I've read all of Alice Feeney's books (with the exception of I'd Lie) and they always are my favorite thrillers. She has a way of writing flawed characters that you're rooting for while also providing twists and turns that you never saw coming.
I had been putting off reading Feeney's latest book that was released a few months ago, Good Bad Girl. I've been trying to be better at not buying every book I want and taking them out from the library when I'm ready to read them. That's what I did with this one; I knew I wanted to read it but it wasn't an urgent need so I waited for availability at the library.
I'm glad I didn't buy it, because as much as I enjoyed it, it wasn't my favorite Alice Feeney book.
Publisher's Summary
Edith may have been tricked into a nursing home, but at eighty-years-young, she’s planning her escape. Patience works there, cleaning messes and bonding with Edith, a kindred spirit. But Patience is lying to Edith about almost everything.
Edith’s own daughter, Clio, won’t speak to her. And someone new is about to knock on Clio’s door…and their intentions aren’t good.
With every reason to distrust each other, the women must solve a mystery with three suspects, two murders, and one victim. If they do, they might just find out what happened to the baby who disappeared, the mother who lost her, and the connections that bind them.
My Thoughts
As I said, I really did enjoy this book. There was a lot of twists and turns that were difficult to follow, which lent itself to me not whole heartedly loving it. However, the twists also made it exciting because you weren't sure who was who, what was going to happen or really, what was happening at that moment.
The story was told in four POVs and at the start of the book, you weren't really sure who was who. That added an extra layer of anticipation to find out how the story was going to come together and how all these individuals were linked.
As the book goes on and you get to know the characters, you can start to read between the lines and see the small details that will eventually bring everyone together. It was interesting to know that you knew something the characters didn't, which is always a fun feature in a book.
I found the book's context and message about mothers & daughters interesting but also a bit out there. It was a lot to digest and felt super far fetched...especially the ending. I had a feeling that the book was going to go in that direction with Clio, Patience and Frankie and while it made sense, it was anti-climatic in a way.
Truthfully, I'm almost unsure of how I feel about the book; it was exciting at times, boring at others and overall confusing throughout. I think there were too many characters, too many timelines and not clear enough explanation of the plot.
The writing was excellent and usually my criticism is not because of the writing - it's merely that the story didn't move me enough to be really exciting. I think I'm more into true domestic and psychological thrillers than something more related to families.
If you want something exciting and mysterious, but don't love a murder mystery, you will probably really enjoy Good Bad Girl. If you're like me and want more true crime, then this might not be the book for you.
xoxo
B
Add your comment