Girls are being mutilated and murdered by a serial killer like no other. The killer has an uncanny way of getting inside of their heads to test their loyalty to his will. He works on controlling them in areas where they are most vulnerable and makes them feel powerful. This is coercive control on an unmatched level. The girls are drawn in as if following a cult, but never has there been a cult this psychopathic.

There is obviously a lot of violence and gore in this book. I would recommend this it for older teens and young adults. Women will recognize the ploys used by the predator to shame and isolate his prey. This creepy story has an unapologetic feminist slant. It was so hard to put down; I finished it in two days!

I don't even know how to feel about this book. It was so dark, disturbing, I think there is a lot of triggers some general audiences would not want to read. Half the time I wasn't sure what was going on whether if it was in the heads of the characters or for real. The concepts of the badness/the cur was so far out there & almost sci-fi ish. Just strange & very very disturbing. If you are sensitive to some dark topics, or abuse, physical & sexual in nature I would avoid this one. The writing was great and I believe the author is talented but it was just too vivid in detail and disturbing for my tastes.

This book is definitely terrifying and can trigger some nightmares/eerie feelings. It is wonderfully well-written and is hands down a horror novel. There’s no doubt about it. DeMeester brilliantly weaves her web, her novel tying in substantial social commentary. Although faint at first, there is feminist undertone that lies throughout the book.

To be honest, I couldn’t quite get a feel as to where this book was going for the first half. It finally starting to gain some traction about halfway through in terms of plot advancement, though my attention did start to wane about 2/3 of the way through due to pacing.

It was creepy and well-written, but I feel like the conclusion did not meet my expectations. The book does contain some solid social commentary, though the ending felt rushed. This read was not my favorite, but I’m thankful to have gotten the opportunity to review this piece.

SUCH A PRETTY SMILE is a horror story, but it is also the story of mothers and daughters, of art and struggle and of our desire to own our histories. Caroline is a beautiful, polished artist and single mother. Her countenance is in stark contrast to her disturbing sculptures, however, the source of which she won't discuss. Her daughter, Lila, acutely feels the negative comparisons made between her gorgeous, talented mother and her drab self, so when the popular Macie befriends her, Lila will do almost anything to gain and keep her approval - a serious mistake. But while DeMeester's story has legs, it doesn't complete the race. There are huge holes in the plot that are never explained and the story isn't gripping enough to warrant a sequel. The writing was very good, but the whole thing just didn't hold togather.

My heart is crushed for these women and girls. Told from the mother and daughter’s perspective, the chapters between the two blended well.
The writing was lyrical but described such horrors. It does get graphic at times, but the real horror is the mental anguish of what they were subjected to.

I really enjoyed this book. It was different from most I’ve read, with regard to the story line and plot twists. I definitely do not want to give this amazingly good take away, as I feel everyone should read this book. It was a page turner and I did not want to put it down. Demeester was detailed in ways that made it easy to immerse yourself quickly and seamlessly. I did feel like a few characters fell short and could’ve been more developed. If I had to pick one thing that topped the list of things I liked in this book,I would say the interesting story line with all the different unexpected turns. The lowest on my list would be misinformation of actual facts. There is NO 24 hour wait for missing children, this is a huge misconception. The sooner you contact the authorities the information can be sent nationwide to all law enforcement agencies. This book also touched on many issues that are real and that people struggle with everyday. Maybe a list of toll free hotline numbers at the end of the book may not be a bad idea. Would definitely recommend and read read again. This was a free read here for me; however, I do plan on buying the book when it’s available to support this wonderful author. I hope to read more from Demeester soon.

Thank you for the advanced copy

This is a story about Caroline and Lila. And how the different ways women are told to sit down and look pretty., not to step out of line, quiet down the beast.

Well paced. Family secrets. Pulls you in from the first chapter. Powerful book. I think women everywhere should read it. Men too.

When I hear a book referred to as feminist horror, there is always some concern that it will try to shove the message in my face. However, this book creeps up on you in a way that is jarring. Lila's anger starts to feel all-encompassing, something familiar and sharp. Caroline's trauma responses to the world around her feel equally familiar. The two sides of this coin are clear, the youthful anger of teen girls and the traumatized reactions to the things this can cause.

