I enjoyed this! Dark and suspenseful like their other books, with a lot of good twists. There are a lot of female characters so the names/back stories were hard to keep up with at times, but as the momentum picked up in the story I couldn’t put this one down.

I was super excited when I saw that Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen had another book out. I had loved their previous books. When I got the email from the publisher asking me to review, I downloaded that book so fast that I think I got whiplash on my pointer finger.

When I started to read You Are Not Alone, I was a bit suspicious, though. I had built this book up in my head that I was afraid it was going to flop and disappoint me. Well, happily, it didn’t. It lived up to my internal hype and then some.

You Are Not Alone is the story about Shay. Shay is a shy 30 something living in New York City. She has no friends, other than her roommate. She keeps a book of statistics. She has done this since she was a child, living with an emotionally and verbally abusive stepfather. Then one day, her life changed for the worse. She witnessed a woman commit suicide by throwing herself in front of a train. Going to Amanda’s (the woman who died) memorial, she meets Cassandra and Jane, Amanda’s best friends. After meeting them, Shay’s life seems to get better. A new apartment, new friends, a new job, a new haircut, and self-confidence. But, Shay starts to notice that things aren’t all that they seem with Cassandra and Jane. A series of events have Shay questioning everything that happened to her after Amanda’s suicide. What do Cassandra and Jane want? And why do they have Shay in their crosshairs?

You Are Not Alone had a fast-moving plotline. Shay’s portion of the book was well written and fast. I believe that all of the events took place within a couple of months of Amanda’s suicide. There was no lag, and there no dropped storylines. But, I did have issues with the book going back in time with several characters. Cassandra, Jane, Amanda, Daphne, Beth, and Stacey all had their backstories told in flashback. The only characters whose backstory was vital to the book were Amanda, Daphne, and Valerie (but only at the end of the book). I didn’t need to read about Cassandra, Jane, Beth, and Stacey’s backstories. They dragged down the main plotline.

I liked Shay. I did have my doubts about her at the beginning of the book. But, as the author revealed the different layers of her character, I started to form a connection with her. She was desperately lonely and awkward. She always felt like she was on the outside looking in. So, I didn’t blame her for connecting with Cassandra and Jane or taking up their offers of friendship. When things went sideways for her, though, I was surprised at her strength. I admired her.

The mystery angle of the book (why Amanda jumped) was well written. There is a twist in that angle that did surprise me. I didn’t see it coming, but it made sense once revealed.

The suspense/thriller angle was well written also. I loved seeing how Shay was built up, and then everything was yanked out from underneath her. I loved how Shay’s mental state was portrayed in the last half of the book. I honestly was wondering if she was going to go off the deep end.

The end of the book was unbelievable. It was one of the best endings that I have read in a physiological thriller to date. And the twist at the very end. I said, “Holy crap,” out loud a few times. I wasn’t expecting Shay to admit what she admitted!!

I do want to throw in a trigger warning. There is a scene where a woman is raped, and there is a scene where a teenager is sexually assaulted.

Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen does it again! This is their third book together and I've been hooked since this duo debuted with their first book, The Wife Between Us.

You Are Not Alone is about Shay, a woman who lived a mundane life and is obsessed with data. One day, she witnesses a subway suicide. Curious about the woman named Amanda that she witness jump in front of an oncoming train, she research about her and finds they have much in common. Soon, she is living Amanda's life and hanging out with her friends, the Moore sisters. Jane and Cassandra Moore are the epitome of glamour and what Shay wants. Soon they become good friends, but Shay does not know the Moore sisters are interested in something else.

Greer and Sarah picked a scenario that's very relevant to NYC nowadays and expanded on it for a thrilling plot. In the past year or two, suicide by jumping in front of an oncoming train in NYC has been higher than it's every been. The authors wrote a compelling story about mundane life in a big city but it was the little details that made this book as good as it is. Shay was a very well-developed character, with her obsession to data to her character transition, that most can relate to in some way or another. I loved the transition of POVs and watch as the plot unfolds. As always, the authors hit us with a shocking ending. Definitely a must read!

Thank you to Netgalley, authors Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

I couldn't get into this book. I read it right after I finished Little Secrets and it just felt a little too unbelievable to me. A group of women bonding over revenge and committing acts that they felt were immoral did not ring true. I'm sure there is an audience as it is a light, quick read, but it isn't one I'll be recommending to well-read patrons.

This book was crazy! I had no idea it would be this good. The book follows Shay, who witnesses a gruesome suicide on her subway stop. She starts looking into the dead person's life, trying to figure out what would make someone do something so awful, and ends up making friends with the victim's friends - but that friendship comes with a steep price.

