Review: Never Have I Ever

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.

Title: Never Have I Ever
Author: Joshilyn Jackson
Publication Date: July 30, 2019
Genre: Psychological Thriller/Suspense
Recommended If You Like: twisted female friendships, secrets from the past, lies behind perfect facades

The Book:

Amy Whey seems to be living the perfect domestic existence-a big and beautiful house, a loving husband and children, and a a best friend to take walks and have book club with.

But then Angelica Roux shows up at her front door.

It starts with a seemingly simple twist on the drinking game Never Have I Ever, with the book club members confessing the worst things they've ever done. Amy won't play, but Roux insists, saying she knows the worst thing Amy has ever done-and she's prepared to use it against her if Amy doesn't do what she wants.

What I Liked:

This is a book with a lot of suspenseful moments that Jackson layers really well. Her writing style draws you in from the first chapter, linking you with Amy's world and what is happening to it. Roux is frightening trouble from the start, and from her very first entrance she makes your skin crawl.

There are so many surprising twists, with one about three quarters of the way through that completely shocked me. Just when I thought I knew what was happening, Jackson would fool me again.

Anything I Didn't Like?

I had thought that Jackson had given away too much by the second chapter, and that put me off a little bit, but I was completely wrong. There was so much still to reveal.

So...?

I would definitely recommend this book. I can see why there has been so much hype around it before it even comes out. Jackson has created a surprising, and sometimes scary, read that feels real, and that will keep you turning pages late into the night.