While listening to the audio of Beautiful Ugly - a Dickens quote kept playing in my head: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”…….and literally, nothing in between. The 2 POVs were either telling a bliss-filled narrative of love, or a story of crippling sadness. The ending was completely twisted - and, I was good with it (When you read the book, you’ll know what I mean). Alice Feeney really delivered with this one. Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the early Audio release :)

4.5 stars

My favorite Alice Feeney book so far! I loved the multiple layers of this mystery, the atmospheric setting on a sparsely populated Scottish island, the eccentric characters, and the female rage and justice! Feeney did an excellent job creating a sense of claustrophobia and doom that grows worse and worse as the book goes on. This book had me hooked from beginning to end!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

The audio for Beautiful Ugly was absolutely perfect. It was so easy to follow along (if you didn't have the book in hand) with all the sound effects of each POV change. Highly recommend the audio if you can get your hands on it!

Beautiful Ugly is the definition of psychological thriller 🙌🏼
It definitely was a slow start which I typically am not a fan of in thrillers but those last 100 pages really brought me back to life! The twists were twisiting, which is pure Alice Feeney fashion. Beautiful Ugly WILL have you second guessing everything until the very last page!
This was my last book of 2024 and I couldn’t be happier with how it wrapped up! 🩷

“If you are reading this I am trapped on the island please help me “ IYKYK. yes I did it & i was screaming the whole time lol

Alice Feeney’s Beautiful Ugly is a beautifully written story that explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. The dual perspectives are a standout feature, offering easily distinguishable voices that add depth and dimension to the narrative. This structure allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the characters’ lives and understand their unique viewpoints. With her signature style, Feeney weaves a compelling narrative that keeps readers intrigued from start to finish.
While the story is captivating, some of the twists felt slightly predictable, which tempered the suspense for me. Fans of emotionally driven storytelling may still find plenty to enjoy, as the book captures raw emotions and nuanced character dynamics. Its tone and themes reminded me of the show The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, with both stories sharing a similar haunting beauty and emotional resonance.
The audiobook deserves a special mention for its excellent production. The narrators brought the characters to life with distinct performances that enhanced the experience, making it an excellent choice for audio enthusiasts.
Overall, Beautiful Ugly is a compelling and emotionally rich novel that, while not entirely surprising, is well worth the read (or listen). Feeney’s ability to delve into the depths of her characters ensures this book will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me the opportunity to read this advance audiobook copy and providing my honest feedback.

At the same time that author Grady Green hears that he has been named to the NY Times Bestseller list, his wife Abby disappears while he is on the phone with her. When he eventually finds her car, the headlights are on, the driver''s door is open, and her phone is still there but she has disappeared. A year later, still grief-stricken, he accepts the offer to make use of a remote cabin on a tiny Scottish island in the hopes of writing another bestseller.

This is my first experience with Alice Feeney's writing although I have quite a few of her books on my list. I really liked this story and the location. It was very atmospheric and I had no trouble picturing the Isle of Amberly and its inhabitants, all 25 of them ... or is it 24?! In the Kindle version, and I imagine the print version, there's a handy map of the island which helps with imagining the locale. The characters on Amberly are mostly a little on the eccentric side and Grady himself is an unreliable narrator as he drinks too much and doesn't sleep enough. It's hard to know what's real and what's imagined. We're also treated to flashbacks of what was going on with Abby leading up to her disappearance. The chapters are cleverly titled with oxymorons and paradoxes (I think!).

I enjoyed the narration of this audiobook by Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton. They both did an excellent job voicing the various characters as well as the Scottish accents performed by Mr. Armitage. The audiobook also provided various sound effects - the sound of the ocean, bells ringing, walkie-talkies crackling, etc - which helped make the story much more alive. I also had a copy of the Kindle version of the book but didn't read much of it, preferring the audio version. The thing I miss with audiobooks is that we usually don't hear the acknowledgements or the author's notes so that's where the Kindle version comes in handy.

My thanks to Macmillan Audio via Netgalley for granting early access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: January 14, 2025

I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK!!!!!! Alice Feeney did it again! This book was captivating and thrilling. I didn't see the twist coming and was thoroughly shook. This is a must read!

Alice Feeney is hit or miss for me, unfortunately this one was a miss. The book was creepy, aided by a very creepy narration that scared me in multiple places, but the ending just kind of got plucked out of the blue and didn't work for me.

If you are going to read this one, I highly recommend the narration to add to the creepy vibes!

Thanks NetGalley for an advanced copy of this audio!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for sharing this ARC!!

Alice Feeney did it AGAIN!! This was one of my most anticipated reads this year and it was phenomenal!!! There are lots of twist but there was one that had me flipping through the previous pages of the book trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together!!
The narration by Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton, along with all of the immersive sound effects, really make you feel like you are inside the setting of the book!!!
My only “con” would be is that it is slow paced but that does not take away from the greatness of this book!!

I have been looking foward to this audio and I have to say it did not disappoint. I was hooked from the beginning, There are two sides to every story, and Feeney is a genius at giving us one perspective and then another. I love how she brings the reader along and inserts multiple perspectives, including the reader in the character's journeys.

