42% into this and I've lost interest; it sounded right up my street but I put it down a couple of weeks ago and now I have no desire to pick it up again.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance audiobook copy of Greta by Manon Steffan Ros in exchange for an honest review. I have been getting into a lot of Welsh mysteries lately. There is a certain feeling to them that I really enjoy that isn't in other books. Who killed the popular, rich and beautiful girl who seemed to have the perfect life? There many suspects and they all have secrets.

As soon as I saw this one I knew I had to request it. It sounded so up my alley. Unfortunately it just didn't work for me. It was very slow to start and completely lost my interest. Nothing truly held my attention or kept me wanting to return to it. I had to stop listening to this one unfortunately.

This book is about a teen girl named Greta who is found dead in a quarry. The novel focuses on Shane who is her classmate but had a secret friendship with her. Also, his mother was their family's maid. There are many secrets that come to light and the ending will have you sad and shocked. This was a good thriller that has the whole world (thanks to news and social media) concerned about this seemingly innocent teen, Greta. I did feel some parts dragged a bit, but it was a good novel.

The details of this book were nice; I enjoyed reading about the community and the scene-building. My overall rating is low due to how the story was told and the POV. There were points I was confused if it was present or past. I listened to the audiobook along with the Kindle copy.
The ending seemed a bit odd, but overall, it was a nice short mystery with an unlikely ending.
The Narrator for the audio portion was good at conveying emotion and I enjoyed the accent.

Thank you to the Author and Amazon Crossing and Brilliance Audio for the chance to read/listen to this book and leave my review!

“Greta" by Manon Steffan Ros is an engrossing and emotionally charged novel that perfectly captures the complexities of a small village steeped in secrets and tragedy. The plot revolves around the murder of popular teenager Greta Pugh, sending ripples through the community of Bethesda, Wales, as everyone tries to hide what they know. The narrative takes you on a journey through the eyes of Shane, a classmate and son of the Pughs’ cleaner, who wrestles with his knowledge of the Pugh family and the revelations that slowly unfold.

While the novel isn't a traditional thriller, it excels in delivering valuable life lessons. As a counselor, I found its portrayal of trauma bonds and the consequences of keeping silent in critical moments particularly poignant. This story emphasizes the importance of reaching out to a trusted adult when a friend or oneself is in danger—a lesson that resonates deeply with the challenges adolescents face today.

The characters' shared trauma and the unintended consequences of their actions serve as a reminder of how easily a situation can spiral out of control. The predictability of the plot does little to diminish its impact, as it feels more like a study of human nature and community than a mystery. I believe this book would be a great fit for therapeutic reading, especially for young people grappling with difficult situations. In fact, I would love to see this novel adapted into a movie for adolescents, as it offers a relatable and powerful message.

Manon Steffan Ros has crafted a beautifully written, thought-provoking novel that lingers long after the final page. Highly recommended!

I liked listening to the audiobook, Greta by Manon Steffan Ros. It was a haunting, emotional experience. The story is set in a small Welsh town, where the murder of a golden girl Greta Pugh rattles the community. The mystery surrounding her death unfolds through the eyes of Shane, a boy connected to the Pugh family through his mother's work as their cleaner.

The narrator, Tom Mumford, did an amazing job portraying the characters, especially Shane, and bringing the story to life. He really captured the eerie vibe of the town perfectly, with everyone hiding something, making you question each character’s motives. The suspense builds with every revelation, making you rethink what you thought you knew. If you’re looking for a fast paced mystery wrapped in a gripping exploration of a small town’s hidden secrets, Greta is definitely worth a listen!

I found Greta to be interesting but also a bit slow. Although I listened to it in one sitting, I felt like I could have turned it off at any moment and not thought of it again. The story is told from first person point of view but sometimes the narrator would retell a story from someone else's point of view and also mention their thoughts of observations that the narrator wouldn't have been privy too. This was a bit distracting for me. The audiobook was great performance wise.