This book makes you question, should women live life in fear of consequences for not being polite, and kind? It reminded me of the song "Fire Drills" by Dessa. The idea that we are worth more than vigilance. The horror was haunting, the monsters something that kept me up at night. The message was clear, but if an in-your-face ideology is not your thing, there's enough horror and blood here to keep you reading.

This book is a different kind of horror/thriller. Women who behave aren't attacked by the monster. Those who rebel/speak up get attacked or go missing. This story is powerful, and I loved the characters and their strong relationships.

WOW! I'd give this a 3.75/5 for this being my first ever horror book ever. If you're looking for a good book that is a bit eerie and creepy and will make you feel a little unsettled – this is your book. With two different timelines between mother and daughter, it's easy to follow and captures your attention in the first few pages.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book, I can't wait to see what else Kristi DeMeester has up her sleeve.

This one slowly won me over. I wasn’t too sure at the beginning but kept with it and I am so glad I did. It is a dark thriller, gripping and scary. Young girls murdered, their bodies torn up because they did not behave and they would not be quiet. Are the shadows real, were the snarling men real, were the snarling dogs real? Why could not everyone see them? There was an ending I did not expect. I thoroughly enjoyed this.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

2019- A killer, known as The Cur, has been leaving a trail of dead bodies...troublesome young girls who have been torn to pieces. Thirteen-year-old Lila Sawyer lives with her mother Caroline, an infamous artist known for her unique sculptures, which she doesn't feel she can confide in. Lila's father is newly remarried with a baby on the way and doesn't seem to have time for her anymore and Lila has a secret she can't share with anyone…even her therapist.
2004- Caroline hears things others don't notice...dogs barking, snarling, teeth snapping. She blames the stress of caring for her father on her insomnia and the noises resulting in unusual sculptures, created in a trance like state, that gain her notoriety.
The past and present converge for these two women with an evil that hunts females who don't know their place.

Such a Pretty Smile is a trending feminist horror novel. I enjoy when publishers send me novels they think I will enjoy based on my previous reads. Many times I find enjoyable new authors or books that I may have missed otherwise. Unfortunately, this book was another one of my most recent reads that I just couldn't seem to get into. This is most likely an "it's me not you" situation. The premise sounded perfect with a cast of characters that are all a little unstable, traumatized, or toxic. It was atmospheric, graphic, creepy, and the writing style was enjoyable. I can't quite put a finger on what I didn't love about this novel but it just didn't hold my attention. If I had to pick something, I guess it felt as if information about "The Cur" aspects of the book were barely hinted at to keep the reader engaged but instead I was left feeling left out of the loop and dragged along most of the story. I realize I am in the minority with my review/rating and there are many readers really enjoying this one. That being said just because I didn't love it doesn't necessarily mean other readers won't.

Such a Pretty Smile is a dark, haunting story that will stick with you long after reading. My feelings and emotions on this story are so very mixed. While the idea was intriguing, I am left still so confused on what the "beasts" are. Also, the descriptions and what was done to these young girls is absolutely gut wrenching and horrific. I was left in tears at some points, and just overall feeling gross about reading it. The sexualization of these young girls was disturbing to read about. I understand the point the author was trying to convey about women's voices being silenced, however, I think the message might have been lost in the overall disturbing context of the story.

With that being said, women's voices being silenced is disgusting and horrific, so maybe we need a horrific story to bring that realization to fruition. As a woman, I understand the message conveyed but was too horrified by the context of the story to want to re read this or even have it on my shelf.

ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“Such a Pretty Smile” is an inventive horror novel with an interesting premise. The novel floats between two timelines in which the stories of a mother and daughter are told. In 2019, we are introduced to thirteen-year-old Lila Sawyer and her mother, Caroline. Lila is struggling to contain her true feelings and secrets from the outside world. Caroline, a well-known artist, harbors secrets of her own and a past she refuses to share with Lila. Lila begins to experience a push from within to express herself while she begins to experience frightening changes. Flashing back to 2004, Caroline begins to be haunted by sounds and visions she can’t explain. As these delusions continue to increase, Caroline is faced with repressed memories from 15 years prior wherein the past begins to bleed into the present.

