This book was highly recommended to me, and I found it okay but was definitely not blown away by it. Some of it was clever, but the first (and main?) twist didn't really work for me. Also, I didn't care for most of the characters. I found Richard to be completely unbelievable. I can't stand books where one character is given so much power over others--to know and control--that it's unrealistic.
So what did work? I really liked the character of Aunt Charlotte! Also, the theme of psychological abuse--isolating someone, making them doubt themselves, destroying their self-confidence--was explored well, despite Richard being too overdone. Finally, I liked the way Vanessa's past (college years) was tied into the story, providing what I would call the "second" twist.
So what did work? I really liked the character of Aunt Charlotte! Also, the theme of psychological abuse--isolating someone, making them doubt themselves, destroying their self-confidence--was explored well, despite Richard being too overdone. Finally, I liked the way Vanessa's past (college years) was tied into the story, providing what I would call the "second" twist.