An Anonymous Girl (2019) – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Press; 1st
edition (January 8, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1250133734
ISBN-13: 978-1250133731
Click Photo for Purchase Link
“Looking to earn some easy cash, Jessica
Farris agrees to be a test subject in a psychological study about ethics and
morality. But as the study moves from the exam room to the real world, the line
between what is real and what is one of Dr. Shields’s experiments blurs.
Dr. Shields seems to know what Jess is
thinking… and what she’s hiding.
Jessica’s behavior will not only be
monitored, but manipulated.
Caught in a web of attraction, deceit and
jealousy, Jess quickly learns that some obsessions can be deadly.”
I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from the
publisher – St. Martin’s Press – in exchange for an honest review.
 |
| [ARC and promotional materials] |
 |
| [A "gift" and beauty tool from "Jessica"] |
 |
| [Have to love the tie-in promotional tools] |
This is Sarah Pekkanen and Greer Hendricks’ second novel
together. Their first was the shocking, engaging, and page-turning “The Wife
Between Us”. This book written in the same fashion as the first one: three (3)
parts, two points of view (alternating every other chapter), both expressed in
first (1st) person voice.
The two books are separate stories so each is a “stand alone”.
The following elements might be triggers for some readers:
** Infidelity
** Sexual Assault
** Stalking
** Suicide
** Mental Illness
The words on the ARC cover: ominous, devious, curious, desirous, suspicious, dangerous, malicious, murderous – all elements to be found in this novel. Some of the plot is predictable, but there are elements that could’ve been expanded on.
PART ONE:
The reader meets Jessica, a BeautyBuzz make-up consultant living in New York. While she’s with a client she sees an opportunity – especially when the client blows off the chance at $500.
Jessica lies her way into the study. Ironically the study centers on morality and ethics. Despite the fact she is replacing Taylor (the original subject); Jessica is allowed to proceed as she fits the demographic, becoming subject #52. She is led into the room and is the only person there.
Jess is asked to come back for session two (2). She has proven herself to be an intriguing subject. It isn’t just what she reveals, but what she didn’t reveal.
Jess meets Noah and at first it is a one-night-stand with her giving him the name of her client – Taylor.
Someone who wasn’t supposed to be a part of the study seems to be directing the course of it. The project begins to evolve from academic to real life. Jess is assured it will be safe and she will be in complete control.
Ominous –
The original study is suspended indefinitely and Jess becomes the sole focus.
Jess wonders why she is being paid. She receives her payment and a gift – a bottle of nail polish that she had seen and complimented Dr. Shields on.
Devious
Dr. Shields is slowly grooming Jess to go forward with the study, and gives the young girl another gift – the wrap she had been wearing – especially after a “rough session”.
Jess herself is now curious and tries to track Taylor down since she was the original subject. Jess finally locates Taylor only to find out it was her friend, Amy – a psych major – who told her about the study. Amy tells her that she’d been in the woman’s class, and was subject #16. Only conducted the study on the computer, never went to office.
But, the reader learns this study isn’t about Jess at all …
Dr. Shields is going to test a theory about her husband’s infidelity. Jess has unwittingly proven her loyalty for the next step … the Temptation of Infidelity.
PART TWO:
Desirous
Dr. Shields then tests a theory – about married men and flirting, putting Jessica in position to get a married man to flirt with her at a bar. Jess is rejected. She’s stunned that she was put in that position (luring a man). Dr. Shields then tells her why it was necessary.
Jess recalls a troubling sexual assault.
The reader then learns that the family of subject #5 hired an investigator; who hasn’t found anything (yet).
Dr. Shields asks Jessica to use her profession to test how money and morality intersect – basically when people when the lottery they say they’ll give to charity when they win, very few do. Shields arranges for women to “win” a make-up session, for which she will compensate Jessica for. Shields states that they were part of an earlier study and warned there would be more follow-ups.
Jess is given another assignment in the interim – go to a museum and just be herself. There is an accident and Jess stays with the victim until the last possible moment. She hands a man her business card and asks him to let her know what is going on. She goes to the museum and meets a man – not the one Dr. Shields was hoping.
Only two end up accepting the “gift”, one is married lesbian – she tips $40.