The narrator, Richard Armitage, is fantastic, and he played his character well. I also really enjoyed the look into the publishing world. At first I wasn't sure what i was hearing with the audio additions like waves crashing and walkie talkies, but eventually I grew to enjoy those extra features. Beautiful Ugly is a definitely a page-turner, and the audio is especially fun.

This was a really fun read! I don’t know that it’s a new favorite, but I definitely appreciated it. The main character is an unlikeable bestselling author who has been struggling with grief and writers block after his wife’s disappearance. He ends up on an isolated island with no way to contact the outside world, and is increasingly worried about his sanity after repeatedly seeing things and people relating to his missing wife.

I really liked the way we eventually got a couple more points of view; they really added to the plot and atmosphere. The chapter titles were mostly oxymorons, which I really enjoyed, especially with the title being beautiful ugly. I also appreciated that there were a lot of feminist themes in this book, which I was definitely not expecting! I also really enjoyed the audiobook - there were some really fun sound effects and two narrators, both of whom did an excellent job!

I had an issue with one of the main twists and how it was presented, but I won’t say any more to avoid spoilers.

If you enjoy thrillers with isolated settings, writer MCs, creepy atmosphere, and unlikeable characters, this one’s for you!

One thing I really appreciate about Alice Feeney is that she is wholly ORIGINAL. You never know quite what you'll get from her but it is always, always creative and unlike anything I've ever read. I just think she's wonderful and I'd love to sit with her and pick her brain.

I think people keep hoping for another Sometimes I Lie and that's kind of unfair.

Some of her books are chaotic and full of WTF twists, some are just dark and meandering and unsettling and creepy.

This one fits in the latter category. If you are hoping for a breakneck-speed, chaotic thriller...this ain't it.

If you are looking for a creepy, unsettling, weird, dread-filled book, this is the one for you. Very much a setting as a main character type book, not one that will grab you IMMEDIATELY, but one I so appreciated nevertheless.

I will say that the twist had me flipping through the previous pages of the book trying to get it right in my head, hahaha!

And the audio is PHENOMENAL, as Feeney audiobooks always are. Narrated by the talented Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton, the narration will transport you directly to Amberley, Scotland and send chills right up your spine. So, so good.

I don't generally review audiobooks because trying to say how I feel about a particular narrator is difficult. I mean, I know what I like and if the narration turns me off, I will usually just throw the audio aside. I found the narrators for this story to be perfect for the storyline and location of the story. It was a unique story and almost felt like a story within the story. Part mystical realism (at least to me). part mystery, part serious reflection, this story definitely drew me in. Some moments I knew what would happen (or I thought so) and others I was baffled. The ending surprised me because perhaps I missed some of the nuances (now that I think back) but I was definitely shocked and loved how this author pulled it all together. This is my first Alice Feeney story but by no means will it be my last.

Book Review: Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

Alice Feeney, often heralded as the queen of suspense and thrillers, delivers another atmospheric tale in Beautiful Ugly. While many readers will undoubtedly be captivated by its enigmatic setting and timely themes, this one fell a bit short for me compared to her previous works. That said, it’s still a compelling enough story, showcasing Feeney’s knack for crafting intricate plots and complex characters.

The narrative revolves around author Grady Green and the mystery of his wife Abby’s disappearance. Told through alternating perspectives—Grady’s, Abby’s, and excerpts of Abby’s newspaper articles—the story unfolds with layers of suspense. Grady, grappling with writer’s block and personal turmoil, takes his publisher’s advice and retreats to a remote island to focus on his next book. The island itself is a character in the story: haunting, mysterious, and atmospheric. Feeney’s description of this locale is vivid and compelling, drawing the reader into its eerie embrace.

While the premise is intriguing and the ending satisfying, I found myself struggling to connect with the story at times. The shifting perspectives were well-done but didn’t quite deliver the gripping punch I’ve come to expect from Feeney. However, the book’s exploration of timely themes—particularly its commentary on women during a tumultuous period in history—is commendable and thought-provoking.

The audiobook narrator deserves special mention, as their performance kept me engaged even during moments where the plot felt uneven. Their delivery added depth and nuance to the characters, enhancing the overall experience.

In the end, Beautiful Ugly is a good book with a strong concept and a powerful ending. Though it may not be my favorite from Feeney, I appreciate its ambition and the atmospheric world she created. Fans of suspenseful, thought-provoking stories will likely find much to enjoy here, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of her previous masterpieces.

Thank you to NetGalley for this audiobook ARC opportunity!

I enjoyed the unique background of this book- set on a rainy Scottish island, giving an eery feel when Grady, the main character, is alone, or talking with townspeople.

Grady’s literary agent suggests he goes here after, a year before, his wife all but disappeared- her car on a cliffs edge, headlights on, but no sign of her. He finds a doll in the passenger seat with its mouth sewn shut. Could this be a warning due to the story she wrote?

Pros: I like the narrator, the scenery, the eerie feel, and the unique storyline

Cons: it moved a bit slow for me during some parts

I will definitely read a book from this author again!

