When author Finlay Donovan is discussing the plot of her new suspense novel with her agent over lunch, she’s mistaken for a contract killer, and inadvertently accepts an offer to dispose of a problem husband in order to make ends meet… but, Finlay soon discovers that crime in real life is a lot more difficult that it’s fictional counterpart, as she becomes entangled in a real-life murder investigation.
First things first, I absolutely adored the plot of this novel! It was a genius piece of writing in terms of how Finlay ends up in her less-than-ideal situation. It really is a prime example of how context in a conversation is everything, and how easy it is to misconstrue one thing for something else.
Don’t get me wrong… this book is in no way realistic. It’s over-the-top, and the things that Finlay and Vero get away with would never happen. But then, we’re here for the entertainment, not for the realism, and the absurd dramatics that are incorporated within this book are really what makes it fun to read!
I’m really not going to dive into any plot details because this is a book where you need to discover all of the twists and turns for yourself, but this book is super twisty and I never saw half of them coming! I haven’t gasped so much in a long time; and just when you think you know what’s coming, more information is thrown into the mix which entirely changed your perspective and theories!
The relationship between Finlay and her nanny, Vero, is one we all need. They make a wonderful pair, and are the perfect partners-in-crime… literally. I could feel their bond through the pages, and I just liked them both as characters (which is another one of the reasons why I think this book works so well.)
However, two not so likeable characters were Stephen and Teresa… but especially Stephen. I was so hoping that the two of them would get their comeuppance (do they – well, read and find out!). Stephen is literally the most toxic man in existence (and he’s not even real!), and I haven’t found myself so infuriated with a character in a long time. He had no respect or faith in Finlay and every time he made an appearance I wanted to punch his lights out (or at least hoped Finlay would!)
But, one of my favourite moments has to be towards the end of the book when Finlay and Vero go back for ***. This whole scene was such a page turner and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. In fact, night turned into early morning because I was up until 2am reading as I had to know what happened.
And as for the ending… WHAT? This book ends on an epic cliffhanger, and I made me eager to read the next in the series!
I really think this book would make the most perfect TV adaptation, eand I really hope it happens because I can’t even tell you how excited I would be to see this series on screen. It gives both Pretty Little Liars mixed with Criminal Minds vibes and you know what… I’m totally here for it.
If you’re looking for a light mystery with comedic thrill, then add this one to your list friends, because I can guarantee that it won’t disappoint!
Favourite Quotes:
✨ ‘It’s a widely known fact that most moms are ready to kill someone by eight thirty A.M. on any given morning. On the particular morning of Tuesday, October eighth, I was ready by seven forty-five. If you’ve never had to wrestle a two-year-old slathered in maple syrup into a diaper while your four-year-old decides to give herself a haircut in time for preschool, all while trying to track down the whereabouts of your missing nanny as you sop up coffee grounds from an overflowing pot because in your sleep-deprived fog you forgot to put in the filter, let me spell it out for you.’
✨ ‘My Google search history alone was probably enough to put me on a government watch list. I wrote suspense novels about murders like this. I’d searched every possible way to kill someone. With every conceivable kind of weapon.’
✨ ‘Iris Smiled, endorphins loosening the stern lines of her face. She actually looked like she was enjoying this. The woman was a masochist.’
✨ ‘Easy for her to say. She was twenty-two and had never had children. She could probably hold it until menopause.’
✨ ‘Let us not attribute to malice and cruelty what may be referred to less criminal motives.’ I make it a point never to assume the worst about people.’
✨ ‘Unfortunately, the man’s made of Teflon. Nothing sticks. He should’ve been locked up a dozen times, but there isn’t a judge in the state with the balls to convict him. Even if we could, he has friends that can make almost anyone disappear . . . new name, new passport, and wipe them off the map as if they’d never existed.’
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