thank you to Net Galley + Macmillan Audio for letting me listen to a copy of this early!

overall, i liked the eerie, mysterious vibe that was going on. i was very keen to figure out what was happening! the ending, however, left me less than satisfied. there is a reveal that very conveniently fuels the entire plot yet NEVER gets explained. a lot of unexplained character motivations and convenient actions.

i would recommend this for a fast read with good mystery vibes. just don’t go into it looking for all the answers or satisfaction.

my little annoyances:
firstly - stop putting smut scenes in your non-romance books. there was at LEAST 5 over described sexual scenes in here for WHAT????? for literally what.

second - just a little quip but by the end of the book it started to annoy me: each chapter title is an oxymoron (ie. ‘beautiful ugly’) and the phrase is so purposely emphasized in each chapter it’s jarring 😭

the audio book features sound effects which i found to be a great touch!

I really enjoyed this book! The beginning and Abby's disappearance were so strong and left me with so many questions that I needed to know what happened to her. Even then, I wasn't totally sold until Abby's first chapter. So much intrigue baked into her storyline! Grady's storyline was full of creepy small-town-everyone-is-watching-you-and-you-might-be-losing-your-mind vibes, which is top-tier suspense, in my opinion!

⭐️⭐️⭐️

I went into this read with limited expectations…only that Feeney is an automatic read for me.

The first chapter and the cover…I was instantly hooked. While the plot dragged along at times, this suspensful thriller provided a bevy of plot twists to keep the readers chugging along. Once the book was finished, all I could think was… “well that was interesting.” I had hoped the ending would be the icing on the cake…but it was lacking. It was difficult to connect with any of the characters.

Hats off to the narration (aka the production) because it was fantastic...sound effects and all. You felt as though you were in Scotland with the characters, especially with the Feeney’s depictions. If opting to read this book, definitely recommend the audio version.

I’d recommend this book; however, this was not Feeney’s best work. A slight letdown but will read any future books.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the gifted ARC (audiobook)…as all opinions are my own.

I have had Alice Feeney in my top 10 authors for a while, and she did not disappoint with Beautiful Ugly! This entire book has a creepy vibe - from the way Grady's wife disappears, to the strange behaviors of the folks that live on the island. Just when you really start to feel bad for Grady and are cheering on his writing and potential "escape" from this Scottish island, he realizes that the only inhabitants are female, and not of the friendly variety. But who really is the villain here?

Learning about the way the past has intertwined with his current situation, the revelation at the end was a HUGE eye popper!

If you get a chance to listen to the audio - do it! It's fantastic!

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillian Audio for this advanced copy in return for my honest review.

Pub Date: 14 January 2025

📚 Beautiful Ugly 🎧
✍ Alice Feeney
📖 Mystery/Thriller
⭐3.5/5

➡ A year ago, on the eve of the best day of his life, bestselling author Grady Green's wife mysteriously disappeared, leaving no trace of her whereabouts behind. Now, with no inspiration for a new book in sight and dwindling funds in his bank account, he's left with little choice but to take his agent up on her offer of a cabin set on a remote island with only 25 residents and no connection to the outside world. Once there, Grady appears to encounter the impossible: a women who is the spitting image of Abby, his wife.
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🙏 Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced listener copy of Beautiful Ugly. All opinions are my own.
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🎯 What I loved: The remote island setting and quirky 24 person town gave off major thriller vibes and I was hooked from the moment Grady arrived on the ferry. I found it interesting that Grady was really not trying to solve a mystery...he was there to write a book, so his resolve when it came to digging into odd things that were happening wasn't really there and actions seemed to just happen to him. I found this an interesting way to lay out a mystery as usually, at least some characters are active participants in trying to get to the bottom of what is happening. Feeney is famous for her unreliable narrators and though she took a slightly different approach in Beautiful Ugly, she still plays into her telltale author traits. The audio on this was super well done and featured dual narration, audio effects a perfect narrator for the part- I would definitely recommend this on audio if given the option.

