Thanks to Netgalley for my pack.

This is my first read of 2019 and what a fantastic way to begin the year.

This is the second novel by this writing duo and lived up to expectations. It is told from two viewpoints and I didn't know who to believe or who to root for. This is a twisted psychological thriller that is fast paced and nail biting.

I would love to know how these two authors write as a duo. The writing is so seamless and I can't wait for their next.

This was a twisty book! I haven't read The Wife Between Us but it's now on my 2019 list to read! I didn't know who to believe but I needed to know. The first half of the book dragged a little but once it hit a certain point, I couldn't put it down! Everyone was suspicious in my mind and they all had ulterior motives. I liked and disliked the POV switches. Some were too fast. I liked Dr. Shields' POVs where she never spoke in first person. It was never "I said," it was all "you were told." That made it very clinical but also kind of eerie. She was the conductor. And you, the reader, felt like she was talking directly to YOU and about YOU. This was a darker book that showed the vulnerabilities of every character. I really enjoyed it and especially liked the ending. You were literally guessing what would happen until the very. last. page.

I love a good psychological thriller and that is just what I was hoping this one would be. The idea is wonderful. A young woman becomes part of a study on ethics and morality, she answers some questions via computer, collects her money, and end of story. Well, not quite. She meets the doctor in charge of the study and there becomes more and more questions.

The chapters are written in alternating views of Dr. Shields and Jessica. There was no indication at the beginning of the chapter as to who was telling their story but after a few sentences, it was easy to figure out. Dr. Shields chapters were boring. She was repetitive, self-centered, and all over the place in her ramblings. Jessica was easier to follow but not overly interesting to me. I struggled to connect to either character, I wasn’t invested in their stories, and I just could not finish the book.

Since finishing An Anonymous Girl I have looked at other reviews (I don’t do that before I read the book) and see that so many others have given it 4 or 5 stars so maybe I just didn’t give it enough time, although I made it to 25% into the book. I am also a firm believer that every book has its readers, sometimes it’s just not me.

I had heard such great things about their previous book The Wife Between Us that I just had to request this one. Wow! There are so many twists and turns and revelations in this story. It's amazing how one split second decision can take you down a spiraling path of craziness. Maybe after reading this story you will think twice before making any rash choices. Although some character traits in this story seemed a bit far fetched, you never really know what is going on in a person's mind, do you. This story just took me along for the ride and kept me hooked until the very end.

3.5 stars!

I wasn't the biggest fan of the authors last book so I confess this wasn't on my radar. So when the publisher emailed me a widget, I didn't know if I was interested. The plot looked intriguing and I'm usually up for giving authors a second chance. I know I would like people to do that for me. After all, not every book is going to be the right fit. And I did remember the last one had been compulsively readable even if it didn't end up being my cup of tea.

So I jumped in. Makeup artist Jessica, is trying to keep her head above water with bills. Her current job doesn't pay that great. Not only that but she isn't just providing for herself. She's also secretly helping her family with expenses. Secretly because their pride wouldn't allow them to accept the help if they knew she was behind it. Jessica also carries around guilt regarding the reason for her parent's extra financial burdens. She weasels her way into an ethics and morality study. One that she didn't qualify for and wasn't invited to participate in. Ironic given the study but desperate times and it's easy money. Honestly, I can't say I wouldn't do the same. It did make me think. I think I would have shown myself out the door after the first session though but I won't spoil anything. It's safe to say that things take a turn and the money not as easy as she planned.

I'm so glad the publisher sent this to me and that I took another chance. This one was more up my alley. It was another cant put down read but I felt satisfied at the end. To me, they did better about not throwing twists in simply to have a twist.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me this review copy!

This psychological thriller is so compulsive that I opened the book this evening and did not put it down until I finished just moments ago! I wanted to write a review while all the emotion and reactions were still running hot.

Here's a piece of free advice: Never lie your way into a psychological research study. We all know how those devious little manipulators can trick you -- ha! Obviously, Jessica (Jess) Farris wasn't privy to my admonition and she went and signed up, becoming Subject 52 after answering some moral and ethical questions on a laptop computer in an empty classroom. Jess is instructed to "be open and truthful" when taking the questions. Little does she know that she is already being analyzed and is subsequently found suitable for an expanded study that will require a great deal more than Jess could have ever anticipated. What becomes of Jess, a floundering make-up artist in desperate need of money for herself and for her family? And what is she willing to do for Dr. Shields in order to get it?

Oh the characters! All basically nasty and terribly unreliable and I can't say I liked any of the schemers. Just when you think you have it all figured out, there is a subtle shift that might make you unsure if you're coming to the right conclusions. The narrative style and changes in person and point of view is quite effective in stringing the reader along. I'm not sure what I was expecting but I really did not like how the story ended even though I really enjoyed the book!

