Nicki argues with herself in meticulous detail. So do the police who suspect her of murder. The reader must figure out to what extent Nicki is a reliable narrator as well as whether the police's logic is sound. there's an almost obsessive amount of detail but it serves a purpose. ( )

Thanks to Goodreads for sending this First Reads book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.

The back cover reads: Nicki Clements has secrets, just like anybody else—secrets she keeps from her children, from her husband, from everyone who knows her. Secrets she shares with only one person: A stranger she's never seen. A person whose voice she's never heard. And then Nicki is arrested for murder. The murder of a man she doesn't know.

Overall I did not enjoy this book, though that is hard to support since I finished it in only a few days. There was a huge piece of mystery to the story that kept me reading, namely I wanted to understand Nicki's past and wanted to see just how her strange life ended up so entwined in this bizarre murder. But her character was so irredeemable, it was almost distracting. Further, no character was relateable for me, even the main detectives in the series who, I assume, I'm supposed to like and root for. And the ending ... so disappointing. Not at all equal to the buildup and the suspense the book tried to create. I also don't know if the reader is supposed to follow the clues and figure this one out, but the clues were sorely lacking. ( )

This was a page-turner, but I became frustrated with the main character. She did a lot of stupid things, including getting herself involved in a murder investigation. The murderer was a surpise. ( )

I read this because it was on one of those lists, "If you like X then you'll love this...." And the thing is, I really liked this book! It kept me intrigued, I didn't read the last chapter early to see how it ended (well, I tried but my Nook froze and wouldn't let me), and it now makes me want to seek out Sophie Hannah's other books. I did read it out of series order but I don't think it really hampered my understanding of the story, etc. Recommend! ( )

Hard book to rate. Enjoyed most of it, but it seemed to go on and on at some points. Good storyline and well written. The story focused more on the relationships than the actual crime. I’d really give it 3.5. ( )