Having read and enjoyed The Wife Between Us, I was really excited when An Anonymous Girl was announced. I couldn't wait to see what this duo could come up with next.

As with their previous book, I really enjoyed this one as well. Most of the first half moves slowly but I was so intrigued with the plot, I didn't want to stop reading. Then the twists started to come in, the book picks up immensely and I really couldn't put it down until I discovered what was going on with these characters. You never knew who to trust.

I already look forward to their next book. I would definitely recommend this one to all my book friends.


Thank you St. Martin Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

As a preface for this review, I want to thank NetGalley and St.Martins Press for the ARC of An Anonymous Girl in exchange for an honest review.

Surprisingly and regrettably, In being honest, I must give this book a low rating. Surprisingly because I devoured and thoroughly enjoyed the authors’ first book, The Wife Between Us. I was anticipating this second novel to be of the same caliber: a psychological thriller with an interesting plot and unpredictable twists. It is not. Regrettably because I dislike giving such a low rating to proven accomplished authors and also because I am so disappointed- I was so looking forward to a great book.

The two POV were excruciatingly annoying and, at first, terribly confusing. Two unlikeable characters were not interesting and I wasn’t invested in either and ended up not caring for either. The plot was interesting enough to grab my attention at first, but then it became ludicrous and unbelievable if not boring. The pacing - SLOOOOW.

In summary, I simply could not connect with the lackluster and unsatisfying plot and cast. Meh.

An Anonymous Girl is an engrossing, mesmerizing read. My eyes were glued to the pages so I didn't miss one single detail. Readers will inhale this latest psychological mind teaser by Hendricks and Pekkanen. Combined, these two author's are a lethal weapon. The narrative Involves, trust, manipulation, deceit, lies, mind games, matching wits, and sinister deeds. Make up artist Jessica signs up for a study in hopes of making fast money. She's chosen to be the puppet of conniving Dr. Shields, to use for her own selfish devices. Once the reader reaches a certain juncture in the story, you'll hold your breath as you anxiously read to see who will come out on top: Jess, the doctor, or the other players in this twisted, warped game of masterminds. Bravo!!!

First admission: I devoured this book in one day.

Second admission: Psychological thrillers are my absolute favorite.

Now that we have that out of the way, let's review. An Anonymous Girl is wonderfully written and will have you balancing precariously on the edge of your seat. Multiple times I tried to put this book down, but I simply could not. The authors know just how to keep you absolutely captivated and hooked to where you must keep reading. Both main characters were incredibly well written. Each had a sordid past that they could not escape from. Bouncing between there perspectives gave you a really good insight to how each of their minds worked. How each main character was trying to get ahead of the other towards the end. Not to mention, the supporting characters were amazing. Each character added an important element to the overall story. The pace was incredible. Just enough was given that you felt that you must know what happened next. There was plenty of detail to allow you to paint a clear picture of the scene, but you also had some leeway.

Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with this book. I am more than hopeful to read another by these authors!

Twisted. Psychological. Philosophical. It was difficult for me to want to put it down and return to reality. I'm still thinking about the story.

I don’t like to give summaries in book reviews. Instead I like my reviews to focus on what I thought and felt when I was reading. This book was suspenseful, but not scary. There was some romance, but not over the top. I enjoyed reading this book. I found myself picking up the ARC every chance I got. It was hard to put down. I’m really glad I read the book. I highly recommend it. You won’t be disappointed.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing me with this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

I received The Wife Between Us for review last year and it became easily one of my favorite thrillers, so when I saw they were coming out with another, I knew I wanted to get my hands on it.

An Anonymous Girl follows make up artist Jessica Farris who participates in a psychological study by a psychologist money she desperately needs. But the questions evolve into tasks and soon Jess doesn't know what in her life she can trust and as the tasks get stranger, she realizes she doesn't know who she can trust either.

Plot
Just like their first thriller, this one had several twists and had a plot that kept evolving until the very end. The twists were incredibly well done and the reveals were excellently timed. The plot had really great pacing and ended up being a fairly quick read despite being a decent sized thriller. There weren't any "unbelievable" events that happened and it still ended up being an insane and intense trip.

Characters/Character Development
The characters were well rounded and three dimensional, even the side characters had pretty great personalities and developments. Jess and Dr. Shields had a interesting dynamic that was well written and kept you questioning the entire time, they both were complex characters and their developments were impressive by the end of the book.


