One of the Good Guys asks: if most men claim to be good, why are most women still afraid to walk home alone at night? Araminta Hall is an auto-read for me these, days so I could not wait to dive in. First of all, I loved the cover art and knew I had to read this one without even reading the blurb.

And then i got started... This one was so weird, but definitely interesting. I loved the alternating viewpoints and knowing that SOMETHING was up, but having no idea what it would be.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

A nail-biting thriller that examines the complications of responding to misogyny and toxic masculinity with anything other than empathy and understanding for the poor sad men who have had bad lives that force them to treat women so poorly. Gillian Flynn gave us the opportunity to have women be bad in her novels, and in this one, the women are not necessarily bad but are certainly complicated. I love that her imprint is putting out books that give women the opportunity to be more than just kind-hearted foils for the men and children in their lives.

The complex nature of relationships and consent is examined; as well as our culture's relationship with technology, social media, and art. An uncomfortable yet propulsive read that will keep you thinking long after you put it down.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Zando (shout-out to Gillian Flynn for launching her own imprint here) for providing me with an eARC of One of the Good Guys in exchange for my honest review!

This is definitely one of the more clever and suspenseful thrillers I've had the fortune of reading lately. When I started it, the narrative structure initially threw me off for spoilery reasons, though I did pick up on what the purpose was as I progressed through the novel. Once I entered the second act, that's when it was all truly clicking together for me, and then the third act provided a very satisfying payoff. Subverting my expectations all the way through and fleshing out the story with a small cast of complex characters, Araminta Hall has presented something smart and memorable here as it offers a feminist lens on the misogyny and toxic masculinity that casually exist in our world.

What I find particularly salient is the book's focus on the ability that men have to use veneers of kindness, patience, and generosity to exert power and control over women. Maybe they're doing it intentionally, but they could very well be doing it under complete ignorance, under an oblivious attitude that protects them from consciously realizing the harm that they're inflicting on women on both a macro scale and a micro scale despite acting like "good guys." There's such a nuance that Hall deploys here, and it's quite pertinent when you recognize that it's still easy to fall prey to the misconception that misogyny and toxic masculinity only materialize in their most brazen forms. No, no, there's plenty of these toxic forces infecting our society in subtle and superficially benevolent ways, too. I do think the book gets carried away with sending its message too bluntly, especially in the third act, but this doesn't majorly detract from the enthralling narrative as a whole. Its examination of social media's impact on our view of gender norms is compelling, too.

Overall, I'm officially rating One of the Good Guys 4.5 out of 5 stars, which I'll round down to 4 stars on Goodreads. I'm pumped to dive into more of Hall's work.

Cole is a man seeking refuge from the haunting shadows of a failed marriage. Choosing a fresh start in the serene countryside, he embraces a wildlife ranger position, hoping to escape the cacophony of urban life. His world collides with that of Leonora, a reclusive artist with an enchanting spirit, living next door. Yet, the tranquillity of their budding connection is shattered when two young women activists, crusading against gendered violence, go missing during their visit.

As Cole and Leonora find themselves thrust into a police investigation and the harsh glare of media scrutiny, the novel unravels not only the mystery of the disappearances but also the intricate layers of its characters. Against the backdrop of the cliff's edge they call home, the narrative explores the fragility of human connections and the profound impact of societal expectations.

One of the Good Guys is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that transcends the conventions of the genre. Hall delves into the depths of human relationships, presenting characters with nuanced complexities that evolve with every turn of the page. Cole and Leonora, the central figures, are portrayed with such depth that readers can't help but be entangled in the web of their emotions and choices.

The exploration of gender dynamics and societal pressures adds a poignant layer to the narrative. Hall skillfully navigates these themes, prompting readers to reflect on the pervasive issue of gendered violence and the facade of goodness that often masks deeper, more sinister truths. The coastal setting becomes more than just a backdrop; it's a metaphor for the fragile nature of the characters' lives.

The propulsive storytelling keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, while the sociopolitical insights woven into the plot elevate "One of the Good Guys" beyond a mere suspense novel. Hall's writing is razor-sharp, cutting through the noise of contemporary media and societal expectations. In a world where claiming to be "one of the good guys" is not enough, Hall challenges readers to question why women still walk home alone in fear. This is not just a thriller; it's a powerful examination of morality, power, and the collective responsibility to confront the shadows that persist in the dark corners of society. "One of the Good Guys" is a haunting, thought-provoking, and utterly compelling literary journey.

One of the Good Guys by Araminta Hall is a mystery/thriller that has a few surprises up its sleeve. I knew that all must not be what it seemed as it starts out with Cole’s POV because this novel is a commentary on the #MeToo movement. Cole obviously thinks he’s “one of the good guys” and just seems too good to be true but he’s the only viewpoint for more than half of the book. So something felt off but I just didn’t know what exactly.

