Magpie is a compelling read for those interested in psychological thrillers that delve into the intricacies of human emotions and relationships.

This was an engrossing thriller that had a twist that completely shocked me but then the story started to fall flat and led to a surprisingly boring ending. I was captivated from the beginning when we first meet Marisa who is looking at a house to buy for her and her partner, Jake, to start their new life together. Day moved between past and present to sprinkle in some insidious moments, especially when Marisa and Jake's roommate, Kate, moves in. I loved the tension that was building up and just when I thought I knew where this story was going it went an entirely different direction.

Unfortunately, the high from the shocking turn of events only lasted for a few more chapters and then the story started to unravel. There were still some great moments of tension and surprise but the appallingly dull ending really overshadowed the second half. If you are looking for a quick read to spend an afternoon then I would consider giving this one a shot. Too bad it had the potential to be so much more.

2.5 ⭐️ The twists didn’t surprise me at all. I reached the end and was underwhelmed by it all. Trigger warnings (infertility, miscarriage). Thank you to Netgalley for the arc!

Magpie was a great 3.5⭐️ read for me!

It is a fast-paced psychological thriller with more than a few twists. The cast of characters includes Marisa, Kate, and Jake, as well as his parents (mainly mom, Annabelle). There's not much more I can say without spoiling things, so let's just say that Jake is a bit of a wet noodle and the three women take you on quite the ride.

I liked how the book is set up (multi pov, then & now) and think it kept things moving. I enjoyed the twist and thought it was not only well executed but also well timed.

Overall a fun read!

I didn't understand the point of this book. Without giving too much away, we start with a plot that becomes debunked halfway through. Then the evil MIL trope takes over and we end up back where we started, and it ends "happily." No one was relatable or likeable, either

Not bad. I love an unreliable narrator. Though the ending was weird and wrapped up way too cleanly for my taste.

This novel was a disappointment. The blurb on the back outlining the events of the story were anything but accurate and the actual story that unfolded was really boring and the ultimate "climax" and ending of the novel, was really not that impactful. I thought we were in line for a real doozy of a twist about halfway through the novel, but that turned out to be nothing major. Honestly a bit disappointed in how the author chose to "use" that twist because the novel really could have taken off at that point in quite a few directions that would have produced a much more compelling story.

I unfortunately did not connect with this story so after about 25% i decided to put it down. There was a slight disconnect between the writing, the characters and the plot and for that it just did not work for me.

I requested this book when I first got a netgalley account and wasn't exactly sure how it worked. Therefore, I didn't download this egalley before it archived. BUT, all that to say, I finally bought the book and read it and here are my thoughts.

I really enjoyed the first half for the most part. The FMC and MMC (Jake and Marisa) move in together and decide to have a baby together. Finances are tight so they invite Kate to live with them and pay rent. As i'm sure you can guess, this creates quite the strife between them all, especially once Kate starts treating their house like her own and inserting herself into their business.

About midway through, the POV shifts from Marisa to Kate and basically blows everything up. I can't say more bc of spoilers! Overall, I enjoyed this one, especially if you're new to the thriller genre. I got a bit sick of reading about the evil MIL -- it took away from my enjoyment of the book.

read if you enjoy:
-high tension books
-character-driven stories
-POV shifts, twisty turny
-evil MIL trope
-solid writing

3.5/5

I really enjoyed Magpie by Elizabeth Day! The psychological suspense was on point, and I found myself hooked from the very beginning. The story follows a complicated love triangle that spirals into a dark and twisty exploration of obsession, guilt, and deception. The tension builds slowly but steadily, and Day does a fantastic job of keeping you guessing about who to trust.

The characters were all very layered, and I loved how flawed and real they felt, even when they were making questionable decisions. I especially appreciated the way the story delves into the intricacies of relationships and the hidden secrets people keep. It definitely made me think about the power dynamics and hidden motivations in the relationships we have.

That said, there were a few moments where the pacing felt a little slow for me, and I didn’t fully connect with some of the secondary characters, but overall, it didn’t take away from the impact of the story. The twists in the final act were surprising and gave the book a solid payoff. If you’re into psychological thrillers with depth and complexity, Magpie is definitely worth picking up. I’d definitely recommend it!

This is a story about the importance of screening applicants.

The good: I had to flip back to ensure I had just read what I had just read. The twists! Also the real villain was truly villainous which I always appreciate.

The less good: Unfortunately my least favorite trope was a major plot point, and that definitely impacted how much I enjoyed this- but it would be a huge spoiler to name it.

Thanks so much Netgalley and Simon & Schuster

Great twisty read, perfect for a rainy weekend read!

Kept me guessing all the way through.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Magpies are beautiful, intelligent birds known for stealing eggs from other birds nests. That's all you need to know.

Day perfectly lays the groundwork for understanding the psychological stress of infertility and the lengths that people will go to conceive. That's the heart, and heartbreaking, of this novel. Add in some crazy twists and a new to this reader plot and you've got an interesting psychological drama.

There are two sides to every story is an excellent plot line in MAGPIE. We see a picture perfect life gain a few wrinkles then see the other side and WOW! it does not seem like the same story. Mix in inteference from outside and you get a perfect thriller.

This was exciting, twisty, with high tension. I enjoyed the intensity of the book and was drawn in from the first chapter. I couldn't put it down.

Elizabeth Day's "Magpie" is a psychological thriller that delves into the depths of obsession, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect their families. The story revolves around Marisa and Jake, a young couple eager to start a family, who take in a lodger named Kate to help with their finances. However, Kate's presence disrupts their carefully constructed lives, leading to a series of unsettling events that unravel the fragile façade of their perfect existence.

Day's writing is captivating, weaving a tale of suspense and intrigue that will keep readers hooked until the very end. The characters are complex and well-developed, each harboring their own secrets and motivations. The setting, a picturesque English village, adds to the overall atmosphere of unease and mystery.

"Magpie" is a fast-paced and suspenseful read that will leave you guessing until the very end. It is a testament to Day's talent as a storyteller and her ability to create compelling and chilling psychological thrillers.

Magpie, by Elizabeth Day, starts off with Marissa and Jake, who have recently begun dating, living together, and now are trying for a baby. we also meet Kate, who is a lodger that moves in with them to help make ends meet. We can definitely tell that Marissa is uncomfortable with Kate being there - Kate is becoming more obsessed with Jake and with the baby. Throughout Marissa's pregnancy, secrets from all three are revealed and could have lasting effects on the relationships.

I was not a fan of this book by Elizabeth Day. I thought that it was a little too predictable and that the twist was easy to see coming. I thought that none of the characters actions were redeemable and I didn't really connect with them. I know that many readers loved this story, though, based on the high reviews, but this book turned out to be not for me.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This book had me hooked from the first page. The tension between the characters is palpable, and the layers of secrets and lies slowly unravel, revealing a story that's both chilling and heartbreaking. Magpie is tightly plotted, crackling with an uneasy tension, and has an ingenious twist you won’t see coming. Stylish, sinister, and clever, this is a sublime thriller.

This book had me hooked from the first page. The tension between the characters is palpable, and the layers of secrets and lies slowly unravel, revealing a story that's both chilling and heartbreaking. The way the author explores themes of obsession, identity, and the lengths people go to protect their dreams is masterful.

As Marisa digs deeper into who Kate really is, the suspense ramps up to an almost unbearable level. The twists and turns kept me guessing right until the very end, and I was left reeling by the final revelations.

I feel like a lot was going on in this book, but not a lot was happening, if that makes sense. I'm sure some loved this book, but it was just not for me.