My Opinion
Good Bad Girl by Alice Feeney is an amazing psychological thriller with a totally unexpected twist. The story had a good start, and there was a point when the plot became predictable. But the author saved the dessert for last, and it was mind-blowing. A totally unexpected one with a few characters. Each character had a different story to narrate, which contributed equally to the story.

Edith's character was the most interesting and secretive one. And the last few pages were a bang. Although the story became flat for a few pages, Still, the climax is fresh in my mind. You are going to love this book. Definitely, it deserves 5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an opportunity to read and review the book. ( )

I really enjoyed Alice Feeney's early thrillers, but lately, I have been underwhelmed.
I found this one confusing.
Twenty years ago, a baby went missing, and the mother, Clio, felt guilty, since she was suffering from postpartum depression, and had thoughts that she didn't want the child. Her own mother, Edith, is now in a nursing home, but Clio doesn't like the care she receives. When a woman is found murdered in the home, Clio, Patience (an aide), and Edith are all suspects. Frankie, librarian at a prison, is also involved.
The story links all these women in odd ways. ( )

Exploring the Complex Dance of Morality: A Review of 'Good Bad Girl' by Alice Feeney

As I sit down to pen my thoughts on 'Good Bad Girl', the resonating chords of 'Rock Paper Scissors' serve as a melodic backdrop, a reminder of my unwavering fandom for the literary works of Alice Feeney. But let's not dwell on my bookish proclivities. Instead, allow me to delve into the captivating world of 'Good Bad Girl' and share what truly captivated my literary senses.

In a realm where the lines between virtue and vice blur, where the wicked sometimes masquerade as the righteous, and where circumstances can force the noble to commit dark deeds, the tapestry of 'Good Bad Girl' is meticulously woven. Two decades past, on a Mother's Day marked by a fleeting lapse in attention, the innocence of infancy is snatched away. Fast forward to the present, and yet another Mother's Day dawns. Frankie, burdened by the weight of her vanished child, grapples with a world where trust is a scarce commodity. She stands alone, isolated by necessity and circumstance. Meanwhile, within the confines of Windsor Care Home, Edith, an octogenarian ensnared by a clever ruse, orchestrates a daring escape. Her suspicions are stoked by the alleged murder of her friend May, and her ally in this quest is Patience – a caregiver whose honesty is as enigmatic as the shifting sands of truth. As their stories intertwine, a rich tapestry unfolds, weaving together the threads of four women, two murders, three suspects, and one unfortunate victim.

The narrative's tempo may, at first, seem deliberate – a slow simmer of domestic drama and suspense that takes its time to kindle. It demands patience as the intricate relationships among the four central characters are painstakingly etched onto the canvas. Yet, in this simmer lies the promise of a narrative crescendo that proves to be Alice Feeney's pièce de résistance. While not her most shadow-laden tale, 'Good Bad Girl' shines brilliantly in its exploration of the dichotomy between good and bad. Feeney deftly dissects the intricacies of motherhood, particularly the harrowing struggles endured by those ensnared in the throes of postpartum depression. Her narrative serves as a mirror, reflecting the multifaceted nature of parenthood and the burdens it entails. Thought-provoking and incisively observed, the prose resonates like a haunting melody, compelling multiple re-reads to fully absorb its depth. This is an Alice Feeney creation that beckons to be revisited, each re-reading promising the discovery of subtle nuances previously overlooked. It's an invitation to self-reflection, prompting readers to scrutinize their own maternal journeys.

As the lives of the four protagonists seamlessly interweave, Feeney's mastery of suspense takes center stage. With each twist and turn, the tension mounts like a tightly coiled spring, and the narrative propels forward with electrifying momentum. The Queen of Twists keeps her scepter firmly in hand, delivering revelations that hit like lightning bolts, illuminating the intricate web of secrets and lies that entangle the characters. A symphony of concealment, 'Good Bad Girl' unveils layers upon layers of truth, revealing the delicate dance between revelation and mystery.

Feeney's characters are nothing short of literary alchemy, each imbued with distinctive voices and personalities that span the spectrum of human complexity. They serve as the narrative's pulsating heart, their stories an intimate reflection of our own. As the narrative hurtles towards its zenith, emotions intermingle, culminating in a denouement that is simultaneously poignant and uplifting.

Alice Feeney, a maestro in her genre, has deftly carved her niche yet again. 'Good Bad Girl' stands as testament to her ability to reinvent and captivate with every new tale. Her repertoire is a testament to her versatility, each work adding to an ever-growing list of literary triumphs. A word of advice to fellow readers: in a world of instant gratification, 'Good Bad Girl' beckons for a patient approach – a demand that yields a reward beyond measure.

Gratitude extends to NetGalley and the generous team at Pan Macmillan for granting me the privilege of experiencing 'Good Bad Girl' in exchange for an unreserved appraisal. For those who share my admiration and wish to embark on this literary journey, mark your calendars for the eagerly awaited unveiling on August 29th. This is an odyssey that promises to be a soul-stirring voyage through the realms of morality and human intricacies. ( )

I would love to give this 2.75 stars, but can only give whole stars on my laptop version. I liked the writing and the characters, but the story was a bit thin and pretty unbelievable. I will look for another title by the author, though, because I did enjoy the way she crafted a story. ( )

This was pretty good, well layered and woven but not my favorite Feeney ( )