🙅‍♀️ What I didn't: This book built and built and when it finally came, the climax felt messy. I finished the audio with questions as to how certain odd things had happened because although there was a reveal, it didn't really dig into the how of things or some of the character motivations. The final twist also seemed bizarre to me and I didn't really understand why it happened. Suffice it to say, there's a lot to talk through in this book and I think it would make a great book club pick.
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Read if you love:
*thrillers about authors
*remote settings with lots of creepy characters
*wronged women & payback
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See also: Yellowface, Rock Paper Scissors, Just Another Missing Person

5 BIG FAT STARS!!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC audiobook.
If was magnificent!
So different and original!
The narrator was perfect!
Highly recommended!

As with so many thrillers, I enjoyed my time while reading this book but was disappointed with the ending. There was a huge and critical piece of information the narrator was not telling us. I can't stand when thrillers are like this. It would not have been such a mystery if we knew that information. I understand how these books work, but it's just frustrating that it is presented as if we (the reader) knew all the information but we were being lied to.
It was a good page turner! Just not my favorite ending.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this audiobook. The audio book production was fantastic!

Hot damn, this was SO good! It was incredibly atmospheric and twisty and I loved every second of it.

Grady Green is a New York Times best selling author. He is on the phone with his wife Abby while she's driving. Abby stops to check on something unusual on the road, and then she disappears. He is heartbroken and unable to write, so his editor suggests he travel to a cabin in a remote island in Scotland so that he can regain his mojo. There are no cars, boats, or cell phones on the island leaving people with no way to contact the mainland. Everyone is a suspect and suspicious. And the rest, as they say, is history.

I loved that I was completely engrossed with this novel and was taken aback by how things were unfolding. I love it when that happens.

The audiobook narration was chef's kiss. We have different narrators and as usual, Macmillan does an amazing job with their production by adding other complementary elements.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for a chance to listen to and review this ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it did not disappoint. This is my 4th Alice Fenney novel I’ve read and this was filled with her usual twists and turns. I had the audio for this and it was great, Macmillan Audio always does an amazing job with their audiobooks. There were ocean sounds and walkie talkie sounds that really added to the story. We begin with Grady Green, a New York Times best selling author, on the phone with his wife Abby. Abby is driving and spots a woman laying in the road, she tells Grady she’s going to see if the woman is ok and Grady never hears from his wife again, she is gone.

Grady is heartbroken and cannot write. His editor Kitty, sends him to a remote island in Scotland to try and get away from everything and start fresh to write a new book. That’s when the story really heats up.

This book is one of those “trust no one” scenarios. Everyone on the island is suspicious and to top it off, Grady thinks he sees Abby on the island. Is Abby really missing or is she here on the island with him? Is Grady going crazy due to lack of sleep? What is really going on? There’s no cell service, no boats leaving the island, and no phones. Grady is trapped with no escape in sight.

This book had me hooked. I listened to over 50% of the book in one day. I couldn’t put it down, I would recommend this book for you to add to your 2025 TBR!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

The audio narration of this book was fantastic. I finished the entire book in a 24 hour period. The narrators were engaging and had voices that were easy to listen to. While this story unfolds slightly more slowly than her previous works, I was engaged the entire time. I enjoyed this book by Alice Feeney. I will be thinking about the ending for a while.


Thank you, Netgalley and Macmillan Audio, for a chance to read and review this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of the Scottish islands lies a charming town known for its intricate beauty and captivating atmosphere. Here, Grady seeks solace in writing his next novel following the mysterious disappearance of his wife, Abby. As he grapples with his wife's absence, he questions whether he will find the peace and inspiration needed to complete his writing.

However, Quant's picturesque town may have secrets that contradict its idyllic facade. Grady begins to suspect that the townspeople, who initially seem welcoming, may not be the friends they appear to be. The kindness he encounters could be masking ulterior motives, leaving him to wonder: Is he genuinely safe here, or has he stepped into a web of deceit?