The second appointment puts Jess in danger from a drug addict – the boyfriend of the second client.
Jess is reflecting on her life – the group she misses. The man from outside the museum texts her to let her know the lady from the accident is all right. Jess needs to talk to someone about what is going on, but can’t. Instead of calling Noah, Jess calls the man who informed her about the accident victim. With him, she can be “an anonymous girl” – only know a few hours, never again.
Dr. Shields plans another chance for Jess to meet Thomas.
She is surprised it is the man who text her after the accident – Thomas. He wants to know what she is doing there – a friend recommended the place. Jess wonders why he was chosen.
Suspicious
Thomas wonders if Jess is stalking him. After the phone call with Dr. Shields, Jess discovers a voice mail from Thomas, about the “friend” – he knows who it is.
Dangerous
Jess soon learns who Thomas is – he is the husband of Dr. Lydia Shields, and Jess demands proof. He wants to know how the two women know each other – Jess tells him she is being paid for a study. He tells her that Lydia preys on young women like her.
While she is out with Noah – Jess gets the proof Thomas has promised her – it’s a wedding photo.
Jess gets texts, almost simultaneously, from both of them. Lydia wants to know if she got a response. Thomas tells Jess he has the proof.
Dr. Shields is wondering why Jess seems to be evading her. When Jess feigns being sick, the doctor stops by, but Jess isn’t home.
Instead, Jess is meeting Dr. Shields’ assistant. A startling revelation – his position was terminated as the study was terminated. Jess is stunned as she is still part of this “survey”. Even more stunned that he hadn’t spoken to her in a few weeks.
Thomas and Jess meet at the conservatory. Jess learns she cannot trust Dr. Shields.
Thomas has his own questions such as why Lydia sent her. Jess wants clarification about the “prey” remark. He tells her about another girl, one with issues, one that Lydia treated as a younger sister.
Jess learns about Subject #5 and her suicide.
Lydia wonders if Jess isn’t deliberately deceiving her, and believes her subject is slipping away. Lydia wonders how much it will cost to get her loyalty back. She goes through her file, and decides to focus on Jess’ family.
Jess wonders how an esteemed psychiatrist could drive a young girl to suicide. She wonders if Lydia will do to same to her.
Jess gets a text from Noah about a date and takes him up on the offer. She then contacts Dr. Shields about dropping by for her check. Jess confides that she wants to head home for the holidays to be with her family. Jess then gets a call from her mother who is excited that someone is financing their trip to Florida, expresses regret that Jess cannot join them since she’ll be working. As she leaves, Jess notices the oranges – Florida navel, same kind she used to sell for her high school fundraisers.
Lydia notes that Jess reminds her of April. April’s death also marked the end of Lydia’s marriage to Thomas. Lydia is now relying on Jess.
Jess then sees Thomas and Lydia in an intimate exchange.
Jess now believes that they are both lying to her. Which one is more dangerous?
PART THREE
The beginning page talks about how we are our own worst judges. Worry, lack of self-control, regret, carrying weights of secrets. Forced to constantly make moral choices – some small, some big.
Easy on paper – not in real life. Options haunt us anywhere from days to years down the road. You think about the people affected, question choices, wonder when the repercussions will come …
Who is really deceiving Jess? Dr. Lydia Shields or her husband Thomas? Who is April?
Jess recalls the impulsive moment when she grabbed Taylor’s phone and replayed the message – meant for Taylor – was 10 seconds that have now changed Jess’ life.
Jess starts gathering notes about Thomas and Lydia. She knows less about him. Only two people are connected – assistant Ben who won’t talk and subject #5 who can’t talk. After a Google search, Jess finds her: KATHERINE APRIL VOSS, 23. She searches April’s Instagram page. Similar to Jess – likes cookies, leather jackets, dogs, silver hoop earrings. Finds a picture of Thomas – in her bed.
Jess doesn’t know how much Lydia knows, or what she is capable of. Figures if she can’t get out by pulling away, maybe by leaning in.
She tells Lydia that she hasn’t been honest – she did hear from him, but she hasn’t replied. Thinks it is Lydia’s husband. Jess mentions the incident near the museum and the jackets in Lydia’s closet – don’t match man in photo.
