Thank you to Greer Hendricks, Sarah Pekkanen and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review..

My, oh my. I thought "The Wife Between Us" was an amazing book, but "An Anonymous Girl" was even better! I devoured this book in two days; I couldn't put it down! I loved the story, loved the premise, and loved the ending. Jess was a bit annoying at times, but I liked how the book ended for her.

This book will definitely be another hit for these amazing authors when it hits the shelves next year.

This book captivated me.
While there was no crazy twist, I was not at all bored.
While I may have known what was going to happen, I still wanted to hear it from the author.

I enjoyed the back and forth chapters between Lydia and Jess, how their internal thoughts were so drastically different that you knew right away who was speaking.

Lydia (the human version of the colour taupe) manicured from head to toe, the kind of woman whose wealth and class emanates from their skin, terrified me.
She would be the movie villain walking behind you while you desperately run for your life. No matter how fast you run, she is always right behind you.
Messy haired Jess is the "every-woman". Tries to do the right thing, but makes mistakes she doesn't always want to own up to. Carries secrets to avoid hurting others, but also to absolve herself from any wrongdoing.
In so many ways Jess needed Lydia and there "therapy" sessions. From Lydia telling Jess that what happened to her was assault, to forcing Jess to question her own morality. If you walk around thinking that everything is a test, thinking that someone is watching you to make sure you do the right thing chances are you start making better decisions.

I think that most people who pick this book up, (like myself) won't put it down until they're done.

Fill in a survey, get a few hundred bucks. What's not to like? Jessica is in need of a little cash and when a way to get hold of it falls into her lap, she's going to take it. Even if the questions on that simple survey are a little probing, even if the survey becomes a study, and that study starts to take over her life. The tension quickly ramps up, Is everything as it seems? You'll have to read to find out!

My review for An Anonymous Girl is much shorter than normal as, quite simply, there isn't so much to say. This book felt perfect. I don't really want to spoil it for anyone by giving the game away, so all I can say is: read it! You won't regret it (it's not like the study Jessica joins, promise....)

Thank you to Netgalley, St Martin's Press, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen for the opportunity to read this magnificent novel. As per the approval preferences I won't be posting my review for a long while, until closer to publication, but I have shared this book in a Waiting on Wednesday post on my blog as I loved it.

LONG....but NO SPOILERS......

Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen are on their way to becoming co-author psychological thriller legends. They had a break-out sensation hit with “The Wife Between Us”, last year in 2017.
“An Anonymous Girl”, will be released in January, 2019.

Greer and Sarah are an exciting team. There is something very appealing about two skillful stunning women holding us captive - as awed spectators -waiting to see who we can trust - who to believe- who’s the stalker -and who’s the prey.
In “The Wife Between Us”, we never knew the complete truth until the end. New secrets were revealed...and we were still wondering who was manipulating who up to the final chapter.
In “An Anonymous Girl”, once again - if you are sure you know what’s happening in a scene, think again. There are many layers to peel back as we turn the pages. I purposely slowed down my reading. I had no interest to race through this book. I thoroughly enjoyed thinking about issues and questions presented.

Like panning for gold.... when searching for INTELLIGENT- PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLERS .....( cream of the crops) ..... “An Anonymous Girl”, synonymous with Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, and “The Wife Between Us”, ......
these two books make the cut!!!

....... “An Anonymous Girl”.......
.....”Ethics and Morality” is a ‘hot topic’. It’s at least worthy of a few lifetime discussions. I found it exciting and refreshing to center a psychological suspense novel around a study of this inquiry.
.....The first few chapters ARE SERIOUSLY PAGE TURNERS!!! We follow the set-up story between Dr. Shields, adjunct professor at NYU, psychiatrist, and Jessica Farris, 28 year old makeup artist.
Jessica works for a company called ‘BeautyBuzz.
She goes to clients homes and gives them a makeover for events like Proms, Bar Mitzvahs, birthdays, and anniversaries. ( she misses working in Theater).
Jessica lives alone with her dog Leo. We get back story about Jessica’s parents and younger sister Becky. Becky is a few years younger than Jessica, but
lives with her parents and requires special needs.

