3.5⭐️

One of the Good Guys is an interesting story with a relevant underlying message, however it gets somewhat lost in its uneven format. The changes in tone and style are abrupt, and the last third feels like such a departure from the first and second thirds that I never really felt like the story ended, so much as it got interrupted. I came away with profoundly mixed feelings on this one.

Elliot Fitzpatrick, Olivia Vinall, and Helen Keeley did a decent job narrating the audiobook.

Thank you Araminta Hall, Dreamscape Select, and NetGalley for providing this ALC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

There's a subgenre of mystery that's without label but I eat up: Think women and power, women finding their power, women creating their power, women seeking revenge, women seeking better. Books like The Change and The Lies I Tell.

And One of the Good Guys!

So, yeah, this is absolutely in my wheelhouse; I really enjoyed it and that will surprise no one with a loose grasp of my book taste.

I thought narrators Elliot Fitzpatrick, Olivia Vinall, and Helen Keeley were great and well cast.

Note: I would recommend against reading many reviews or maybe even the synopsis if you're the sort of reader that likes to let the story play out (my favorite part of the book is one that pleasantly surprised me; I'd hate for that to be ruined for anyone).

This book was complex and very detailed. It had lots of great qualities. The characters were well written and Intriguing. The story hooked me from the start but then fizzled. I struggled with the narrator as well. The voice was very flat which works for a thriller but was a struggle for me to stay focused.

This one had a lot going on! --infertility, mental health issues, gender inequality. I had high hopes for this one but it wasn't quite for me. I had trouble following a long at times and the narrator was not my favorite. I struggled with his accent

This was an interesting production that I really enjoyed. Admittedly, I almost didn’t finish it, because the POV in Part 1 was unlikeable to me, but far beyond the unlikeable characters I normally enjoy reading. However, I’m glad I hung on, because it was all foundation for the rest of the story, and from the beginning of Part 2 I didn’t want to put the story down.

The audio effects for this audiobook presentation were wonderful, with sounds and such that tied the story together. The three main narrators did an outstanding job. I listened at 1.75x speed which is my normal speed.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for allowing me to listen to and review this advanced audio copy.

4.5 stars!

This is going to be a great book discussion choice! The subject of violence against women is so contentious, so polarizing, and the divide isn't even down gender lines, so people are going to have opinions and feelings about this, and I think that is a welcome challenge.

This is a moderately-paced, psychological thriller, and while it takes place in England, it could easily have another setting in most first world countries. It's character driven and twisty so expect to do a lot of thinking as it progresses. I really don't want to say a whole lot more about the plot. You have to go in with an open mind and eyes wide open.

I think this will be a book where it will define people we know, like the way the Barbie movie highlighted red-flag men who hated it.. I think this story has that power and potential. It's shocking in a way that's important and relevant, and accurate in representing the experiences of many, if not most, women. But some of the finer talking points are interesting to consider. I eagerly await the reviews of others so I can see who they really are.

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. At first however the first couple sections I felt were slow. But as the story progressed I couldn't stop reading. Mel's POV really stuck out to me and it mad me so sad. I loved the use of social media platforms in the last part made the story feel whole. I'm sure there will be some people who read this book who hate the mystery but I think that's kind of the point isn't it?

This book was so weird I was so confused for major parts of it especially the first few chapter flashbacks I could not tell if they were the same person and if they were going through one relationship or many... it was all just a bit confusing for me!

The book was definitely trying to make a political statement (in a very feminist way!!!!) which I so appreciated especially in a genre that primarily uses gaslighting women with mental health issues as a substitute for a plot. It was a nice refreshing break from that, think Chandler Baker vibe as well!

My main issue with the book though was that I was just a bit confused was what going on most of the time. I did kind of feel like the sexual preference shaming on the guys preference (to be clear, when it was fully consensual which it was not always) took a bit away from the positive message advanced in the book and seemed a weird direction for me. But I honestly just didn't like any of the characters, struggled to follow any of the storylines and wish it was executed better because the message was great!

Feels slightly reminiscent to Fates and Furies - only in the way the story was told - half from the husband's POV then most of the book from the wife's POV.

While I was hooked into the story, it really fell apart for me. It felt quite predictable, unoriginal, and quite similar to other books we've already seen.

Overall, I think this was a miss and recommend you skip it!