Dr. Shields confesses that Thomas is indeed her husband, reveals the cheating, and wants Jess to help ensure he won’t cheat again. Arranges another meeting which is shorter – it’s not what Dr. Shields is expecting.
Thomas initially passes the test.
But, Lydia finds out about Jess’ mystery man – Jess never mentioned him, who is he? What have you told him?
The reader then learns about April. Thomas is nervous – Lydia can’t ever find out! Jess won’t, as long as Thomas tells her. Thomas recounts the meeting. Jess wonders if Lydia used April the same way. Thomas insists he had no idea she was subject #5 until the investigation.
Jess is certain of three things:
1.) April was Subject #5
2.) April slept with Thomas
3.) April died – Jess is not convinced it was suicide.
Who drew April in first? Thomas or Dr. Shields.
Jess pretends to be a friend of April’s and goes to see her mother. Mrs. Voss doesn’t question her, instead she openly talks to her, gives her a copy of the funeral program. The Beatles quote sticks out for Jess.
While Lydia and Thomas are out for dinner, Jess breaks into Lydia’s town home. She has been given a key and the code to get the two files or rather access to them. Thomas wants the notes from April’s file. Jess photographs her file – stunned when she sees that Dr. Shields has pictures from her private Instagram account. She then photographs April’s file. April, part of study, didn’t go back for second session.
Jess knows the Instagram photo was May 4th; April became Subject #5 on May 19th. It was Thomas, who drew her in, and the only one who knows Jess is here – she’s not safe. Jess finds a certified letter from investigator – leaves and heads home.
After the evening with Thomas, Lydia goes over the note – ink smudge on note – could only be the fountain pen near her files. Notices “little things” amiss.
Jess studies the files and searches out Lauren – they weren’t having an affair after all.
Dr. Shields’ hyper focus has been on Thomas’ infidelity, did she miss Jess’ agenda. Jess has been solely responsible for report. Jess snuck into survey – move appears entrepreneurial at first, but now seems duplicitous.
Younger sister, like April, faced with moral temptation. Both failed. Jess was brought in to test Thomas, reflects that perhaps it was Jess who failed.
Malicious
Jess gets voicemail from BeautyBuzz – she’s been terminated for violating non-compete clause. It has to be Lydia. Goes out to Noah – he is walking away. Doesn’t want to speak to her again.
Lydia knows Thomas and Jess are colluding behind her back – even the absence of a physical affair is immaterial. Enmeshed in salacious subterfuge.
Lydia tells Noah of Jess’ destructive behaviors. Of which:
1.) Recent job termination – ethical violations
2.) Visit to a drug addict’s home
3.) Habitual one-night stands with married men and different personas
To cap this off, Shields then produces the texts from Jess.
Jess heads over to Lydia’s house and confronts her. Lydia feigns ignorance, but acts sympathetic. She gives Jess a pill, which the younger girl learns is Vicodin. Same thing April OD’d on. Dr. Shields had to have given it to her.
The truth about Lydia’s younger sister is revealed. She recounts how Danielle coveted her sister’s things – even her sister’s boyfriend. Danielle never had to suffer consequences. She recalls the night Danielle died and her part in it.
However, Lydia rationalizes out that it was Danielle’s poor choices that lead to the 16 year old’s death.
She and Jess are bound by dual, but similar tragedies.
Jess heads to conservatory sees the bench in April’s name, donated by Dr. Shields. Wouldn’t have known about her had Thomas not told her. April saw the quote in his office. She wasn’t there to stalk him. Saw him as a client – for therapy.
Lydia is going over the truncated notes from the last meeting. At first it appeared April had been taken advantage of, but when the young girl reveals it was a married man, Lydia’s tone changes.
Despite it being Christmas, Jess calls to speak to the private investigator, but leaves a message. She then books a flight to Florida. Jess can re-start her life and find another job, but worries about her family. Won’t be able to replace Noah. She writes a letter to Noah to explain everything.
She gets a call from Dr. Shields to come over as she has a gift for her. Jess refuses, but Lydia states she’ll take it to the police. She sets the girl up for a criminal charge.
Jess calls her family and reveals to her parents what happened. They too felt guilty about the accident.