As he delves deeper into the town's mysteries, Grady can't shake the feeling that he might be trapped in a nightmarish illusion of his own making, where reality blurs with his fears and anxieties. Will he uncover the truth about Abby's disappearance and the true nature of Quant Town, or will his quest for answers lead him down a dark path he never expected to travel?


"Beautiful Ugly" is undoubtedly Feeney's most remarkable work to date! I was utterly engrossed in the narrative when I turned to the first page. The story weaves together intricate themes, skillfully building tension that culminates in a jaw-dropping ending, which surprised me and tied together all the plot threads in a satisfying way.

I opted for the audiobook experience, as I have always enjoyed Macmillan's audiobooks. Their narrators consistently deliver a unique, engaging perspective that amplifies the story's depth and intrigue. The voice acting breathed life into the characters, making their emotions vivid and relatable.

"Beautiful Ugly" explores a concept that resonates deeply with everyone yet remains largely unrecognized. It invites readers to reflect on the contradictions of beauty and ugliness in our lives, presenting a narrative that challenges and enlightens us. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a profound and thought-provoking read.

When you think you know the plot, Alice Feeney skillfully subverts your expectations. Her ability to weave intricate narratives makes her a standout storyteller and is swiftly rising to prominence in the literary world.

In this novel, Grady's dark and complex character is artfully kept under wraps for much of the story, adding an intriguing layer of mystery and suspense. Meanwhile, Abby, the central protagonist, experiences a remarkable character arc that evokes a rollercoaster of emotions. One moment, you'll find yourself despising her actions and decisions, and the next, you'll be compelled to reconcile and ask for her forgiveness.

This novel's depth of character development and unexpected twists throughout the story earned it a well-deserved five-star rating. I do not doubt that this will be Alice Feeney's next sensational hit and a strong contender for bestseller lists everywhere.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for a chance to read and review this ARC.

This was my first Alice Feeney book and I have to say I really enjoyed it! The mystery had my full attention and narration by Richard Armitage was fantastic.

There were moments in the book where I sympathized with Grady but many times found myself questioning his actions. He was a selfish prick to be honest. The recollections he had of his wife were all too neat and happy. When we get to the chapters from Abby’s POV, a clearer picture begins to shape about the relationship they had. Tuppence Middleton performed the short chapters and it made for an interesting contrast to Grady’s. Filling in the gaps had me super intrigued.

The history of the island and its residents truly had me guessing towards the end. The twists were satisfying and shocking. I couldn’t listen fast enough to unravel the mystery. Great listen and story overall!

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the audiobook to review.

Alice Feeney has always been one of my favorite thriller authors, but with regret, I didn't particularly like this specific work. My main gripe with Beautiful Ugly, however, was its pacing: it’s too slow. The narrative felt unexciting, though there were a couple of twists at the end that were interesting, but on the whole, it fell flat for me. The good news: Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton did excellent work narrating.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

4 multi-twist stars

Alice Feeney is known for twists that shock me, and this one is no different!

I absolutely enjoyed the audio version of this one, with excellent narration by Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton. Other audio elements, like bells ringing and the sound of the ocean, made the experience even better!

This one's opening scene is terrifying. Grady Green is awaiting word from his publisher that he’s made it to the New York Times bestseller list. As usual, his wife is running late and is just calling him to check if he’s heard. She suddenly slams on the brakes and says she sees something in the road. Grady tells her to stay in the car, but she gets out and …is now missing!

Time passes, and Grady is grieving and unable to write. His publicist sends him to a remote Scottish island to stay in a cabin and work on his next book. The island sounds stunningly beautiful!

We get vignettes about their life together and learn more about Grady and Abby. Grady digs into island life, but everything seems a bit off. He’s drinking more and thinks he’s seeing his wife on the island. Has he lost touch with reality? Who is sending him notes?

The twists at the end just kept coming and veered towards over the top for this listener. But the chilling ending was the perfect way to bring the book full circle and give me goosebumps!

4.5 🌟(rounded up)

Whoa, whoa, whoa—what did I just read?!

