The novel starts out with the brutal murder of a girl, and jumps between timelines of a daughter and her mother, both refusing to give up control, refusing to allow this serial killer to get away with murder.

Such a Pretty Smile is a masterful blend of horror and social commentary. Kristi DeMeester's writing is atmospheric and poignant, effectively capturing the reader's attention from start to finish. The novel's strengths lie in its complex characters and the powerful themes it explores. While the narrative can be intense and unsettling, it is a thought-provoking and engaging read that challenges societal norms and highlights the struggles women face. The book's feminist horror elements make it a standout in the genre, and it is highly recommended for readers who enjoy dark, thought-provoking fiction.

I really enjoyed this dual-timeline thriller! I love books that make me say "What the heck did I just read?" and this was one of them.

I wanted to like this book, but from the beginning discussion of Acworth, something about it bothered me. I understand the author and I live in similar areas (and went to the same college) so it's not that it's a non-Georgian discussing our small towns.

I tried to let this go, and I read about half this book, but just could not get into it. The age of the younger protagonist -- 13 -- feels too young for the book, or at least takes me out of everything that happens to her? I don't know.

I'd be willing to give the author another read and likely will. There's just something about the pacing of the story -- how long it takes for the second POV to come about -- that kept me from getting into the story.

DNF, couldn't get into it but may come back later in life. I didn't originally request this, it was part of an ARC bundle I won.

I was looking for something different to read when one of my friends recommended this one to me. Well, it's definitely different! This mother - daughter look into the darkness surrounding them is going to be responsible for my nightmares for awhile. Each of them is having "visions" of the dark character that is claiming many young women. This is hardcore horror that will pull you in and keep you in that dark pit through the end.

In "Such A Pretty Smile," Kristi DeMeester delves into psychological horror, exploring obsession, identity, and the sinister side of suburban life. While the novel boasts atmospheric prose and vivid imagery, its uneven execution and pacing issues detract from its potential impact. DeMeester's exploration of a woman's descent into obsession offers a fresh take on horror tropes, examining themes of beauty and societal pressures. However, the narrative's fluctuating pacing and underdeveloped plot elements may leave some readers feeling disconnected, despite its chilling moments. Despite these flaws, DeMeester's skillful prose and willingness to tackle complex themes make "Such A Pretty Smile" a compelling read for fans of psychological horror.

The whiplash this book gave me!! The build up was incredible. I did not want it to end, and I could not put it down.

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martins press , whom never fail to surprise me when they allow me an ARC, 🥰, and Kristi DeMeester for this ARC. I read many a thriller book, and my scariest thriller/horror book is by Simone St. James, called “The Butcher.” I am going to compare this book to the scary feelings I felt for that one. That is a great complement coming from me as I never can get enough of a good thriller book ! But this one did it ! I had to stop reading a few times as my heart honestly couldn’t take it, but then I’d pick it up again and hold my breath so I could read more and hopefully finish it. The ending was a bit of a surprise for me, as I’m thinking Vampire, Werewolf, not a multitude of them.. so congratulations to this author for scaring the begeezes out of me..5 stars aand recommendations to my fellow thriller/horror book lovers..

Come on with this story! What did I just read? Nightmares, creepy people, good writing and a story that keeps you coming back for more. Yes!

I love how eerie the book was. The author did a great job describing atmosphere and gore that made you feel like part of the story. I found Caroline to be more compelling and interesting than Lila but having both of them intertwined was definitely the best choice for the story. I liked the allegory to women’s oppression but there were a lot of excuses made for characters doing gross misogynistic things, which felt against the point of the book.

Thrilling from beginning to end, Such A Pretty Smile will be an unputdownable favourite for anyone that loves a shocking, twisty read.

Very good right from the start. I liked the pacing, character development, building suspense and overall atmosphere very much.

I really enjoyed Such a Pretty Smile. It was well written and the plot kept me interested from start to finish, as did the character development. Sometimes books move at either a pace that is too fast or too slow, but the author did a great job balancing it in between to keep the readers attention. I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.

This is a VERY interesting, confusing, absorbing, horrifying and thought provoking book and I am STILL not sure where I have landed with it now that I have finished it.

I absolutely loved the horror elements, the flipping timelines and the very broken characters, and the mounting horror is tense and nearly claustrophobic at times. I will admit a few parts felt a little repetitive and I wanted the action to pick back up every time the plot dropped back to ruminating on how crazy Caroline may or may not be. I also wanted the ending to be a little chewier....so much build up and then I felt like it rushed to the conclusion and I wanted MORE of the details of the "what" behind the Cur.

This will be a FANTASTIC book for book clubs as it gives SO MUCH to discuss, and I will say, this book sticks with you. Overall one that horror and literary fiction lovers will both really enjoy.

Thank you St Martins Press for my copy!

Engaging and entertaining. A recommended purchase for collections where horror and thrillers are popular.

I really have to say I love serial killer books. I was excited to read this book about another one. This book is twisted and I love that about it! It does have some gore or very descriptive parts in it but that just makes it better to me. I understood the message loud and clear coming from this book. It was awesome book to me. *This book was given to me for free at my request from NetGalley and I provided this voluntary review. *

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. That said, I felt as if it could've used just a little bit more tightening in places - it felt as if it dragged toward the middle, and then really picked up at the very end to the extent that it felt a little bit rushed.

It’s creepy and atmospheric, takes place most in New Orleans, and doesn’t have a neat ending.

But seriously, this book is laden with metaphors about men and men’s treatment of women both historically and currently. There were some creepy parts that got under my skin but my favorite was the ending realization and the author’s covert statements. Not to mention the queer storyline woven throughout as well!

If you’re looking for something a little spooky but full on feminist and patriarchy-smashing, READ THIS BOOK.