I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

I have read other books by Nina Laurin in the past and enjoyed them, and I’ve seen a lot of media attention for this book coming out. In this world of ever increasing technology, the overarching presence and control of our technology can create and instill fear in many. And it was this fear that was developed and overtook Cecilia, to the point where she was afraid to stay in her own house. Which is entirely understandable considering her house fed her bleach at one point. The event that instigated her to move into this gated community is really the driving point behind this novel. The plot twist in this book was pretty good, though overall it was just so depressing. And gosh did I just hate Scott (Cecilia’s husband). I can’t blame Cecilia for what she did to be honest because Scott was just so shitty. And Jessica was a psycho. Overall I liked the book and the plot twist at the end upped the score for me a bit, I’d recommend giving it a try!

The new thriller by Nina Lauren will keep you on the edge of your seats and guessing till the very end.



From the book: "Well I'm happy to say you're exactly what we're looking for. A young, modern family. Modern values. Focused above all on self-fulfillment and deriving satisfaction from your life, experiences over possessions. This is exactly what SmartHomes are about. Experiences."



After being the victim of a home invasion where she killed the attacker, Cecilia and her husband Scott accept an offer to become test participants in a new home where the security is more than they could ask for. But this is no ordinary neighborhood. IntelTech has carefully vetted and preselected every person that inhabit the SmartHomes on their block. Each person has an identity chip that allows them to enter. Who wouldn't love living in a home that learned what kind of coffee you drink and prepared it at the exact time each day. Or how you like your toast. Where detecting your signature with a sensor laden handle, your shower knows what temperature and water pressure you prefer and adjusts for you.



But when the house begins to malfunction several months later Cecilia is annoyed and submits trouble reports. The coffee is wrong, the temperature of her bath burns her. Her daughters oatmeal burns her mouth. The music that is playing is not on her playlist. But when her AI calls her the wrong name, she begins to wonder who might have lived in the home before them and why would they leave?



This is a book with a very satisfying ending and while reading this I couldn't help but think what a great movie this would make. If you liked Passengers by John Marrs you will love A Woman Alone.



Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for this advanced ebook. I will definitely be recommending this book for readers at my library.

Cecelia appreciates the security and comfort that her ultra smart home offers. It keeps her and her family on schedule, makes her coffee every morning and even cleans up after her. But things start to go wrong. A scalding bath, the wrong drink, and the home's artificial intelligence that calls her Lydia by mistake. Who was Lydia? And what happened to her? Perhaps an AI that can give you every convenience can also see all of your secrets. If you liked The Perfect Wife or The Turn of the Key this is for you. Reminiscent of Dean Koontz's Demon Seed, for a new generation. This kept me up until the wee hours of the morning.

A truly confusing novel! I was so wrapped around and twisted up, I had no idea what was going on! I had a hard time connecting with the characters, as they aren’t very likable. Throughout reading this I felt angsty and uncomfortable, and not in a good way. All of the questionable decisions irritated me and didn’t feel authentic. The plot was a bit over the top but the final truths were shocking and I was pleasantly surprised. 2.5⭐️ My thanks to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.