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.

What did I just read? If you are looking for a twisty thriller, this book is for you. It is not to be missed. I was on the edge of my seat and could not stop reading it. I recommend this one.
Many thanks to the author, Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

Spoiler alert— This was a confusing one for me. First I thought we were dealing with a psychologically abusive boyfriend, then I thought we were dealing with a stalking boarder, then I thought we had a non reliable narrator and then the evil mother in law. While I understand plot twists, it was a little convoluted for me and I finished the book thinking— that’s it? Not my favorite but I did enjoy it enough to finish. Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for providing me with an ARC.

I have tried many times to read this book and even tried the audio book but I just cannot get into it. I DNFed at 33%. I was just bored and ultimately this domestic thriller was not for me at all. I'm sure there is an audience for it, I'm just not it. I would still recommend it for others to try themselves.

Light 3.5. This book was really interesting but wasn’t for me. I don’t want to say too much about the plot but it has to do with a family struggling with infertility and needing to use a surrogate. This book was compelling to read I kept wanting to know what happened next. Now me personally do not have children so some of the feelings the main character were feeling was just a bit unrelatable for me. I could see others really enjoying this though ! I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.

"Magpie" by Elizabeth Day is a fairly twisty domestic thriller! If you like to keep guessing until a nice tidy ending then this is the book for you.

I enjoyed the dual voices. I am a sucker for books set in London. I don't know why.

I recommend this book for a fun quick read.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy of this book for my honest review.

I would have not been able to read this when I got the e-ARC from NetGalley a year ago. But things can change in a year and things have. I'm in a completely different mindset than I was a year ago. So I was able to really enjoy this book! Day definitely tricks you and turns you on your head! Half the time I didn't know what to believe. But what fun that was!

This book is wild. It starts out like hmm, when is the thriller aspect coming in... and then wham it's there and you don't even know what is happening anymore. Your world is turned upside down and you spend the rest of the book wondering how it could end. So this is all to say that I really enjoyed it! The character building and storytelling was right on point. I will definitely be checking out more from this author. I received an advance review copy for free and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.