Gorgeously dark and atmospheric setting on a remote island in Scotland where nothing is what it seems and no one can be trusted. Lots of jaw-dropping twists and turns and a quick pace kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I'm not entirely sure I liked the ending, but I definitely enjoyed the journey. The narrators of the audio version did an excellent job, and I also enjoyed the added sound effects of the sea, walkie talkies, etc.

4.5 stars* I was so excited when I saw that I received a arc audiobook of this!! I have loved the two Alice Feeney books I have read so far so I was stoked to pick up another one and this did not disappoint.

Beautiful Ugly had me INVESTED. I could not listen to the audiobook fast enough. This was such an interesting and twisty read and I had no idea what was going on which made it such a fun and wild ride.

The audiobook itself was really well done and I can't wait to read my next Alice Feeney book!

I want to thank Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Publication date: January 14, 2025

*Beautiful Ugly* by Alice Feeney is a gripping and intense psychological thriller that delves deeply into the complexities of marriage, grief, and revenge. The story centers on Grady, whose wife, Abby, mysteriously disappears one night while driving home. A year later, Grady remains consumed by sorrow and confusion, unable to comprehend what happened to her. His life takes a bizarre turn when he’s invited to spend time on a secluded island, only to encounter a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to Abby.

As an ardent fan of Alice Feeney’s work, I had high expectations going into this novel. While I appreciated the core of the plot, I found it somewhat far-fetched at times. The premise, though intriguing, stretched the boundaries of believability for me, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the narrative.

That said, Feeney’s skill as a writer is undeniable. Her ability to craft suspense and tension is masterful, and the pacing, though occasionally slow, ultimately serves to heighten the sense of unease. The novel also offers a thought-provoking exploration of the intricacies of marriage, touching on themes of trust, loyalty, and the hidden desires that can shape a relationship.

Though *Beautiful Ugly* didn’t quite meet my expectations in the way I had hoped, it remains a compelling read, showcasing Feeney's talent for creating intricate, suspense-filled tales.

Thank you Netgalley and MacMillan for this audiobook.

“I hope you die in your sleep.”

We follow Grady Green an aspiring struggling author who finally ends up on the New York Time Bestseller list on the same night is wife mysteriously disappear while helping a woman on the road. Fast forward to a year after the disappearance, still struggling with the grief of his missing wife and unable to write or produce any new book, his publisher offers him a chance to go on a retreat on an island in a secluded cabin previously own by a famous author in order to help him out. From therr the author brings us on whirlwind drive.

This was my first read from the author Alice Feeney and definitely won’t be my last. Her writing style reminds me of that of Freida McFaden with lots of twists and turns. The story kept me mostly engaged but I found that it took a while for the action to begin; didn’t really care or see the need to spend half of the story knowing every single people on the island but at the end the author delivered.

I am in love with the title of this book. From the moment I saw the title and artwork, I wanted to read it. The fact that it was written by Alice Feeney made me want to read it even more as I am a fan. I love even more the meaning behind the title, but I suppose you will need to read the book to find out what that is!

This psychological thriller is exactly that. Psychological. The deeper you get, the more it twists. As soon as you think all has been revealed, guess again.

For those who are fans of more realistic plots, this may not be the book for you. For those who are fans of roller coaster mind bends, and the jaw drops that keep on coming, this is your book.

In Beautiful Ugly, we are introduced to author Grady Green who receives a call from his publisher with great news. He calls to share the news with his wife who is driving home. While on the phone, Abby sees a body in the road and slams on her brakes. Grady tells her not to get out of the car, but Abby does not listen. Minutes pass and she does not come back on the line. When Grady gets to the scene of the accident he finds the car near the side of a cliff with Abby nowhere in sight.

Fast forward one year, Grady is still grieving the loss of his wife. He can't sleep. He can't write. His editor suggests some time away. Somewhere quiet where he can focus on his work. Grady finds himself on a remote Scottish Island with no cell service, phone lines, internet, television etc. On an island where nothing is what it seems, he begins to encounter strange happenings and a woman who looks just like his dead wife.

This book had one of the best lines I have ever read in it (let's see if you can find it!). I was listening to the audio version and had to pause, rewind, listen again, and then rewind again to make sure I wrote it down exactly right so that when I have a bad day, I can look at it and laugh!

While at times the plot seemed a little farfetched and unrealistic, at the same time it was the kind of plot where you are left thinking......but what if?!?

For the psychological thriller, suspense and mystery fans out there, get ready! This book is hitting bookshelves January 14, 2025.

As noted, this was an audio version and I thought very well performed by Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton.

I would like to thank Macmillian Audio and NetGalley for the free advance copy in return for an honest review of the book.