When Jess arrives, she’s stunned to see Thomas there. Lydia threatens both of them. However, she wants the truth about their “relationship”.
They can both tell the truth, or they could both lie. But, Jess wonders if that would be the end of it.
Jess admits her truth, Thomas admits his. It is evident that Thomas is lying – to protect Jessica. Lydia offers the recording for the necklace, but Jess didn’t take it. Lydia resigns herself to go to the police the next day. Is this what she did to April? In a last ditch effort – Jess questions Lydia about the Vicodin. Thomas knows what happened.
Murderous
A confession is made and Lydia begs Thomas to go along with her plan. Thomas decides not to and leaves. Jess leaves, but leaves a present as well – a framed Instagram picture of Thomas.
Dr. Shields takes the only remaining course of action as she realizes that without Thomas – there is no light in her life.
Three months later, Jess has another job, assisted by her friend Lizzie. The producer that harassed Jess has been disgraced. She didn’t have to come forward – there were other victims. Jess won’t be a victim again.
The last time Jess sees Thomas is mid January. She only wants something to secure her family’s future. It’s a small price and he concedes.
Though the last part is haunting … “was it really worth it?”
This, like “The Wife Between Us” was an engaging, riveting, and page-turning read. The writers did a wonderful job crafting the tale and weaving the characters together.
I would like to have known more about subjects #1-#4 (#5/ April) and #6-#15. We know #16 was Amy.
What about subjects #17-#51? Except for Amy and April – we know nothing about these girls. Out of 52, that left 49. Didn’t they think to talk amongst themselves? We’re left to believe that in this day and age where everything is shared, either online or in person – 49 girls didn’t connect a study between them? While I’m sure they agreed not to talk, let’s face it – some do talk. When did Dr. Shields start the study? Those were a few points I feel the writers could’ve expanded on.
Both “The Wife Between Us” and “An Anonymous Girl” have a common and quite disturbing theme: older women (usually in their mid to late 30’s) manipulating younger women (late 20’s to early 30’s) to either escape a marriage or to find out what is going on. In each book the younger women don’t know what is going on or that they’re being used in such a fashion until it is nearly too late
All in all, this book was one I found that I couldn’t put down. I am curious to see what the writers do next – but I am hoping that the older vs. younger, manipulating theme is not present.
However, if I do get another chance to review an ARC by these two authors, I would gladly do so.
The two books are separate stories so each is a “stand alone”.
The following elements might be triggers for some readers:
** Infidelity
** Sexual Assault
** Stalking
** Suicide
** Mental Illness
The words on the ARC cover: ominous, devious, curious, desirous, suspicious, dangerous, malicious, murderous – all elements to be found in this novel. Some of the plot is predictable, but there are elements that could’ve been expanded on.
PART ONE:
The reader meets Jessica, a BeautyBuzz make-up consultant living in New York. While she’s with a client she sees an opportunity – especially when the client blows off the chance at $500.
Jessica lies her way into the study. Ironically the study centers on morality and ethics. Despite the fact she is replacing Taylor (the original subject); Jessica is allowed to proceed as she fits the demographic, becoming subject #52. She is led into the room and is the only person there.
Jess is asked to come back for session two (2). She has proven herself to be an intriguing subject. It isn’t just what she reveals, but what she didn’t reveal.
Jess meets Noah and at first it is a one-night-stand with her giving him the name of her client – Taylor.
Someone who wasn’t supposed to be a part of the study seems to be directing the course of it. The project begins to evolve from academic to real life. Jess is assured it will be safe and she will be in complete control.
Ominous –
The original study is suspended indefinitely and Jess becomes the sole focus.
Jess wonders why she is being paid. She receives her payment and a gift – a bottle of nail polish that she had seen and complimented Dr. Shields on.
Devious
Dr. Shields is slowly grooming Jess to go forward with the study, and gives the young girl another gift – the wrap she had been wearing – especially after a “rough session”.
Jess herself is now curious and tries to track Taylor down since she was the original subject. Jess finally locates Taylor only to find out it was her friend, Amy – a psych major – who told her about the study. Amy tells her that she’d been in the woman’s class, and was subject #16. Only conducted the study on the computer, never went to office.