Jessica becomes a paid participant in the study on Ethics and Morality. Right off the bat, Jessica lied her way into the study.
Jessica- *Subject 52*, agreed to be bound by confidentiality. She wasn’t allowed to discuss what she was doing with ‘anybody’.
While answering questions that pop up - one at a time - on a computer screen - we can imagine sitting in a private room - in a sterile setting ( in Jessica’s chair), wanting to shy away from feelings of vulnerability- but Jessica is asked to surrender to the process completely- answer the questions honestly- for the process to be successful. We sense Jessica wants to put her entire heart into the study. Even when uncomfortable- we sense she wants to please Dr. Sheila’s. Dr. Sheila’s notices. A trust begins to grow.
The Rules are simple and clear. “Be truthful - avoid pivoting away from embarrassment or pain that the questions provoke”.
Intimacy begins to grow between Jessica and Dr. Shields. Proper boundaries are questionable.

The questions - themselves - in the study were intriguing: “Could you tell a lie without feeling guilt?”,
“Describe a time in your life when you cheated?”......
AND MANY MORE......
Over weeks- Jessica will be digging deeper - going beyond the superficial....
EVENTUALLY......
The original study falls off an honorable grid. Dr. Shields prepares an unorthodox experiment. Jessica Farris, becomes a pawn for Dr. Shields own purposes.

.....It wasn’t until about half way into this novel - or a little more- when I felt a genuine thriller edge elevate. I ENJOYED BOTH HALVES OF THIS NOVEL.....yet - we feel a change.
As Jessica’s anxiety grows into anger —I started noticing more tension building in my own physical body.....( YET WITH GREAT RESPECT & DIGNITY FROM OUR AUTHORS- THERE ARE NO GRAPHIC DISTURBING SCENES).....I really love these women authors!!!! THEY ARE SETTING AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT I HOPE TO SEE MORE OF when writing novels in this genre.

I started thinking about those one or two times when my entire life changed in less than 5 minutes. If we are honest - each of us have moments like this.
Jessica did too.
“Only six weeks ago, Jessica worried about how she would pay for her
sister, Becky’s occupational therapy and hoping her makeup business with BeautyBuzz would align so she wouldn’t have to lug her makeup case too far. Her life was quiet, her problems ordinary. Then came an impulsive moment - all of 10 seconds that changed her life”. A simple innocent - cheating lie - changed the course of her life.

Jessica isn’t the only person in this story who cheated - and lied .....
But ‘who’ is most dangerous? ALL the characters are memorable- supporting ones too. You’ll meet many more. I haven’t SPOILED ANYTHING!

Disasters and consequences - warnings — who’s in control - doubts - how do you know if you can really trust someone - the tone of a text message - are thoughts to chew on.

“Every family generates it’s own particular dysfunction. Many people believe that once they cross the threshold into adulthood, legacy can be shed. But the maladjusted dynamics that have been imprinted upon us, often since childhood are tenacious”.

This is a serious psychological mind bender about a Psychologist performing a study surrounding morality. It is mind boggling. It starts out so slow, and in such a confusing manner that one could lose interest right away. I pushed through, and the more that I read, the more I wanted to know what was really going on.

The main characters (I won't spoil anything by telling you who and how many there are), each singly and together create so much confusion, that the reader can't figure out what is going on. Is this a suspense? Is this a story concerning research or some clinical discovery? Read on my friends. You need to see where this leads, as it seriously messes with the mind of the reader.

The end is unexpected. You will not guess at it, no matter what you think, and you will not truly be happy until you reach the end.

The author could pick up the pace a bit, as the story does drag on for quite some time, otherwise, some readers who otherwise would enjoy the story will be lost.

Oh my, this book was original and kept you thinking up until the last page. The characters were very unique and beautiful in the complexity. I truly believe that this will be one of the best books I'll read for the year.

