Member Reviews

I love a book that sucks me in and keeps me turning the pages. YOU ARE NOT ALONE sucked me in and kept me turning pages. Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen are masters of the psychological thriller. Their brand of women's fiction is edgy and sharp. When you think things are moving in a very specific direction, they are not. The tale twists and turns and twists again until you have to keep reading to find out how everything will ultimately work itself out.

The opening action scene, on a New York City subway platform, put me in mind of "Orphan Black" insomuch as it made my skin crawl. That's where the similarity to the successful sci-fi series ends. There is tension with purpose in the writing that makes it nearly impossible to put the book aside. I do a great deal of my reading at night before I go to sleep. I started YOU ARE NOT ALONE when I went to bed and read more than half before my eyes literally closed. When I awoke in the morning, the first thing I did was pick up the book and finish it.

I won't give anything away here. You need to pick up a copy and read it for yourself. I promise, you will not be disappointed.

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This duo is an auto buy for me! Everything they write I absolutely love. My favorite is still Anonymous Girl, but this was a close second!

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Shay Miller is floundering in New York - sharing an apartment with a guy and his girlfriend and in an unfulfilling job. Angela is a successful ER nurse who meets up with a group of ladies who welcome her with open arms. Then Shay witnesses Angela jump in front of a NY subway train and her life gets even messier. She decides to go to Angela’s memorial service where she meets sisters Cassandra and Jane Moore. The sisters befriend her, but their motives soon appear to be questionable. Each chapter in this book is told from the viewpoint of one the characters, as well as skipping back and forth in time to set up each one. While I found it easy to identify the “bad guys” were, why they were the bad guys is not apparent until the very end. A book with no likable characters with plenty of tension. Hendricks and Pekkanen have struck again with a very good read. My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to review the ARC of this novel.

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*We received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are our own and do not reflect the views of the publisher or author.

Quick Take: Shay has a lot of aspirations and dreams. She wants to find love, land a well paying job, rent her own apartment, the usual. But she frequently wrestles with feelings of loneliness and isolation. That is, until she meets the Moore sisters. Cassandra and Jane are everything Shay wants to be and when circumstances throw them together Shay might get everything she’s been dying to obtain. Though it might come at a steep, fatal price.

What I Loved: I have read all of Greer and Sarah’s books and this was by far my favorite. It was so refreshing to read a thriller what diverged from the dysfunctional marriage narrative. The entire book focuses on the complexities of Shay’s developing relationship with Cassandra and Jane and with POVs from both Shay and the sisters’ perspectives the irony of this book is deliciously tense. I loved being aware of the nefarious plans of the Moore sisters while Shay idolized and worked to be like them. It touched on a deep, inner need that I think many women have (myself included): the desire to cultivate intimate relationships with the women in their immediate social spheres.

What I Didn’t Love: Honestly, I loved this book. If I had any complaints it might be that some of the characters were a little flat and one dimensional or that all the POVs got confusing (as some reviewers have suggested), but I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a change of pace in the thrillers they pick up.

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3.5 stars

Poor Shay, she was definitely haunted by a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Things were already bleak for this lonely woman when she's standing on the subway platform she witnesses a woman commit suicide. While trying to overcome the trauma of this encounter sisters Jane and Cassandra enter her life. They are the perfect friends helping turn Shay's life around. You know what they say about things being too good to be true though...

I found the plot moved quickly with short alternating POV chapters. Although I did have to stretch my memory to remember which character was which since there was so many. Overall engaging enough to keep be interested. An Anonymous Girl still holds the title for my favorite from this duo.