Alice Feeney is an author I keep trying to get into, but so far, I have not gotten into any of her books. Beautiful Ugly came close to being the book to finally suck me in, but it just missed.

Grady Green is an author who is struggling to write after dealing with the grief of his wife going missing. A year earlier, he was on the phone with his wife when she saw a body lying in the middle of the road. She got out to help, and then she was never seen again.

Grady goes to a small Scottish island, and once he is there, he believes he sees his missing wife. There are a lot of other strange events that happen, and you start to wonder what’s really going on.

The last quarter of this book is where Alice Feeney lives up to her name of the Queen of Twists. It’s just twist after twist leading up to a final twist that I absolutely loved.

Audiobook Review: Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

Alice Feeney delivers a wickedly twisted tale in Beautiful Ugly, a psychological thriller that’s anything but ordinary. The story stands out with its unique premise and a steady, deliberate pace that keeps listeners hooked without feeling rushed. Feeney masterfully weaves suspense and intrigue, gradually unraveling the layers of her characters and plot until the explosive conclusion.

The audiobook’s narrator deserves special praise for their performance. Their ability to embody the tension, emotion, and complexity of the story adds an extra layer of depth, making the listening experience even more immersive. The pacing of the narration perfectly matches the tone of the book..

If you’re looking for a thriller that breaks away from the conventional and keeps you guessing until the very end, Beautiful Ugly is an excellent choice. It’s dark, unpredictable, and will linger in your mind long after the final chapter.

Reading in Between the Wines book review #124/130 for 2024:
Rating: 3 🍷🍷🍷 (2 ½ rounded up to 3)
Book: Beautiful Ugly
Author: Alice Feeney
RELEASES on January 14, 2025!!!

Sipping thoughts: I love Alice Feeney, but this one fell short for me. I was all in and could not wait to find out what was happening. Early on, I made a guess as to what was happening on the island, and unfortunately, I was correct. It was an interesting plot but was just too out there. There were many parts I liked, but some that drug on too long. I am still happy I read it as I will read anything by Feeney. I read the audio version and loved the sound effects. If you want to read a book where you have to suspend all reality, this is the one for you.

Cheers and thank you to @Netgalley and @MacmillanAudio for an advanced copy of @BeautifulUgly.

#BeautifulUgly #AliceFeeney #MacmillanAudio #NetGalley #ARC #advancedreader #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult

Holy WTF!?! I know that anytime I pick up one of Alice Feeney’s books I should not trust anyone or anything, so you think I would be prepared for what was to come as the story progressed...ya think...but nope...I still not see the main twist coming!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:

Suspense
Tension
Mystery
Missing Person
Atmosphere
Locked Room/ Remote Island
Twists

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?

The production and sound effects added into this tension filled story upped the creep factor, tension and enhanced the overall atmosphere! Not to mention how Tuppence Middleton and Richard Armitage brought all the characters and their personalities to life. Truly a stellar performance!

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?

Steady with slow burn development

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?

If you are looking for an immersive story that has you questioning everyone and everything...and I mean EVERYTHING, then you have got to grab Feeney's lates psychological thriller now!

Thank you NetGalley and Flatiron Books for this gifted audiobook.

Audiobook sooooo wonderful and all-encompassing (hello added sound effects) I had to get a hard copy and read along🩵

Like all of @alicewriterland ‘s novels, this was full of shady characters, beautiful vivid settings, and mysteries galore.

4.5⭐️

⭐️BEAUTIFUL UGLY, out JANUARY 14th⭐️

✨Thanks as always to @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2024 for the complimentary audiobook✨

#beautifulugly #alicefeeney #macmillanaudio #flatironbooks

3.5 ⭐️

In Alice Feeney’s latest novel BEAUTIFUL UGLY, the reader meets Grady, an author who has lost his writing mojo since his wife Abby’s disappearance a year ago. When his agent offers him the use of her inherited cabin on a remote Scottish island (population: under 30), Grady jumps at it. Once there, he sees what looks like his missing wife and also finds a completed manuscript of a recently deceased writer. If you enjoyed THE PLOT, THE SEQUEL, or YELLOWFACE, you’ll see echoes of those plots in this one. In my opinion, those novels were a tad stronger than this one though.

I really enjoyed the novel up until Grady got to the island. The island life got a little frustrating for me as a reader, as Grady seemed to lose almost all agency and IQ points. It was entertaining enough, and, while my early guess about the plot wasn’t completely correct, it was close enough.

There are two audiobook narrators for this novel (one male, one female). The male author gets more air time, as Grady’s perspective is most of the book. There are some sound effects added which do make the audio feel more atmospheric. Those effects tend to be at the beginning of chapters and aren’t distracting. Due to the good production value, I think this one would be better to take in on audio than paper.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance listener copy in exchange for an honest review.

