Author: Alice Feeney
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Released: January 14, 2025
Received: Own (BOTM)
Find it on Goodreads | More Thrillers | BOTM
Book Summary:
Grady Green is an author. Or at least, he was. He hasn’t been able to write a thing since the day his wife went missing. That was a year ago, and his life has been steadily falling apart ever since.
Fortunately, Grady has been offered one last chance to write a book and get his life back on track. To do so, he must go to an isolated island off Scotland. Here, he may just have the peace and quiet needed to get it done. Or not.
My Review:
So, I just finished Beautiful Ugly, and if there’s one thing I can say about this book, it’s this: nothing about this book went as I expected. Alice Feeney sure has a way of making unexpected twists come out of nowhere.
Before I dive too far into my review, let me say this: there is a dog in this book. He is fine. While there may be a tense moment or two, the dog is fine. I repeat – the dog is fine.
At first, Grady’s story feels unbearably tragic. But as the story progresses, his side changes and shifts, creating a more comprehensive look at a complicated character. The secondary perspective flips everything on its head, only for things to flip back again. It was a weird reading journey, but it’s what I expect/hope for with Feeney’s work.
I enjoyed the twists, but while reading Beautiful Ugly, I felt like something was missing. Despite the compelling core, there wasn’t enough substance. While I didn’t enjoy Beautiful Ugly as much as Daisy Darker, this is still a strong addition to her catalog.
P.S. – There are instructions left in the final chapter of Beautiful Ugly; follow them. It’s small, but it’s such a nice touch.
Highlights:
- Mystery/Thriller
- Books about authors
- Secrets Galore
- Isolated Island
Trigger Warnings:
- Missing Person
- Sexual Abuse
- The dog is fine
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