I loved this book. I wound up reading on the edge of my seat; I HAD to know what was going on! When the ending came I was shocked because I wasn't expecting it at all. If you like thrillers that leave you breathless, check this one out. You won't regret it!

**I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review**

Far as I'm concerned, these two have returned to form!! Their debut had one of the best jaw-dropping twists I've ever read, but the follow-up left me wanting more. This book here is what is terrific about this pair of authors. They write nuanced characters in difficult situations, revealing their deep understanding of the human condition. Loved this book :)

As with Hendrick’s and Pekkanen’s first two books, this was a thriller that did not disappoint! Hooking you right from the beginning as we follow along with Shay and the other ladies that become supporting characters in the story. I loved the data book facts that were at the beginning of each chapter. And though I knew there would be one final twist, I didn’t see it coming and found it really enjoyable. Can’t wait to see what these two come out with next!

Shay lives in NYC with her best friend and male roommate when she witnesses a young woman jump in front of a subway train. She is traumatized and finds herself at the woman’s memorial service, searching for answers when she meets some friends of the young woman. What happens next turns into a game of cat and mouse and mistaken identity that leaves Shay desperate for answers to get her life back.

This story drew me right in and I instantly was curious what was happening. We’re introduced to a lot of different characters but aren’t really sure how they’re all related or what’s really happening in the story. Answers start coming in little reveals and then the ending has a “bigger twist” that locks all of the pieces in place. This was a quick read and kept my attention but never fully wowed me. I didn’t love An Anonymous Girl for this exact reason too, it feels like a lot of build up for a let down.

YMMV Disclaimer

Maybe I've been spoiled. It is completely possible. If that is the case? Than that is a me and not the book kind of case.

I didn't really get into adult psychological thrillers until last summer. There were some amazing novels like Dear Wife, Turn of the Key and The Chain (despite the ending). From there I have had the opportunity to read some brilliant books in this genre (both Adult and YA categories).

If the expectations set by those novels are high? Again, it is me and not the latest release from Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, You Are Not Alone.

Or maybe, on a personal level, this book hit too much of a personal level. Again, if that is the case? That might be another reason it is me and not the book.Lastly, in the case of women taking justice in their own hands? Maybe I have had just had enough of it in young adult novels. Again, if so? Then it is me and not You Are Not Alone.

If any of these situations don't apply to you? Your miles may vary and take my review with a grain of salt.

Fundamentals Non-Disclaimer

Here is what you can't take with a grain of salt. There are fundamental issues with You Are Not Alone that I can't just dismiss. They have nothing to do with something that would make it a me thing. I was not even supposed to release this review today. The latest from Hendricks and Pekkanen doesn't release until March 3rd. Yet, I needed to get it off my chest. This is not a good sign.

There are fundamental flaws that I really tried to let go of through half of You Are Not Alone. This is especially true given it is my first book by Hendricks and Pekkanen. In fact I thought some perceived flaws could turn into powerful uses of point of view by the co-authors. They did not.

I'm going to start with the parts that might be a just me thing. Then I'll get to the parts I believe are fundamental flaws. I think it might be easier that way.

And guess what? I'm gonna do this without spoilers!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Edelweiss and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If You Are Going To Start Bringing Up Social Issues



I am all for weaving societal issues throughout any genre of book. Especially ones that deal with women and how society forces constructs on women. However, one? These are strictly first world, white women problems. It is just very much the "Friends" issue. The book is set in NYC. Yet everyone is very white. The diversity is based on social class, which is fine. Except their upper class rich, white friends take them in and take care of them. Convenient. Like Rachel moving in with Monica while she is a waitress is very convenient.

Next. The main character is 31. I'm 42. Let's just get that out of the way right now. Right off the bat at the beginning of the book this woman, Shay, is bemoaning the lack of a boyfriend, having to temp because her company just decided to downsize, lack of friends and her male roommate/crush having fallen for someone else. Yes, it sucks but you are 31 lady. Shut the hell up. I'm 42 and I'm drinking by the end of the first chapter. If this is how a novel is going to play out how women should think at 30? My life is done and dusted. I should just get the knitting yarn, five more cats and call it a day.

BUT WAIT! The Data Backs It Up!

To add insult to this particular injury, there is her damn data book. Even beyond this issue damn at the beginning of every chapter she has this data. She is obsessed with numbers. Most of these percentages, poll results and the such? Are uber depressing. I haven't yet, but I want to google them because GOOD HELL WHAT THE MESS? What kind of nonsense is this damn data book? Things like:

How many killers you'll walk by
Suicides/attempts at in a day
% of loneliness
Uselessness of therapy

I was waiting for someone to drop that scene from Sleepless In Seattle about the likelihood of getting kidnapped by terrorist is greater than getting married over 40.

Oh and don't get me started on how they make Ambien look...