But, the reader learns this study isn’t about Jess at all …
Dr. Shields is going to test a theory about her husband’s infidelity. Jess has unwittingly proven her loyalty for the next step … the Temptation of Infidelity.
PART TWO:
Desirous
Dr. Shields then tests a theory – about married men and flirting, putting Jessica in position to get a married man to flirt with her at a bar. Jess is rejected. She’s stunned that she was put in that position (luring a man). Dr. Shields then tells her why it was necessary.
Jess recalls a troubling sexual assault.
The reader then learns that the family of subject #5 hired an investigator; who hasn’t found anything (yet).
Dr. Shields asks Jessica to use her profession to test how money and morality intersect – basically when people when the lottery they say they’ll give to charity when they win, very few do. Shields arranges for women to “win” a make-up session, for which she will compensate Jessica for. Shields states that they were part of an earlier study and warned there would be more follow-ups.
Jess is given another assignment in the interim – go to a museum and just be herself. There is an accident and Jess stays with the victim until the last possible moment. She hands a man her business card and asks him to let her know what is going on. She goes to the museum and meets a man – not the one Dr. Shields was hoping.
Only two end up accepting the “gift”, one is married lesbian – she tips $40.
The second appointment puts Jess in danger from a drug addict – the boyfriend of the second client.
Jess is reflecting on her life – the group she misses. The man from outside the museum texts her to let her know the lady from the accident is all right. Jess needs to talk to someone about what is going on, but can’t. Instead of calling Noah, Jess calls the man who informed her about the accident victim. With him, she can be “an anonymous girl” – only know a few hours, never again.
Dr. Shields plans another chance for Jess to meet Thomas.
She is surprised it is the man who text her after the accident – Thomas. He wants to know what she is doing there – a friend recommended the place. Jess wonders why he was chosen.
Suspicious
Thomas wonders if Jess is stalking him. After the phone call with Dr. Shields, Jess discovers a voice mail from Thomas, about the “friend” – he knows who it is.
Dangerous
Jess soon learns who Thomas is – he is the husband of Dr. Lydia Shields, and Jess demands proof. He wants to know how the two women know each other – Jess tells him she is being paid for a study. He tells her that Lydia preys on young women like her.
While she is out with Noah – Jess gets the proof Thomas has promised her – it’s a wedding photo.
Jess gets texts, almost simultaneously, from both of them. Lydia wants to know if she got a response. Thomas tells Jess he has the proof.
Dr. Shields is wondering why Jess seems to be evading her. When Jess feigns being sick, the doctor stops by, but Jess isn’t home.
Instead, Jess is meeting Dr. Shields’ assistant. A startling revelation – his position was terminated as the study was terminated. Jess is stunned as she is still part of this “survey”. Even more stunned that he hadn’t spoken to her in a few weeks.
Thomas and Jess meet at the conservatory. Jess learns she cannot trust Dr. Shields.
Thomas has his own questions such as why Lydia sent her. Jess wants clarification about the “prey” remark. He tells her about another girl, one with issues, one that Lydia treated as a younger sister.
Jess learns about Subject #5 and her suicide.
Lydia wonders if Jess isn’t deliberately deceiving her, and believes her subject is slipping away. Lydia wonders how much it will cost to get her loyalty back. She goes through her file, and decides to focus on Jess’ family.
Jess wonders how an esteemed psychiatrist could drive a young girl to suicide. She wonders if Lydia will do to same to her.
Jess gets a text from Noah about a date and takes him up on the offer. She then contacts Dr. Shields about dropping by for her check. Jess confides that she wants to head home for the holidays to be with her family. Jess then gets a call from her mother who is excited that someone is financing their trip to Florida, expresses regret that Jess cannot join them since she’ll be working. As she leaves, Jess notices the oranges – Florida navel, same kind she used to sell for her high school fundraisers.
Lydia notes that Jess reminds her of April. April’s death also marked the end of Lydia’s marriage to Thomas. Lydia is now relying on Jess.
Jess then sees Thomas and Lydia in an intimate exchange.
Jess now believes that they are both lying to her. Which one is more dangerous?
PART THREE
The beginning page talks about how we are our own worst judges. Worry, lack of self-control, regret, carrying weights of secrets. Forced to constantly make moral choices – some small, some big.
