This was one that I went into blind. Since I picked up my first Nicole Trope novel, I became an instant fan and devour her stories as they come, never leaving dissatisfied.

Here, we follow two perspectives, one of working mother and wife, Ava Green, and one of Grace, her newly hired assistant. Ava is competing for a promotion in her company while feeling overworked, overwhelmed, and underappreciated. Everyday is a struggle and at the end of it, she comes home to a house of chaos with her children and a distant husband who doesnt seem to be pulling his weight, let alone caring enough to. Upon hiring Grace, things start to finally seem to be calming down in all areas of her life to a manageable degree. With more room to finally think, she starts to suspect that everyone around her has bad intentions and horrifying secrets and that maybe not all is always as it seems.

With many, many books about a devious housemaid, caretaker, assistant, and many more, I was afraid in the beginning that this was just yet another. I was completely off the mark and couldn't be happier. This took a completely different route that made it incomparable. This author has a way with words, pulling the reader in and grasping them hard until the last page is turned. The descriptive writing made it easy to empathize with the characters while also leaving us guessing. Equal parts heartfelt drama and mystery, this was yet another great read from Nicole Trope. Four stars.

Thank you, Netgalley and Bookouture, for this ARC.

Get cozy, grab a cuppa, and embark on a journey down the rabbit hole of human thought and emotions. Witness the dynamic interplay of personal history, experience, and knowledge intricately woven into the lives of the characters, guiding their thoughts, emotions, and actions, as it all unravels before your eyes - leaving you with reflections on your own life.

Very rarely do you come across a "psychological thriller" read which accurately and authentically captures the complexities of the human condition - "The Assistant" delivers on that rarity. The author offers a genuinely beautiful articulation of emotions, thoughts, memories, and actions; this is just one of many aspects that kept me absolutely hooked on this read. The invaluable amount of emotional and mental insight shared through the characters gives them a realistic, relatable, and relative depth, they didn't feel like simply characters in a book, they felt like real people - it actually felt more like a memoir than a fictional read - character lives and stories just came to life on the pages. I really adored this and appreciate the author's immense talent to bring the fictional to life.

On top of the authenticity and intricate depth making for an interesting and captivating read, it also offered plenty of potential for favourite quotes and, above all, valuable wisdom, perspective, realisation, and recognition for life. For example: "You can bury a memory deep down in your psyche but it will never stay there. Without warning it will rise through the dirt of your subconscious to confront you, and I know, after my time in the clinic, that it is best to let it happen, to let it come and to sit with it." - Tell me that isn't relatable to some degree, we all have those buried memories that seem to creep up out of nowhere at seemingly provoked times, hey?, and how does that affect your life and the decisions you make? (Queue the life reflections!) As a psychology student and a mental health practitioner, I certainly enjoyed the included awareness of sitting with those intense thoughts, memories, and emotions in the moment, as well as other moments in the book where the author did well demonstrating the tensions of mental health, awareness, and coping.

I thoroughly enjoyed the inclusion of various mental health issues and the life circumstances leading to their forming - unlike many books which contribute more stigma and harm to the psychological profession and mental health, the author actually does these issues justice from my perspective, they were not mentioned and spoken to in a harmful way, and, most of all, the characters affected were not blamed or shamed for developing or experiencing mental unwellness and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Additionally, the characters offered insight that could be treated as valuable from a psy-practitioner's POV - I definitely felt there were moments which offered me time to reflect on my own position in psychology.

The author's writing style was deeply descriptive, so much so that you're reading and experiencing the book with all five senses. At some points I felt like I could be watching this story as a film, at others I felt as though I was witnessing and living the story as a character within the book, and there were many profound moments when I found my thoughts drifting away from the book into aspects of my own life that were relatable, made sense, and became clearer to me throughout the story, i.e., many "a-ha!" moments. I usually don't like my mind drifting when reading, yet this book made me feel comfortable with it - because my attention drifting from the book didn't mean I was missing out, it meant I was gaining more.

