“When you have committed murder, life is a waiting game. Waiting to be discovered, every second of every day.”
𝙩𝙬: domestic violence, stalking, spousal abuse, mental illness, poisoning (Rohypnol), murder. Please contact me for clarifications.
Quick Take
A wealthy couple moves into a home next door to Jade, a woman with a curious background and her husband, Tomas. Tinder, toxic first impressions, jealousy, wit, and vengeance lead these couples down a deep, dark, road with no turning back. Some victims become victors. But not all get the chance.
Review
Firstly, this book is 300+ pages, but is a quick, highly engaging read.
As some of my book buddies here know, I’m not one to binge a book. Ever. I need lots of breaks to take in what I’m reading and I enjoy sitting with characters, really allowing myself to understand their motives, passions, and personalities. I requested this book after reading the synopsis and because I mean, come on, who doesn’t love a creepy domestic thriller?! With a few books ahead of it to finish, it sat, staring at me. Waiting. I try very hard not to go into a book with preconceived notions or judgments. It worked out so well in this instance. This book BLEW. MY. MIND.
My Darling is told through three point-of-views (POVs):
- Jade, next door neighbor
- Alastair, the boyfriend
- Emma, the girlfriend of Alastair and neighbor to Jade
I loved the uniqueness of each voice. Robson wrote these characters with great attention to how they would speak since the story is driven through their thoughts and actions from their own perspective as it’s occurring.
Without revealing too much, I will say that I loved how Robson weaved in particular aspects of her characters the way she did. It intensified the plot and my interest in it, taking it from a domestic thriller to a domestic thriller with extra tasty spices sprinkled in.
Final Verdict
★★★★★
This is an automatic addition to my Favorites of 2020. I genuinely cannot imagine not having had the opportunity to read and review it. My book life would be much less exciting as it is now that I’ve experienced this novel.
As mentioned in the trigger warnings, this book does contain sensitive topics such as domestic violence and the potential danger in using dating apps. She accurately portrays another truth of domestic violence: intergenerational violence. (Learn more here: The National Voice of Domestic Violence, National Domestic Violence Hotline).
For Fans Of:
- Liv Constantine, author of The Wife Stalker, The Last Mrs. Parrish, and others
- Anna Downes, author of The Safe Place
- Lisa Jewell, author of Invisible Girl, The Family Upstairs, and others
- Lucy Foley, author of The Guest List, The Hunting Party
- Julie Clark, author of The Last Flight
- Sandie Jones, author of The Half Sister, The Other Woman, and others
Synopsis:
A new couple moves in next door.
And nothing will ever be the same again…
I watched you move in and thought we might be friends.
I saw you watching from the window – and knew I’d have to keep you away from my husband.
I started to trust you. Confide in you.
I started to mistrust you. Suspect you.
I was confused when I blacked out after an evening at your place. Was I really that drunk?
I came up with a plan. A plan to make you both pay . . .
Sexy and sinister – this book will keep you up all night . . .
Pre-order – On Sale November 3, 2020
Clicking the below link will take you directly to the publisher’s (HarperCollins) website where you can purchase through them or from one of you favorite book retailers.
NOTE: If you need assistance, are currently in an unhealthy relationship, need advice or are in immediate danger, please contact the NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE at 1-800-787-3224.
Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads. Thank you to @harpercollins, @avon_books, and @amandarobsonauthor for the galley in exchange for my honest review.