BEAUTIFUL UGLY publishes January 14, 2025.

Wow this book had me guessing until the very end! Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton were simply brilliant in this audio book, I could not stop listening. I also loved the added touches this audio book had of the sound of the ocean at certain parts and the suspenseful music. This audio book is one of my favorites of the year. Feeneyś description of the island were perfect I could picture all the places perfectly. The book begins as the case of a missing wife who has simply vanished in the night to a suspenseful thriller where I never figured out the who until the very end. This book was not predictable a true mystery I cant wait to read more from Alice Feeney!

Alice Feeney gives readers more crazy twists in her new book - Beautiful Ugly.

"Author Grady Green has been unable to write since his wife disappeared. His agent offers a cabin on a remote Scottish island. Things are odd on the island. He hears children's voices. Things are moved around in the cabin. Then he sees the impossible - a woman that looks like his wife."

Feeney likes an isolated location in her books and it's hard to get more isolated than an island with no internet, no phone service, a sketchy ferry schedule. Everyone seems to know who Grady is and what he's doing. There seems to be an island community mission to mess with his head. There is a wild cast of characters on the island and plenty of island legends. Grady is not very likable. There are several things he does that are self-centered.
Feeney keeps you guessing. The twists are a big surprise - did not expect any of them.

Richard Armitage is perfect as the voice of Grady capturing his paranoia and self-centeredness. Terrence Middleton is great as the voice of Abby.

Another wild story from Feeney.

Beautiful ugly

Alice Feeney does it again! Love her books! Next to Daisy Darker, this is my favorite !!

Grady is a new NYT best selling author, and as he delivers this great news to his wife, his wife is distracted by something in the road and their conversation fades out as his wife disappears. When Grady goes to the scene, he finds a white box with a doll in it.

We skip forward to one year later as Grady is dealing with the grief of unanswered questions regarding his missing wife. He lost more than his wife that day, his writing career, will to live, and live a healthy life. He travels to a remote Scottish island, at the suggestion by a close family friend, to try to put the past behind him but swears he sees his wife on this trip.

He’s staying at a cabin during his trip of another famed author who used the space to get away and write. This story was fast paced and his first night in the cabin, he finds bones outlined in the shape of a hand. He also finds the author’s 10th back that no one knew about and was never released. Unreliable narrator vibes due to his grief and lack of sleep, what is real and what is just in his head? Definitely some specious behavior from the small (25) population or people on the island.

The story gives perspectives from present from the husband POV and then before the disappearance from the wife POV. It kept me guessing and scratching my head. So beautiful!! Beautifully ugly!’

Loved the audiobook and added features like over the phone audio different than general narration. Interludes between perspectives.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review. Out on 1/14/25!

Beautiful Ugly
Alice Feeney
Publication date: January 14, 2025

This is my first review of an upcoming 2025 book, and having never read Alice Feeney, and this novel being in some of the Anticipated Books of 2025 lists, I am grateful to MacMillan Audio for the audio ARC.

A mystery thriller about a writer’s vanished wife mysteriously reappearing on a remote Scottish island sounds extremely promising. The delivery, however, was quite disappointing…

“I pick up a smooth dark gray stone and splash it across the surface of the sea. It bounces three times before disappearing, and the dog runs into the shallow water. He is chasing something he will never find, but we’re all guilty of that.” Cheesy.

“The seagulls squawk and scream, flapping their dirty white wings as if protesting and circling above the ferry as it breaks from the jetty… They descend and dive so that I have to duck out of the way and the ugly noise they make sounds almost like a warning – go back, go back, go back.” Cringe.

Just when I am done shaking my head, Grady Green, remembering his missing wife, sneaks in an out-of-context, gratuitous sex scene – “Would you prefer to take me from port or starboard, Captain?” Doesn’t even make sense. Could Feeney have meant “fore or aft” or maybe “bow or stern?”

Perhaps part of it is that my reading this just coming from a Cormac McCarthy novel, but the writing is just insufferable and cringe-worthy. I am sure this will sell a gazillion copies, but if you are looking to elevate your reading beyond grocery checkout aisle pulp (and there is nothing wrong with that, per se), this is a hard pass.

Hopefully, this is not a harbinger of what is to come in 2025.

4.5/5
So twisting and fast paced. I had to finish it.
The narration was wonderful. I loved the sounds at the beginning of the chapters to differentiate between the different characters/perspectives

This is the first book by this author that I've read, and what an introduction - this definitely won't be my last. In my opinion, this was a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling. The novel is as unsettling as it is captivating, filled with moments of creeping dread, unexpected twists, and a finale that left me utterly speechless. It’s the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the final page. (Seriously - I'm still thinking about it.)
 
