Pretty Things is a compelling read that drew me in from the start and kept me interested to see what would happen next. The story is told in two points of view - Nina and Vanessa.

Nina grew up with her mom who was a con artist - frequently packing up and moving when things went south. Her mom was determined to give Nina a different future. But when her mom gets sick and Nina needs money fast to cover healthcare costs - she finds herself drawn into the life.

Vanessa grew up wealthy - with a trust fund and few money concerns. Her current career is as an Instagram influencer - being seen in the right places wearing the right brands and surrounded by the right people.

I enjoyed seeing the way the two came together and anticipating what was to come. While I was able to predict some things, there were others that caught me by surprise. A few parts felt a little long to me - but overall I would recommend this as a fun read!

Thank you to Random House and Netgalley for the advance reading copy!

All that glitters isn't gold. Pretty Things tells the story of two girls with separate upbringings, but similar paths. First, there is Nina. The daughter of a con-artist, Nina learned from he best and spent her college days stealing from rich kids in L.A. From the outside, her life may look ideal, but that's farm from the truth.

Then, there is Vanessa. A privileged heiress turned Instragram influencer. Her life is splashed across the pages of her Instagram -- free clothes, exotic trips. Vanessa appears to have the perfect life. But behind the dreamy online presence, Vanessa's life is far from perfect.

Nina and Vanessa cross paths in the unlikeliest of places, and a game of deceit and destruction ensues. Janelle Brown does a fantastic job of developing her characters -- I truly could relate to the hardships felt by both protagonists. This was my first book of hers but definitely not my last!

Holy moly are there ever twists in this one! Nina's mother is a grifter; Nina wanted to be on the straight and narrow. No such luck. When her mom got sick, she gave up her legit (low paying) job and started stealing and scamming, along with Lachlan. Vanessa was a social influencer and then her dad died and she went home to the big house at Lake Tahoe. These two were linked as kids by Benny and now as adults, well all bets are off because Nina's cooked up a plan to steal from her. This one has so many turns and surprises that it's hard to review. NO SPOILERS! Know, however, that both women, while they have a lot of faults, are actually likable and, oddly, want to do the right thing. It kept me guessing and surprised, which is, frankly, saying a lot. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A real page turner that is perfect- perfect- to take your mind off the news!

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up. Just gonna say it now... do not trust anyone. Anyone! Story started off kinda slow but then it really picked up around 40%. I was feeling these characters, flying through the pages and going back and forth with my guesses and then the ending... so weak. Just popped my bubble. It could have have been so much stronger. Brown still did a great job and makes me want to go back to Lake Tahoe! I’d still recommend this book.

Loved this book!

Even though Nina is a villain I still loved her character. She may not have had the best mom growing up but she had love and she was happy with that. Many children like Vanessa may grow up having everything but don't have the love they need to depend on and thrive on to build confidence.

The story is told from both Nina and Vanessa's perspective so some things are repeated but not enough for it to get on my nerves.

As soon as I thought I knew how it would end, something else would happen to throw me off . I love that it kept me guessing .

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Pretty things by Janelle Brown. Pretty things starts off with Nina, a thief who uses social media to find her uber rich marks. Only picking a few pieces of antiques, a couple pieces of jewelry that won't be missed is her game plan, and it seems to work. Then Vanessa Liebling enters the picture. And Nina wants one big score. I enjoyed the start of the book, however, I found it slowed down as Nina goes into her past, and kind of dragged the book down, before it picks back up in the end. I will admit I kept dropping this book, to read something else several times. It's not that I didn't like the writing, I just didn't like the characters. I do recommend it for those who enjoy reading Gillian Flynn. 2.5 stars

<b>Stunning cover, twisty, and clever!</b>

The cover of PRETTY THINGS by JANELLE BROWN is initially what attracted me to read this book, isn’t it pretty?