I read this duo's previous novel, The Wife Between Us, and truly appreciate their talented work on this second collaboration. It stands out in a genre field that has become so inundated with new novels of psychological fiction where all the characters basically have way too many secrets and lies. I'm sure that there will be tons of hype but I had no expectations going in as I haven't read too much about this book and urge others not to read too many reviews before diving in. Enjoy the roller coaster ride and wait for the movie so you can relive the story!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-book ARC to read and review.

This book was a treat that I am so glad I picked up to read. The whole time I was reading this book, I kept wondering what was really going on and it kept me wondering what was going to happen next and I loved every minute of it. The cast of characters was fantastically written. I didn’t know who to trust, including the main character, Jessica. For me, that’s the sign of a great thriller!

Holy moly this was an intense read. Dr. Shields is one of the most chillingly manipulative characters I’ve read.
Imagine a test where you are in an empty classroom, sitting at a computer and asked a series of questions. As the questions progress, they become more personal and are more about character and morality. Would you be honest? What if you were being paid very very well?
Jess, a struggling student has stumbled onto an "easy money" opportunity and she's more than a little desperate. What happens when you're willing to cross the line, just a teensy bit?
Reasons To Read: short chapters, compelling plot, relatable main character, epic twists and turns, chilling villain
Kudos to this amazing writing duo!

This book is a well written psychological suspense novel following Jessica after she manages to be included in a study she wasn't invited to be part of. She thinks it will be quick and easy and she'll take the money and run, but it's not quick, nor is it easy.

As the questions become more intrusive and the doctor behind the study begins to start to hold sway over Jessica's life, the story begins to twist in ways I didn't expect. I found myself quickly wanting to know more and I was tempted to skip to the end just to see what happened, but was glad I didn't.

If you've enjoyed any of the other books written by these authors, you will likely love this. It's a must for psychological thriller fans.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and authors for allowing me an ARC at my request. My thoughts are my own

Jessica is a makeup artist living in New York. She is struggling to get by and when overhears a client discussing a study about mortality that pays the participants $500.00 per session she is intrigued. We’ve already learned Jessica is good at hiding the truth; her parents think she is working with theater companies as a makeup artist. Jessica needs the money badly. She is supporting herself and her family.
Jessica joins the study never realizing it will change her life.
The story caught me from the start. I was even intrigued by her job as a traveling make up artist and how she studies her clients and transforms them.
The cat and mouse game between Jessica and Doctor Shields is intense.
The story started dragging about 3/4 through. I was anxious to see how the story would end and it wasn’t fast enough for my liking.
The end wasn’t perfect ; I wish it had ended differently,but the epilogue made up for it.
By the way , I thought Thomas was a twit.
Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for the ebook for review.

When she finds out about a study on ethics and morality, Jess is eager to take part. It means misrepresenting herself a bit, but she could definitely use an extra five hundred dollars and all she has to do is answer a few questions on a computer.



The first part of the book pulled me in fast. I found myself answering the questions in my own head as I read Jess's answers. Then the pace shifted. This one wasn't quite as entertaining as The Wife Between Us, the previous book by these authors, but it was still a suspenseful read as I watched to see how much Jess was willing to do to remain part of the survey.

2.5 Stars 🌟🌟🌠
I had high hopes for this novel after reading the blurb. I was intrigued. Unfortunately, it didn't tick all the boxes for what I look for in a thriller and I struggled to stay connected to the story.

I had to put the book aside a few times because although the plot was unique, it faiIed to captivate me.The pacing of the first half of the story was excruciatingly slow.

On the plus side, the novel is co-authored, and the transition between writers was not obvious; it flowed smoothly. The details were clear and imaginative and there was a good mix of dialogue and narrative.

While in the end An Anonymous Girl was not a hit for me, it was a creative storyline and had that dark and tense quality to it for the second half. If you enjoyed Hendricks and Pekkanen's debut novel and their style of writing, I'd say give this one a try.




**Complimentary copy for review provided by St. Martin's Press and Netgalley. All opinions expressed here are honest and entirely my own.**

I received a free copy of this book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

One of the most interesting psychological dramas I have read in a very long time. This story starts innocently enough with a girl voluntarily entering into a study through a small deception that then develops into a deeply deceptive tale.

Jessica is a 28-year-old make-up artist. She works for BeautyBuzz doing makeup for clients that are contracted through them. Jess meets a client and overhears a chance to make some quick, good money and uses the opportunity to enter into what appears to be a clinical research study on ethics and morality. As Jess works her way through the initial process, including an introduction to Dr. Shields who is conducting the research, although not in person. She is also given the explanation and rules, complete honesty and absolute secrecy, she can discuss it with no one.

Jessica is accepted into the program and finally meets Dr. Shields. Jess is totally enchanted with Dr. Shields, and the continuing pay is excellent. The questions of her ethics and morality get more and more thoughtful, deeper and deeper into her psyche. But things are not as they seem, and Jessica is drawn into a troublesome situation. She begins to wonder what is really going on.