The character depth meant they were more than just the plot. Their experiences and inclusions did not only revolve around the outcome yet at the same time everything felt relevant to know, to hear, to learn. Although "The Assistant" is less action-packed than most typical thrillers, I think that worked out in its favour. I didn't feel bored once, despite the book being quite slow paced all the way through. At one point near the end, I thought there was a huge, huge plot hole, but the author came along and filled that right in in due time. And although I was certain I had the ending all figured out, I was so wrong. I did not see that twist coming.

I do wish that there was a little more in terms of plot development, while we received a well-wrapped story, I do wish a teensy, weensy, tiny bit that there was just a little bit more happening. Although I really enjoyed the abovementioned aspects and the overall read, it did feel like there was something missing in the plot and there was definitely space for it. I'm not sure that I can fault anything else with this read though, I feel like I have some kind of unwritten understanding of what the author was hoping to achieve with it - or maybe that's just in my imagination. Although this book reads more like a domestic suspense on the surface, it delves much deeper through the complex layers of the human psyche which is quite thrilling - and scary - if you think about it like that. If you're reading at a superficial level, you will get mostly scandal and work, home, family drama, but if you read it at a deeper level, you get so much more. I really, truly appreciate the author's effort and I genuinely believe that this work has paid off and speaks for itself. To experience it, you're just going to have to read it!

Thank you Netgalley, Bookouture, and Nicole Trope for the opportunity to read and review this book! It's been nothing short of an absolute pleasure. I can't wait for more of Grace - the whole book I was drawn into her mental and emotional intelligence and found myself just rooting for her to maintain her strength and to overcome the memories and struggles plaguing her life - I'm glad we ended on *pretty good* terms, but I can not wait for more.

Final Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing Style: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot Development: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

More of a domestic suspense rather than a thriller, BUT, I ate it up!
I actually have a couple of Nicole Trope books on my shelf, and now I will be moving them up because I really enjoyed her writing style.
This book is EASILY bingeable.

Grace becomes Ava’s new assistant, but she may have ulterior motives. Everyone holds secrets and they slowly come out, and the story kept me hooked the entire time! Definitely recommend!

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy!

Loved this one! I flew through the chapters. They were short, fast paced and suspenseful. The intrigue kept building and I kept reading. I really liked how it was written and how the story unfolded. Definitely a ‘hard to put down’ must read!
Thank You to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Nicole Trope for the opportunity to read and thoroughly enjoy this ARC.

Thank you net galley and publisher for this ARC. I really enjoyed this book and didn’t expect the twist at the end.

Review: normally I don’t like when a put is marketed as a thriller, but ends up being a domestic drama. But this book definitely delivered with the drama and scandal.

It is a novel that centers around two women- Ava and Grace who are brought together by work. Ava is a working mom with a high powered job. She is desperately looking for an assistant. Enter Grace a seemingly perfect assistant. Her life seems to be getting in order with the help of Grace. What is not known is Grace’s motive for joining Ava’s team especially when we get glimpses of her troubled past. There seems to be endless scandals happening in their work and personal lives. The book is told from a dual POV and we see their lives start to intertwine. There are themes of corruption, jealously, and family through the engaging plot.

This book is definitely more of a domestic suspense. If you are looking for a thriller, this is definitely not it. The author does a great job building character development throughout the book, and each chapter reveals more about the two main characters motives and desires. I do wish it was a little more “thriller.” There was definitely room in the plot for this to happen.

It’s a very quick read that will keep you entertained especially if you love a deep dive into drama and scandals!

This book comes out August 12th. Thanks to @netgalley and @bookouture for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Ava needs an assistant ASAP and Grace has moulded herself into the perfect assistant - but she has plans beyond just being her PA.

