This was a gothic, haunting and atmospheric story that I couldn’t put down. It was gripping and engaging the whole way through with a level of suspense and unpredictability that added an extra layer to the storytelling. It was a chilling read that has stayed with me since I read it.

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no significant gaps between words and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

This isn't for anyone who's pregnant or trying etc! Or anyone whos suffered a loss. It's pretty triggering. And a bit more graphic than it needs to be in parts which I'm assuming is for shock value but I can't say it really added anything to the story in any way.

In saying that, ignoring the minging bits it was a good book . Tense, plenty twists and turns. You really have no idea what's going on or who's responsible. It really does have such an eerie feel to it and the whole atmosphere of the story is just really unsettling. Its a shame that shock elements let it down but itherwise, it's a cleverly written, really good book

Anna Alcott is an actress who is well known in the public eye. She is also on a journey in trying to get pregnant using IVF with her husband Dex. Things start to take a weird turn as someone breaks into her room and steals the baby scan photo. Mummy brain… could Anna be experiencing this before the baby is born? Could she tell the difference between things that were happening and what others were doing to make her so on edge? Anna gets messages from someone warning her not to trust anyone. What’s really happening?
This captivating story of the journey into Anna’s state of mind, had me gripped from start to finish.

Delicate Condition is a fast paced suspenseful read that will suck you right in.

Anna Alcott desperately wants a family. Due to her age (late 30's) she has had to use IVF to get the baby she and her husband so desperately want.

When she finally gets her big positive pregnancy, her acting career has finally pushed her on the award circuit. She is getting everything she ever wanted.

But...who are the people watching her?

What do they want?

Are they the ones changing her meds and making her miss appointments?

Did they lie about her miscarriage?

It is a twisting journey for the reader and quite enjoyable.

"Delicate Condition" is a captivating horror/thriller that skillfully combines elements of "The Push" and "The Silent Patient" to deliver a chilling narrative. The story revolves around Anna Alcott, a woman desperate to conceive, who becomes convinced that someone is determined to sabotage her pregnancy. Despite her increasingly alarming experiences, the men in her life refuse to believe her, leaving her isolated and terrified.

Danielle Valentine demonstrates her storytelling prowess by seamlessly blending suspense, horror, and mystery throughout the novel. From the very beginning, readers are hooked, and the tension continues to escalate with each turn of the page. The book offers a page-turning experience that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the resolution of Anna's haunting predicament.

One of the book's strengths lies in its exploration of sensitive topics such as miscarriages, pregnancy, childbirth, and the mistreatment of women by the medical profession. The author handles these themes with thoughtfulness, presenting readers with poignant and insightful dialogue. The author's note, in particular, delves deeper into these issues, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

Delicate Condition also impressively incorporates historical background into its narrative, shedding light on the dismissive and disregardful approach of the medical establishment towards female patients. The exploration of this historical context is both eye-opening and enraging, as it highlights the struggles women have faced and continue to face in seeking proper healthcare. It adds depth to the story, elevating it beyond a simple thriller and making it a powerful commentary on the female experience.

The portrayal of Anna's paranoia is masterfully executed, giving readers a glimpse into her tumultuous mindset. Unlike other thrillers that rely on the unreliable female protagonist trope, this novel takes a different approach. It delves into the experiences of women seeking healthcare, where they are often dismissed and gaslighted. This nuanced exploration of medical gaslighting makes the story relatable, even amid its hyperbolized elements. Delicate Condition challenges the status quo and offers a bolder message than most books in its genre.

As a reader, I found myself drawn to the characters and their evolution throughout the story. Anna's journey through infertility, IVF, marital stress, and the unimaginable events she experiences is gripping and equality terrifying to someone who's terrified of anything pregnancy related.
The book successfully engages with the reader's emotions, providing a rollercoaster ride of suspense, tremendous suffering, and unexpected twists. It's comparable to classic horror novel "Rosemary's Baby" but with a modern and distinctly feminist approach.

In conclusion, it's a remarkable thriller that delivers suspense, horror, and social commentary in equal measure. Its ability to captivate readers with a compelling narrative while addressing important societal issues is commendable. I highly recommend this book to fans of the genre, just check trigger warnings before! With its skillful blend of suspense and social commentary, Delicate Condition solidifies Danielle Valentine as an exciting voice in the thriller genre. I can't wait to see an adaptation to this in one of my favorite shows!

I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.

Quite a different read.

I requested it from NetGalley (thank you, NetGalley) based on the short blurb which detailed it as a thriller.

Reading it, along the way I wasn't sure if I was reading a thriller, a crime story, or perhaps a horror novel. But it had me totally hooked, I had to find out what was going on. I felt as confused as our lead character, and I was never sure which way this one was going to land.

