2.5/5 This book was frustrating to read. It switches between two POVs- one that is desperate and the other that is slowly losing a grip on reality. Both were tedious and stretched out far too long. Then after all of that there's a "twist" ending that's even more frustrating than the rest of the book. Ugh.

When the lights go out was such a beautifully written story. This tale was told from different POV's but it was really easy to follow.
As I read a story I love to feel the characters emotions, as though it is happening to me. And Mary Kubica described these characters so thoroughly that I could experience the highs and lows.
Just when I thought I had the ending figured out I was wrong, right to the very end.
This story was 6 stars!

I have read all of Mary Kubick's books. From the blurb of this book I was really excited to read this book. It is about a girl named Jessie and her mother Eden. Her mother is on her deathbed and Jessie is very distraught. She gets tired and it seems she falls asleep. From that point on the book goes back and forth between Jessie's story to Eden's story. I thought i had it figured out by one third of the book. But without giving away spoilers all I can say is by the end of the book it was not what I though but for me the ending did not make sense why Jessie had this point of view. I felt cheated and left hanging. I received this book from netgalley.com as an ARC for an honest review.

This was definitely not my favorite Mary Kubica novel. I usually submerse myself into the book, not coming up for air until the last page. This one was easy to put down, and not at all what I'm used to from her. The book was good, but the ending was a complete let down! The characters were unlikeable, and the story just seemed like it could do so much more, especially with Kubica being the one to write it!

I've been a fan of Mary Kubica's writing ever since reading Pretty Baby in 2015. With When the Lights Go Out, Mary delivers a suspenseful and haunting story that I can't stop thinking about.

I like how Mary shifted between two perspectives, one in the not-so-distant past and one in the present. I had no idea what to expect from this novel and was definitely surprised. I was so nervous for Jessie and Eden the entire time and kept guessing what was going to happen for both of them. I also like that the story took place in Chicago, as most of Mary's novels do. Having lived in the area for most of my life, it was easy to visualize some of the city locations that were mentioned.

My only concern is that after all the build-up, the ending felt a bit anticlimactic. However, I didn't see it coming either.

This novel will give you the chills during what is looking like an unseasonably warm autumn.

Suggestions for Hollywood's consideration:
Jessie: Chloë Grace Moretz
Eden: Brie Larson
Aaron: Michiel Huisman
Liam: Jack Reynor
Miranda: Aly Michalka
Mrs. Geissler: Fionnula Flanagan

My Review of “When the Lights Go Out” by Mary Kubica, Park Row Books , September 4, 2018

Bravo to Mary Kubica, Author of “When the Lights Go Out” for for her vivid descriptions, and her riveting, captivating, intense, and suspenseful writing. This is a page-turner chock full of surprises, that questions everyone and everything. The theme in this story is insomnia. Does anyone really know what happens when one is sleep deprived? How do you determine reality vs. illusion? The Genres for this novel are Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, and Fiction. The timeline for the story is in the present , and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events in the story.

The author describes her colorful and dysfunction cast of characters as complex and complicated. Jessie Sloane has taken care of her terminally ill mother, and is now ready to move on with her life. Unfortunately, that is not easily the case, as Jessie stumbles upon one problem after the other. Her Social Security number is that of a dead person. Jessie discovers that her mother had deep dark secrets, and a picture of a man surfaces that her mother had hidden. Who exactly is Jessie Sloane? As Jessie encounters another sleepless night she fights for the recognition of reality and her imagination.

The author also goes back twenty years and explores how Jessie’s mother might hold the key to unlock many of the answers. Be warned, the ending is not at all what it seems to be. All the clues lead you to a place where it is indeed difficult to foresee the conclusion. I was totally taken by surprise. No peeking now, be sure to read the book!! I highly recommend this novel to those readers who appreciate a tense, roller coaster of a ride thriller, with suspense and surprises. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
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Well that was weird. As I was reading this book, I felt it was pretty much a 4 star book and I was enjoying trying to figure out what had happened to the characters. The writing is good and the story was compelling - - - until the end. It was a twist I didn't see coming, and I felt somehow cheated after going through the whole book thinking something different. It was a real surprise - and not a good one.

4.5 Startling Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

WOW! Whether intentional or not this book definitely has an ending that has caused some controversy... for me the ending was absolute PERFECTION! It made every piece of the puzzle in this book fall into place and make complete sense....I’ve read other reviews and people described their reaction to the twist as a gasp, or frustration, or pure hatred... not me... my reaction was.... AHA! now I understand..... now I get what ____ was,And why ____ happened! This is not to say I don’t understand why this ending did not appeal to everybody, because I do... but I think everyone needs to read the book and figure out if it works for them or not....

This was my very first Mary Kubica Book... and I’m not sure why, but I can guarantee I will remedy that real quick.... her writing was so beautiful and smooth, almost lyrical.... even though this was a slow burning suspense I found the pacing perfect... The characters were so well drawn and relatable... I empathized with Eden’s struggles and felt Jessie’s grief.... all the little hints sprinkled throughout this book that made that ending so perfect for me, were just brilliant....

Told from Jesse’s point of view in the present and Eden’s point of view in 1996.... Jesse is a young 20-year-old grieving the loss of her mother and trying to figure out who she really is... literally trying to figure out who she is, after finding out that her Social Security number belongs to a dead girl... eden is a young wife struggling with infertility.... my mind ran through so many scenarios as to who Jesse really was and what Eden had done.... both mother and daughter had tremendous love and respect for one another... you just wanted there to be a good answer for all of your questions....

Absolutely recommend to those who enjoy a good suspense thriller filled with some surprising twists....

