Member Reviews
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a quick read that kept me engaged, but overall, I found the story lacking something. I didn’t particularly warm to any of the characters, which made it difficult to fully invest in the plot. The story primarily follows Kim, who takes on a role as an assistant to the famous actor Jemima Eden. Jemima, however, is far from likeable—she's overly dramatic and extremely narcissistic.
At first, Kim feels lucky to have landed the job, hoping it might help her pursue her own dream of becoming an actress. But it quickly becomes clear that Jemima has no intention of supporting her and sabotages her efforts at every turn, even though Kim shows real talent.
The twist in the story was, unfortunately, a major letdown for me. It felt so unrealistic, and I found it hard to believe that any real detective would fall for such a poorly handled version of events. This significantly lowered the rating for me—I would have rated it 2 stars, but its fast pace and engaging style nudged it up to 3.
Overall, it’s an easy and engaging read, but it fell short in terms of believability and character development.
I really enjoyed the author's debut novel so was looking forward to reading The Other Mrs Eden.
It's a slow burn thriller that is extremely compelling. Kim is an aspiring actress who goes to work for the famous actress Jemima Eden, as her P.A and becomes increasingly involved in her life. The novel is told from the dual viewpoints of Jemima and Kim. Jemima is initially portrayed as spoilt and demanding but the reader begins to gets glimpses into her life with her actor husband George. Kim is a sympathetic and likeable character and her experience of working for Jemima is fascinating. This is a fairly understated thriller until the last few chapters which were unexpected but satisfying.
A gripping read. Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
Thank you for the pleasant opportunity to read this advanced copy by Becky Alexander. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was told through the viewpoint of two main characters - Jemima and Kim.
Kim is down on her luck and receives a job as the infamous Jemima Eden's personal assistant. Jemima is beautiful, but her personality is that of a spoiled brat.
I was not prepared for the ending - it was great!!!
Although I enjoyed reading this book I feel the build up of the story, albeit interesting and set the scene well, was either too long for the denouement or the denouement was too short and over too quickly. I think I would have preferred a longer, more tense final part of the story. However I got invested in the characters and wished there were more details and introspection to the three main characters. This would have given a slightly more rounded feel to their motivations etc. an easy read and one to pop in your beach bag
I have to say I rather enjoyed this book. Kim gets a job as assistant to a big name actress, who is married to another actor and living in a beautiful mansion. Maybe this will be her chance to break into acting? Jemima, the actress and boss, is hard to work for, but with the hopes that it will work to her advantage Kim pushes through her snarly demeanor and uppity ways. But is the Jemima she is getting to know the real person underneath? Or is it all an act?
This gave me vibes of The Housmaid, in a way. I kept waiting for the twist, and wondering who the real bad guy was throughout the story. It kept me entertained and waiting to see true colors come out in the three main characters.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #StormPublishing for the book #TheOtherMrsEden by #BeckyAlexander. Kim is a struggling actress who lands a job as a personal assistant with Jemima, who is an actress. Kim puts up with a lot thinking this could be her “in” in the acting world. She gets kicked out of her home and starts staying in Jemima’s basement, unknown to Jemima and her husband George. George seems to take a liking to Kim and wants to help her out. But just how far is Kim willing to go to get what she wants? I enjoyed this book and recommend it.
An amazing and zany book about a young 23 year old Kim Conner who was looking for a job. Her mom had died and she had no one left in her life. She didn't know her father and now she found herself living in Max's apartment and sharing the bills even thought he had rich parents that paid everything for him.
Just as she thought she would never find anything that would help sustain her let alone get her, her own apartment as far as a job was concerned she got an interview for a private assistant job for a famous actress. Things were looking up.
Thankfully, Kim got the job. She started working right away and the hours would be all the time depending on when and if Jemima Eden needed her.
This would take a great deal of getting used to and getting fired a couple of times but between George Eden and Kim herself to get Jemima to concede and let Kim keep her job. Jemima was an extremely hard person to work for so Kim did what she asked for and then tried to get out of the way. Jemima showed her the basement for her to work out of, and soon after Kim had to move into without anyone noticing.
During a fancy dinner party that Kim had to organize for Jemima it came out that Kim was actually an actress and she was looking for an agent. George, by the way, was the one that started this ball in motion. Knowing full well that Jemima's agent was at the party he was directing the question and statement to her. Elle was dumbfounded and when Jem asked Kim to step forward Elle was put on the spot. She told her to send her, her tapes and head shots and she would see what she could do for her.
The next thing Kim knew was Jem had a job in Scotland and the entire time they were there George took this time to constantly start texting Kim to find out how both (His) girls were. Kim thought it to be a bit weird but she didn't think it too weird, so she answered him.