And then, as Leonora takes over telling the tale, the reader begins to be clued in to what is really happening. And that there is a clever, daring, carefully-laid trap for one unsuspecting person. It didn’t have the same feel as a typical murder mystery because of the point the book is trying to make is so loud and clear. It takes over any mysterious elements. It definitely held my interest and had some creepy/scary elements. I liked the switching POVs in the second half as it gave a clearer picture of what was going on. Trigger warnings include IVF treatment and violence toward women. Oh and I forgot to mention the book is set on the English coast with dangerous cliffs and mist and cozy cottages and the stormy sea. If any of these elements or the novel’s theme interest you, I think you’ll enjoy reading One of the Good Guys.

While I went into this expecting a thriller, which is this not exactly, One of the Good Guys far surpassed my expectations and provided really interesting viewpoints on incel/"good guy" culture - another absolute winner from Araminta Hall.

Cole leaves London for the coast, trying to put his failed marriage behind him. He meets Lenora, who has moved nearby after her daughter has grown and moved out. The two get together, trying to reconcile their pasts with this new present. When 2 female activists disappear in the area, Cole and Lenora are suddenly thrown into a police investigation, each realizing they don't know the other as well as they'd hoped.

Whoa, this was a ride. Yes, there's definitely something creepy about Cole and as his story is told by him, it's hard to put your finger on it. He just wanted his marriage to work out and he wanted children. It's not his fault his ex-wife couldn't see everything he was willing to do for her. The storyline with the missing girls and the public's reaction to their activism was very interesting. Online hate and keyboard warriors are such a real thing.

It's hard to talk about this story without giving things away so I think I'll just tell you again to go read this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zando Projects for providing me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Available January 9, 2024.

Araminta Hall's riveting narrative in 'One of the Good Guys' delves deep into the complexities of morality and perception. With a multi-layered storyline, the reader is immersed in the aftermath of Cole's divorce, a man grappling with the dissolution of his marriage and questioning his own identity as a 'good guy.' Hall expertly crafts each character, presenting them as realistic reflections of contemporary attitudes towards violence against women.

Through three distinct perspectives—Cole's, his ex-wife's, and his current girlfriend's—the novel navigates through various genres, keeping the reader on the edge as they piece together the truth behind Cole's actions. As the narrative unfolds, the lines between right and wrong blur, compelling readers to confront their own biases and judgments.

'One of the Good Guys' is a gripping exploration of human nature and the intricate dynamics of relationships. Hall's skillful prose captivates from beginning to end, leaving readers questioning the true nature of goodness and the consequences of one's choices. A must-read for fans of psychological thrillers.

Powerful and visionary. Araminta Hall's One of the Good Guys is a profound piece of work. Dealing with a lot of tough subjects in an elegant and thought provoking way. I have never read anything quite like it. This will stick with me for quite some time. I absolutely loved the character dynamics and the story was intoxicating. I will definitely be looking into her back catalog.

Definitely a contender for book of the year.

I really enjoyed this book! It was a twisty thriller and I couldn’t get enough of it. I really enjoyed how the author incorporated the use of social media and communications into the novel. I think this added to the suspense. I definitely look forward to more from this author!

This is one that's going to keep me thinking for a while. The author does an amazing job dealing with this subject matter. It feels very relevant to the current social climate and will definitely leave you in a contemplative mood.

It was different than I was expecting, having gone into expecting a run of the mill thriller about a man who isn't what he seems. What I ended up getting was a deep look at the violence and gaslighting women often face.

The idea that women have so much expected of them with parenting and household obligations and that men can do the bare minimum while being lauded as a shining example is something that resonates with me.
One of the Good Guys skillfully weaves an intriguing story of suspense and human nature. I will definitely be trying more by this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was phenomenal! I definitely thought I knew what I was going into, but this book completely threw me. There were so many reasons why I enjoyed it: a real, honest portrayal of infertility difficulties and IVF; it's not very often you see male POVs in thrillers that aren't based in some sort of procedural or action theme; and the mixed media and the exploration of violence against women and its intersection with male radicalism and the role pornography plays in that. I also really enjoyed the POV changes, which provided a healthy balance to the characterisation — POV is often used in the context of thrillers to reveal an unreliable narrator or ground the reader's perceptions of the wider cast in the opinion of the protagonist. Here, as there are various POV characters, it only helps in the reveal coming straight out of the woodwork later on.

If you're looking for a thriller that evokes so many familiar conversations but is deeply nuanced, this one is for you!

And at the end of the day a “good guy” is still going to believe he’s a good guy despite being exposed and there being multiple people with the same experience/truth. Thank you to NetGalley for this Arc, I absolutely enjoyed reading this story.

One Of The Good Guys follows Cole, newly separated and newly relocated to the countryside from busy London life after a split with his wife.
Lenny, or Leonora as Cole calls her, is in a similar situation.
It's not long before they form a bond, but soon find themselves wrapped up in the disappearance of Molly and Phoebe, two young girls marching for woman's rights.