Diversity/Representation
There was very little diversity in this book, though Jess has a mentally disabled sister. This book does mention some mental illness, however, and it wasn't the best. (i.e. characters were never challenged when they called a suicidal person "crazy, troubled, unstable" all in derogatory ways.

Writing
These authors are incredible writers, they really know how to draw you in with their writing style. Something that made me love this one is the way they chose to do both POVs and their "person" choice. It was so unique and really made the plot and one character more menacing.

*This book DOES contain mental illness and suicide *nonspoiler* so if you have a hard time with those topics be careful, it's mentioned more frequently towards end. No suicide take place in the book though, the suicide happens before the book's timeline of events.*

These authors just know how to create the most insane and intense thrillers and I'll always be amazed at how much I loved them when I finish their books. They're easily becoming my favorite thriller authors. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy psychological thrillers!

This book was wild. It really kept me guessing until the end. These authors are extremely talented - the writing was just brilliant. I loved the psychological an philosophical musings that were present throughout the book. The characters were layers and nuanced and relatable. I loved that as a reader, you could connect and empathize even with characters who might be in the wrong. Amazing. This is my second book by these author and no less brilliant than the first. Perhaps even better!.

This book is about a women who worked as a make-up artist until one day when she took a client's appointment for a study regarding human behavior. The book addresses the universal question as to human behavior in different situations. The questions go beyond nature vs nurture. It is had to describe how this book engaged me on different levels such as; mental illness, open ended questions, about doing the right thing before you judge another person. This is a real interesting book and I would recommend it to anyone.

Wow... this is a fantastic read. I haven't read a book this good in almost a year. Engaging and thrilling from the start, I didn't want to put it down. The characters are very well developed and the author gives the reader just the right amount of information. The flow is seamless and perfect! Very clever!

An Anonymous Girl is a well written, twisted, psychological thriller. I was engrossed after the first chapter and had a difficult time putting the book down. I have also read Hendrick's other book and was more intrigued and impressed with this one! 4.5 stars!

I was provided a pre-release copy of this book, and enjoyed it very much. The authors really kept you guessing about exactly what was happening throughout the entire story. An Anonymous Girl is written in an interesting manner of two different people ... and it was done well. This book will keep you involved & on edge until the end. If you want a thriller that keeps you guessing, I recommend this book!

Hendricks and Pekkanen are brilliant! This book leaves you stunned over and over again. The main character manages to insert herself in a psychological study thinking she is just going to make some quick cash. But little does she know, her life is about to be tossed in to total chaos as she reveals her deepest vulnerabilities. The characters are fantastic and totally sinister. Just when I thought I had figured everything out, another twist was thrown my way. Great read.

Excellent book. If you are ever tempted to join a psychological study, read this book first and then RUN! Jessica, a make-up artist weasels her way into a morality study because she can use the $500.00 payment. Manipulation at its best by Dr. Lydia Shields. I felt badly for Jessica. She was clearly out of her element in her dealings with Dr. Shields. My first book by these authors but I will now read their first collaboration. Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and the Authors for allowing me to read and review this book.

As a fan of "The Wife Between Us," I had high expectations for "An Anonymous Girl." I am happy to say that I wasn't disappointed. It is a twisty thriller that kept me enthralled and guessing until the very end. The authors are experts at delving depression into the human psyche, creating characters who are both vulnerable and sympathetic while also wholly unlikeable. From the very first moment that Jess joins Dr. Shields' study, and begins answering questions in that empty classroom, the suspense begins and doesn't stop until the final page. I highly recommend this book.

Jessica was only looking to make a few extra bucks--but what she got when she swiped a spot in a research study from a college student was much more than she bargained for. Once she is offered more money in exchange for a deep dive into her innermost secrets, Jessica's relationship with Dr. Shields becomes dangerous.

While I like the premise of this book being a psychological thriller, it doesn't really live up to the hype. Although I thought the ending was predictable (and I was proven wrong, of course) the actual ending didn't deliver what I wanted it to, and it was really rushed given how slow the rest of the story went. The manipulation by Dr. Shields and Jessica's attempts to thwart it were a little absurd, even though they were not out of the realm of possibility. It'll suck you in, but it won't wow you.

Greer and Sarah did it again! An Anonymous Girl is a compelling story with lots of twists and turns As with their previous novel, The Wife Between Us, I’m not going to say too much as to not disclose too much of the plot. Excellent, excellent read.

