Category Archives: Greer Hendricks

Review: The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

Title: The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Contemporary, Domestic Mystery, Suspense
Length: 329 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The next electrifying novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author duo behind The Wife Between Us.

Wealthy Washington suburbanites Marissa and Matthew Bishop seem to have it all—until Marissa is unfaithful. Beneath their veneer of perfection is a relationship riven by work and a lack of intimacy. She wants to repair things for the sake of their eight-year-old son and because she loves her husband. Enter Avery Chambers.

Avery is a therapist who lost her professional license. Still, it doesn’t stop her from counseling those in crisis, though they have to adhere to her unorthodox methods. And the Bishops are desperate.

When they glide through Avery’s door and Marissa reveals her infidelity, all three are set on a collision course. Because the biggest secrets in the room are still hidden, and it’s no longer simply a marriage that’s in danger.

Review:

In The Golden Couple, Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen absolutely shine in their latest twist-filled domestic mystery.

Marissa Bishop has lured her husband, Matthew, to unlicensed therapist Avery Chambers under false pretenses. He believes they are seeing Avery to get advice for their eight-year-old son Bennett who has been bullied in the past. Instead, Marissa blindsides Matthew with the stunning announcement she had a one-night stand.  Despite her transgression, she would like to save their marriage. Matthew is furious over the news, but in the end, he agrees to try to move past her troubling news. Will Avery’s unconventional therapy help them repair their strained marriage?

Marissa and Matthew have known each other since they were teenagers. Marissa’s family are small business owners who barely scrape by whereas Matthew is from a wealthy family. Their teenage friendship and romance provide a firm foundation for their marriage, but Matthew’s long hours as a lawyer are taking their toll. Marissa owns an upscale business but she tailors her working hours around Bennett’s school hours and extracurricular activities. Although Marissa genuinely regrets sleeping with another man, she finds it very difficult to forget him or their evening together. Is her marriage strong enough to overcome her indiscretion?

Avery’s unconventional approach to therapy cost her license but her success garners plenty of business. Her methods are a little controversial but her success speaks for itself.  She assigns Marissa and Matthew “assignments” to accomplish before their next session. In between seeing them, Avery finds out everything she can about her clients. She follows them, snoops through their social media, and keeps them off balance during their sessions. Although Avery cannot quite figure out Marissa or Matthew, she remains certain she can help them save their marriage.

The Golden Couple is a suspenseful domestic mystery with interesting characters. Marissa knows she made a mistake but she wants to save and strengthen her marriage. Matthew is seething mad at his wife, but he is not ready to give up on what they have together. Avery is an intriguing woman who is comfortable in her own skin and content with her life. The storyline is exceptionally well-developed and very fast-paced. With plenty of tension and shocking plot twists, Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen bring this clever mystery to an edge of the seat conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Domestic Mystery, Greer Hendricks, Mystery, Rated B+, Review, Sarah Pekkanen, St Martin's Press, Suspense, The Golden Couple

Review: You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

Title: You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 344 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

The electrifying #1 New York Times bestselling authors of THE WIFE BETWEEN US and AN ANONYMOUS GIRL return with a brand new novel of psychological suspense.

Shay Miller wants to find love, but it eludes her. She wants to be fulfilled, but her job is a dead end. She wants to belong, but her life is increasingly lonely.

Until Shay meets the Moore sisters. Cassandra and Jane live a life of glamorous perfection, and always get what they desire. When they invite Shay into their circle, everything seems to get better.

Shay would die for them to like her.
She may have to.

Review:

You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen is a suspenseful domestic mystery.

After witnessing a horrifying event, thirty-one year old Shay Miller’s life continues its downward spiral. She is working as a temp while searching for a new job. She is in love with her platonic roommate Sean, but his new girlfriend is quietly edging Shay out of their lives. Lonely and demoralized, Shay is an easy target for sisters Jane and Cassandra Moore.

Cassandra and Jane are quite close and very successful. They are charismatic and share a close circle of trusted friends. Unbeknownst to Shay, Cassandra and Jane have an increasingly dangerous agenda as they deviously insert themselves into her life.

Shay is somewhat shy and loves data and statistics. She also proves to be incredibly naive as she eagerly welcomes Cassandra and Jane’s burgeoning friendship. However, Shay soon discovers that Cassandra and Jane might not be the fairy godmothers she believes them to be. She finally grasps what the sisters are up to, but is it too late for Shay to save herself?

You Are Not Alone is a compelling mystery with a frustratingly trusting heroine and an inventive storyline.  Shay is agonizingly desperate for companionship which makes her very easy to manipulate. Cassandra and Jane are quite charming but there is much more to the sisters and their friends than meets the eye.  Unanticipated plot twists are revealed late in the story and Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen brings this tension-filled mystery to a thrilling conclusion.  I completely enjoyed and highly recommend this latest novel from this creative crime writing duo.

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Filed under Contemporary, Greer Hendricks, Mystery, Rated B+, Review, Sarah Pekkanen, St Martin's Press, Suspense, You Are Not Alone

Review: An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

Title: An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 372 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The next novel of psychological suspense and obsession from the authors of the blockbuster bestseller The Wife Between Us

Seeking women ages 18–32 to participate in a study on ethics and morality. Generous compensation. Anonymity guaranteed.

When Jessica Farris signs up for a psychology study conducted by the mysterious Dr. Shields, she thinks all she’ll have to do is answer a few questions, collect her money, and leave.