The book kicks off from Cole's POV but it's not long before we hear from Mel, his ex wife and Leonora.

Not your usual thriller, but a very thought provoking one. You may see the ending coming, but it didn't stop me listening to get to the end.

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

Oh my goodness I did not see this one coming! Such a wonderful, dramatic, suspenseful novel! Absolutely loved how these characters were so intriguing. Must read!

One of the Good Guys is a book about how people are not always who they seem to be, especially when they can control what they want you to know. The characters in this story are not flawless and in fact are all quite unlikeable. But when the story unfolds, you hear perspectives from Cole (the “Good Guy”) and Lennie, his new friend, as well as his soon to be ex-wife Melanie.
While I wouldn’t say this is an outright mystery, it is definitely a unique perspective on the topic of “if most men claim to be good, why are most women still afraid to walk home alone at night?”. It is a read I will go back and think about for sure, which is what I have come to expect from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Gillian Flynn Books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.

“I guess I’ve learned over the years that if you just shout about something, people stop listening. You have to find inventive ways of getting your point across.” Melanie “Mel” Connelly

The first third of Araminta Hall’s thought-provoking One of the Good Guys gives us Cole Simmonds in his own voice trying to understand why his wife Mel is divorcing him. He’s confused and confounded as he thinks he’s done everything that most men don’t in a relationship. He wanted to be totally in tune with Mel, both physically and mentally. He not only desperately wanted a baby, but he helped her through the difficulty of IVF even though he felt the stress of her job was responsible for the failures of their pregnancies. Then Mel hits him with the devastating news she is divorcing him, selling their flat, and destroying the three remaining embryos. Cole begs her not to destroy the embryos. He’s convinced that he and Mel need each other and doesn’t think Mel can cope without him.

Distraught, he finds a job keeping people safe from a dangerous area along a coastal cliff and makes friends with Leonora, an artist, who lives in a cabin along the seaside cliff where he is also housed for his job. Some of Cole’s activities are questionable, such as his killing and butchering rabbits, and leaving their internal organs outside Leonora’s cabin so the foxes howl and eat them. He does this so Leonora will rely on him to make her feel safe. He’s trying to make a point.

During this time, two young activist women with Walk for Women and a large following camp along the coastal cliff. Cole finds them sitting on the edge of the cliff, a dangerous place to be. He tries to talk the women off the cliff, but the women get hostile and threaten to call the police. The next day, the women disappear, and their tent and gear are left nearby. He becomes a suspect in their disappearance.

Mel’s story takes up the second act of this thriller, starting with how she and Cole met, fell in love, and how and why she could not be with him anymore.

Twist after twist takes the plot to the final third where the author uses social media messages, Leonora’s voice, and newspaper articles to follow what happens with Cole, Leonora, Melanie, and the two activists. The big reveal at the end crushes anything that seemed possible, yet at the same time feels perfect for the situation.

One of the Good Guys is not only difficult to review, but challenging as no one is particularly sympathetic. However, the characters are so sharply realized that you know they aren’t meant to be sympathetic but are necessary for an understanding of where we currently are in the gender divide. This quote is used in the thriller’s promo: “If most men claim to be good, why are most women still afraid to walk alone?” That sums up where the “me-too” movement leaves us. As far as the future of the movement, this work of fiction seems to bring us to the next stage, which is quoted at the top of the review. This tightrope of a feminist thriller comes to us from Gone Girl’s Gillian Flynn’s imprint ZandoBooks. I hope she continues publishing books that push our societal and cultural norms.

I wish I would have enjoyed the book more. The cover is amazing but the plot was just not interesting to me.

Thanks NetGalley for providing a copy of this book. This was not a favourite for me. I didn’t enjoy the writing style and unfortunately the story line annoyed me. Not my cup of tea!!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a chance to read this book for an unbiased review.

First thought upon finishing is "Wow!" One of the Good Guys is an extremely thought provoking book about gender biases in society. While I thought it went above and beyond, I read the book in a little over 1 sitting (a few chapters last night, then the rest straight through today). It kept my interest, it was an extremely real life depiction of society when gender is involved, and gave me a disgusted/sickened feeling while reading it.

Araminta Hall and One of the Good Guys asks "if most men claim to be good, why are most women still afraid to walk home alone at night?" And this book definitely answers that question. I'm torn on how many stars to give it - 5 stars for the social commentary and how it made me think & feel; story and writing itself is 3 stars with unlikeable characters and not enough depth for me. I split the difference and went with a 4. I understand that it is supposed to be a story that we have heard before and we are supposed have a gut reaction to it - it achieved that - I just wished there was less revenge plot. Overall the meaning behind this book will stick with me for a while. It does a good job depicting how society views women.