These authors present an incredible psychological drama. I was completely drawn into the story; the characters are well-developed, and the writing is superb. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves psychological drama, and anyone who loves a good mystery.

This second book from the writing duo of Greer Hendricks and Sara Pekkanen knocks it out of the park. Excellently crafted thriller from start to finish. I liked their debut novel The Wife Between Us, but felt it didn't fully live up to its promise. Not so here. This one is worth the hype. Well paced and plotted, this story pulled me in and along for the ride immediately, and never let up. Great exploration of issues of trust, love, obsession, and what motivates a person at their core. The thrills within are not overtly scary or violent, but of the psychologically twisty, creepy, obsessive, disturbing sort. Which is ultimately scarier when done right, as it is here. This will make a fantastic movie one day. Highly recommend.

Thank you the publisher, NetGalley and the authors Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen.
My first experience reading these authors and what a ride it was.
Excellent story, well written. It kept me on my toes from beginning to end.
Couldn’t stop reading absolutely riveting.
Cannot wait for another book from these authors.

Nuh uh, that didn't just happen...right? Wow!

I'm kind of sitting here fish-mouthing it. I don't want to give anything away because that's not my way...but this one is different. Morals...ethics...such an interesting line that blurs and shapeshifts depending on individual's perceptions. Excellent writing, I was sucked right in to this misleadingly innocuous tale.

An e-copy of this book was given to me from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars.

Jess discovers a survey will pay money to answer questions. She is living paycheck to paycheck from her job as a makeup artist for BeautyBuzz. After she is able to sneak into the study under false pretenses, she discovers that it is not a simple multiple-choice questionnaire. She must dig deep to provide a satisfactory response to questions like “How do you know you can trust someone?” As the study deepens, Jess discovers more about herself, the psychologist operating the research study and others. She ponders “When can you trust another?”

Without any spoilers, the beginning of this book moves slow. DO NOT STOP READING! Every piece of information and dialogue is important later in the book. The roller coaster is just leaving the gate. What a psychological ride! The reader will be caught up in the questions and wonder how they would answer. You will be fully invested as Jess’ life begins to spiral. You will cheer for Jess and want to protect her, as well.

This book ranks right up there with The Wife Between Us. Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen are a phenomenon to be reckoned with. Welcome to the list of top authors, ladies.


I received an ARC from St. Martin Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book.

(4.5) I didn't know what to expect when I first started reading this book. The premise about a young woman, Jess, participating in a psychology study dealing with ethics and morality was very interesting and it had me hooked from the start. With twists and turns that left me not knowing who to believe and so curious as to how it would end that it had me reading way, way past my bedtime. This one really had me guessing. An extremely intense and suspenseful read!

Thank you to the publisher for the advance readers copy.

Jessica is a 28-year-old trying to make it in NYC. She is a makeup artist for a company and spends her days going from appointment to appointment earning money for her craft. She hears about a psychological study that pays $500.00 a day from a client and her friend and decides to scam her way in. When she arrives at the study she finds herself answering a series of moral questions that make her start to question her own morals. After two days of answering questions, Jessica finds herself being proposition to Dr. Lydia Shields to help her more with her study. What Jessica doesn't realize is that Dr. Shields has her own agenda.
Dr. Lydia Shields is not what she appears to be on the outside. She is cunning and manipulative to a fault. She seems to send Jessica on random errands and sets her up to see various interactions that mean nothing to Jessica. If she only knew how much they meant to Dr. Shields, she would have been in a better position to see what was really going on.
Dr. Shields' husband, Thomas, plays a major role in this book. He is also a psychiatrist and his practice is separate from Lydia's. The current state of their marriage plays a major role in this book. I am not going to spoil what happens as that is what makes this book so unique. I will say that the story has quite a few twists and is quite suspenseful. I question the morality of all of the characters in this book, which is what made it to good to read. I couldn't help but question the choices all of them made in the end.
If you are looking for a suspenseful and interesting tale, then this is the book for you. I really did enjoy it.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

Librarian: The Wife Between Us was a big hit last year, and I can see that repeating with their new book. Personally I found this one to be the better book, and I'm sure that it will be a popular one, especially for book clubs. That's actually what I'd suggest using this one for in a library setting. I feel like including it in a book club pack would be a really good choice, as there's a lot here to unpack.
Reader: I'm not normally a huge fan of psychological thrillers and suspense. The operative word in that sentence is normally. This book is an exception. I found myself really pulled into the story, and wanting to read more. The two leads felt more like they were functioning as deuteragonists, then as protagonist and antagonist, inspire of their opposing roles in the narrative, which I found fascinating. One other thing that I noticed, was the fact that the whole time I was reading it I had the song Bad Romance stuck in my head. The book made me think of that song, and I could easily see it being used on the soundtrack of a movie version.