Question #1: Could you tell a lie without feeling guilt?

But as the questions grow more and more intense and invasive and the sessions become outings where Jess is told what to wear and how to act, she begins to feel as though Dr. Shields may know what she’s thinking…and what she’s hiding.

Question #2: Have you ever deeply hurt someone you care about?

As Jess’s paranoia grows, it becomes clear that she can no longer trust what in her life is real, and what is one of Dr. Shields’ manipulative experiments. Caught in a web of deceit and jealousy, Jess quickly learns that some obsessions can be deadly.

Question #3: Should a punishment always fit the crime?

From the authors of the blockbuster bestseller The Wife Between Us comes an electrifying new novel about doubt, passion, and just how much you can trust someone.

Review:

An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen is a psychological mystery that is fast-paced and engrossing.

Twenty-eight year old make-up artist Jessica “Jess” Farris joins an ethics and morality study under false pretenses. (hmm, what does that say about her ethics???).  Dr. Shields is running the study and Jessica stands out in every way as she answers the survey questions. Jess is surprised when the doctor offers her a tidy sum of money to work outside the study.  Although the deal is too lucrative for her to pass up, she soon begins to harbor doubts about Dr. Shields’s motive for the tasks she assigns to Jess. She quickly finds herself in way over her head but will Dr. Shields allow her to walk away from her?

Jess has been financially struggling for quite some time so she does not have to think long before she agrees to Dr. Shields’s terms.  She is fascinated by the doctor who is always calm, cool and keenly observant. Flattered by Dr. Shields’s attention, Jess is initially not troubled by her assignments. She also  does not give too much thought about the tasks she is asked to perform. However, after a stunning discovery, Jessica  realizes Dr. Shields’s motivation for what she is asking her to do goes beyond research. Will Jessica find a way to outsmart the shrewd and unflappable Dr. Shields?

Narrated by both Jess and Dr. Shields, the chapters alternate between the two points of view. Jessica’s chapters are a normal litany of her inner thoughts and daily life.Dr. Shields’ chapters are detached and somewhat clinical with descriptions of the doctor’s thoughts and reactions to Jessica’s assignments and their outcome.  The stark contrast between the two narrators adds interest to the storyline and keeps the story moving at a brisk pace.

An Anonymous Girl is a suspenseful psychological mystery that is well-written and quite clever. Jess is an interesting protagonist who immediately falls under the spell of the charismatic Dr. Shields. This powerful hold is difficult to shake even as Jess realizes she might be in grave danger. Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen keep readers on the edge of their seats as the novel hurtles to a tension-filled, stunning conclusion.  An absolutely outstanding mystery that I highly recommend to fans of the genre.

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Filed under An Anonymous Girl, Contemporary, Greer Hendricks, Mystery, Rated B+, Review, Sarah Pekkanen, Suspense

Review: The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

Title: The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

When you read this book, you will make many assumptions.
You will assume you are reading about a jealous ex-wife.
You will assume she is obsessed with her replacement – a beautiful, younger woman who is about to marry the man they both love.
You will assume you know the anatomy of this tangled love triangle.
Assume nothing.

Twisted and deliciously chilling, The Wife Between Us exposes the secret complexities of an enviable marriage – and the dangerous truths we ignore in the name of love.

Read between the lies.

Review:

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen is a twist-filled, suspenseful read.

In the days leading up to her marriage to Richard Thompson, twenty-eight year old Nellie is excited but a little sad about leaving behind the jobs and friends she loves. In sharp contrast, Richard’s ex-wife, Vanessa, is still devastated over the end of her marriage. In fact, Vanessa is living with her beloved Aunt Charlotte and barely hanging onto her sales associate job at an upscale department store due to the fact she can barely crawl out of bed most days. In between drinking to dull her pain, she is stalking her ex-husband’s fiancée while at the same trying to figure out when things began going wrong in her now defunct marriage. How far will Vanessa go to prevent her ex-husband from marrying again?

The Wife Between Us is written in three parts with part one being the longest and slowest paced. This part of the story provides interesting insight Vanessa’s current mental state. At the same time, this portion of the novel details Nellie’s upcoming marriage to Richard along with some intriguing information about Nellie and her past. Part one concludes with a jaw-dropping revelation that will definitely leave readers reeling.

The story really picks up steam during Part Two which focuses on Vanessa’s concerted effort to help Richard’s fiancée see  the truth about the man she is about to marry. Revelations about Vanessa, Richard and their marriage are positively stunning and show exactly why Vanessa is so determined to stop the upcoming wedding.  Richard goes to pretty extreme lengths to keep the women apart but Vanessa is undeterred as she goes to extreme (and dangerous) lengths to stop their wedding.

Part three is even more action-packed as Vanessa puts her plans into motion. The complete  truth about her marriage to Richard is also fully revealed and these details are shocking.  This portion of the story is also rather gratifying since Vanessa begins to get herself and her life together.

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen is a unique and multi-layered mystery. Vanessa is not always the most reliable of narrators and she is sometimes not exactly easy to like or feel much sympathy towards. Nellie is almost shockingly naive as she fails to grasp the implications of some of things about her older, successful husband to be. Aunt Charlotte is a delightful character who is unfailingly supportive of her niece.  Expect the unexpected in this innovative domestic mystery!

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Filed under Contemporary, Greer Hendricks, Mystery, Rated B, Review, Sarah Pekkanen, St Martin's Press, Suspense, The Wife Between Us