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I'm sorry I'm just having a really hard time getting into this book. I loved the other books I've read by both authors. I'm just really struggling with this one. It really doesn't help when I can not stomach the main characters. Maybe after I read more in.... Who knows!

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I was immediately intrigued. The story grabbed me and did not let go. It had twists and turns, and though I did figure out some things, I had no idea what direction the story was going to take. I probably should have seen some things coming, but I did not.

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I loved AN ANONYMOUS GIRL. It delivered on the psychological thriller and even with a predictable feel to the game/study, I never felt slighted with knowing in some ways what was coming next. I felt deflated with the ending and maybe that was by design of the authors. I was expecting to have felt some triumph but felt let down as if the ending was too slow for the rest of the book. I did a full review on my site http://bit.ly/RAPTReviewAnonymous

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I found the format of the book very interesting getting the two character viewpoints every other chapter. This was a very suspenseful book that kept me on the edge of my seat. Recommend giving it a try.

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Anonymous Girl invites you in from page one to a sinister and ominous study created by Dr. Shields. The book starts with "It's easy to judge other people's choices....We all have reasons for our actions. Even if we hide the reason from those who think they know us best. Even if the reasons are so deeply buried we can't recognize them ourselves." I could not wait to continue reading after the opening page.

The authors of this book have done a magnificent job telling a story from first person point of view of two different characters, Dr. Shields and Jessica. The story slowly builds and is actually fun to read the two perspectives and how vastly people can see things. Jessica is a beauty consultant with Beauty Buzz and Dr. Shields is a NYC psychiatrist. Jessica's job is to create beauty transformations for her clients in the forty-five minute sessions at the clients home or location. Dr. Shields is currently seeking women aged 18-32 for a study on ethics and morality. Jessica learns about this study while she is at one of her clients homes who has decided that she will probably not attend the study. The study also states that there is a generous compensation and anonymity is guaranteed. Would you be tempted to fulfill the shoes of someone else if you needed the money? Would you be willing to become Subject 52 in a study? Jessica does and she is told that by entering this study, you agree to be bound by confidentiality and must not discuss it with anyone. She is also told, "there are no right or wrong answers. It is essential that you are honest and give your first, instinctive response." "Could you tell a lie without feeling guilty?"

Jessica responds to the study and begins to fully open up to Dr. Shields. Overtime, Dr. Shields expands her study and expects more of Subject 52 which also means there is higher compensation. Are you willing to tell your life story and explore areas in your mind that have been untouched for years for a paycheck? As Jessica, Subject 52, becomes deeper into this devious study she begins to wonder what Dr. Shields is going to do with all the information she has provided. Subject 52 also begins to question Dr. Shields motives with some of the suspicious and luring tasks that she has her complete.

Anonymous Girl has so many twist and turns that you will stay up late to finish reading. It is full of sinister activity and malicious and threatening events. It is gripping, intriguing and absolutely made me question how I would handle each question or task if I were Subject 52. I love the 2 different point of views and could not wait to see how the book ended. The ending was well written and perfect for this psychological thriller.

Everyone should read Anonymous Girl! Thank you St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to review this fascinating, gripping, and devious thriller. #AnAnonymousGirl

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What a twisty, freaky, exciting read this was! The writing duo of Hendricks and Pekkanen is outstanding.
It's just a simple psychology study...or is it?

I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.

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Although there were a few things that are predictable, as is normal with this genre, I was actually quite surprised along the way and found the book hard to put down! The characters were very intriguing! Definitely recommend.

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Thanks to Netgalley for my pack.

This is my first read of 2019 and what a fantastic way to begin the year.

This is the second novel by this writing duo and lived up to expectations. It is told from two viewpoints and I didn't know who to believe or who to root for. This is a twisted psychological thriller that is fast paced and nail biting.

I would love to know how these two authors write as a duo. The writing is so seamless and I can't wait for their next.

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This was a twisty book! I haven't read The Wife Between Us but it's now on my 2019 list to read! I didn't know who to believe but I needed to know. The first half of the book dragged a little but once it hit a certain point, I couldn't put it down! Everyone was suspicious in my mind and they all had ulterior motives. I liked and disliked the POV switches. Some were too fast. I liked Dr. Shields' POVs where she never spoke in first person. It was never "I said," it was all "you were told." That made it very clinical but also kind of eerie. She was the conductor. And you, the reader, felt like she was talking directly to YOU and about YOU. This was a darker book that showed the vulnerabilities of every character. I really enjoyed it and especially liked the ending. You were literally guessing what would happen until the very. last. page.