Easy on paper – not in real life. Options haunt us anywhere from days to years down the road. You think about the people affected, question choices, wonder when the repercussions will come …
Who is really deceiving Jess? Dr. Lydia Shields or her husband Thomas? Who is April?
Jess recalls the impulsive moment when she grabbed Taylor’s phone and replayed the message – meant for Taylor – was 10 seconds that have now changed Jess’ life.
Jess starts gathering notes about Thomas and Lydia. She knows less about him. Only two people are connected – assistant Ben who won’t talk and subject #5 who can’t talk. After a Google search, Jess finds her: KATHERINE APRIL VOSS, 23. She searches April’s Instagram page. Similar to Jess – likes cookies, leather jackets, dogs, silver hoop earrings. Finds a picture of Thomas – in her bed.
Jess doesn’t know how much Lydia knows, or what she is capable of. Figures if she can’t get out by pulling away, maybe by leaning in.
She tells Lydia that she hasn’t been honest – she did hear from him, but she hasn’t replied. Thinks it is Lydia’s husband. Jess mentions the incident near the museum and the jackets in Lydia’s closet – don’t match man in photo.
Dr. Shields confesses that Thomas is indeed her husband, reveals the cheating, and wants Jess to help ensure he won’t cheat again. Arranges another meeting which is shorter – it’s not what Dr. Shields is expecting.
Thomas initially passes the test.
But, Lydia finds out about Jess’ mystery man – Jess never mentioned him, who is he? What have you told him?
The reader then learns about April. Thomas is nervous – Lydia can’t ever find out! Jess won’t, as long as Thomas tells her. Thomas recounts the meeting. Jess wonders if Lydia used April the same way. Thomas insists he had no idea she was subject #5 until the investigation.
Jess is certain of three things:
1.) April was Subject #5
2.) April slept with Thomas
3.) April died – Jess is not convinced it was suicide.
Who drew April in first? Thomas or Dr. Shields.
Jess pretends to be a friend of April’s and goes to see her mother. Mrs. Voss doesn’t question her, instead she openly talks to her, gives her a copy of the funeral program. The Beatles quote sticks out for Jess.
While Lydia and Thomas are out for dinner, Jess breaks into Lydia’s town home. She has been given a key and the code to get the two files or rather access to them. Thomas wants the notes from April’s file. Jess photographs her file – stunned when she sees that Dr. Shields has pictures from her private Instagram account. She then photographs April’s file. April, part of study, didn’t go back for second session.
Jess knows the Instagram photo was May 4th; April became Subject #5 on May 19th. It was Thomas, who drew her in, and the only one who knows Jess is here – she’s not safe. Jess finds a certified letter from investigator – leaves and heads home.
After the evening with Thomas, Lydia goes over the note – ink smudge on note – could only be the fountain pen near her files. Notices “little things” amiss.
Jess studies the files and searches out Lauren – they weren’t having an affair after all.
Dr. Shields’ hyper focus has been on Thomas’ infidelity, did she miss Jess’ agenda. Jess has been solely responsible for report. Jess snuck into survey – move appears entrepreneurial at first, but now seems duplicitous.
Younger sister, like April, faced with moral temptation. Both failed. Jess was brought in to test Thomas, reflects that perhaps it was Jess who failed.
Malicious
Jess gets voicemail from BeautyBuzz – she’s been terminated for violating non-compete clause. It has to be Lydia. Goes out to Noah – he is walking away. Doesn’t want to speak to her again.
Lydia knows Thomas and Jess are colluding behind her back – even the absence of a physical affair is immaterial. Enmeshed in salacious subterfuge.
Lydia tells Noah of Jess’ destructive behaviors. Of which:
1.) Recent job termination – ethical violations
2.) Visit to a drug addict’s home
3.) Habitual one-night stands with married men and different personas
To cap this off, Shields then produces the texts from Jess.
Jess heads over to Lydia’s house and confronts her. Lydia feigns ignorance, but acts sympathetic. She gives Jess a pill, which the younger girl learns is Vicodin. Same thing April OD’d on. Dr. Shields had to have given it to her.