JANELLE BROWN delivers a slow-burning, character-driven, compelling, and well-written read here that really intrigued, engaged, and entertained me. It was a little bit slow going at times but the author’s fabulous writing definitely captured my attention and drew me right in keeping me fully absorbed in this deceitful and cunning tale. Plus there were some pretty surprising and thrilling reveals that definitely got my adrenaline pumping moving this story forward for me.

The story is told in alternating perspectives between our two main sinister characters here, Nina our con artist and Vanessa an Instagram influencer. The connections and dynamics between these two women really surprised, intrigued & captivated me. I never really knew who to trust or believe. Each of these women brought their own unique and distinct voice to the narrative which I was equally invested in. I was really surprised with the direction this book took and had me questioning multiple plot points in the end.

I’m not sure if my perception of what was going on in the end with a certain character was all wrong or if my deliberations were correct. I can hardly believe that I am saying this because I am not a deep reader at all, I’m more surface but this one totally had me digging deep and discussing it in our Traveling Sisters group. Brenda thinks I was overthinking things! I’d love to have a conversation with the author!

Expected Publication Date: April 21/20

This was a Traveling Sister read. Thank you so much to NetGalley, Random House, and Janelle Brown for an electronic ARC.

OMG! This book was amazing. THIS is why I love thrillers. This book has everything... thrilling reveals, sinister characters, and romance. The characters have depth even when the circumstances are outlandish. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC.

The intriguing premise, along with the attention-grabbing opening penned by Janelle Brown, conned me into thinking this book was something it’s clearly not. Her words engaging enough to string me along for the arduous trek laid out across 496(!) pages. The occasional hint lending itself to a satisfying payoff to come. As if. Brown and her publisher managed to pull off a much more successful con-job with the marketing of this novel than Nina’s pitiful heist touted in the synopsis.

Readers meet Nina all glammed up and mid-scam. At one time, she had dreams of being more than a grifter like her mother. Those optimist notions long gone, and with no other way to pay the bills, Nina dons her mom's title: thief. Nina and her casual boyfriend, Lachlan, survive by stealing antiques and other valuables from unsuspecting Instagram flaunters. Until the day a dreaded knock on her door drives them out of L.A. for the foreseeable future.

From this point, the setting, feel, and entire trajectory of the novel shifts. And not for the better.

With one final scam in mind, Nina returns to Lake Tahoe and the dreary Stonehaven mansion after twelve long years away. The grand plan is to rent the antique-riddled guest cottage on the Stonehaven property. All in the hopes they can gain access to the main house and the safe hidden somewhere within the expansive floor plan. Lachlan (now Michael) plays the part of a writer looking to pen his next masterpiece, while Nina (now Ashley) puts her yoga skills and need for zen on display. And this is where Vanessa comes in.

Vapid, Instagram influencer, Vanessa makes the return to her wealthy family’s Lake Tahoe mansion after an awakening of sorts. Following the death of her father and the rescinding of her fiancé’s proposal, Vanessa ghosts her dwindling followers for a time, in search of a life with more meaning. Or so she says. Desperate for attention and love, Vanessa finds herself enchanted with her guests, Michael and Ashley. No doubt, one more than the other. Little does she know, Ashley was once her troubled younger brother’s girlfriend, Nina.

There are some poignant moments of clarity where the author’s writing shines, but for the most part, the happenings here are not enough to overcome the wordy and overly detailed delivery. The majority of the novel is bogged down by internal monologues, repetition courtesy of the dual perspectives, and incessant descriptions of Stonehaven. Which quickly veers into boring territory. Out of sheer curiosity, I took it upon myself to check, and Stonehaven is mentioned 179 times throughout the book. Overkill, in any situation, I’d say.

Regardless of what the synopsis alludes to, at its core, this book is a slow-burning character study. Not the fast-paced thrill ride that Nina’s first few chapters promise.

Purely a nod to Brown’s cleverly worded passages throughout this lackluster novel, I’m considering checking out some of her earlier work. A concession not typically made for experiences I rate this low.

i was drawn to this book first for the cover and than reading the description
it took off at a very high pace and than dulled a little only to pick up again at the end. im so glad that i kept reading it.
the story is about Nina and Vanessa. one rich instragam girl and one con artist. Nina, con artist, is becoming friends with Vanessa who is wealthy and has plenty of things for Nina to take. she becomes close to Vanessa until we are trying to figure out who is conning who.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher Random House for an advance reader copy of this book .