This was a rollercoaster. The build up is great, it just bubbles and bubbles and you're dying to know what will happen - it got to around the 60% mark though and it was still bubbling and I was wondering when the drama would hit. I would've liked to have had that drama a tad sooner but the twist at the end made up for it. I was confused by the letters throughout the book but it all made sense at the end. It's a very smart ending!

I think the voice of Grace is great. It's strong and it makes her character interesting. They're all flawed characters but still likeable too which is not easy to pull enough!

Thanks Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC!

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!
I love thrillers and this was great! The first 50-75% of the book was alright, kind of slower paced and I was confused about what a lot of things had to do with it. The last of it, oh my! All the twists came out and pulled it all together with several surprises! I always feel like thrillers end abruptly and somewhat felt like this did as well, but it did address each character to a point. Overall, this was a great book!

This was a fun book to read! All of the characters had many secrets that make you keep guessing what’s going to happen and how will they all connect. The author does a great job keeping you interested and the story moving.

When I read the synopsis of this one I immediately requested it on netgalley. I love a domestic thriller with multiple POV’s. This was a fast paced, quick read. It would be perfect to read on vacation in one sitting. Due to it’s shorter length it grabs you from the first few pages. I think she did a good job diving into the difficulties a working mother faces everyday. Our FMC Ava has worked very hard in her career all while dealing with a deceptive, ruthless male coworker as they are both vying for the top job at their company. Plus, she has two young girls at home and a stay-at-home artist husband who really isn’t pulling his weight in the relationship. She is barely holding on by a thread until she hires her new assistant Grace. She is so desperate for help that she hires her on the spot. But, who really is Grace and where did she come from? Can she trust her? As the story unfolds, it will keep you guessing and I did not see the twist coming at the end. Although it ended a bit abruptly for me, overall I enjoyed the story and recommend to anyone that enjoys a quick, twisty engaging domestic thriller.

4.5 rounded up!! The Assistant had me hooked. I had no idea where the story was going but it surely didn't disappoint. It's told in dual POV, which I love. Poor Ava. Her work and home life are just kind of a mess. Grace swoops in to save the day. Sometimes I didn't care for the characters but it didn't sway me away. I had to know what the heck was going on. Another winner by Nicole!!

Ava Green is a busy mom of two working a busy, full time job. She needs an assistant and is interviewing after her previous assistant left her company.

After meeting and interviewing Grace Enright - Ava believes she is the best candidate and offers her the job on the spot. Not long after hiring Grace- Ava finds out she is in the running for the future CEO position of the company (and so is a co-worker Collin). Ava works hard to keep it together with a busy home life that is chaotic and work life that is busy, too. Grace seems to fill in all the gaps- but she is hiding a secret.

I enjoyed this story a lot but was able to figure out the twist relatively early which was kind of disappointing. However, the book was well written and the characters were wells developed. I felt connected to the story and wanted to know what Grace’s secret was, would Ava get the promotion, etc.

A good, fun thriller to read and a quick read too!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for my honest review.

First of all, I would like to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. And what a book! With the right level of mystery and suspense, we follow the life of Ava who, as a full-time businesswoman, often delegates family life, her two beautiful daughters and her husband. Until she manages to hire an assistant, Grace, who seems to have brought harmony to both of Ava's lives, seems like a godsend. However, things start to go wrong and despite being suspicious of Grace's intentions, I didn't completely guess the ending. I suspected it, but I thought it couldn't be... With several twists and turns during the narrative, the author manages to keep our attention until the end, and developed each of the characters and their role in the book very well. I really like Nicole Trope and I intend to continue reading all of her books.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

Nicole Trope’s The Assistant is a masterclass in psychological suspense, weaving a tale that is as addictive as it is gripping. This novel delves into the dark corners of human nature, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets.

The story centers around a seemingly perfect family whose lives are turned upside down by the arrival of a new assistant. As the assistant becomes more entrenched in their lives, the facade of perfection begins to crumble, revealing hidden truths and dangerous lies. Trope expertly builds tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the narrative unfolds.

