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A deviously twisty novel of psychological suspense about secrets, neighbors, a need to belong, and murder by the award-winning author of The Maid’s Diary. Socially awkward Chloe Cooper divides her time between dog walking, bartending, caring for her ailing mother, and at a safe distance, watching people and inventing the stories of their lives. Like Chloe’s new neighbors: glamorous influencer Jemma Spengler and Jemma’s husband, Adam, a renowned surgeon. They’re attractive, wealthy, and in a house of open windows, so exposed. A move to the Pacific Northwest is supposed to be a fresh start for Jemma and Adam. It’s a renewed commitment to a marriage fractured by secrets. A chance to work through the tragic losses in their past. For Jemma, however, this new beginning also comes with an unnerving sensation that she’s being watched. Then, on a fog-shrouded beach early in the morning, Chloe witnesses the murder of a swimmer. Her suspicions aroused, she suddenly sees her neighbors in a sinister new light. But as a detective and her partner close in, nothing is quite as it seems. Because the Spenglers are not the only ones with secrets. And Chloe isn’t the only one who’s been watching.
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3.5* This is the third book I’ve read by Loreth Anne White, and unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the others.
1. Same Format, Same Tropes
If you’ve read Into The Deep, you’ll know that both books center around a married couple dealing with infidelity. Because I read these two books close together, this one felt bland and “recycled” for me :(
2. Lack of Suspense
While I can forgive recycled tropes, I can’t overlook the total lack of tension. The suspense was so watered down it might as well have been decaf. The MCs stated things so bluntly that it sucked the mystery dry. Case in point: Adam thinks Chloe is guilty because she’s socially awkward. No proof, no buildup, just “vibes”. I mean, really? That leap in logic was maddening.
It wasn’t bad. It’s just that this one wasn’t for me.
This definitely had me going down one direction and I was surprised when the narrative changed courses. I liked the documentary interludes.