I did not think it possible for these two writers to top their debut novel, The Wife Between Us. How wrong I was! As good as The Wife Between Us was, An Anonymous Girl is even better! I really love complex novels that twist and turn. It was impossible to see where the plot was going. Even when I thought I had an idea, another plot twist revealed how lacking my imagination is! My only complaint was that I couldn't put it down, no matter how tired I was! This is one book I will definitely be recommending to friends and family!

I feel obligated to start by saying I loved The Wife Between Us! I'm sorry, I have to mention it because that is the reason why I was super excited to receive this ARC and I'm happy to say that An Anonymous Girl lived up to my super high expectations.

Jessica is a twenty-eight year old make up artist living check to check in New York City away from her family. She hears about a psychological study where she can make some extra money and decides to do it - being unaware of all it entails. After she joins the study, she finds herself deep in the middle of situations she can't easily escape from.

The story in told from two perspectives, Jessica's and her therapist's, Dr. Shields. Jessica was so relatable and i found it very easy to empathize with her. The therapist on the other hand.... reading from her perspective was dark and villainous but I loved it. There was kind of a good vs evil feel to this book even though Dr. Shields had her reasons and even though Jessica surely wasn't innocent.

Let me just say there are books that don't deserve to be categorized as thrillers and then there are books like this one that give the word "thriller" meaning. The suspense in this novel was killing me, forcing me to keep turning pages. The build up to every single twist made this book so unputdownable(Yes, I'm making that a word).

Now..... I'm going to make one comparison to The Wife Between Us and its going to be.............. the endings. I wish this ending had more an OH MY GOSH moment like The Wife Between Us. I wanted to be caught off guard like that again. But I guess you can't have it all all the time and that's why i held back one star. Luckily, the rest of the novel makes up for it big time.

Five stars is just not enough for this book. It is breathtaking, memorizing, riveting. Certainly the most unusual story I have ever encountered, and behind it is incredible writing and characters that you can relate to. What more can I say? Anyone who doesn't read this book is missing out on the experience of a lifetime!

Wow this is a great psychological thriller. I could not stop reading and the final twist at the end...amazing. Read it, you won't be sorry

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Another fantastic novel by Hendricks and Pekkanen. I thoroughly enjoyed their first book, and this one was even better. Such a clever story, one that kept me hooked from page one. I read this in less than 2 days and could not put it down.

This is written by the same women who wrote "The Wife Between Us" so of course it's going to be good, right? Right! Interesting concept where Jess participates in an anonymous study that focuses on ethics and morality. Dr. Shields is intense. She definitely brought out some emotions from me - frustration, anger, impatience. But her mind was amazing. These characters have so many layers that shaped them into who they are. Most of this book had me thinking not much is happening, but now that it's over I realize that it's one of those quietly good books that leave you thinking. There's passion, betrayal, obsession, deceit, jealousy, manipulation. And even though I felt like not much was happening it was never boring and I could not stop turning the pages.

Dr. Shields, is a smart, established Psychiatrist, who provides therapy more than medication, teaches at NYU, and does research about morality. Jessica, is a down on her luck makeup artist, who learns about Dr. Shields studies from a young woman whose make up she is doing. Armed with information about the study and the $500.00 she would get from participating, she sneaks her way into the study. Before she realizes what is happening, Jessica becomes the most important participant in the study until she is the only participant. As her world begins to shift on its axis, Jessica needs to determine what is true, what is not, and most importantly, what she is going to do about it.

Hendricks and Pekkanen weave a twisted tale that grips the reader from the very beginning. The story unfolds for the reader in a web that is spun, with a beauty and clarity rarely found in new fiction today. They leave very little for the reader to disbelieve as they have thought of every angle and just as Dr. Sheild’s would do with each move she makes, it is perfect - a true work of art.

Absolutely fabulous read and one of the best thrillers I've ever come across. Very effective use of the dual voices, Jessie's and Dr. Shields.' So many twists and turns, I was sure I knew what was going on but then the author skillfully turned the plot on its head and I had to re-think all my theories! I read a lot of thrillers but this one totally took me by surprise. It's rare that a book deserves all the accolades it receives, but this one does! I read it in two days, I highly recommend and I know readers will love it.