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this audiobook. I love Alice Feeney, and this is.a great and mysterious read. The narrator was a good reader, and made the story interesting. This book was very suspenseful and thrilling. I did not see the ending coming, though the end was not my favorite.

BEAUTIFUL UGLY by Alice Feeney.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this alc.

Beautiful Ugly is another banger from Alice Feeney. I loved Daisy Darker, liked Good Bad Girl, and absolutely loved this novel. It kept me on the edge of my seat. This is a good story from start to finish, and I felt I was in a fever dream.

The way Feeney kept the suspense going from the beginning until the last sentence of this book is worthy of applause. The audiobook is narrated by Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton who read the story in a great pace and set the perfect tone. The audiobook also has great sound effects. If you like mystery thrillers, Beautiful Ugly is an excellent read. My best from this author.

the setup…
Grady Green is an author whose first book was an astonishing success. He hasn’t achieved that same level with his following books but he finally got the call that his latest is now a New York Times bestseller. When he calls his wife Abby to share the news, he hears her car come to a screeching stop, her leave the car to assist a woman in the road and then…nothing. The line stays open and when he reaches her car, it’s abandoned and Abby has vanished. A year later, Grady is still grief stricken, unable to write as Abby was his muse and he’s almost destitute. Kitty, his agent and Abby’s godmother, offers him a cabin she inherited as a quiet refuge that will stimulate him creatively. It’s located on the small and isolated Isle of Amberley in Scotland. From the moment Grady steps off of that ferry, nothing is ever again what it seems.

the heart of the story…
Many books claim to be atmospheric but this one owns it at a level I’ve not experienced in a while. There’s something about that island and its residents that feels off despite their friendliness and Amberley’s beauty. The interior of the cabin is perfection with spectacular views and has the solitude Grady loves for writing. He has the primary narrative and when he starts seeing visions of Abby, his accounts become questionable, especially since he’s sleep deprived. But always in the background is a sense that something sinister is at play and I could never shake that feeling. I kept wanting him to run, get off that island and never look back.

the narration…
Richard Armitage was the perfect voice for Grady! I expected great storytelling and his mastery of the character was an added gift. Tuppence Middleton was just as wonderful as Abby. And, the sound effects just added to the suspense.

the bottom line…
I was off balance for the entire story, not knowing who to trust and choosing to trust no one. Everything about Amberley and the townspeople was just odd, with its strange rules and their cultish behaviors. I should have been prepared for that ending but my imagination just didn’t stretch that far. Thank goodness Feeney’s knows no limits. It continues to haunt me. 4.5 stars

Grady Green's life shattered when his wife, Abby, vanished without a trace near a cliffside. A year later, desperate for answers, he retreats to a remote Scottish island. But when he spots a woman who’s the spitting image of Abby, Grady is drawn into a mystery that could unravel everything he thought he knew.

The beginning of this story was absolutely addicting! The atmospheric and intriguing tone of this domestic mystery immediately drew me in. Grady’s strong and winsome voice had me hooked, desperate to uncover what happened. The pacing was solid, and the setting was even better. While I usually enjoy the unreliable narrator trope, there were aspects of it here that didn’t quite work for me. One twist, however, was exceptionally well executed and kept me on my toes throughout. Unfortunately, the ending felt convoluted, unrealistic, and didn’t do justice to the gripping start that I loved.

It’s hard to share opinions about thrillers in reviews because of spoilers, so if you’ve read the book already, send me a DM so we can rant about that crazy ending!!

Thank you @macmillan.audio for the ALC

Perfect for you if you like:
Locked door mystery
Atmospheric
Betrayal & revenge
Unreliable narrator

Similar to:
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
The Plot by Jean Hans Korelitz
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

⛔️chapters 9, 22 & 28 contain paragraphs of brief sexual descriptions (open door, minimal, married couple)
⚠️explicit language (infrequent), child sexual assault, betrayal, common TWs for thrillers

10/10! Twists galore!!! I was always wondering what in the world is going on and it was just twist after twist. Classic Alice Feeney book!

I am a huge Alice Feeney fan and this audiobook did not disappoint! This book has a bit of everything: a disappearance, lies, mysteries, past secrets, isolated atmosphere, etc.
The story follows Grady who is an author that upon hearing some of the best news of his life finds himself experiencing a life changing event because his wife Abby goes missing. A year passes and now he finds himself with major writer's block so his agent offers him an opportunity to go to a remote island to hopefully find inspiration.
He finds himself in an isolated island but he soon notices mysterious events taking place. The people there don't seem to be who they say they are. He also believes that he has seen his missing wife on this small island. He starts wondering if he is truly seeing his missing wife or if it's his grief and insomnia making him see things.
As the story unravels we learn of past secrets and lies that led to the decisions that Grady made and the ending was absolutely shocking!!!
What I loved about this audiobook is that it incorporated various sound effects in the production such as walkie talkie noises, ocean waves, church bells, dial tones, etc. It truly made the listening experience great.
The narrators did a fantastic job. I really enjoyed listening to both narrators.
Overall I enjoyed this book very much. I really love books that take place in remote/isolated areas.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audion. All opinions are my own.