Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The End of Her by Shari Lapena Narrator: Karissa Vacker
Published by Penguin Audio on July 28, 2020
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Length: 9 hours, 23 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
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In upstate New York, Stephanie and Patrick are adjusting to life with their colicky twin babies. The girls are a handful, but Stephanie doesn't mind being a stay-at-home mom, taking care of them while Patrick does the nine to five to pay the bills.
When a woman from Patrick's past drops in on them unexpectedly, raising questions about his late first wife, Stephanie supports her husband wholeheartedly. She knows the car accident all those many years ago was just that--an accident. But Erica is persistent, and now she's threatening to go to the police.
Patrick is afraid his job--and his reputation--will be at risk if he doesn't put an end to Erica's questioning immediately. And when the police start digging, Stephanie's trust in her husband begins to falter and Patrick is primed to lose everything he loves. As their marriage crumbles, Stephanie feels herself coming unglued, and soon she isn't sure what--or who--to believe. Now the most important thing is to protect her girls, but at what cost?
I have enjoyed this author’s work previously and I am sure I will in the future. Most of her works are standalone mystery/thrillers which is nice because you don’t have to worry about the order or if you’ve read the previous one.
The End of Her is a psychological thriller as it plays strongly on the character’s emotions. Every character had thoughts and feelings to make me feel uneasy and uncomfortable. I did not like these characters. Normally I like to see some flaws and layers to the characters to make them more realistic. But I also like to see some positive qualities and aspirations.
I wondered throughout whether the title referred to the first wife of Patrick. I rooted for Patrick and felt many of the things happening to him and others were unfair. I kept waiting for someone’s friends to help and support them. Really it felt like the worst outcome happened every time.
At the very end, something I could appreciate happens. It felt like karma. But it was ambiguous. I don’t like an unclear ending. Between that and the unlikable characters, it was fascinating but not very pleasant.
Narration:
I’ve listened to this narrator before and enjoyed her performance. I was comfortable with her male and female voices in this audio. She did well capturing the emotional feeling of the characters. I listened at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:
About Shari Lapena
Shari Lapena is the internationally bestselling author of The Couple Next Door, A Stranger in the House, An Unwanted Guest, Someone We Know and The End of Her.
She was a lawyer and an English teacher before turning to fiction. She lives in Toronto.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- COYER-20
Sorry this wasn’t a better reading experience, Anne. They can’t all work out but I can understand how not finding any of the characters likable or redeemable would have a poor impact. Maybe the next book!
I think it was more the ambiguous ending which is not what I need in this world right now.
Sorry this didn’t work as well as her other books. Its bound to happen, I guess?
It’s a good book. I just needed something more straightforward right now. I’m going to have to be careful about this genre right now.
Yeah, something to make you feel they are worth it and not all bad. Bummer about the ending, too. I still need to try her books. Glad they can be read out of order.
I just wanted something with a definitive ending which isn’t the books fault. The world is crazy so I need a bit of positive and well defined.
I appreciate your thoughtful review of this one, Anne. I can do unlikable characters pretty well as long as I feel strongly about them. This sounds like a mixed bag.
Thank you Jennifer. I think the uncertainty didn’t play well with me in the crazy times it is now.
Bummer that this wasn’t a perfect listen for you. I could sense your frustration.
Normally I love her work. I just needed the ending to be more clear.