*One of the Good Guys* by Araminta Hall is a suspenseful, darkly gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of morality and human behavior. The novel follows a seemingly ordinary man whose life begins to unravel as secrets and lies emerge, leading to a chilling exploration of guilt and complicity. Hall’s sharp writing and unexpected twists make this a compelling read for fans of psychological suspense, keeping you hooked until the very last page.

One of the Good Guys by Araminta Hall was a compelling read that delves deep into the complexities of self-perception and societal expectations. The novel centers on Cole, a man who prides himself on being supportive and progressive, especially in his relationships with women. Following the dissolution of his marriage, he relocates to a coastal town, seeking solace and a fresh start. There, he meets Leonora, a reclusive artist, and their burgeoning friendship is soon tested when two young female activists disappear near their homes.

Hall’s writing is both engaging and insightful, offering a nuanced portrayal of a man who believes himself to be “one of the good guys.” Through Cole’s first-person narration, the story challenges readers to question the reliability of self-assessment and the blind spots that can accompany it. The novel adeptly examines themes of gendered violence, privilege, and the often-unseen biases that influence behavior.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve decided to DNF this at 22% in. This is supposed to be a thriller, but it took 22% for anything remotely ‘thrilling’ (albeit this was just talking with listed voices).

Being inside this man’s head for this long was like listening to nails on a chalkboard in book form. It’s obvious that he’s not an actual good guy because hello his thoughts??? Red flag??

I think if more was added to this first 22%, it could’ve been more successful

One of the Good Guys truly plays on point of view to build a readers relationships with the characters. At first, we get to know Cole and his restart after his marriage ending. We see him build new relationships and start to navigate life in a new place. Later, we get to see a different side of him, through the perspective of his ex wife. And readers have to come to terms with Cole not being all we once thoughts he was. There are always many sides to a story, it just depends on who's side you're listening to.

As much as I wanted to enjoy this, I couldn’t get into it. The plot and twists , while entertaining enough, were heavy-handed, the characters were all terrible, and the graphic description of animal slaughter was not for me. 2.5 stars rounded up.

I honestly struggle with how to give feedback on this one. The first 50% of the book had me totally hooked -- I couldn't get through the pages fast enough. When the big reveal occurs, I literally wanted to throw my kindle against the wall. (I didn't -- I need it!) It felt like this book was primed to have an epic story and plot twist, but ultimately it just fell flat for me. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

Thanks to NetGalley and Gillian Flynn Books for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

This has some interesting twists but was a big no for me. It was preachy, drony, and extreme. I skimmed through the last 25% or so because I just wanted to be done with it.

I really enjoyed this story - mutliple POVs and timelines and an unexpected darkness. I do love a dark book.

There was an element of feeling like you don't quite know exactly what's going on which was by design and I was so interested in finding out where this story was going and what was going to happen next.

Cole is recovering from a failed marriage, exchanging London for a remote stretch of coast. Leonora has made the same move for similar reasons. She lives a short walk from Cole’s seaside cottage and the two form a friendship.

When two young female activists raising awareness about gendered violence disappear while passing through, Cole and Leonora suddenly find themselves in the middle of a police investigation.

There's a great use of social media in this book and a true crime edge. Really enjoyed it!

This was a weird one and one I do not recommend. The first half of the book was super interesting and loved hearing the story from the male perspective. Next we heard from the wife's perspective which I also found intriguing and felt like we were definitely about to enter a big psychological thriller and mystery. Then it all falls apart with the introduction of Lenny and this totally bizarre artistic experiment/experience that just takes the plot off the rails. Very preachy and a situation that in reality would land people in jail for awhile. Did not enjoy the book at all after this.

This was a little heavier than I was expecting but thought provoking.

An all is not at it seems book about a man that thinks he is one of the best guys around. It had me guessing who is reliable and what the heck was actually going on. There are multiple points of view as this one gets you thinking about violence and women and how and why it happens.

This is one that that they further you get into it, the clearer things get. A lot of unlikable characters but that isn't a deal breaker for me as long as I want to know more.

Elliot Fitzpatrick. Olivia Vinall, and Helen Keeley do a great job of bringing the characters to life. They very much sounded like I would expect and kept me intrigued.