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This was another 5 star psychological thriller read from these two authors. Right from the first chapter you know you like Shay and know that she is an emotionally needy young woman. She is already struggling with her day-to-day life when she witnesses a horrifying accident. Little does she, or the reader, know that she is about to be drawn into a cast of characters who will take advantage of her gentleness and kindness in a very cruel way. Cassandra and Jane Moore seem like the answer to her prayers: women friends who care for her, help her through difficult situations, bring her into their circle, and are always there when she needs them. Too good to be true? Of course. The chapters focus on the individual characters who play major parts in Shay’s life.....and the action is quick and there were times when the character changes were a little confusing to me to keep track of. Probably because my eyes kept darting ahead to see what was going to happen next! This is that type of thrilling read! If this in our genre....get ready for a “now what?” feeling as you pour over the pages. I was given an ARC of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in return for an honest review, which this has been. #NetGalley. #StMartinsPress

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Very interesting.
I found the first part of the book very slow and even the second part dragged but I found myself paying attention to all the details and I ended up feeling very invested in Shay. I felt for her and her loneliness and how she craved female friendships, it all felt very real.
This is my 3rd book by this writing duo and I will continue to read them. I would recommend this for those who enjoyed their previous work and those who are looking for cool female centric thrillers

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This was a really dramatic and intriguing story! For about the first half of the book I had no idea where the story was going or who the Moore sisters were. I just knew they were devious and had something sinister up their sleeves. Shay, the main character is charming and totally relateable and I found myself feeling equal parts empathy and sympathy for her as she navigates through her life after witnessing the suicide of someone she doesn't know. The Moore sisters really give Shay the run around and when it finally comes to light what is happening, it was such a pleasant twist! This author really has a way with storytelling! I would highly recommend this one!

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The heroine of You Are Not Alone, Shay, keeps statistics. It's an interesting quirk and makes for a more layered character. I could have used some of that statistical skill in keeping the characters straight. The story itself is well woven, there are some twists and turns (not as many as usual in a Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen novel). The secondary characters, though there are a lot of details provided, seem a bit two dimensional and forgettable , hence the need for a list. I was entertained, but not compelled to read straight through on this one.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

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A fun guilty-pleasure read with great twists and turns! Overall, it’s not so realistic but the author’s portrayal of longing for female friendship is spot on.
Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the authors Greer Henderson & Sarah Pekkanen for a digital review copy. This story was published on March 3, 2020

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This is a great book. I had never read a book by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen before, but I really enjoyed reading this one. The story contained interesting characters, a good plot and lots of suspense. The only reason why I rated this book 4 stars instead of 5, is because I found the story a bit predictable at times. However, this did not ruin my enjoyment while reading.

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Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for my Kindle.
Except for the language, I enjoyed the suspense of this book.
Even thought it's more for a 30ish person, I think anyone who enjoy thrillers and suspense books would enjoy this one.

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Well that was a fun and twisty ride! Hendricks and Pekkanen are masters of deception. This is the second book that I have read from the duo and I have thoroughly enjoyed both thrillers. The twists and artful web of deceptions they weave keep me on my toes trying to figure out who to believe and trying to uncover what is really going on. Their characters are always well-developed with rich backgrounds that get you genuinely invested in them. Their books definitely give your brain a workout and I highly recommend You Are Not Alone to anyone that enjoys thrillers or who is new to thrillers and wants to give them a go!

Shay Miller is our main character and she is all about data... numbers never lie. She is also just not having the best go of it lately. She was let go from her job and her roommate, who she was romantically interested in, has fallen for another woman. Then she witnesses a traumatic event that sends her life into a complete whirlwind. This traumatic event leads her to meet the charismatic and enigmatic Moore sisters. Shay finds herself wanting their glamorous life. The Moore sisters take an instant interest in Shay, but why?

Favorite Quotes

"Numbers never lie. Statistics, charts, percentages-they don't contain hidden agendas or shades of gray. They're pure and true. It isn't until people start meddling with them, spinning and shaping them, that they become dishonest."

“Some people contend there are two primal fears. The first and most basic is the end of our existence. The second is isolation; we all have a deep need to belong to something greater than ourselves.”

“There’s also a stat I’ve thought about a lot lately: that the average person will walk past sixteen killers in the person’s lifetime.

I watch as a woman moves down the subway aisle.

I keep staring at her as she passes my seat. I wonder if she will walk past fifteen others during her lifetime.”

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Good book I give it 4 stars. It was very interesting at times I could not make myself put it down. Very well written.

