I became aware of the author Sarah Pinborough when I saw Behind her eyes on Netflix. I was intrigued by the plot’s twists and turns and the ending that came out of nowhere. When I found out the series was based on a book by Pinborough, her books immediately went on my TBR list.
The next time I went to the library, I checked whether they had anything available, and the librarian directed me to Dead to Her – saying that people always checked it out. Knowing that it was popular and might not be available the next time I came, I immediately pocketed it.
Book Synopsis
SOMETHING OLD
Marcie’s affair with Jason Maddox catapulted her into the world of the elite. Old money, old ties, old secrets. Marcie may have married into this world — but she’ll never be part of it.
SOMETHING NEW
Then Jason’s boss brings back a new wife from his trip to London. Young, attractive, reckless — nobody can take their eyes off Keisha. Including Marcie’s husband.
SOMETHING YOU CAN NEVER, EVER UNDO
Some people would kill for Marcie’s life—what will she do to keep it?
~ Synopsis from GoodReads
My Thoughts
I wanted to like this book so bad. It’s got all the ingredients I like in a good thriller – nasty characters, unreliable narrator, messy love triangles, steamy setting (Savannah, Georgia), supernatural elements; this book has it all.
So why then was I dissatisfied with it?
I found the book moved slowly. I liked the first 25% of the book. I loved all the tropes – the older wealthy man snagging a younger poor wife. The country club is all in a tizzy and gossiping. A potential affair in the making. Yes! I was reeled in and ready. And then nothing happens in the middle of the book. It suddenly didn’t feel like I was reading a thriller at all. I almost forgot that this book is supposed to be a thriller.
Then, after nearly three-fourths of the book is done, a murder or something so lame that passes for a murder. Then there is all the hysteria of whodunnit, but that’s just the last 10% of the book!
Overall, I think this was either an exceptionally weakly plotted book, or the book’s focus changed along the way.
It felt like the author was confused whether she was writing a crime thriller or a steamy romance. In the end, this book didn’t quite tick either box.
Have you read any Pinborough books? Do you recommend any to me?
