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Goodnight Beautiful

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'Goodnight Beautiful' by Aimee Molloy is a psychological thriller filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows Sam Statler, a psychologist, and his wife Annie Potter as they move to a small town in upstate New York. What seems like a perfect marriage takes a dark turn when Sam disappears without a trace, leading to a rollercoaster of events that challenge the reader's perceptions and expectations. The book is narrated in alternating perspectives, adding depth to the characters and creating a sense of suspense that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

The writing style of 'Goodnight Beautiful' is fast-paced and enthralling, with a nod to Stephen King's style of psychological thrillers. The author, Aimee Molloy, masterfully weaves a complex and mysterious plot that unfolds with each page turn, leaving readers captivated and eager to uncover the truth behind the characters' motives and actions. The book's dark humor and unexpected twists make it a gripping and unforgettable read that delves into the depths of human psychology and relationships.

Characters:

The characters are complex and unreliable, adding depth to the psychological tension.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is engaging with dark humor, suspense, and literary nods, drawing readers in effectively.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative is filled with unexpected plot twists that keep readers guessing, centered around a psychologist's mysterious disappearance.

Setting:

The setting in a small town and a shared living space creates a claustrophobic and tense atmosphere.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, initially slower but quickly picks up to maintain tension and engagement.
An ass so perfect there’s no way Sam can pull his eyes away as he walks half a block behind her up the hill, past the cheese shop, the bookstore, the lauded new wine place with the bright red door. He...

Notes:

The main character, Sam, is a psychologist who moves to Chestnut Hill, NY with his wife, Annie, to be near his mother with dementia.
The plot revolves around Sam's mysterious disappearance during a tropical storm.
Readers appreciate the book for having many unexpected twists, often comparing it to 'Shutter Island.'
The author cleverly plays with the trope of unreliable female narrators, adding depth to the characters.
The book features multiple perspectives, but confusion is a common feeling in the early chapters.
The author includes nods to famous psychological thrillers like 'Misery' by Stephen King, enhancing the reading experience.
Many readers enjoyed the audiobook version, stating it offers a different but more effective experience.
The book's fast pace and dark humor are frequently praised.
Goodnight Beautiful challenges the reader’s expectations with its twists and character development.
The narrative hinges on themes of perception and reality, making it a fun ride for thriller fans.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of dementia, mental health issues, and potential depictions of emotional distress.

From The Publisher:

A Most Anticipated Book by: Crime Reads, Buzzfeed, Popsugar, Bustle, New York Post

From "master of clever misdirection" (Kirkus Reviews) Aimee Molloy, author of the New York Times bestseller The Perfect Mother, comes an irresistible psychological thriller featuring a newly married woman whose life is turned upside down when her husband goes missing.

A handsome psychotherapist. His lonely wife. And in his home office ceiling, a vent …

You'd listen too, wouldn't you? (You know you would.)

Newlyweds Sam Statler and Annie Potter are head over heels, and excited to say good-bye to New York City and start a life together in Sam's sleepy hometown upstate. Or, it turns out, a life where Annie spends most of her time alone while Sam, her therapist husband, works long hours in his downstairs office, tending to the egos of his (mostly female) clientele. Little does Sam know that through a vent in his ceiling, every word of his sessions can be heard from the room upstairs. The pharmacist's wife, contemplating a divorce. The well-known painter whose boyfriend doesn't satisfy her in bed. Who could resist listening? Everything is fine until the French girl in the green mini Cooper shows up, and Sam decides to go to work and not come home, throwing a wrench into Sam and Annie's happily ever after.

Showcasing Molloy's deft ability to subvert norms and culminating in the kind of stunning twist that is becoming her trademark, Goodnight Beautiful is a thrilling tale of domestic suspense that not only questions assumptions but defies expectations.

Ratings (13)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (7)
Liked It (4)

Reader Stats (27):

Read It (12)
Want To Read (14)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

Loved It
2 months

Some good twists. 4.5 stars.

 
 
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