‘Beautiful Ugly’, is a dark, salacious, thriller that starts with a bang and doesn’t let up (well, except for a tad bit in the middle but more on that later).

Grady Green, a bestselling author who prefers his dog to people (relatable), is having the worst-best day ever. His wife, Abby, an investigative journalist, vanishes without a trace after a cryptic phone call. Fast forward a year, and Grady’s life is unraveling at the thought of life without her when he heads to a remote island to try to write again.

The dual POVs worked beautifully—Grady’s descent into grief paired with Abby’s sharp perspective kept the tension high. The audiobook narrators were stellar (I mean you can’t go wrong with actors from The Hobbit and Downtown Abbey), and the added sound effects made for a chilling and sometimes creepy listening experience. I really enjoyed the characters in this book right down to Columbo, the loyal black lab. Love it when an author includes a pup for us to love.

Alice Feeney knows how to craft thrillers. Her writing is consistently shocking, twisted, and satisfying. And that twist? WTF. I felt my jaw drop and it stayed there until the end.

Now, the middle did slow down a touch—not enough to derail me or the story, but enough to make me wish for a slightly shorter book. That said, the explosive opening and conclusion made up for it.

If you’re into dark, twisty stories with great surprises, ‘Beautiful Ugly’ is worth your time. Feeney proves yet again she’s a boss of the “I’m not a bad person; I just did a bad thing” and honestly, she deserves far more recognition for it. There is reason everyone wants the early release of this book.

It’s a yes for me!
@deannsdailydrop 🖤

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Alice Feeney for the advance listen copy. It was my pleasure. 👏🏽

Holy smokes. This book is amazing. There's so many uneasy things about the island zone careful. I loved the characters and how everything came together. This is another winner from Alice Feeney!

I detest an unreliable narrator in a book. This dragged on until the big twist and then was ridiculously unbelievable and full of plot holes. The audiobook narrator was really good. I found myself rolling my eyes at Grady’s behavior, which didn’t seem plausible. I’ve really liked some of this authors other books but this one didn’t do it for me.

This was a really good read. I loved the suspense and as much as I tried, I was not able to figure any of the twists out.

The narration by Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton is outstanding. Alice Fenney did a great job on this story, it was well-written and fast-paced.

Grady Green is an author who for the first time has made the NYT Best Seller list. He is on the phone sharing the news with his wife, who is driving home, when suddenly she stops for a woman on the road, and when she gets out to check on her, Grady begs her to not hang up and he stays on the line, but she never returns.

The twists and turns are often, and fast. They all fit perfectly within the story and (for myself) unpredictable.

Thank you to Macmillian Audio via NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book.

It’s in your best interest to not read any spoilers for this book. I finished the audiobook of Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney in two sessions. The narrators, Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton, are outstanding. I think when this book comes out that there will be many discussions about it. There’s plenty of twists and one major twist that I was unable to guess. It’s big and I feel like it’s unnecessary. In my opinion the story would have been better without it. I loved the story before the twist but it got very show and telling after. You had me and then you lost me and then…the last paragraph had me again. I am looking forward to discussing everything when the book comes out. ALC was provided by Macmillan Audio via NetGalley. I received an advance listening copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A mix of Sleeping with the Enemy and American Gods with oxymorons abounding. Nice sound effects. Lots of twists.
A novelist’s investigative-journalist wife gets threats. The day he makes the NYT bestsellers list, a creepy doll with its mouth sewn shut is the only clue left behind when she vanishes.
After a year of his being unable to write or sleep, his agent loans him a cabin on the remote and unwelcoming Scottish island, where he faces a moral quandary and begins to hallucinate. Women of the island lie about everything, even the meaning of names. Every few chapters, we see the story from another point of view and many secrets.
Beautiful literary prose, but until ch30, he does nothing to investigate the many mysteries, just writes, lies, and drinks constantly, even when the clues smack him in the face. He has no redeeming qualities. Nothing he narrates the whole book is reliable. I absolutely didn’t buy the biggest twist after the confrontation in church.