*** many thanks to Harlequin for my copy of this book ***

AAARGH! Kubica wrote a fascinating, suspenseful book - until the end. It was such a cheat that it made me sorry I had started the book at all. This was particularly disappointing because I have read and enjoyed Kubica's other books. Like the others, this had an interesting protagonist and it would have been great if she had carried through on her original theme.

3 1/2 ⭐️‘s

Kubica chose a different path for this novel, one that didn’t work as well as her previous novels. The storyline moved at a slow pace and the ending just seemed totally unbelievable to me. The reasons “why” were implausible. Told in alternating voices, the timelines jumped around quite a bit and kept the reader on their toes. This book had all the elements to make it a super read, but somehow it just didn’t come together the way it should have. While I liked it, I just didn’t ❤️ it.

When the Lights Go Out by Mary Kubica is a thriller that is told through again using alternating timelines and alternating points of view. Jessie is our character from the present timeline and Eden from the past.

The story begins with Jessie at her mother’s bedside as it seems along battle with cancer is coming to an end. Jessie has put her whole life on hold to be with her mother in these last few years as the battle went back and forth and now that it’s coming to an end Jessie needs to find out who she is on her own.

In the past Eden is a newly married wife with whom she and her husband are excited to begin working on their own family. However, as the months begin to pass without that second little line Eden starts feeling the pressure of not being able to conceive a child.

First I would start with there’s no doubt that Mary Kubica is a talented author even if my rating for this one doesn’t necessarily show that well. The story is one that is easy to read and follow along and I did find myself engaged rather quickly. However, the downside for me with this particular title really came with the wrap up. I had a feeling it was going to go where it did and I wasn’t a huge fan. Really though some may like this one and I would definitely still read more from this author.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

This could have been a four- or maybe even five-star book if not for that utter BS twist, So unworthy of Kubica's potential, she should know better. 2.5 stars for the 85% of the book that was before the twist.

I have to say this first to get it out of the way: I hated the twist at the end. It made everything not worth it and honestly, it felt cheap. That being said, I still didn’t find the story that compelling. I thought it would be more psychological thriller, but what I got were two women in transitional phases stories with a hint of suspense. I couldn’t care less about Jessie or Eden. They were both immature, naive, obsessive...a lot of negative qualities and no redeeming ones in my mind. There were a few interesting parts but that was it.

I’ve been interested in reading Kubica for a while, but after this book I’m hesitant to pick up another.

I really enjoyed reading this book, sped through it even, but was disappointed by the ending. It made me feel that my time invested in the character and her plight was a waste.

Wow! Another Mary Kubica book with an ending that really, really made my jaw drop. I was not expecting the story to end that way AT ALL. As in her previous books, the story is told in two points of view (something I actually like in books), Eden in 1996 and her daughter Jessie in present day. Both of their stories are heartbreaking at times. So much emotion from both. I started thinking that poor Jessie was really losing it. I want to say more about the story but feel I might give too much away. What I will say was that it was quite the page-turner for me and very difficult to put down. Excellent writing once again by MK. But that ending!! Again....wow!!

I think that Mary Kubica is amazing! I was SO excited to get to this book I was distracted reading my TBR the past few weeks knowing this was coming! When The Lights Go Out is thrilling, and complex. It has all the suspense and twists Kubica is known for! No spoilers - but I do not like the ending... I am however still thinking about it 4 days later... so all my friends must read this book now so I can get all my “but what about” questions answered!! I received an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.

When the Lights Go Out is an amazing novel by Mary Kubica. Jessie Sloan is an 18-year-old girl who has been raised by a single mother. Jessie has no idea who her father is. Unfortunately Jessie's mom, Eden, is dying and when we meet Jessie she is sitting vigil with her mother in the hospital. Kubica skillfully alternates between Eden's recounting of her past and Jessie's narrative of her present life. Eden dies and Jessie faces life alone. Can she overcome the obstacles that Kubica puts in her way? This is Kubica's best book yet. a must read for lovers of the Creepy Girl genre.

When The Lights Go Out is my first read from Mary Kubica. That being said it was a good read. It didn’t blow me away, and I didn’t dislike it. It was just a good read. If you’re looking for a slow building psychological mystery thriller, then this book may be for you. The story is told from two narrators. One being the daughter, and the other being the mother in the form of a journal. This book has a lot of build up. It will keep you guessing until the very end.

I’ve seen mixed reviews about the ending, and I will say you will either hate it or accept it. I’m leaning on the side of acceptance at this point.

All in all this was a good read, and I’ll definitely be checking out more of this authors work.

Coming 9/4!

4/5 stars

This book honestly had an ending I didn't see coming.

I enjoyed this just like I have all the other books by this author. This book had me wondering exactly what had happened in Jessie's mom's past. The way this story was told made me want to read and not stop until I knew what happened. I had to know the end.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy in exchange for a review.

Expected Publication: Tomorrow!

Man! I really wanted this book to be amazing! Mary Kubica is such a superstar author and I've loved everything of hers I've ever read. But unfortunately When the Lights Go Out was not my favorite book.

It's super hard to describe this book without giving away spoilers, but essentially the book is about a girl who is taking care of her dying mother. With the anxiety and worry that comes with a dying family member, she can't sleep. What follows is a question of delusion or reality.

So my thoughts... The first 90% of the book was enthralling. So many bizarre things happened, and I wanted to know what was coming next. Unfortunately, what was coming next was a complete let down. The end made me want to hurl my book across the room in frustration. While I understand where Kubica was going with it, it just wasn't for me.

But don't take my opinion as fact. Read it for yourself. It comes out tomorrow and is sure to be a good controversial, conversation starter in book clubs across the nation.

-I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Mary Kubica, and HARLEQUIN for the opportunity to review.-