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Invisible Girl
By Lisa Jewell
Atria Books, 9781982137335, October 13, 2020, 368pp.

The Short of It:

There are a few side stories going on which normally distract me but they came together very nicely here.

The Rest of It:

The “Invisible Girl” in the title is not necessarily the main character of this novel which is interesting in and of itself. Saffyre Maddox is seeking treatment for self-harm. Her therapist, Roan Fours has been very good for her but after three years, he’s ready to cut her loose, feeling that she’s addressed her main reason for therapy. But Saffyre’s real reason is the abuse she suffered as a young child and she hasn’t even gotten to that part yet. Feeling abandoned, she becomes slightly obsessed with Roan and follows him around only to discover that he is hiding something from his family.

Owen Pick, is a neighbor across the street from Roan Fours. He lives with his aunt at the age of thirty and doesn’t know how to act around women. His awkwardness has caused numerous issues, including a workplace harassment case at the college he has been suspended from. His accidental interaction with Saffyre becomes a problem when she goes missing.

There are basically three main players in this story: Saffyre, Owen, and Roan. Other characters add to the complexity of what is going on, but don’t play major roles in what goes down. Jewell handles this quite well. I mean, no one seems “extra” just for the sake of being there. They all serve a purpose to propel the story forward in some way.

I’ve heard some say that there is a lot going on in this story. This is true but I felt that it was deftly navigated and had just the right pace for me to keep picking it up. Plus, Jewell is very good at characterization. I cared about these characters and wanted them to be okay, except for the ones who didn’t deserve it of course.

Overall, a solid read with a nicely wrapped up ending.

Source: Review copy provided by the publisher
Disclosure: This post contains Indiebound affiliate links.

In a Dark, Dark Wood
By Ruth Ware
Gallery/Scout Press, 9781501112331, April 2016, 352pp.

The Short of It:

Not too many twists and not much going on in the woods but I still found myself glued to its pages.

The Rest of It:

Nora receives an invitation to Clare’s hen party, which is essentially a bride’s last hurrah at being single but what Nora can’t understand is why? Why her? She hasn’t seen Clare in ten years and it wasn’t all that great between them when they were last together. But when Nora sees that Nina, a mutual friend was also invited, she reaches out to her and they make a pact to attend together.

This was a quick, page-turner and yes, it’s a little predictable, but it was still enjoyable and Ware is good at stringing you along. Right from the beginning you know as a reader that this hen party is not a good idea. A small group, and some very strong personalities. Add to that a lot of drinking and foolishness and you just know it can’t end well.

Overall, I was very entertained by these characters. Some of their actions seemed a little over-the-top and could have used a bit more explanation but I was happily immersed in the drama of it all. That’s what we all need now. Drama that we can easily pick up and put down and drama that is not our own!

It’s being marketed as a thriller but I’d say it’s pretty mild in that department. It’s just a fun way to spend a lazy afternoon. If you’ve read Ware’s books before, I’d say this is one of the better ones.

Source: Purchased
Disclosure: This post contains Indiebound affiliate links.

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