Definitely worth the read !

Synopsis

Anna Victoria Alcott is an actor who finds her success a little later in life. She’s married and trying to conceive and undergoing IVF treatment when her career really soars. This newfound taste of fame combined with a parental hyperawareness leaves Anna feeling paranoid and fragile. As her pregnancy progresses so do her strange antenatal symptoms until she becomes convinced she’s carrying a monster…

Review

This book is so dark and disturbing, it’s safe to say I loved it! After finishing the book I read that the next AHS series is going to be based on this book and it is going to be INCREDIBLE if it’s even half as good as the book.

The paranoia Anna experiences is so well written. Where so many books in this genre play up to the unreliable female protagonist trope this book explores a woman who is frequently dismissed and disregarded as exactly that, but is she really?! Through the lens of women accessing healthcare; where they are often fobbed off, downplayed and ignored, this book explores the female experience of medical gaslighting in such a nuanced way. I felt it was totally relatable in that sense. Of course is it hyperbolised here, mingled in with some good old gothic horror and a bit of domestic thriller action but it says something bolder than the usual thriller.

I thought this book was so gripping with perfectly paced chapters and twists. It had such a touching ending too, I shed a few tears. Definitely one for your TBR list!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Anna is a famous actress, nominated for a best leading actress Oscar. However, she has always longed for a baby and when she falls pregnant after IVF treatment, she is ecstatic. But then weird things begin to happen to her and she begins to suspect everyone around her. Even her loyal husband, Drew, has past secrets she doesn’t know about.. The shock horror, hallucinations and blood are way overdone in my opinion, Anna does not have any respite in between and it does not end happily. The warnings at the beginning should be heeded. Do not read this if you are pregnant or about to be!! I cannot imagine any men wanting to read this either.

Likened to "Rosemary's Baby", "Delicate Condition" by Danielle Valentine is definitely giving off sinister supernatural and cult-like vibes from the start. As Anna is an actress she is used to being noticed but is she being stalked? Are the mysterious messages she's receiving a threat or warning against others' actions? How much of the pregnancy is down to paranoia or is there gaslighting or even something worse afoot? So many questions went through my head as the book progressed and the answers I got didn't disappoint. A great horror book about pregnancy. A must-read but maybe not if you are trying to conceive or about to give birth.

Not a horror and yet not a thriller, a book with historical elements and a very primal feel.

I found the book a little too heavy leaning on to the shock value and yet not shocking. I liked the explanation and I always enjoy a novel about the bonds of womanhood but just can't place where this book falls.

I was aware of the hype this novel and had hoped for it to be reflected in good pace and great writing and it wasn't quite there for me.

A supernatural thriller exploring themes of pregnancy and its effects on the female body. Themes of gaslighting and undermining a pregnant woman’s fear, this is an innovative novel that perfectly blends domestic noir and the horror genre. I also liked that the female protagonist is an actress, so you feel her privacy slipping and her paranoia increasing that someone is watching. Danielle Valentine manages to critique the nature of being a celebrity.
This was a such an engrossing read. You other narratives too slipping in from different eras, and you wonder how things will come together, but they do in a creepy and unsettling way.

This book is phenomenal.
It’s so dark, the fear felt within is palpable and powerful.
I don’t want to Rex but Anna was a great protagonist. All the bit players, Talia, Cora, Dr Hill they all had their parts to play.
The darkness and deftly woven claustrophobic feeling was really vivid. I’m looking forward to recommending this heartily.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher,
#DelicateCondition #Netgalley

Essentially, if you like a creepy book, you're going to love this.
There's a growing sense of unease through the whole thing.
I really enjoyed it, not knowing where it was going, and pleasantly surprised by some of the turns it took.
Despite not actually warming to Anna, I was rooting for her the whe time.
A very satisfactory ending

Anna and Dex are desperate for a baby. Attempting another round of IVF, things start off badly on the day of egg retrieval, with Anna arriving late for the appointment with their new doctor, Carla Hill, despite assuring Dex that she was positive of the appointment time. Then a strange meeting on the way out of the clinic puts Anna even more on edge. The occurrence of strange events and unexplained happenings continue at a pace, putting Anna in state of panic and stress throughout the book. Is it gaslighting? Or Anna’s state of mind? Or are other worldly forces at play?

Blurbed as “the feminist update to Rosemary’s Baby” I was eager to read, and I can see the comparison. The plot was good, with some interesting parts, but it was all a bit rambling and needs some TLC editing.

A very dark offering, not quite a horror, but very close. One of those books that will make a good scary movie.

Thank you NetGalley.