Cole completely changes course after his failed marriage, leaving London for remote living. Leonora has made similar choices and living a short walk from Cole and they find themselves forging a connection. Soon they find themselves in the middle of a police investigation when two female activists disappear.

One of the Good Guys has so many layers, it’s impossible not to be engrossed in the story. I received this book as an ALC and I was able to listen to it rather quickly. It’s definitely a thought provoking read with many plot twists. There will be a specific audience for this book because the topics are very much in your face and I think it would be a great book club pick… but it won’t be for everyone. The narrators were great, held my attention, and had me wanting to see the end through. I am glad I listened to this as an audiobook versus reading it because I’m not sure it would have been as enjoyable for me. Overall, I liked it and it really makes you think about what we find acceptable as individuals and as a society. I would consider giving this a read if you haven’t already.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for my advanced copy and giving me the chance to review it honestly.

Happy reading!

Cole, the initial narrator, is "one of the good guys" or at least that's what he leads us to believe. Supporting his now almost ex-wife through her IVF treatments while they were together, and acting as a friend and protector to Lenny, a woman living in a cabin near his - it seems as if this guy is genuinely good. But when two girls go missing is it possible that he might have had something to do with it? Is there more to his seemingly kind and caring exterior?

This is an exciting, twisty thriller that showcases the complex relationship between men and women. It's timely in that it highlights the current feminist movement. The story kept me guessing, the characters were complex and well-developed and the audio book narration was great.

A solid 4.5 stars for this book!

Well. This is going to be one of those books that I think about for a long time after.

We meet Cole first. He’s estranged from his wife, Mel, and seems flummoxed as to why. He cooked, cleaned, and supported her so he doesn’t understand what went wrong.

In his new home he meets Lenny, an artist staying at a local cottage for a sort of sabbatical. He feels the intense need to protect her and begins a tentative relationship.

Then we meet Mel, really meet her in that we hear all about her relationship with Cole from her perspective and some pieces click into place.

We also get Lenny’s perspective as the two women meet and they devise a plan to make the world hear women when we talk about the violence flung our way daily.

I know there will be people who read this and have an entirely different take. I know there’s a lot of gray in this story. But it’s a heck of a read about how subtly, but easily, women and their fear or suffering can be dismissed.

The story's strength lies in its ability to defy expectations, presenting a narrative that is both unpredictable and richly layered. From the outset, the listener is drawn into a world where the unknown becomes a source of fascination rather than confusion. As the plot unfolds, it skillfully reveals intricate details and connections, creating a tapestry of meaning that invites contemplation.

What sets this story apart is its seamless blend of suspense and introspection. The unexpected turns are not mere plot twists but serve to deepen the narrative, prompting the audience to reflect on themes that resonate beyond the immediate storyline. This dynamic interplay between the unknown and introspection elevates the storytelling to a level where it becomes more than just entertainment—it becomes a thought-provoking journey.

Furthermore, the narrative is enhanced by its nuanced characters, each contributing to the unfolding drama with their unique perspectives and motivations. The listener is not just a passive observer; they become an active participant in deciphering the complexities of the characters' lives. This engagement adds an extra layer of immersion and emotional investment, making the overall experience all the more impactful.

In conclusion, this story is a masterclass in narrative craftsmanship. It successfully marries unpredictability with introspection, creating a tapestry of intrigue that lingers in the mind. With its thought-provoking layers and well-developed characters, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to not only entertain but also to provoke meaningful reflection.

A bold, brilliant, thought-provoking feminist thriller that everyone (especially men) needs to read. It's at once a riveting thriller and a piece of literature with an important message but it never feels preachy.

The book is about Cole, who thinks he is "one of the good guys." But is no spoiler to say that any astute reader will notice right away that Cole is a less than reliable narrator. Red flags EVERYWHERE, even as he says all the right things --- his actions do NOT match. We hear about his marriage first from his point of view and then from his wife's. And then, from his most recent girlfriend.

I don't want to give too much away but it's important that you know that at its core this book is an examination of violence against women. Why does it happen? What are the men who do it thinking (or not thinking?) These are obviously age old and difficult questions but they are approached here in an innovative and thoughtful way, coming to a conclusion that will leave you both shocked and enlightened. This book says a lot with what it doesn't say and what it lets you observe in Cole's actions.... in what other people say about Cole. And it questions why we as a society always believe men more than women, particularly when it comes to rape. In so doing, it cleverly sets up a narrative in the book where it gives you the opportunity whether to believe Cole ... or NUMEROUS women who have interacted with Cole.