I mean what the hell?

If you aren't dating or in a relationship, with a career and the perfect apartment and bubbly happy by 31, apparently you have failed at life. In which case? Me? Epic. Fail.

And considering the mood I've have been in and how it has been detoriorating? Yeah. This isn't going to work. Mind you I don't think this works at all. I've been on YA's case about forcing this idea of on teens. If you aren't thinking about, dating or breaking up with a guy... i.e if a guy (girl... whatever your interest is- I'm not trying to gender norm) then your life isn't fulfilling? That is seriously problematic. And as adult women society forces this checklist on all areas of our lives. QUIT IT.

Speaking Of The Above - There Are Bigger Issues

Yes. I'm serious. These don't just apply to me. Or at least I don't think they do. Look. I'm all for bringing up social issues and weaving them into all categories and genres of novels. I think it can and should be done. Hendricks and Pekkanen have the premise and the foundation to get that done in You Are Not Alone and it really gnaws at me that they don't accomplish any of it. They raise a lot of issues. Actually, there is one they don't raise at all. It just obviously smacks you upside the head. However, they raise a tone of them through that damn data book. Yet they either mishandle or outright don't address any of them.

Issues Raised But Not Properly Addressed

In fact, I would argue they do significant harm

Suicide
Loneliness
Severe- no support group, isolation
Sibling Relationships (Kind of gets addressed)
How women can lift each other up (In some damn twisted ways)
There isn't a real positive way this is shown- despite that damn data book specifically pointing out how women, when in distress, specifically seek out other women due to a chemical release that doen't cause fight or flight but "tend and befriend" -> Which I did google and does exist.

5. Women suck and just want to hate on each other because they see themselves as competition for everything

       6. Women and vigilante justice (anyone really but women in a recent pattern). You know what? I could put in my clip from Avengers: Civil War. Or I could put in the Gotham meme from Bruce Wayne as a                 teen. Or repeat my whole diatribe about vigilante justice from two YA reviews I did. But why repeat myself? Here: Black Coats and The Athena Protocol (If you are looking to choose? Athena Protocol is               most recent and the better of the two books)

Don't even get me started on how they deal with Ambien..

The Elephant In The Room
Childhood PTSD and general PTSD- plus, by the way, that could play well into the idea that - hey- THERAPY CAN WORK
Does it work for everyone? No. Does all kinds work for all people? No. Is it always easy to find the right person? No.
Is it irresponsible to just show it not working period? WELL YES, ACTUALLY.

And again with that damn data book backing up all the above makes it even worse.

Fundamental Flaws

Ok. these are going to be a little bit vague because of spoiler issues. However, if I list them out? I can get my plot, character and literary devices out without spoiling anything.

Point Of View of different characters- This was the most disappointing to me. As I stated above, there was one part I kept holding onto because I really thought it could end up playing out as a positive but ended up failing miserably. This was it. You have the points of view of the main character, Shay. She is lonely and gets taken in by the Moore sisters (nothing spoiler- it is in the the synopsis). You also get the point of view of the Moore sisters. This makes it a very interesting dynamic, or could.

I kept wanting to write Shay off as gullible. Then I thought, not really because I'm hearing the point of view of the Moore sisters. So I know what is going through their minds. It is easy to think Shay is an idiot for not picking up on things when I'm hearing it all from the point of view of the Moore sisters. Except, here is the problem. I couldn't keep giving Shay that kind of slack. Because..
2. By the end of the book she goes from complete idiot who couldn't pick out a robber if he wore a sign and ran past her to super detective woman by the end of the book. I mean but my God, it just doesn't              make any sense. It isn't plausible and is super convenient. This should go one of two ways. She stays super gullible and keeps down the path or she slowly puts things together. It shouldn't just                            bam-boom happen. Again, we are back to Friends and Rachel convenience. Like the monkey episode. Although I suppose that wasn't really convenient for Phoebe, but besides the point

3. Now by the end you could think back on the clues that Shay starts picking up on like Dr. Who on super smart juice and it could be fun for the reader except you are really to busy wanting to shoot your face          off because you have been like WTFing at her down right idiocy let alone gullibility this whole damn time. Not to mention WTFing at how the Moore sisters have their own set of conveniences that I can't get into because spoilers.

4. The epilogue does nothing to help the ending. It makes it worse.

Now I would like to say that is everything except it actually isn't. There is the detective I really feel sorry for and the other people that are drawn into this disaster. Except some of their circumstances are so Now I would like to say that is everything except it actually isn't. There is the detective I really feel sorry for and the other people that are drawn into this disaster. Except some of their circumstances are so stupidity of their own doing I just...    It is like who in their right minds X while X is X when X if X... like... of their own doing I just...    It is like who in their right minds X while X is X when X if X... because on a scale of 1 to I can't even. I can't even.