The story opens with author Grady Green on what should be one of the best days of his life. He’s received exciting news regarding his latest book and is eager to share it with his wife, Abby. But their phone call takes a harrowing turn when Grady hears the sound of screeching brakes and Abby stepping out of her car. Then, silence. When Grady rushes to the scene, he finds her car perched at the edge of a cliff. The headlights are still on, her phone is still there—but Abby is gone, and the red jacket she was wearing is at the bottom of the cliff.
 
A year later, Grady is a shell of his former self. Unable to write another book since Abby's disappearance, Grady is desperate for answers and consumed by grief. He struggles financially, has lost his home, and lives with his dog in a motel. Thanks to his literary agent, who is just as desperate for him to write another book, Grady retreats to a remote Scottish island in the hopes of writing his next bestseller while piecing his life back together.
 
It’s on this island that Grady’s already fragile reality begins to unravel. He keeps seeing a woman who looks exactly like Abby. Is it really her? Could she have survived? Or is Grady’s grief and desperation warping his perception of reality? These questions drive the story forward, pulling the reader into a psychological labyrinth where nothing is quite as it seems.
 
Feeney excels at crafting flawed, deeply human characters, and Grady is no exception. His grief is palpable, his desperation relatable, and his actions, though at times frustrating, feel authentic. The characters on the island - especially Sandy (the sheriff and ferry driver) are all expertly drawn, and each one plays a distinct role in bringing the story to life. Not one of them is wasted. The island, with its moody landscapes and ever-present sense of isolation, becomes a character in its own right. Feeney’s descriptions of the setting are richly atmospheric, perfectly complementing the novel’s tone. You can almost feel the chill of the wind and hear the crash of the waves as you read. I was just as intrigued by the island as I was by the rest of the cast.
 
One of the most impressive aspects of the novel is how Feeney keeps the reader guessing. From the outset, I had my suspicions about certain elements of the story, but Feeney deftly misdirects and subverts expectations. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the rug is pulled out from under you. The final chapter, in particular, is a jaw-dropper. My gobs were officially smacked! It ties together the narrative threads in a way that felt both surprising and inevitable. Of course, it had to end that way!
 
I went for a fully immersive read with this one. I had the hardcover thanks to an early release through Book of the Month, but I also had an ALC thanks to the publisher, so I both listened and read, and what a treat that was! The production value of the audio version is top-notch. The sound effects added to the creepy atmosphere while Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton (the voice actors) knocked it out of the park with their portrayals of the characters. Seriously amazing!

I've struggled with thrillers lately, but this one delivers on its promise of unexpected twists and turns. The story is creepy, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant and had me hooked until the very shocking end. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that delve into the darker corners of the human mind, this is a must-read. I can’t wait to dive into more of Alice Feeney's work.

Oh my goddddddd this is definitely one of my top favorites from Alice Feeney!! Like THIS is a thriller that kept me wondering what was going to happen next and where the twists were going to come from.

NetGalley graciously gave me the audiobook arc and it was such a good audio experience I’m lowkey blown away. I really don’t want to say to much about anything that even happens in the books because I think it’d be best to go in blind.

Overall this did not disappoint at all and was a great reminder as to why I love Alice Feeney’s books. Thanks again NetGalley for the ARC!

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney is a gripping psychological thriller that pulls you in with its eerie atmosphere and unrelenting twists. Set on a remote Scottish island, the book thrives on its unsettling vibe, keeping you guessing right to the end.

The story primarily follows Grady Green, an author who begins the worst day of his life with news of his latest bestseller, only to have it unravel when his wife, Abby, mysteriously disappears. A year later, grief-stricken and unable to write, Grady retreats to a secluded cabin on a storm-lashed Scottish island. There, his reality starts to bend as he encounters a woman who looks exactly like Abby. Is it his sleep deprivation, the alcohol he relies on, or is Abby truly there?

Told from Grady’s perspective with occasional insights from Abby, the narrative shifts between the present and the days leading up to her disappearance. This gradual revelation of their marriage’s fractures was one of the story’s most compelling aspects. The contrast between their perceptions of their relationship added depth, making the story as much about human connections as it was about suspense.

The Narration:

The audiobook, narrated by Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton, was a standout experience. Armitage’s ability to differentiate characters’ voices, even across genders and accents, was masterful, while Middleton’s performance added an extra layer of unease. Their combined efforts made the chilling twists even more impactful.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re in the mood for a dark, atmospheric thriller with plenty of surprises, Beautiful Ugly is well worth your time. And for audiobook fans, this version is a must-listen.

I received an ARC of this audiobook from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

I wanted to love this story but I could not get passed the narrator. I tried multiple times and was not relating to the voice. I will have to wait till I can read this one.