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I love a good psychological thriller and that is just what I was hoping this one would be. The idea is wonderful. A young woman becomes part of a study on ethics and morality, she answers some questions via computer, collects her money, and end of story. Well, not quite. She meets the doctor in charge of the study and there becomes more and more questions.

The chapters are written in alternating views of Dr. Shields and Jessica. There was no indication at the beginning of the chapter as to who was telling their story but after a few sentences, it was easy to figure out. Dr. Shields chapters were boring. She was repetitive, self-centered, and all over the place in her ramblings. Jessica was easier to follow but not overly interesting to me. I struggled to connect to either character, I wasn’t invested in their stories, and I just could not finish the book.

Since finishing An Anonymous Girl I have looked at other reviews (I don’t do that before I read the book) and see that so many others have given it 4 or 5 stars so maybe I just didn’t give it enough time, although I made it to 25% into the book. I am also a firm believer that every book has its readers, sometimes it’s just not me.

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I had heard such great things about their previous book The Wife Between Us that I just had to request this one. Wow! There are so many twists and turns and revelations in this story. It's amazing how one split second decision can take you down a spiraling path of craziness. Maybe after reading this story you will think twice before making any rash choices. Although some character traits in this story seemed a bit far fetched, you never really know what is going on in a person's mind, do you. This story just took me along for the ride and kept me hooked until the very end.

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3.5 stars!

I wasn't the biggest fan of the authors last book so I confess this wasn't on my radar. So when the publisher emailed me a widget, I didn't know if I was interested. The plot looked intriguing and I'm usually up for giving authors a second chance. I know I would like people to do that for me. After all, not every book is going to be the right fit. And I did remember the last one had been compulsively readable even if it didn't end up being my cup of tea.

So I jumped in. Makeup artist Jessica, is trying to keep her head above water with bills. Her current job doesn't pay that great. Not only that but she isn't just providing for herself. She's also secretly helping her family with expenses. Secretly because their pride wouldn't allow them to accept the help if they knew she was behind it. Jessica also carries around guilt regarding the reason for her parent's extra financial burdens. She weasels her way into an ethics and morality study. One that she didn't qualify for and wasn't invited to participate in. Ironic given the study but desperate times and it's easy money. Honestly, I can't say I wouldn't do the same. It did make me think. I think I would have shown myself out the door after the first session though but I won't spoil anything. It's safe to say that things take a turn and the money not as easy as she planned.

I'm so glad the publisher sent this to me and that I took another chance. This one was more up my alley. It was another cant put down read but I felt satisfied at the end. To me, they did better about not throwing twists in simply to have a twist.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me this review copy!

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This psychological thriller is so compulsive that I opened the book this evening and did not put it down until I finished just moments ago! I wanted to write a review while all the emotion and reactions were still running hot.

Here's a piece of free advice: Never lie your way into a psychological research study. We all know how those devious little manipulators can trick you -- ha! Obviously, Jessica (Jess) Farris wasn't privy to my admonition and she went and signed up, becoming Subject 52 after answering some moral and ethical questions on a laptop computer in an empty classroom. Jess is instructed to "be open and truthful" when taking the questions. Little does she know that she is already being analyzed and is subsequently found suitable for an expanded study that will require a great deal more than Jess could have ever anticipated. What becomes of Jess, a floundering make-up artist in desperate need of money for herself and for her family? And what is she willing to do for Dr. Shields in order to get it?

Oh the characters! All basically nasty and terribly unreliable and I can't say I liked any of the schemers. Just when you think you have it all figured out, there is a subtle shift that might make you unsure if you're coming to the right conclusions. The narrative style and changes in person and point of view is quite effective in stringing the reader along. I'm not sure what I was expecting but I really did not like how the story ended even though I really enjoyed the book!

I read this duo's previous novel, The Wife Between Us, and truly appreciate their talented work on this second collaboration. It stands out in a genre field that has become so inundated with new novels of psychological fiction where all the characters basically have way too many secrets and lies. I'm sure that there will be tons of hype but I had no expectations going in as I haven't read too much about this book and urge others not to read too many reviews before diving in. Enjoy the roller coaster ride and wait for the movie so you can relive the story!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-book ARC to read and review.

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This book was a treat that I am so glad I picked up to read. The whole time I was reading this book, I kept wondering what was really going on and it kept me wondering what was going to happen next and I loved every minute of it. The cast of characters was fantastically written. I didn’t know who to trust, including the main character, Jessica. For me, that’s the sign of a great thriller!