I really enjoyed psychological thriller where you may think you know what’s going on, but you never do. Nina ‘s mother is sick , and she agrees to do one big con ( and get revenge on a family from her childhood who mistreated her) with her boyfriend,
Vanessa is the “target” a spoiled rich girl who is a social media sensation, living the life of glamour. Or is she?

The story is told from Nina & Vanessa’s POV, and you never know who is telling the truth and what is the real con at play .

Definitely a fun and engaging read

4.5 ⭐️

Pretty Things
by Janelle Brown

Another great suspense thriller from Janelle Brown 👍🏻

There are twists and turns in this story of Nina, a degreed Art major who becomes a grifter thanks to the unrelenting manipulations of her mother. Through her mom she meets her partner, Irish charmer Lachlan. The two set out to swindle social media influencer and heiress, Vanessa Leibling. Their time in the quiet, affluent town of Lake Tahoe at the Leibling estate take them into depths of deceit and realizations that no one sees coming.

I enjoy the author’s writing and attention to character development. While her characters aren’t always completely likable, they’re interesting for sure. The references to social media, Instagram, and the influencer lifestyle and pitfalls were so uncomfortably accurate!
I enjoyed reading this one - it definitely grabbed my attention and held it ... even in this time of quarantine and self isolation during Covid 19

Thank you NetGalley, and Random House for the advanced copy

I really enjoyed Brown's latest thriller - it is set in two perspectives with Nina, a confidence woman, following a family tradition rather than putting her art history degree to more legal use, and Vanessa, an heiress and social media influencer. Though the two perspectives draw the book out a bit with a few repeated scenes, for the most part, this is hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed this and though neither characters is completely likable, they both do come off the page. And other than the pace being a bit drawn out because of the redundant scenes, it's a good heist story, really. And I like the descriptions of some of the historical scams, too. The childhood romance storyline makes a nice addition, too. Really, everyone comes to life and the Tahoe setting also really shines. It's a satisfying and entertaining read and I am looking forward to seeing what Brown will write next!

I loved this thriller! Con artists trying to con con artists, who can you trust?! Just when I thought I had things figured out, I wasn't quite right, in the best way!

This is my first book I have read from this author and it was fantastic. So if you read the blurb, you know it revolves around a grifter named Nina, whose mother Lily was a grifter. Nina never wanted to be a grifter but life has a way of changing your outcomes. Then there is Lachlan, another grifter that her mother knew. Lies and lies upon more lies between Nina, her mother Lily and Lachlan. Without giving away to much, Nina sets her eyes upon Vanessa Leibling, an heiress from Lake Tahoe where she once lived as a teenager but she has reinvented herself and this is her new mark. There are so many twists and turns in this book that really kept me flying thru this book. About 75% into the book the big reveal happens but not what you think. There are surprises for Nina who thought she had all her bases covered. I received this book from net galley and the publisher for an honest review. I want to thank net galley for this ARC. I highly recommend this book if you are a lover of this genre of books. Fasten your seat belts for a fantastic ride!!! I will be definitely reading more nooks from this author, past and future books. (less

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for providing me with an ARC of Pretty Things by Janelle Brown. In exchange for the ARC I offer my unbiased opinion.

This is the perfect summer thriller.. The type of book you toss into your beach bag and then don’t leave the lounge chair until you reach the final page. It’s current and clever enough to satisfy the casual reader or the seasoned sleuth.

Vanessa and Nina. One an heiress, one a grifter. And Lachlan O’Malley. A beautiful face, a charming accent and a hankering for pretty things. When Nina learns her mom needs experimental medications that cost more than she could ever afford she decides to put a con together. What makes this swizzle even sweeter, she has a score to settle with Vanessa. Nina convinces Lachlan to join her scheme but soon it becomes apparent nobody in this hustle can be trusted.