Trope’s characters are richly developed and deeply flawed, making them both relatable and compelling. The protagonist’s journey is particularly engaging, as she navigates the complexities of her relationships and the growing sense of unease that the assistant’s presence brings. The assistant, with their enigmatic and unsettling demeanor, is a standout character, adding layers of intrigue and suspense to the story.

Trope’s writing is sharp and evocative, drawing readers into the story with vivid descriptions and a keen sense of atmosphere. The pacing is impeccable, with each chapter ending on a note of suspense that makes it nearly impossible to put the book down. The alternating perspectives provide a multifaceted view of the unfolding drama, enhancing the psychological depth of the narrative.

At its core, The Assistant is a story about the fragility of trust and the destructive power of secrets. Trope explores these themes with nuance and sensitivity, creating a narrative that is thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. The book touches on issues of power dynamics and manipulation, adding a layer of social commentary to the thriller.

The Assistant by Nicole Trope is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. Its well-crafted plot, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout in the genre.

This was such a lovely read! Really, it was weirdly lovely for a psychological thriller, and it was an unusually cute read from Nicole Trope. Don’t get me wrong, it was still well-written, just like other books by Nicole Trope. The story was still a very solid one. It was still a very, very gripping read, but the ending made it feel all cute and lovely. And, weirdly, it happened in a very good way. The cute and lovely ending felt very fitting.
I’m not entirely sure I’d label this a true psychological thriller. A domestic suspense maybe? And, most definitely, a women’s fiction label feels like is the most suited here.
There were no huge plot twists, they slowly unfolded throughout the book, and the ending was just a very logical conclusion of a very dramatic story. Yet, it was so well-told, it still keeps you interested as you read it.
The only thing I really feel like should be changed about it is the way it is labeled, it’s a family drama, a domestic suspense, a women’s fiction book. Although I do know that the author writes absolutely terrific psychological thrillers, and this one is an absolutely terrific book, it’s a huuuuuuge stretch to call it a psychological thriller.

What a book!

From that very first chapter I was hooked. It is fast paced and extremely gripping. There is so many twists that you won’t see coming which will keep you surprised. Along with plenty of fear, you will be so sacred for Ava and worry what the assistant has planned for her.

I literally couldn’t put this down, I needed to find out more and who the assistant really was and what her plans where for Ava.

The ending… my goodness.

I would definitely recommend this book it has everything you look for in a psychological thriller.

I've read and loved lots of books by Nicole Troupe. The Stepchild, The Stay-at-Home Mother, and His Other Wife are all 4-stars and above.

The Assistant was an okay book. The story and characters are rather dull. I wanted to quit reading but kept reading hoping it would get better. The reveal in the end was meh and foreseeable. This is an instance where you love the writer (and the writing) but not the plot or characters.

So sorry, this book is forgettable. Thanks for the advance review copy.

Was grateful to receive this ARC courtesy of netgalley. Due to be published 12/08/24.

I was thinking that this would go along the lines of 'Single white female' so expected set behaviours from Grace. However, things did not progress the way I thought they would.

I did wonder if there was some history between Grace and Ava and I'm glad that you were kept guessing until the end. The story keeps you on your toes although there's a question of what's happening next in Ava's personal relationship that I wanted to delve more into. Maybe the next book...

Really enjoyed this and couldn't put it down. Plenty of detail and fast paced!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to preview this book
I was held in captivity by this book as I turned each page, not knowing what was up ahead . The suspense was well written
It sarts out as Grace applies as Ava's Assistant It follows from various viewpoints, as well as following excerpts from Grace's past The characters were developed as the story progressed with expertise.
Nicole Trope has a knack for creating intinsic suspense novels.

A gripping page-turner written from 2 POVs - Grace and Ava. Lots of twists and a knockout ending.
Highly recommended thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc. All opinions are my own.