During this time is when Kim gets her first acting job, small part but she got a part right there on Jemima show. You might say she wasn't happy about it. Kim also made very good friendships with some of the crew members. Ones that would be valuable down the road.
When they got back George had found out that she was in fact living there in the basement. He wasn't happy about it but he said that he wouldn't say anything. Later that evening she heard the two of them arguing very loudly.
This was a book about a rich woman and how being famous had changed her and her relationship with people and with her husband. It gives you the feel of that if you only had money, power, fame,and the house and things that with all of that then you would really have everything. I am not sure that is true. I actually don't believe that that is true at all. Some people think that would mean you would be happy, money and things don't make you happy!
Kudos to Becky Alexander this book gives you a lot to think about and you kept me riveted. Thank you for sharing this with us!
Happy Reading!
In The Other Mrs. Eden, Becky Alexander crafts a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dangerous allure of identity and the blurred lines between admiration and obsession. The novel centers on Kim, a struggling actress who lands a coveted position as the assistant to Jemima Eden, a glamorous woman whose seemingly perfect life has captivated Kim from a distance. What begins as an exciting opportunity soon spirals into a disturbing exploration of ambition, deception, and the dark side of the lives we envy.
Fans of psychological thrillers will find themselves drawn to Kim’s unreliable narration as she becomes increasingly enmeshed in Jemima’s world. Alexander deftly weaves tension throughout the novel, keeping readers on edge as they question Kim’s motives and sanity. The plot is rich with psychological complexity, as Kim slowly morphs from a hopeful outsider into a mirror image of the woman she once admired. The way Alexander unravels Kim’s transformation is both unsettling and deeply engrossing, making readers question how far Kim will go to secure the life she covets.
Character development is a strong suit in The Other Mrs. Eden. Kim’s initial vulnerability and desire for success are relatable, but as she begins to slip into Jemima’s shoes—both figuratively and literally—her character arc becomes increasingly twisted. Her complex relationship with Jemima, which vacillates between admiration and jealousy, is fraught with tension and keeps readers guessing about Kim’s true intentions. Jemima, on the other hand, is portrayed as both enigmatic and deeply flawed, a woman whose perfect facade crumbles as her secrets come to light. The dynamics between the two women, as well as the peripheral characters like Jemima’s husband George, add layers to the psychological intrigue.
The plot is a slow burn, but one that builds momentum as secrets are revealed and the tension between Kim and Jemima reaches its breaking point. Readers who enjoy stories about the disintegration of identity, envy, and psychological manipulation will find plenty to savor here. Alexander’s atmospheric writing draws readers into the world of high society, where everything sparkles on the surface, but nothing is as it seems. The themes of performance, identity, and self-deception are deftly explored, making this a thought-provoking read as well as a suspenseful one.
Ultimately, The Other Mrs. Eden is a masterful blend of psychological suspense and character-driven drama. It keeps readers questioning the nature of truth and identity until the very end. Becky Alexander has crafted a tale that will appeal to fans of dark, twisted thrillers that leave you reeling, wondering just how well we know ourselves—or anyone else.
The Other Mrs Eden
by Becky Alexander
Pub Date: Sep 11 2024
The Other Mrs Eden is full of suspense, tension and mystery with lots of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page! It's an enjoyable quick read with a strong plot. I highly recommend this book!
Synopsis: I never imagined I'd be living in Jemima Eden's world. As her new assistant, I'm suddenly part of a life I've only ever dreamed of. After years of barely scraping by, juggling temp jobs and failed auditions, it feels like my chance to finally be someone. One thing's certain… nothing in this house is what it seems, least of all me.
Many thanks to #TheOtherMrsEden #NetGalley and #StormPublishing for providing me with an E-ARC of this 5 Star book!
There is something dark and brooding with a sinister feeling lurking just beneath the surface in this story. I would classify this book as a domestic drama with an air of mystique. It is not really a thriller. The tension is there, but you are not sure where this tension is coming from.
Kim needs a job. When she is hired by the famous actress, Jemima Eden, as her PA, she is over the moon. It does not take long for her to figure out this is not going to be the dream job she hoped for. Demanding and overbearing is putting it mildly when you describe this diva known as Jemima. I do not believe that I have ever seen two more unlikeable characters than Jemima and her husband, George. George is also a famous actor, but maybe not quite as famous as his wife. Jemima is a narcissist who is beyond needy. George is just downright creepy. I was getting serial killer vibes from him the whole time. Poor Kim is the only normal one in a house filled with so much ego that I am surprised the house can hold them. I know this incredible dislike of characters is by design by the author, so kudos to the author for making them so downright dislikeable.
