Jessica (Jess) Farris is a makeup artist living in New York City. Always looking for ways to earn some extra cash, she learns of an opportunity to participate in a study and make some serious money for what she thinks will be a one time session. What first seems to be a harmless exercise conducted by the mysterious Dr. Shields turns out to be just the beginning of a tangled web of lies, deceit and manipulation that threatens to consume Jessica’s life and well being.
What a heck of a ride! Talk about psychological thrillers, this was just plain crazy at times…crazy good. Every time I though I had someone or something figured out, another angle was presented. Don’t get me started on the unreliable narrators as no one seemed willing to present their true face for fear of being vulnerable, with substantially good reason. I’m not certain if there were any likable characters here but I was rooting for Jess. And, even when I thought I knew the basic answers, it still wasn’t enough to calm my racing heart.
I love listening to these kind of stories, especially when performed by great narrators. They don’t perform any better than Julia Whelan and in this story she shows why she appears on a lot of favorites lists. She was Jess, or at least she convinced me of that. It was my first time listening to Barrie Kreinik, who just nailed Dr. Shields, and I hope not the last.
Wish I could share more but you really, really wouldn’t want me to. It’s a perfect book for group discussion and I’m so fortunate I’m participating in one. Though it’s not without flaws, this was just mesmerizing!
Book Info
- Release Date: January 8, 2019
- Narrators: Julia Whelan & Barrie Kreinik
- Audio Length: 11 hours, 40 minutes
- Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Blue Mood Café 
This book certainly pumped up my blood pressure! Glad you enjoyed it, Jonetta! It was so crazy.
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Thanks, Marialyce! Glad you saw it the same way, too.
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I’ve had this book on my list for a while. Glad to hear you enjoyed it so much. I think I’ll go for the audio book as well! 🙂
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I think you’ll be pleased with the audiobook version, Amy. They brought this book to life.
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Glad you loved it, Jonetta! I loved, loved this book. I think this duo is psychological suspense writing gold and can’t wait for their next book! Excellent review. 💖
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Thank you, Stephanie! Now I understand why you loved this story. I have their earlier book and need to put it on my reading plan.
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You’re welcome! Yes, you will love it. It’s different because it is more shocking with big dramatic twists and those really made the story. I was floored reading it.
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This is on my audiobook list!
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I’d move it up, Tina! I was pushed and am now happy about it.
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Lovely review, Jonetta! It’s one of my favorite reads this year and now I want to go back and read the audio!
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Thanks, Jennifer! I certainly understand why it’s one of your favorites. If you do reread, I’d definitely try the audio version.
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Great review, Jonetta! I don’t usually go for audiobook versions, but you made such a good case for it!
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Thanks, Toni! They’re doing such a great job casting narrators these days, especially in this genre.
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Dang! See, this is why I really need to find a lending library that does audio, preferably in English (I live in a French-speaking province.) I feel like I’m missing out on some good reads here.
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Alexandra, I don’t know what I’d do without my library. I know how fortunate I am.
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THey do have great libraries here, in QC, just not a lot of English books, and audio? All in French, unfortunately, and while I could get by, I’m sure it’s not the same. I did cost buying, but the price is prohibitive. *sigh*
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Terrific post Jonetta. I loved this book! So much so, in fact, that when I saw a make-up artist at a restaurant recently I had to ask if she had the book. Of course, she thought I was insane, people often do, but it was a great start to a wonderful conversation about being a make-up artist in Las Vegas – LOL!
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Thanks, Mackey! What a fantastic conversation starter😁 I’d have done the same thing.
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If you liked it, I’m sure I would.
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Oh, I think you’d really like this one, Anne!
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Wow I need this audiobook!!! Good crazy is always welcome! Brilliant review! x
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Thanks, Meggy💜 I think you’d love this on audio.
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Sounds amazing. I’m adding to my TBR.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
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Yay!! Hope you enjoy.
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I have been wanting to read this book since January when a bunch of positive reviews came out for it. I will have to see if I can find the audiobook,your review rekindled my interest.
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Enjoy, Carla! It’s a good one.
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Great review Jonetta! Now I’m EVEN MORE excited to read it!
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Thanks, Christina💜 I was hoping to entice you😏
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