A great escape on a hot summer weekend. I can't say I knew where this was going as I read on but it was pretty clear who would prevail. Scrappy women survive and do what is needed. Also goes to prove that the morality issue in the time of Trump isn't a lost cause.

I was thrilled to get an advance copy of this book when I was on vacation and plenty of time to read! I enjoyed the first book so had been looking forward to this one. I work in the research field so was interested in the plot as well. Lots of great twists and liked how it went back and forth between the characters. I couldn't stop reading, and finished in 2 days. Definitely a do not miss when it comes out!!

Characters: A
Jessica Farris, a makeup artist, is struggling financially. From a client, she hears of an opportunity to make money by being part of a study. Dr. Shields is a brilliant psychiatrist who is conducting the study about morality and ethics at NYU.

Plot: A
Jessica takes part in the social experiment and Dr. Shields is impressed by her answers. She is invited to further her participation for even more money if she will participate in mysterious real world tests. As the study gorani on, Jessica begins to confuse what is reality and what is the study. She also begins to suspect something more sinister is going on and fears for her safety.

Setting: A
New York City

Perspective: A
Told from dual perspectives. Jessica and the cold, detached Dr. Shields. Loved the two perspectives on the same events and being able to see into the mind of the villain.

Theme: A
Morality, Ethics, Forgiveness, Love, Secrets, Fear, Retaliation, Trust, Obsession, Truth

Overall: A
Subtly creepy book that had me looking over my shoulder and wondering what I would do if I were in the same position. Had some shades of Single White Female mixed in with . Best thriller I've read in a long time!

I was extremely excited to receive this from
NetGalley, as The Wife Between Us was such a good, solid book. This one really failed the mark on a psychological thriller. If they meant to market it as a thrilling book with a lesson on psychology, that’d be a little more on the mark.
I tried to review this book taking away the psychological thriller idea and therefore gave it 2.5 Stars. The writing is okay, but the characters are unlikeable and at times boring. Several times I had to remind myself that Jess was an almost thirty year old, not a twenty one year old. She was very immature and strange.
I finished it quickly and there were parts I did like. But I’d say the marketing for this may need changed a bit.

I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish as the twisty plot of this psychological thriller unfolded!

<i>Seeking women ages 18–32 to participate in a study on ethics and morality. Generous compensation. Anonymity guaranteed. </i>


When I saw Hendricks and Pekkanen had written another book together I was so excited! I devoured "The Wife Between Us" earlier this year as it was so riveting and had such a unique premise! I'm happy to report "An Anonymous Girl" was just as riveting, if not more so! I read this in one day, and that's saying A LOT because I have a rambunctious one year old that takes up most of my time and attention, so that's how you know I loved this one! Every second I had to myself I was reading!

Jess, a makeup artist, sneaks her way in to a psychiatrist's study on ethics and morality after she overhears one of her clients talking about it. Jess becomes involved in a study sitting in front of a computer answering questions and revealing her deepest secrets, all anonymously, and she gets paid. A LOT. Sounds great, and easy, right? But what is the point? What purpose is being served, where Jess must answer some really thought provoking questions about herself? 

Soon, Jess finds herself not just Subject 52 in an anonymous study seated in front of a computer, but seated in the office of the psychiatrist herself, Dr. Shields. Shields has taken quite the interest in Jess, and the study becomes more personal and expands from beyond a computer survey to going places, doing different things, meeting various people. 

Jess begins to question her safety and the sanity of the Dr. but her family really needs the money she's making from this study. How far will she go to help those she loves? What REALLY is the point of this study? 

"An Anonymous Girl" is loaded with twists and 'oh my gosh' moments that will leave your jaw hanging in shock! This psychological thriller will grab you from the first page and you will not want to stop reading once you're sucked in to this ethical and moral study along with Jess!

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review! This does not affect my opinions of the book. "An Anonymous Girl" releases January 8th, 2019.

4.5 Stars