My thoughts: Foley has written another novel full of surprises and suspense. While Jess is the main narrator, Foley also includes the POVs of some of the other building residents: Sophie, 50+, posh, and living in the Penthouse; Mimi, 19, and more odd than edgy; Nick, a university friend of Ben's; and the old Concierge who watches all the residents and their doings from her rooms off the courtyard. Then there's Antoine, the alcoholic on the first floor, and sexy Camille, Mimi's roommate. None of them are very likable or felt very trustworthy. But the shift in POVs throughout kept the chapters short and the story line moving at a fast clip. Jess is a bit messed up, but I liked her pluck and determination to find out what happened to Ben, even if some of her actions felt a bit reckless at times. And the mystery? I thought the big secret, while not supernatural or super shocking, was plausible and fit the story. And I really liked how Foley brought all the pieces of it and the various POVs together. Plus, there's a really good and unexpected twist at the end that I loved.
This was another fun buddy read with Melody @ Melody's Reading Corner. Be sure to check out her review, too.
Happy Reading!
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This sounds good. I'm always fascinated by this 'concierge' thing they do in apt. blocks in France. You see them a lot in Maigret books.
ReplyDeleteAnd the concierge in this book definitely has her secrets...and sees things she shouldn't. :)
DeleteThis is another fun buddy read, Lark! Jess is a great character despite her recklessness at times, isn't it? Looking forward to our next buddy read and hopefully it'd be a good one also. ;)
ReplyDeleteJess was a fun character, even if we worried a lot about her. :) And I think our next buddy read should be a good one. (Fingers crossed!)
DeleteI like the variety of characters. Will make for an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteThere is a good variety of characters in this one, that's for sure. :)
DeleteThanks to both you and Melody for doing these buddy reads, Lark! I think we all enjoy hearing your thoughts on them. I'm glad that there is at least one character to root for or like. I'm about out of patience with books that have no likeable characters at all. As I told Melody, I think this premise reminds me a bit of one of Riley Sager's books. Can't think of the title.
ReplyDeleteThis reminded me a lot of Sager's Lock Every Door...which also takes place in a fancy apartment building where everyone has a secret. I liked that one, too.
DeleteI read this one earlier this year and was a little disappointed by it. Still, I liked it well enough. Foley knows how to build a plot.
ReplyDeleteShe does. I think Melody felt the same way as you, and I wonder if it's because she felt a bit let down by what the big secret turned out to be.
DeleteThis isn't my type of read, but my mom and aunt love this type, so I'll share it with them! Great review!
ReplyDeleteThank you. And thanks for commenting! :)
DeleteThis sounds so good! I enjoy multiple POVs, especially in a book like this. And I love a good twist at the end. I'll add this to my wishlist. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I thought that last twist was a really good one. It surprised me, but in a good way. :)
DeleteI liked that twist at the end too. I've seen mixed reviews for this but I really liked it. Glad you did too. The short punchy chapters really kept it flowing, I thought...
ReplyDeleteI was a little worried before I started reading it because I'd seen some mixed reviews of it, too, but I ended up really liking it, too. It's an entertaining read.
DeleteGreat review, Lark!
ReplyDeleteThanks. :)
DeleteGlad this worked for you, I didn't love it as it had a rather claustrophobic feel I thought.
ReplyDeleteI didn't notice that, but then different books affect us all so differently, don't they?
DeleteOh, I've heard this is good, and now you've confirmed it. I like that there are multiple POV's, as it makes it more interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe different POVs in this one kept the narrative moving at a pretty fast pace. I thought this was an entertaining read. :)
DeleteWill read.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
Hope you enjoy! it's a fun one. :)
DeleteI've really enjoyed Foley, but somehow this one fell a little flat for me. Glad to hear you enjoyed it more! :)
ReplyDeleteI liked this one better than Foley's The Hunting Party; that one fell a little flat for me. :)
DeleteIts important in mysteries that the ending feel right, fit the story and it sounds like this book does that. I have seen this book around and it sounds worth reading.
ReplyDeleteThe ending in this one worked for me. I liked the big surprise twist at the end, and I liked Jess, too. :)
DeleteThis does sound like an interesting read. Thanks for bringing it to my attention, Lark!
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun read. :)
DeleteThis sounds like one I'd like on audio. Thanks for reviewing!
ReplyDeleteWhoever narrates it will have to be very good at doing different POVs, because there are a lot of them in this book.
DeleteI keep hearing good things about this one and hope to read it. I am glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI thought it was an entertaining summer read. :)
DeleteI'm glad that you enjoyed this one! I haven't read any books by Lucy Foley yet and have been wanting to for awhile. I am a sucker for a good mystery and this sounds like it could offer it.
ReplyDeleteclaire @clairefy
It's a fun read. Foley writes a good mystery. :)
DeleteI like the sound of this one! I really liked The Guest List, but then started briefly The Hunting Party (not in the mood, I think), but I might give this one a try. I do like the premise.
ReplyDeleteI liked this one better than The Hunting Party. It's an entertaining read. :)
DeleteI've been wanting to read this one ever since I read and enjoyed The Guest List, so I'm glad to hear it was a good read for you.
ReplyDeleteIt was! I really liked Jess and I thought it was a fast-paced and fun read. :)
DeleteI'm glad you reviewed & liked this one. I've heard so much about Foley's books but I haven't read her yet. So wondering which is good to start with ....
ReplyDeleteI've read this one and The Hunting Party, and I liked both, but I liked this one better!
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