I had high expectations for this one, I loved Anonymous Girl and The wife between us, unfortunately it didn't have the same "wow" factor as the previous two books by these authors. If I had to give a star rating, it would be a 3.

This book was twisty and turny and kept me guessing throughout the whole thing! Shay is interested in data. She has studied it her whole life and even makes note of it in her regular life. Facts and figures don't lie. This book is difficult to review, because there are so many different twists and turns that I don't want to give anything away. If you like Pekkanan and Hendricks previous books, you will like this book too!

Pekkanan and Hendricks know how to deceive, giving us twists, turns and half truths that make us not trust ourselves or what we are reading! This book has multiple time lines and perspective and it makes it truly difficult to know for sure what I actually know! Shay may be experiencing some mind games, but I think I was too!

You Are Not Alone is a good book. If you have read and liked Pekkanan and Hendricks other books, this one will not disappoint!

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and the publisher for an open and honest review. All opinions are 100% mine.

This is the third book by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen. I have read all three of them and have loved them all.

Shay, the main character, is totally relatable. I think every woman has had times of feeling lonely and wanting to be one of the "popular girls." This book totally twists that desire into something terrifying. I had an idea about the motive part way through the book but the final twists were completely unexpected. I couldn't put this book down. Anything these two women write will be going straight to the top of my reading list.

**I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review**

Super enjoyable thriller. Everything ties up nicely in the end and I enjoyed the continued interlude of the data book.

I received You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen for free in exchange for an honest review. I was very excited to see that I was approved for this book as I have absolutely loved the two previous books that I have read by this duo. This was no different. I devoured it in one night. They keep you guessing and engaged in the story on every page. I highly recommend this book.

This was a dark twisty Mind game of a thriller and I loved it! When I started reading it I wasn't sure I liked Shay at all but she grew up on me and I adored her by the end of the book! I loved the other characters as well. They were strong and just villainous enough to keep things interesting. The book was extremely well done. It was sharp and fast paced with enough twists and turns to keep me hooked. I knocked off a star because Shay was a bit too naive in the first half of the book but she got better as the book went on. If you are looking for a smart thriller then definitely check this one out!

This is my third book by the power writing duo that is Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, and I have to say, it's my least favorite thus far. I did like that it veered from the conventional path of female-centered psychological thrillers in that the central antagonist here is not an evil man, but rather a diabolical circle of women. However, I found the narrative style to be rather disorientating, and not in a meta-contribution to the storyline. The characters are all interesting, and I quite liked the protagonist, Shay, despite her being somewhat spineless. The character, who wants so badly to have a social life and to be liked by people, is frustratingly familiar and relatable, and I enjoyed how the authors wove that into the plot and extrapolated on that fatal flaw. I think this book could've been great, but it just wound up being overdramatized and falling a bit flat for me, as if it hadn't been fully developed or carefully scrutinized and edited. I'll still read their next effort, as this book was by no means offensive, and I would still recommend it to fans of the authors.

Great twisty thriller! Mean girls all grown up! It was an interesting ride. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

Good psychological thriller. I really liked the main character Shay and her obsession with data and statistics. A lot of twists and turns with interesting ending.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair review.

You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen was another captivating thriller by this duo. I mean, at this point, I know that's exactly what I get when I see these authors on the cover, and I loved that What I loved most about this one was the slow burn. There were secrets revealed throughout and until the very last pages, and I was so here for that masterful storytelling. This book revolves around Shay. While waiting for a subway, Shay sees a woman jump onto the tracks. Seeing this woman's tragic death, she feels connected and wants to know more. What she doesn't know is that this quest is going to draw her into the world of the Moore sisters, Cassandra and Jane. The sisters have a tight circle of friends and a world that Shay starts to engage in, and from there, y'all, THIS IS SOME KIND OF RIDE. I honestly can't and won't reveal much more about this one because I want you to feel every bump and twist you can in this one. This story is told from multiple narrators in short chapters, so you are constantly being hit with different truths and lies, and that is what makes this one just so, so great. Y'all, I cannot get enough of the thrillers these women put into the universe, and this is another must-read. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the early look at this March release that is going to for sure have people talking.

***Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this as an ARC before release in return for a truthful review***

Hendriks and Pekkanen are back with another thrilled to keep you guessing. If you were a fan of An Anonymous Girl then you are going to love You Are Not Alone. It keeps you wondering right up until then end. Shay Miller witnesses a suicide and finds herself strangely drawn to know more about the deceased. This leads her on a downward slope that could get her arrested for murder.

The story was well written and the chapters go back and forth in time and adequately tell each character's back story. At just over 300 pages, it was a decent read and thoroughly enjoyable.