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Holy moly this was an intense read. Dr. Shields is one of the most chillingly manipulative characters I’ve read.
Imagine a test where you are in an empty classroom, sitting at a computer and asked a series of questions. As the questions progress, they become more personal and are more about character and morality. Would you be honest? What if you were being paid very very well?
Jess, a struggling student has stumbled onto an "easy money" opportunity and she's more than a little desperate. What happens when you're willing to cross the line, just a teensy bit?
Reasons To Read: short chapters, compelling plot, relatable main character, epic twists and turns, chilling villain
Kudos to this amazing writing duo!

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This book is a well written psychological suspense novel following Jessica after she manages to be included in a study she wasn't invited to be part of. She thinks it will be quick and easy and she'll take the money and run, but it's not quick, nor is it easy.

As the questions become more intrusive and the doctor behind the study begins to start to hold sway over Jessica's life, the story begins to twist in ways I didn't expect. I found myself quickly wanting to know more and I was tempted to skip to the end just to see what happened, but was glad I didn't.

If you've enjoyed any of the other books written by these authors, you will likely love this. It's a must for psychological thriller fans.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and authors for allowing me an ARC at my request. My thoughts are my own

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Jessica is a makeup artist living in New York. She is struggling to get by and when overhears a client discussing a study about mortality that pays the participants $500.00 per session she is intrigued. We’ve already learned Jessica is good at hiding the truth; her parents think she is working with theater companies as a makeup artist. Jessica needs the money badly. She is supporting herself and her family.
Jessica joins the study never realizing it will change her life.
The story caught me from the start. I was even intrigued by her job as a traveling make up artist and how she studies her clients and transforms them.
The cat and mouse game between Jessica and Doctor Shields is intense.
The story started dragging about 3/4 through. I was anxious to see how the story would end and it wasn’t fast enough for my liking.
The end wasn’t perfect ; I wish it had ended differently,but the epilogue made up for it.
By the way , I thought Thomas was a twit.
Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for the ebook for review.

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When she finds out about a study on ethics and morality, Jess is eager to take part. It means misrepresenting herself a bit, but she could definitely use an extra five hundred dollars and all she has to do is answer a few questions on a computer.



The first part of the book pulled me in fast. I found myself answering the questions in my own head as I read Jess's answers. Then the pace shifted. This one wasn't quite as entertaining as The Wife Between Us, the previous book by these authors, but it was still a suspenseful read as I watched to see how much Jess was willing to do to remain part of the survey.

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2.5 Stars 🌟🌟🌠
I had high hopes for this novel after reading the blurb. I was intrigued. Unfortunately, it didn't tick all the boxes for what I look for in a thriller and I struggled to stay connected to the story.

I had to put the book aside a few times because although the plot was unique, it faiIed to captivate me.The pacing of the first half of the story was excruciatingly slow.

On the plus side, the novel is co-authored, and the transition between writers was not obvious; it flowed smoothly. The details were clear and imaginative and there was a good mix of dialogue and narrative.

While in the end An Anonymous Girl was not a hit for me, it was a creative storyline and had that dark and tense quality to it for the second half. If you enjoyed Hendricks and Pekkanen's debut novel and their style of writing, I'd say give this one a try.




**Complimentary copy for review provided by St. Martin's Press and Netgalley. All opinions expressed here are honest and entirely my own.**

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I received a free copy of this book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

One of the most interesting psychological dramas I have read in a very long time. This story starts innocently enough with a girl voluntarily entering into a study through a small deception that then develops into a deeply deceptive tale.

Jessica is a 28-year-old make-up artist. She works for BeautyBuzz doing makeup for clients that are contracted through them. Jess meets a client and overhears a chance to make some quick, good money and uses the opportunity to enter into what appears to be a clinical research study on ethics and morality. As Jess works her way through the initial process, including an introduction to Dr. Shields who is conducting the research, although not in person. She is also given the explanation and rules, complete honesty and absolute secrecy, she can discuss it with no one.

Jessica is accepted into the program and finally meets Dr. Shields. Jess is totally enchanted with Dr. Shields, and the continuing pay is excellent. The questions of her ethics and morality get more and more thoughtful, deeper and deeper into her psyche. But things are not as they seem, and Jessica is drawn into a troublesome situation. She begins to wonder what is really going on.

These authors present an incredible psychological drama. I was completely drawn into the story; the characters are well-developed, and the writing is superb. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves psychological drama, and anyone who loves a good mystery.

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