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Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for my 2nd ARC ebook by the writing team of Greer Hendricks and Sarah Peckkanen.
This psychological thriller was fast paced and kept me guessing to the end.

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Shay Miller, the protagonist of You Are Not Alone, is lonely and after witnessing a tragedy, traumatized. As if that isn't bad enough, not much else in her life is going well. Just as things rapidly start to improve for her, her life begins to unravel. All she needs to do is figure out why.

Shay is one of the most intriguing characters I have ever encountered. She is skillfully presented as data driven, analytical and a deep thinker. The rest of the characters are well drawn and nothing short of memorable. The plot is intricate and multi layered. This book is one that readers won't want to put down until the ending. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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I don’t know how they do it but this author duo has done it again. I devoured this book. I was so into Shay’s story that I had a hard time pulling myself away. What would you to belong? How much would you ignore just to fit in?

I won’t give anything away as it ruins the experience. Just trust me when I say you will not be disappointed.

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Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for a chance to read this book.

The third book by the writing duo Sarah Pekannen and Greer Hendricks was a huge win for me and actually happened to be my favorite of their trio. This book hooked me from the very first page and I eagerly devoured over 200 pages in no time and the remainder of the book the next day. I didn't want to waste a second in figuring out this story.

I've been overdue for a Thriller as convincing and readable as You Are Not Alone was throughout the entire story. I want to keep this review short and sweet to keep the reading experience fresh for everyone, but I have to say, I'm constantly impressed by these authors' ability to throw out twists no one is likely to see coming. Their formula for plotting works for me and keeps me entertained. Knowing how their books "work" at this point, I was eagerly waiting for that jaw-dropping moment. And, even though I was anticipating a big twist at the climax of the story, I didn't find it terribly necessary with this compulsive read. It was simply the cherry on top of this enjoyable treat!

My favorite thing about this book was Shay, our main character. Her obsession with statistics was an interesting component of her character and made the reading experience more fun, as I eagerly awaited the interesting factoids at the beginnings of the chapters. It was delightful to experience how they might tie in with the story as I read more.

This was a book that played in my mind like a movie. I could easily picture the svelte Moore sisters and their effortless charisma, in the New York setting. There was also enough eeriness that made me feel a little bit paranoid as I read along. I wanted to look over my shoulder and hold my own cards close to my chest! There were a few times the number of characters seemed a bit excessive, but for me, it wasn't in the way that most Thrillers tend to do, with everyone being a conspicuous suspect. Ultimately, the main characters were easy to follow along with and overshadowed the few lesser characters' importance.

After such a lackluster reading year, I'm pleased this book ticked so many boxes for me, but most importantly, it was a page-turner that didn't feel like a chore to get through. I'm going to be obsessively waiting for anything this duo releases in the future! I love their style.

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These two authors just have an incredible knack for psychological suspense, as displayed in their previous books. There is just enough that happens in You Are Not Alone that is within the realm of possibility, that the plot lines are believable. And I love the data points (even if they're made up!).

Be careful what you wish for.

Believe it or not, sometimes being alone, with no social life, no job prospects, and an imminent housing crisis is better than the alternative. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time places Shay in a position to meet a group of women she can only aspire to be like. They quickly fold her into their circle, and sisters Cassandra and Jane assume the role of mentors. But making the wrong friends turns poor Shay's life into one giant panic attack. A series of creepy coincidences and incidents just keep piling up, until finally Shay realizes she needs to go into hiding until she can sort it all out. The ending is both exciting and chilling! Absolutely first class!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced reader's copy for review.

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/review/R1KJLHX6AIR8M3/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

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I have read these authors' previous books and enjoyed them, but this one was different and I'm not sure if it is was for the better.

This book is a psychological thriller that definitely kept me at the edge of my seat. I don't know how to explain the plot well without giving away too much. However, it is told from multiple perspectives, which I appreciated and they came together well. It took me a little bit to get the characters straight, but once I did it all made sense.

This book didn't pull me in immediately like An Anonymous Girl did, but it was still a good read and was well-written. Will be reading more from these authors in the future!

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