#OneOfTheGoodGuys #NetGalley
Newly separated from his wife and desperate to escape the ghosts of his failed marriage, Cole leaves London for a fresh start in the countryside. He accepts a job as a wildlife ranger and settles into his cozy seaside cottage, relishing the respite from the noise, drama, and relentless careerism that curdled his relationship along with his mental health. Then he meets Leonora, the reclusive artist living next door, and is instantly charmed by her warm and gentle spirit. But as the two forge a connection on the cliff’s edge they call home, two young women activists raising awareness about gendered violence disappear while passing through. Cole and Leonora find themselves in the middle of a police investigation and resulting media firestorm as the world learns of what happened, and as the tension escalates, they quickly realize that they don’t know each other that well after all.
It's awesome. Go read it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Zabdo for giving me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

While I found this to be compulsively readable, and the message the author tries to convey is so important and sadly, ever relevant, I did not think she went about it in the most effective way. While pushing for the message that women need to be believed, she contradicted it, too, in a way I found both frustrating and predictable. The plot, too, fell flat for me, as I could guess most of everything that happened, even the ultimate twist. Maybe that's the point? That it's all so predictable, when women are harmed and not believed, particularly nowadays when through the internet, everyone can chime in and have an opinion on whether a woman's word can be trusted. It did make me think about who and how women are supported when they make claims of abuse. Shockingly often, the question of, "Was she asking for it in some way?" comes up, not asked only by men, but by women, too. People judge a wife who did not come forth against her husband sooner, and yet if she had, would she have been believed or dismissed as is so often the case? Abused people stay silent for many reasons, but one of them is no doubt that they fear being questioned, their trauma being dissected and distrusted. In that sense, the book did make me think and for that I'm rounding up to three stars.

Twisty, multi media and feminist. Perfect mix! Really well researched and surprising depth for a “thriller”. Really enjoyed! Highly recommend

I really enjoyed this book, It kept me intrigued from the very beginning!!!! I wish the ending had ended a little differently for some characters, but over all a great read!!!!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for honest feedback.

One of the Good Guys' cover initially intrigued me, promising a fun psychological thriller with possibly unreliable narrators and messy relationships. While it delivered on those aspects, the tone became unexpectedly heavy-handed, shifting into a commentary on modern gender issues, social media bullying, etc. Although valid, this focus on social commentary detracted from the escapist experience I was hoping for. The story remained captivating, and I was invested in Cole's fate, but the thematic turn ultimately fell short of my expectations for a purely entertaining thriller. I would recommend for someone who is interested in those themes though, and perhaps it would be more entertaining if I was in the mood for that.

Heres my TikTok review- absolutely loved it! Its for fans of Lisa Jewell’s none of this is true but better. I didnt see the twist coming.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLtE9aPp/

One of the Good Guys is from Gillian Flynn's eponymous imprint and I knew the author of Gone Girl would pick a good one. Araminta Hall's book is delivered in three points of view as well as a large amount of social commentary from blogs, social media, podcasts, and even a WhatsApp discussion. I want to start by saying the NetGalley version provided was impossible to read. It was terribly formatted with no chapter breaks and none of the social media appeared correctly. Luckily I am so far behind on my shelf that I was able to get a a Libby version fairly quickly, and I am so glad I did. Very entertaining but also an interesting treatment of feminism, misogyny, incel culture, bodily autonomy, and so many other hot topics. Highly recommended for lovers of twists, turns, and books set in cozy seaside cottages.

Pretty good. Definitely a page turner, which I really enjoyed. I would highly recommend for mystery/thriller fans.

This book is a blast. A book for people who love Female Rage: The Musical.
Bear with the novel. It is written in three sections. The first section follows Cole, one of the good guys, who just went through a nasty divorce. We read about his life and meeting a new friend, possibly a new girlfriend, Lennie. Teh second section is from Melanie's point of view giving you the other side of the divorce. And finally, Lennie's story. This is where a huge twist (which I saw coming but loved) which changes the story all together.
I don't think a lot of men or conservative women would like this book. This is sad because these people to understand the heart of the issue (men, to stop doing it, and women to support other women).
The only thing I didn't like was all the social media posts in the third section. I like the truth it adds and scattered through out the novel does well. But for me, I was barraged with the same thing I see on a daily basis and it upset me. I didn't need that in my book.
Overall, this was a great thrill ride.