Secret Smile

Nicci French

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'Secret Smile' by Nicci French is a dark and intense novel about obsession, abuse, and manipulation. The story follows Miranda as she meets Brendan and starts a relationship with him, only to realize his true sinister nature when he starts stalking her and manipulating those around her. The plot is gripping and keeps readers on edge as they witness Miranda's battle to save herself from Brendan's toxic influence. The writing style is described as well put together, entertaining, and compelling, with a surprising and satisfying ending that leaves readers shocked.

Characters:

Characters include a vulnerable protagonist, a manipulative antagonist, and unsupportive friends and family.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by intense psychological suspense and an ability to evoke a dark atmosphere.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative focuses on a woman's battle against an oppressively charming manipulator who invades her life and relationships.

Setting:

The setting features a contemporary urban backdrop that highlights personal and social dynamics.

Pacing:

Pacing varies with moments of fast tension followed by dragging sections of the narrative.

I’ve had a dream recently, the same dream, over and over again, and each time I think it’s real. I’m back at the ice rink on the afternoon I first met Brendan. The cold stings my face, I can hear the ...

Notes:

Secret Smile was published in 2003 and is the seventh standalone novel by Nicci French.

The story follows Miranda Cotton, a woman in her twenties who becomes involved with a man named Brendan Block.

Miranda breaks off the relationship after finding Brendan in her apartment, reading her diary without permission.

Brendan starts dating Miranda's sister, complicating Miranda's situation.

The novel explores themes of obsession and emotional manipulation.

Many readers felt disconnected from Miranda, finding her actions frustrating or irrational.

The book's premise had some readers questioning the believability of Miranda's family siding with Brendan over her.

Some felt the twist at the end was predictable and the story lacked originality compared to earlier works by the authors.

Despite frustrations with the characters, many described the book as addictive and gripping, often reading late into the night.

Readers have compared this work to other psychological thrillers and expressed a desire for similar books.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of stalking, emotional and psychological abuse, and manipulation.

From The Publisher:

You have an affair. You finish it. You think it's over. You're dead wrong . . .

'Too few novelists can combine this level of page-turning suspense with character care and pin-sharp prose' ERIN KELLY

Miranda Cotton thinks she's put boyfriend Brendan out of her life for good.

But two weeks later, she discovers that he's intimately involved with her sister, and what began as an embarrassment becomes threatening.

And then utterly terrifying . . .

Because Brendan will stop at nothing to be part of Miranda's life - even if it means taking it from her . . .

'Creepy, genuinely gripping' Heat

'Excellent, compelling, like an addiction' 5***** Reader Review

'Draws you right in . . . one of the best psychological thrillers ever' 5***** Reader Review

'Chilling . . . This book stays in your mind' 5***** Reader Review

Ratings (3)

Loved It (1)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (10):

Read It (3)
Want To Read (6)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

ColorfulLeo92

It Was OK

1 month

Miranda has very short lived relationship with Brenda before she call quits but very soon after he gets tougheter with her sister Kerry and nestle in with the family. Only Miranda realize how twisted he really is. It had me hooked for the majority of the book but the ending lacked badly in my opinion. To much loose ends and no good explanation on what happened. I was frustrated (like many others) by Miranda but also people around her and hoped it would end up with a satisfying conclusion but that never happened. So it's a 3 stars but most of the book is a 4 stars, I just wasn't happy with the ending

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About the Author:

Nicci French is the pseudonym for the writing partnership of journalists Nicci Gerrard and Sean French. The couple are married and live in Suffolk. There are twenty bestselling novels by Nicci French, published in thirty-one languages. Blue Monday was the first thrilling story in the Frieda Klein series, which concludes with Day of the Dead. facebook.com/NicciFrenchOfficialPage

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