastic writing duo will be made into films. I'll surely be there in line with my box of popcorn.

An intriguingly readable mystery that is a bit too long. Two main characters, a female psychiatrist and her female patient, tell the story from alternating points of view. The doctor speaks with an unusual passive voice. The problem is, who is telling the truth? The patient is first involved in a study of morals by answering questions on a computer. She quickly a advances to face-to-face meetings with the doctor, and then to interactions with strange men. The doctor is having marital problems and uses her patient to investigate her husband. It is quite an exciting psychological thriller and kept me guessing to the very end. Very well done!

I was really excited to read An Anonymous Girl since I loved their co-writing debut, The Wife Between Us. Although I never quite gasped out loud, I still thoroughly enjoyed this consuming tale of morality. I did not see some of the twists coming and that always adds to my reading experience. If you are a fan of psychological suspense, absolutely give An Anonymous Girl a read!

*I received this book from NetGally in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great first read in 2019! The book is dark and twisty while also making you question your morality and how far you would go when backed into a corner. As the book progresses, you find yourself being drawn in deeper with the characters of the book. Overall great book! I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a suspenseful read or someone who wants a book that will keep their interest well.

This is a terrifyingly twisted psychological thriller about what people will do when motivated by money, guilt, paranoia, and revenge. Jessica is sucked into a maze of control by a deranged psychiatrist in the guise of examining the nuances of morality, specifically, why people lie and are unfaithful.

The story spins out like a skein of yarn, tangled but clearly with an end in mind. Brilliantly written, An Anonymous Girl forces the reader to ask him or herself who is lying and who is not, leading to an inevitable, dramatic but purposely understated denouement.

This is a spectacular book which I recommend highly. I received it as an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley.

These two authors have exceptional writing talent ! This book is mesmerizing from page one.. I was so enthralled that I was unable to put it down until the last page . .As a fan of "The Wife Between Us" this was even better as a psychological suspenseful thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It was smart fast paced writing with plot twist you will not be able to guess ! The charcters were brillant and each one very complex . The way these authors weave personalities is fascinating. The narrative is between a doctor and patient and each narrative draws the reader in with tension that keeps you reading into the night.

I love it and highly recommend this book for all that enjoy a outstanding thriller read. What a wonderful read this was .

Just a great little thriller! I haven't hear anything bad about this book. Excited it's finally out in the public for everyone to read!

This book was amazing. It kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. I liked the story line which was very unique and interesting. Keep the great stories coming! I will definitely be reading the next books by these great authors.

As a reader, I’m all about second chances for authors. Just because I read one book that wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean I will immediately discard the author. You never know when the next book will surprise you. This was the case with Hendricks and Pekkanen. I read The Wife Between Us last year and it wasn’t quite the book for me but I felt like I needed to give these authors another shot because they always come so highly recommended. I was not disappointed!

An Anonymous Girl immediately pulled me in and kept me up late. I simply couldn’t put it down. This is the type of book that you can read half of it and not even realize that it’s 1am, your eyes are burning and you have to work in a few hours. I lost so much sleep time reading this and I don’t regret a thing!

I think the characters are purposefully unlikeable and it works for this story. Jess is the type of person that you think you might be able to relate to but then she completely surprises you while Dr. Shields’ has a very Joe Goldberg-esque quality to her and that personality style just blew me away. I think the dual narration of these two main characters is absolutely spot on for this psychological thriller. You can actually feel the different tone each character sets as the narration changes and as the story progresses.

If you are looking for a slap-in-the-face style thriller, this isn’t for you. The suspense is subtle and progressive but absolutely perfect for this mind bending book.

Trust me, this is a ride you want to be on.

I received this complimentary copy from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley to read and provide my honest opinion.

I was offered the chance to read this as an ARC through Netgalley since I had previously read the authors THE WIFE BETWEEN US through the galley service. I of course took them up on the offer, but I was hesitant, because I didn't love their first book (see my review for that on my profile). But, I'm glad I did, because this was much better.

I think the authors found the writing stride in this one, as the incessant level of adjective and detail in the first book that drove me crazy was not present at all in this book. This novel was also much more gripping and had me saying "just one more chapter" several times, which is always a mark of a good thriller.

I didn't love the change in POV. I suppose it was effective to have it not only switch character perspectives, but change from first person to second person alongside the character change. It definitely is creepy, which I'm sure was the intention, but it's not necessarily the style I like to read. That said, those second-person chapters tended to be shorter than the others and concise, so it wasn't a dealbreaker for me.

The story itself is twisted and well-structured. It's only slightly beyond the realm of reason, which makes it a good psychological thriller -- it's not so implausible that it becomes ridiculous, but it's tangled and messy enough to make a great story. I also like that in this one there aren't any big "reveals," which is refreshing. (There's arguably one, which I had figured out well in advance, but it's not the type of *gasp* type of reveal like we've come to expect from the likes of GONE GIRL, etc. I like that this isn't focused on the big revelation, but instead the thread woven into the story).

It's not the perfect mystery, but it's pretty damn good. I'd recommend it.

4 Help, I just cannot put this book down stars

Okay this book hooked its teeth right into me body and soul for two straight hours. I felt the author duo really nailed the atmospheric tension between makeup artist, Jessica and Dr. Lydia Shields and created the perfect cat and mouse game. All the other characters were pale in comparison because these two women kept me sharp and focused on my (Kindle) screen. I know that it appears I am giving into the hype but I cannot begrudge the fact that this is one of 2019's highly anticipated releases and personally for me it lived up to it.