I requested this book when I first got a netgalley account and wasn't exactly sure how it worked. Therefore, I didn't download this egalley before it archived. BUT, all that to say, I finally bought the book and read it and here are my thoughts.

I really enjoyed the first half for the most part. The FMC and MMC (Jake and Marisa) move in together and decide to have a baby together. Finances are tight so they invite Kate to live with them and pay rent. As i'm sure you can guess, this creates quite the strife between them all, especially once Kate starts treating their house like her own and inserting herself into their business.

About midway through, the POV shifts from Marisa to Kate and basically blows everything up. I can't say more bc of spoilers! Overall, I enjoyed this one, especially if you're new to the thriller genre. I got a bit sick of reading about the evil MIL -- it took away from my enjoyment of the book.

read if you enjoy:
-high tension books
-character-driven stories
-POV shifts, twisty turny
-evil MIL trope
-solid writing

3.5/5

I really enjoyed Magpie by Elizabeth Day! The psychological suspense was on point, and I found myself hooked from the very beginning. The story follows a complicated love triangle that spirals into a dark and twisty exploration of obsession, guilt, and deception. The tension builds slowly but steadily, and Day does a fantastic job of keeping you guessing about who to trust.

The characters were all very layered, and I loved how flawed and real they felt, even when they were making questionable decisions. I especially appreciated the way the story delves into the intricacies of relationships and the hidden secrets people keep. It definitely made me think about the power dynamics and hidden motivations in the relationships we have.

That said, there were a few moments where the pacing felt a little slow for me, and I didn’t fully connect with some of the secondary characters, but overall, it didn’t take away from the impact of the story. The twists in the final act were surprising and gave the book a solid payoff. If you’re into psychological thrillers with depth and complexity, Magpie is definitely worth picking up. I’d definitely recommend it!

This is a story about the importance of screening applicants.

The good: I had to flip back to ensure I had just read what I had just read. The twists! Also the real villain was truly villainous which I always appreciate.

The less good: Unfortunately my least favorite trope was a major plot point, and that definitely impacted how much I enjoyed this- but it would be a huge spoiler to name it.

Thanks so much Netgalley and Simon & Schuster

Great twisty read, perfect for a rainy weekend read!

Kept me guessing all the way through.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Magpies are beautiful, intelligent birds known for stealing eggs from other birds nests. That's all you need to know.

Day perfectly lays the groundwork for understanding the psychological stress of infertility and the lengths that people will go to conceive. That's the heart, and heartbreaking, of this novel. Add in some crazy twists and a new to this reader plot and you've got an interesting psychological drama.

There are two sides to every story is an excellent plot line in MAGPIE. We see a picture perfect life gain a few wrinkles then see the other side and WOW! it does not seem like the same story. Mix in inteference from outside and you get a perfect thriller.

This was exciting, twisty, with high tension. I enjoyed the intensity of the book and was drawn in from the first chapter. I couldn't put it down.

Elizabeth Day's "Magpie" is a psychological thriller that delves into the depths of obsession, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect their families. The story revolves around Marisa and Jake, a young couple eager to start a family, who take in a lodger named Kate to help with their finances. However, Kate's presence disrupts their carefully constructed lives, leading to a series of unsettling events that unravel the fragile façade of their perfect existence.

Day's writing is captivating, weaving a tale of suspense and intrigue that will keep readers hooked until the very end. The characters are complex and well-developed, each harboring their own secrets and motivations. The setting, a picturesque English village, adds to the overall atmosphere of unease and mystery.

"Magpie" is a fast-paced and suspenseful read that will leave you guessing until the very end. It is a testament to Day's talent as a storyteller and her ability to create compelling and chilling psychological thrillers.

Magpie, by Elizabeth Day, starts off with Marissa and Jake, who have recently begun dating, living together, and now are trying for a baby. we also meet Kate, who is a lodger that moves in with them to help make ends meet. We can definitely tell that Marissa is uncomfortable with Kate being there - Kate is becoming more obsessed with Jake and with the baby. Throughout Marissa's pregnancy, secrets from all three are revealed and could have lasting effects on the relationships.