You know there is some dark undercurrent at work in this house, but you are not exactly sure what it is until the fantastical ending which will leave your mouth agape. At first I was puzzled about the title, but when I dug a little deeper into my thoughts, I realized (or at least I think I am right) that there are two Mrs. Eden's. One lives outside the four walls and puts on her happy face, and the other one is living a very strange life behind the four walls of her home.
I have to give this one five stars because it held me captive for an entire evening. Also the tension was tight enough to choke you, which is always a plus in a drama/mystery.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I recently received an ARC of Becky Alexander's book, The Other Mrs, Eden; it will be released on September 11th. Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and the author; this review reflects my honest opinion. The Other Mrs. Eden is told from two perspectives: that of Kim Connor, an aspiring yet unemployed actress and temporary personal assistant to the famous yet volatile Jemima Eden, an established actress and that of Jemima. It seems as Jemima's star quality is diminishing; she is constantly contacting her agent about available parts. The storyline provides some insights into the competitive nature of the acting industry, how fleeting fame can be, how publicity can positively or negatively impact a career and how one event can create a bond between two unlikely individuals. The Other Mrs. Eden is a fast-paced entertaining read, a definite page turner. 3.5 stars.
This is quite a quick read and i'm not entirely sure where the title fitted in but it was quite enjoyable.
Kim was an aspiring actress although she hadn't done any acting since school which I thought was a bit strange, she took a job as PA to a famous actress, the egotistical diva, Jemima Eden.
Kim worked from a small basement room in the luxurious home owned by Jemima and her actor husband George, she was hoping that this might give her a leg up into the close knit acting fraternity.
Kim wasn't easy to work with but usually the affable George was on hand to smooth the rough waters.
When Kim does get a small break into the acting world and a group of friends that she never thought possible but things that she had dreamed of, Jemima became even more needy, trying her best to put a spoke in the wheels for Kim.
The story plods along until a surprise flip at the end, perhaps Kim and Jemima had more in common than they first thought.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.
The Other Mrs Eden is a fast paced mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. I did feel like the title and story didn't match the synopsis so I was waiting for something to happen that never happened but it was an intriguing premise nonetheless, it just sort of fell flat for me.
There was a lot of potential but wasn't executed as well as it could be.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
2.5 stars rounded up
Sinister? definitely!
With horrible characters written beautifully and lots of twists this will keep you reading long into the night!
This was an intriguing story! Kim a temp ends up working for Jemima a star in the acting world. Their lives almost seem to blend into one as Kim starts to feel like Jemima’s live is hers. Very good story and a great end!
Trigger warning: Scenes of DV, SA, & miscarriage.
What I liked:
- the writing style
- plot idea
- fast-paced
- the cover
What I didn't like:
- the execution of the plot
- NOT a thriller
- Mediocre
- Most of the characters were horrible.
- The title doesn't fit the plot.
Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, & the Author for this ARC.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
#TheOtherMrsEden #NetGalley
This is the first book I’ve read by Becky. It was a little slow in the beginning. I would say it started to pick up for me around 20% in. All Kim ever wanted was to be an actor. When she gets the opportunity to be a PA to Jemima Eden she takes it. Working for her isn’t easy but Kim ends up getting an agent, it ends up being worth it. Jemima’s husband George seemed to have taken a liking to Kim. We end up seeing what a terrible husband he is to Jemima. After first, I wasn’t a fan or her but once I learned how terrible he was, I felt bad for her. He didn’t want the best for her. He just wanted to control her and have things his way. He even went as far to blame her for both of the miscarriages. He’s such a terrible and gross person. In the end, Kim and Jemima formed a beautiful friendship. Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Becky for the ARC!
The book deals with the relationship between Jemima Eden and Kin Conner. Jemima is a popular actress, and Kin is her assistant. George, Jemima's husband, is also an actor but not as famous as Jemima. The story deals with the relationship between these three personages. The book is fun to read, and there are several funny moments. The end is very, very surprising.
I loved, loved Kim! Her witty, laugh out loud inner dialogue about Jemima had me in stitches! I loved how she was the one authentic, down to earth stable character throughout the book. No matter the highs and lows that she experienced and no matter how badly Jemima treated her, Kim remained faithful and loyal towards Jemima. The plot twist at the end blew me away! That George was the villain all along! So it was for sure a sharp, double-edged sword, twisty thriller! So George thought that he could destroy Jemima's reputation but with all the drama at the end, Kim and Jemima ended up being the ones who emerged stronger, brighter, victoriously rising above their circumstances. Being superstars.
I was immersed in this book right away, the twists and turns were really well done and they kept me hooked.