And now a somewhat spoilery response to some other reviews I have seen about the ending -- so stop reading now if you don't like spoilers. . . . .


I've seen people (including some feminists) saying they didn't like the ending because it turned out that Cole is "innocent" because he not kill the two missing women.

To this I say.... think about this a little further. Think about what we know about Cole from the more reliable narrator of the book. Think about the incident in the park.... the incident with Laura, his previous girlfriend. And what we heard from his own mother! Is Cole REALLY "innocent?" Or did he maybe just not rape these two *particular* women?

With that, I leave you to hopefully go and read this compelling and awesome book (or read it again if you've already read it once). To Araminta Hall, thank you for this great piece of art, and I wish I could see the installation you dreamed up in the story, too.

A top ten book of the year for sure.

Unlike anything that I’ve read before!! Thank you to @netgalley and @macmillanaudio for the chance to review One of the Good Guys by Amarinta Hall. The book starts out with two young women who are walking to raise awareness about violence against women.

Cole was the perfect husband, but his wife wanted a divorce. To ease his heartache in peace, he moved to a quiet house on the edge of a cliff. He said the feminist things and was super kind. He was telling the reader about his abusive wife. He met a quiet neighbor, Len, who might help his heart. The two girls encountered angry men along the way, both in real life and online.

I DEVOURED this audiobook in under 8 hours! It was sooo good and twisty. There was a big social media component, and it was cool to hear the “bings” when someone would comment on the walking girls’ situation. The comments that the “trolls” would make were certainly things that you’d see online from angry men. Really cool social commentary.

The narration by Elliot Fitzpatrick, Olivia Vinall and Helen Keeley was amazing. Just so perfect.

This is marketed as a mystery/thriller which is absolutely appropriate due to the surface story of two missing women that are passing through a seaside town while raising awareness of gender violence - and how the main characters Cole & Lenora are involved in the investigation. But there is so much more to it than that.

This story really goes deeper than just your typical whodunnit mystery/thriller and gives us themes & social commentary on rape culture, women's rights, the power dynamic of men vs. women, and how these topics get reported in our current media environment as well as our societal use of social media to push or fight against a certain agenda.

The audio was wonderful with multiple narrators to represent the main characters in the story and really bring them to life as well as using sound effects to capture the mixed media portions of the book with emails, social media, etc.

I didn't realize until after I read this that it was published by Gillian Flynn Books - which was ironic to me as halfway through the novel, where I gasped out loud at the cleverness of a twist, I thought to myself ooh this kind of gives me Gone Girl vibes!

I was highly entertained throughout this novel and it definitely made me think and reflect. On who was right or wrong (or good or bad) in the novel, on situations I have been in or experienced - especially in the realm of toxic masculinity - and what it means to be a strong woman in our current landscape.

Thank you to Netgalley & Dreamscape Select/Gillian Flynn Books for this advanced listen in exchange for my honest opinion!

Cole is recently divorced and we hear his story first in this book. We then hear from his ex-wife Mel who gives a different point of view of their marriage and why they broke up. There are always two sides to a break up. Cole leaves London and moves to a seaside cottage and meets Leonora at a pub. They become friends and lovers. At this point in the book is when it became interesting waiting to see what happens given Cole is the "good guy" and there are women fighting for other women to not feel in fear of men. And who is Leonora? When I finished, I know what the author was thinking but I was left wondering who really was the "good guy" - the obvious one or.....well you have to read the book.

This book is described as a psychological thriller which isn't how I would describe it. Although the story line was interesting enough, it didn't feel like a thriller at all and definitely felt like the author had a certainly "slant" to this story.

I enjoyed the narration of this book a lot and recommend it.

My thanks to Net Galley, Gillian Flynn Books, and Xander Audio for an advanced copy of this e-book and audiobook.

OKAY... wow... i see what you did here Araminta.

Starting with Cole's POV was risky. I found him SO intolerable that I almost DNF this book. Luckily a friend convinced me to keep going. I really loved it once I got into it. Brilliantly done.

I’m not really sure what I was expecting from this book. Parts of it made me a little uncomfortable. I think it might need a trigger warning.

Dnf this one I did not like the narrator at all. It was distracting and made me uninterested in the story and characters.