Thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this book ahead of time in exchange for a review. You should read it!

This just wasn't my vibe. The blub us a bit misleading and I figured more of a missing person type thing in the hospital and it absolutely was not that! I didn't care for the MC and the dialogue just felt off. Drug cartels aren't my thing and the whole book felt slow and a bit dragging. I'm sure it'll appeal to those who are interested in this genre but it just wasn't for me

Thank you NetGalley and author Kevin Nguyen for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

"In the corridors of Riverview Psychiatrist Hospital, secrets echo louder than screams. What's newsworthy? One that people desire to read or need to hear? Amy Johnson is a rookie journalist at a news agency specializing in scandals and gossip. After being placed on the list of prospective layoffs, she risked everything to investigate an obscure crime case that could save her job. Trails of evidence led her to Riverview Psychiatrist Hospital, where she met a long-term patient who knew crucial information about the case. But time is running out. After discovering a previously undisclosed death, she must decide whether to capitalize on the finding to save her dream job or damage the careers of those involved."

I enjoy reading this book. I love the twist and how it keeps me guessing.

After reading the blurb for this book I was excited to delve into a missing person investigation. But this book wasn't that at all. It was drug cartel stuff which is not something I'm interested in and would never choose to read. The writing style was grating and made it difficult to read and get into the story. This was just not my cup if tea.

In Beyond the Facade, readers are drawn into a world of intrigue and suspense within the walls of Riverview Psychiatrist Hospital. As Amy Johnson, a determined journalist on the brink of losing her job, delves into a mysterious crime case, the tension escalates with each turn of the page. What struck me most about this book is its ability to keep me guessing until the very end. The author masterfully weaves together a web of secrets and deception, creating a gripping narrative that kept me hooked from start to finish. With its well-developed characters and twisty plot, Beyond the Facade is a great read for anyone craving a thrilling mystery that will keep them on the edge of their seat.

Hey there, mystery lovers! Buckle up, because Beyond the Facade is about to take you on one wild ride! Picture this: Amy Johnson, a feisty journalist on the brink of losing her job, dives headfirst into a scandalous case that could make or break her career. And where does she end up? Riverview Psychiatrist Hospital, where the secrets are as thick as the padded walls. From uncovering hidden deaths to facing off against career-ending revelations, Amy's journey is one heck of a rollercoaster ride. So, if you're ready to unravel the truth and get your pulse racing, grab a copy of Beyond the Facade and get ready for a mystery you won't soon forget!

Amy Johnson finally broke free of her small town childhood and landed a job at her dream news agency as an investigative journalist in New York but her names on the short list for a big layoff...unless she brings her boss a big story. Her boss send her to New Haven, CT as a last ditch effort to prove herself but Amy wonders what could possibly happen in New Haven that could save her career. She finds the story in a hero cop and dangerous drug lord but nobody is willing to talk about it any further, which means Amy is on her own. How far will she go to uncover a story to save her dream?

From the blurb of this book I was expecting the majority of the plot at this big gothic psychiatric hospital and that didn't happen. Only the last 25% actually took place there and I would have liked if the author was more descriptive for the setting instead of talking about how the staff just seems to really like to nap. MC Amy is annoying at best and her inner monologue was repetitive and tough to read at times. The pacing of the novel moved along at a great pace and I burned through it just hoping in the next chapter Amy would finally be at the hospital.

Beyond the Facade by Kevin Nguyen was an interesting storyline and has great potential to develop further. The writing style was not my usual taste but that is on me and no shade to the author, just a difference in preference. There were however some awesome quptes in the book that stuck with me;

"Man, i've walked down many roads in my life," he said "but memory lane always twists my belly like bad food"

"What do you think of this world Amy?" he asked, smiling at me. I Shrugged. "I think that this world is this world. There's nothing else to compare it to. But I wish it could be better"
"Stop wishing, start doing"

Insightful and poignant gems like this are scattered throughout the book and acted as anchors for the storyline (George was my favourite character hands down)

The concept is definitely there and there is a lot of room for plot and character development. The first person perspective was written well but the dialogue seemed a little stilted at times (which could in itself be reflective of the environment in which this novel is based so cannot be seen as a negative in my tastes)

I am going to put this one on my re-read pile as I did enjoy it, it was just missing something for me at the moment and I cannot quite put my finger on it. It could be the subject matter but itt was certainly a book I would recommend and definitely a book with potential to grow

Thank you to Netgalley and Kevin Nguyen for the interesting ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

Thank you to Netgallery for giving me an early release copy of Beyond The Facade by Kevin Nguyen, this book will be available for purchase on March ninth.

Beyond The Facade was nearly a Dnf for me, I wasn’t a fan of the writing style, the main character Amy is unlikable and hard to read at times, then there were quite a few moments I found to be unrealistic. This book was a bit of a bore for me, I was expecting something more from the case that Amy was going to investigate. I was hoping it was more along the lines of a murder/missing persons case rather than a drug cartel.

Even after finishing Beyond The Facade I remember very little about it, There just isn’t anything that really stands out about it.