The truth about Lydia’s younger sister is revealed. She recounts how Danielle coveted her sister’s things – even her sister’s boyfriend. Danielle never had to suffer consequences. She recalls the night Danielle died and her part in it.
However, Lydia rationalizes out that it was Danielle’s poor choices that lead to the 16 year old’s death.
She and Jess are bound by dual, but similar tragedies.
Jess heads to conservatory sees the bench in April’s name, donated by Dr. Shields. Wouldn’t have known about her had Thomas not told her. April saw the quote in his office. She wasn’t there to stalk him. Saw him as a client – for therapy.
Lydia is going over the truncated notes from the last meeting. At first it appeared April had been taken advantage of, but when the young girl reveals it was a married man, Lydia’s tone changes.
Despite it being Christmas, Jess calls to speak to the private investigator, but leaves a message. She then books a flight to Florida. Jess can re-start her life and find another job, but worries about her family. Won’t be able to replace Noah. She writes a letter to Noah to explain everything.
She gets a call from Dr. Shields to come over as she has a gift for her. Jess refuses, but Lydia states she’ll take it to the police. She sets the girl up for a criminal charge.
Jess calls her family and reveals to her parents what happened. They too felt guilty about the accident.
When Jess arrives, she’s stunned to see Thomas there. Lydia threatens both of them. However, she wants the truth about their “relationship”.
They can both tell the truth, or they could both lie. But, Jess wonders if that would be the end of it.
Jess admits her truth, Thomas admits his. It is evident that Thomas is lying – to protect Jessica. Lydia offers the recording for the necklace, but Jess didn’t take it. Lydia resigns herself to go to the police the next day. Is this what she did to April? In a last ditch effort – Jess questions Lydia about the Vicodin. Thomas knows what happened.
Murderous
A confession is made and Lydia begs Thomas to go along with her plan. Thomas decides not to and leaves. Jess leaves, but leaves a present as well – a framed Instagram picture of Thomas.
Dr. Shields takes the only remaining course of action as she realizes that without Thomas – there is no light in her life.
Three months later, Jess has another job, assisted by her friend Lizzie. The producer that harassed Jess has been disgraced. She didn’t have to come forward – there were other victims. Jess won’t be a victim again.
The last time Jess sees Thomas is mid January. She only wants something to secure her family’s future. It’s a small price and he concedes.
Though the last part is haunting … “was it really worth it?”
This, like “The Wife Between Us” was an engaging, riveting, and page-turning read. The writers did a wonderful job crafting the tale and weaving the characters together.
I would like to have known more about subjects #1-#4 (#5/ April) and #6-#15. We know #16 was Amy.
What about subjects #17-#51? Except for Amy and April – we know nothing about these girls. Out of 52, that left 49. Didn’t they think to talk amongst themselves? We’re left to believe that in this day and age where everything is shared, either online or in person – 49 girls didn’t connect a study between them? While I’m sure they agreed not to talk, let’s face it – some do talk. When did Dr. Shields start the study? Those were a few points I feel the writers could’ve expanded on.
Both “The Wife Between Us” and “An Anonymous Girl” have a common and quite disturbing theme: older women (usually in their mid to late 30’s) manipulating younger women (late 20’s to early 30’s) to either escape a marriage or to find out what is going on. In each book the younger women don’t know what is going on or that they’re being used in such a fashion until it is nearly too late
All in all, this book was one I found that I couldn’t put down. I am curious to see what the writers do next – but I am hoping that the older vs. younger, manipulating theme is not present.
However, if I do get another chance to review an ARC by these two authors, I would gladly do so.
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sarah Pekkanen
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Sarah Pekkanen
Sarah Pekkanen is the internationally and USA Today bestselling author of eight previous solo novels and the coauthor of the New York Times best seller The Wife Between Us. A former investigative journalist and award-winning feature writer, her work has been published in The Washington Post, USA Today, and many others. She is the mother of three sons and lives just outside Washington, D.C.
Greer Hendricks
Greer Hendricks is the coauthor of the New York Times best seller The Wife Between Us. Prior to becoming a novelist, she spent over two decades as an editor at Simon & Schuster. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Journalism from Columbia University, and her writing has appeared in New York Times, Allure, and Publishers Weekly. She lives in Manhattan with her husband and two children.
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