This was a solid read but it did take time for the story to really intensify. Plenty of twists and a juicy ending.

This book is so good. I thought that the characters were really well written and the story is tightly woven. I normally don't like stories with "rich" people in them because I can't really identify with them and their struggles. However, these characters have lots of layers, and it's easy to empathize with them, and my empathy shifted throughout the time that I was reading the novel. It is on the long side but I didn't think it mattered at all.

One note: I do think that the marketers of the book would do this book a disservice if they continue marketing this as a mystery/thriller. This is not a thriller. If I had to classify it, I'd classify it as "domestic noir." It reminds me of Little Fires Everywhere or Big Little Lies, which are similar in the vein of the story.

I also read that Nicole Kidman is developing this into a series. And I sincerely hope that she doesn't cast herself as either of the two leads because she's way too old. I could see Zendaya as Nina and Emma Stone as Vanessa.

Four stars for Pretty Things by Janelle Brown. An heiress and a grifter are brought together by the “scam of a lifetime.” Their shared history means that nothing goes as planned.

As with most books involving cons (of the long and short variety), nothing is as it seems here. Plenty of twists, some social commentary on what it means to be “seen” in the age of social media, and a perfect Lake Tahoe setting made this an enjoyable read on a rainy Sunday. News that it is in development for a tv series made it come even more alive in my mind as I read. This will be a great summer read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Janelle Brown's writing in Pretty Things is spectacular. Her main characters, Vanessa and Nina, are fleshed out fully and you understand them completely. The story is told from Vanessa's and Nina's perspectives, and the reader is privvy to their thoughts, feelings, motivations, personalities, flaws, vulnerabilities... everything. It makes them likeable, even through their darkest moments.

The story also centers around a huge, historical, beautiful, and slightly creepy mansion on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. I've been to the area many times and am familiar with the locations and landmarks, but even if you've never been to Lake Tahoe, Janelle Brown paints the house and the area so vividly that you can picture it in your mind. This aspect was a highlight for me.

The reader is introduced into the art of grifting through Lily (Nina's mom), Nina and her boyfriend Lachlan. They make a living out of preying on rich people. They are masters of disguise, and they are constantly looking over their shoulder. They are amazing actors. This kind of lifestyle is nerve-wracking, guilt-ridden, and adrenaline-fueled.

This book is about social media, mental illness, marriage, money, greed, motherhood, family dynamics, hierarchy, legacy, art, betrayal, and wealth. It has so many great themes and quotes that I had a hard time choosing my favorite ones. The ending was satisfying and brought closure to a lot of open storylines in the book.

Two different women, one a talented grifter, the other a rich and lonely woman meet in what is to be the biggest payoff the grifter has ever had.

Nina has a background in art history. She gets paid robbing rich people and selling their stuff alongside her boyfriend, Lachlan. She goes to nightclubs, picks up rich men she and Lauchlan have researched on Instagram, gets them drunk, drugs them, learns their gate and home security system codes and steals expensive furniture and jewelry. One of the main rules Nina and Lauchlan abide by is:: Don’t take too much; don’t get greedy. Take only what won’t be missed. And only steal from those who can afford it. The other rules they have are 1. Never steal artwork. 2. Jewels are easy to steal, but the really valuable pieces are often one of a kind, and therefore too identifiable. Take lesser pieces, dismantle the jewelry, sell the gems. 3. Brand items—expensive watches, designer clothes, purses—are always a good bet. 4. Cash. Always the thief’s ideal. But also the most difficult to get your hands on. 5. Furniture. Their third partner is Efram an Israeli antique dealer who collects some of the items, packs them into crates and ships them to a free port in Switzerland, where no one will bother to check on provenance and customers tend to pay in ill-begotten cash.

The plot was intriguing and there were a lot of twists and turns, some of which surprised me. The characters were intriguing and I liked the different points of view the reader would get of the events that transpired. I found myself rooting for Nina throughout the book.