My thanks to the authors, the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

When I was in my 20s, I would frequently make a little extra cash by participating in studies and focus groups. All you have to do is spend an hour or two answering a few questions, and you walk away with a nice wad of cash. I never thought twice about it—but I guarantee that anyone who reads "An Anonymous Girl" will never approach a psychological study quite so cavalierly.

Jessica Farris wasn't even supposed to be participating in Dr. Shields' research into "ethics and morality." A freelance makeup artist living in Manhattan, and thus perpetually in need of extra cash, Jessica learns about the study from one of her clients, who states her intention to blow it off, not wanting to show up at 8 AM on a Sunday morning: "I'm not going to set an alarm to go to some dumb questionnaire." Once she finds out that it pays $500, Jessica decides to go in her place. A bit ironic for a study of morality, perhaps, but she's got rent to pay.

Before long, Jessica has become the mysterious Dr. Shields' favorite subject, and the research takes a strange turn—but the amount she's being paid increases as well, and with her father out of a job and her disabled sister in need of expensive care, she finds she's caught up in a situation that is quickly spinning out of her control.

Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen wrote one of my favorite thrillers of 2018, the bonkers-but-entertaining "The Wife Between Us," and I expected "An Anonymous Girl" would be another crazy thrill ride of twists upon twists. Much to their credit, the authors have produced a work of more straightforward psychological suspense that does have plenty of surprises, but their priority here is to tell a solid story, not just to trick the reader with misdirection.

The authors of The Wife Between Us are back at it with another good twisty psychological thriller. Although the twists in An Anonymous Girl weren’t quite as shocking as in their first book, this was definitely a page turner. I was kept up very late at night because I couldn’t stop telling myself - just one more chapter. And when the chapters are small, it’s too easy to say, ok - just one more. Next thing I knew it was 1 AM and I had another 12 hour work day to tackle after not enough sleep. 3 days in a row!

Jess is a make-up artist in New York City and desperately needs to earn as much money as she can to help her family when she finds a way to sneak into a study that pays very well. She does so well, that Dr. Shields, a beautiful psychiatrist who is running the study, asks Jess to continue as her only subject. Jess, Subject 52, accepts. At first it’s because of the money, but then she becomes so drawn to Dr. Shields, that she’ll do almost anything for her.

I’ve been seeing a few reviews that say that the two POVs, Jess and Dr. Shields, are both unreliable narrators. I didn’t really feel that way. I thought that Jess seemed to have it mostly together. Was she a bit of an odd duck? Sure. But aren’t we all? And Dr. Shields? She just seemed to be absolutely perfect.

Although I really enjoyed this book, I did like the authors’ first book a bit more, mostly because I really love those BIG twists. Not everyone needs those, however. All in all. I still enjoyed the heck out of this story and can not wait for the next book! These two are my new favorite authors for this genre.

*Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy!*

**And a special thank you to Goodreads as I won a beautiful print copy I now have from one of their giveaways!!

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.*

I've had a number of my bookish friends suggest that I read Greer Hendricks/Sarah Pekkanen, and The Wife Between Us has been on my "want to read" list for a while, so when I saw An Anonymous Girl as a Netgalley ARC, I was excited! This is the first of their books that I have read.

The Wife Between us is a well-crafted, gripping psychological thriller. It is the story of Jessica Farris, a young midwestern make-up artist struggling to make it in New York City following a traumatic experience with a director while working on a show on Broadway. While on a job, she spies a client's appointment to participate in a psychological research study and overhears her decide not to participate. She also overhears that the compensation will be $500 and she desperately needs to make rent. So, Jess purports to be a friend taking part in the study in her client's stead.

Enter the mysterious Dr. Shields - a NYU professor conducting a morality study of young women. Dr. Shields quickly learns that Jess (subject 52) is different from all of the other participants and changes the course of her research to focus solely on Jess. Offering Jess "generous" compensation to change her participation while agreeing to absolute confidentiality (she cannot even speak of the study), Dr. Shields ensnares Jess in her intricate web. Wounded herself by infidelity, Dr. Shields begins to use Jess as a pawn in a dangerous game she is playing with her husband.

I enjoyed the premise, and was pleasantly surprised by how good the twists and turns were! I'd definitely recommend this book and will read more by this duo!

*with thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for this honest review.