Book Review of ‘An Anonymous Girl’ by Greer Hendricks, Sarah Pekkanen

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Blurb

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 Rating: 4 Stars

With the way writing has evolved today, there are many books that cross over many genres. There are mysteries with romance clubbed as romantic suspense, or country drama with mystery termed as cozy mystery, or mystery and suspense comes together in thriller and so on. In all these mystery genres, psychological thriller is a bit lost. There are very few books in that genre that are purely psychological thriller with no cross overs at all. And this one is one of them.

Get ready for a roller coaster ride because nothing else can describe the way this book takes the reader through the story. The story is purely psychological – there is no two ways to that aspect. The story is told in two POV’s, one from Jessica’s and one from Dr. Shields’, which are alternated between chapters. Jessica’s part of the story is the regular writing for the protagonist. However, the joy of reading is the story from the POV of Dr. Shield. It is not first person. It is not even second person. It is a passive form of writing. “She is told…” or “the glass is kept aside…” It is a fresh way of story telling which is unique and enjoyable to read.

The story in itself is not very enticing. In fact, there are places where the story goes into utterly unbelievable lines. You know for sure that there are other ways the characters could behave that would make the story more believable or realistic. So, I wouldn’t give the storyline much of a credit. But the writing and character development is something that is outstanding. Reading from a writer’s perspective, substantial due has to be given to the unique way of storytelling. It is captivating and delightful.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one, and am sure to try out more books of these authors. Their writing has a way of inspiring me into exploring different writing perspectives.

More details about the book and purchase links can be found on GoodReads

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