From New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Megan Abbott, an eerie and prescient novel about a family outing that takes a terrifying turn.Honey, I just want you to have everything you ever wanted. That’s what Jacy’s mom always told her.
And Jacy felt like she finally did. Newly married and with a baby on the way, Jacy and her new husband Jed embark on their first road trip together to visit his father, Doctor Ash, in Michigan’s far-flung Upper Peninsula. The moment they arrive in the cozy cottage in the lush woods, Jacy feels bathed in love by the warm and hospitable Doctor Ash, if less so by his house manager, the enigmatic Mrs. Brandt.
But their Edenic first days take a turn when Jacy has a health scare. Swiftly, vacation activities are scrapped, and all eyes are on Jacy’s condition. At the same time, whispers about Jed’s long-dead mother and complicated family history seem eerily to be impeding upon the present. As the days pass, Jacy begins to feel trapped in the cottage, her every move surveilled, her body under the looking glass. But are her fears founded or is it paranoia, or cabin fever, or—as is suggested to her—a stubborn refusal to take necessary precautions? The dense woods surrounding the cottage are full of dangers, but are the greater ones inside?
BEWARE THE WOMEN
Megan Abbott
BEWARE THE WOMEN has a slow progression, and in the building, I had high hopes. But unfortunately, the concepts ended with unsure opinions written like whispers yelled into the wind and explanations for everything in the epilogue.
This is my first Megan Abbott and overall, I’d say I’m more disappointed by how the message was delivered rather than by the message itself.
In BEWARE THE WOMAN we are following Jacy and Jed. They are newly married and visiting Jed’s odd but charming father, Dr. Ash, somewhere in the woods of Michigan. This is her first time meeting Dr. Ash, so Jacy is putting her best foot forward and things are going well until a surprising turn of events renders Jacy more of a patient than a wife or daughter-in-law.
BEWARE THE WOMEN is showing exactly where the line is between concession and forfeiture. When being a people pleaser is no longer keeping you safe. It keeps you quiet and easier to dominate.
Every character in this book lets you down. The meat of the plot is missing. And there is a “bad guy” as scary as an empty bag caught in a warm breeze. The entire book felt like a simmer pot. I was dulled into anger. But was angry at the wrong person.
The thrilling part of this book could be resolved with a hard conversation. And I’m still not sure all of that even warrants three stars. However, that’s where I landed with my rating.
Recommended to readers new to the thriller genre. BEWARE THE WOMAN is out today where books are sold.
Thanks to Netgalley, Penguin Random House Audio, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the advanced copies and the opportunity to provide feedback!
BEWARE THE WOMAN BY Megan Abbott…⭐️⭐️⭐️
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