Throughout both timelines, young girls are disappearing and dying. An apparent serial killing known as The Cur is stalking and slaughtering these girls, tearing them apart in a most grizzly way. As the carnage continues, Lila and Caroline’s visions increase. They both are losing time, seeing things and hearing things that aren’t really there. Their experiences seem to somehow be linked to The Cur, who apparently targets girls who are troublemakers, nonconformists and strong personalities. What is the link between The Cur, Lila and Caroline? As the past events in 2004 begin to catch up with both Caroline and Lila in 2019, they are drawn to the source of this evil. Is it all in their heads, or is the truth far more sinister than it appears?

This novel took me on a roller coaster ride. In the beginning, it appears that a serial killer is on the loose. As the novel progresses, questions arise as to the sanity of Caroline and Lila and their resultant hallucinations. How is it tied to the serial killer? Throughout the novel, the main characters are faced with men who consistently degrade them, dismiss them and otherwise reduce their worth seemingly because they are women. As we near the end, the supernatural forces at work present themselves, tying it all together with a neat bow steeped in feminist themes.

I really wanted to love this novel. I’m a horror novel junkie and the description of the book drew me in. I was gripped in the beginning, immersed in the apparent downward spiral of sanity of both characters in the two timelines. I was along for the ride as they were forced to dealt with their visions on their own, either dismissed by those around them (Caroline) or in fear of what would happen if they opened up about what was happening (Lila). The first third of the book felt original and compelling.

However, the middle of the book began to drag a bit for me. I found myself beginning to lose my investment in the characters as some themes were overly drawn out. The book began to pick up pace again toward the end, and as the characters and timelines began to collide, I was reeled back in.

Unfortunately, I felt the conclusion was wrapped up too hastily with a quick description by a character of what was really happening. It felt too forced after the preceding long narratives of Lila and Caroline. At the same time, the ending slapped together an supernatural explanation with strong feminist themes, but it just felt forced to me. I didn’t feel that the ending feminist elucidation was properly flushed out throughout the novel. There were ongoing minor themes regarding the degradation of women through the novel, but I didn’t feel that they lent themselves to the subsequent ending regarding strong women who “refuse to behave.” It just didn’t work for me.

Overall, I must admit this was an original storyline. It felt like a fresh take on horror. Regrettably, the quick ending wrapped up in its neat little bow just didn’t work for me. I wish it had been flushed out more and not so hastily resolved. This was a mostly compelling read with an interesting premise and ideals. Some readers who are into horror may love this inventive novel. However, taken as a whole, it just didn’t work for me.

A complex and engaging story that speaks to the insidious ways women are silenced in society and expected to behave.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC. I loved this story and am probably going to need to reread because I flew through it in order to find out what happened in the end. DeMeester captured the deep frustration of knowing a terrible thing is happening but having nobody listen to you or take you seriously, to the point you question your own sanity. It's both terrifying and sad to see Caroline's past become Lila's present. The settings are incredibly well-described; I especially liked the perspective on New Orleans both immediately pre-Katrina and afterwards. Truly gripping horror.

The book is well written and the mystery surrounding Caroline pulled me in immediately. I would have liked to find out what had happened to her, but unfortunately I was unable to finish the book. What I read was told from the point of view of a thirteen year old girl. The things she said and the thoughts in her head were horrifyingly disgusting. This just isn't something I want to let into my mind.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this arc.

This book was too creepy even for me! It was well-written, but I couldn’t get into it. The imagery was more horror than thriller to me.

There are no words to describe how much I liked this book. It grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go until the end. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting. I found the book to be atmospheric, it gave me goose bumps at some parts. I think that it is relevant to what is going on in society today. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys horror and main characters that learn to find their voice in a world that wants to keep them silent.