I was not a fan of this book by Elizabeth Day. I thought that it was a little too predictable and that the twist was easy to see coming. I thought that none of the characters actions were redeemable and I didn't really connect with them. I know that many readers loved this story, though, based on the high reviews, but this book turned out to be not for me.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This book had me hooked from the first page. The tension between the characters is palpable, and the layers of secrets and lies slowly unravel, revealing a story that's both chilling and heartbreaking. Magpie is tightly plotted, crackling with an uneasy tension, and has an ingenious twist you won’t see coming. Stylish, sinister, and clever, this is a sublime thriller.

This book had me hooked from the first page. The tension between the characters is palpable, and the layers of secrets and lies slowly unravel, revealing a story that's both chilling and heartbreaking. The way the author explores themes of obsession, identity, and the lengths people go to protect their dreams is masterful.

As Marisa digs deeper into who Kate really is, the suspense ramps up to an almost unbearable level. The twists and turns kept me guessing right until the very end, and I was left reeling by the final revelations.

I feel like a lot was going on in this book, but not a lot was happening, if that makes sense. I'm sure some loved this book, but it was just not for me.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of Magpie by Elizabeth Day.

Marisa and Jake are having a baby, and Marisa could not be happier. But things start to take an unsteady turn when their new lodger Kate threatens to shatter Marisa's happy picture. Jake and Kate seem way too cozy for comfort, and Marisa will not let anyone come between them.

This felt like that slow pirate ship rides you see at carnivals. One slow swing, and then another. It's wildly unbelievable, but written well enough that maaaaaybe you could believe it. The best part is that it's very easy to read, and a lot of fun.

Marisa will do anything to have her husband and a baby. This includes gaining a roommate to assist with costs of the home. Overtime Marisa realizes the roommate is not quite who she seems and Marisa will now do anything to find out more information for her. This is a quick read because you don't want to put it down.

This thrilling, character-driven tale grips you from the first chapter and refuses to let go. Marisa's decision to start anew with Jake takes a dark turn when financial struggles force them to take in lodger Kate, whose unsettling interest in Jake puts Marisa on edge. As secrets unravel and tensions mount, the book delivers unexpected twists and intense claustrophobic atmosphere, keeping readers hooked until the last page.

With detailed character development and perfectly paced tension, this high-stakes thriller offers a riveting experience for fans of the genre. While the ending may fall slightly short of expectations, the gripping narrative and addictive storytelling make it a must-read for anyone craving a heart-pounding, unputdownable tale.

I thought this book sounded like it had a great premise but I don’t feel like there was really much of a plot. I also had trouble empathizing with the characters as some points. I did like the representation of infertility and the affect it can have on women’s mental health. I feel like this isn’t a topic I see present a lot so I appreciated that.

not a bad book, slightly predictable but that can happen in the thriller genre. a good summer read, not too complicated but easy to follow.

Dark and all encompassing book with twists and turns that had me gasping till the very last page. I was pleasantly surprised with all the twists and turns.

This book gave me the chills. I could not predict what would happen next and I was disturbed the whole time.

As a mother, I can only imagine what I would do if I wanted a family as desperately as the MC did. I would not go to those extremes, but with the right mental illness, I can see it happening to someone.

I like Elizabeth Day's writing style and it was a very quick read - un-put-downable.

This one started out strong--I enjoyed the author's writing style quite a bit. The characters are hard to relate to at first, but that makes more sense as to why as you progress through the novel. Lots and lots of twists and turns, for sure. As the story moves forward, the characters become much more relatable. The raw commentary about infertility treatments might be triggering to some, but I think it's important that those types of stories are told to increase understanding. Unfortunately, the final "twist" isn't nearly as exciting as the previous ones, and the whole thing kind of ends with a whimper.