Y’all, let me tell you about a book that had me hooked from start to finish. Alice Feeney’s Beautiful Ugly is a psychological thriller that pulls you into its eerie world and refuses to let go.
Set on the isolated and haunting Isle of Amberly in Scotland, this story follows Grady Green, a struggling author seeking solace after his wife Abby’s mysterious disappearance. But what he finds is far from peaceful. The island is alive with secrets, unsettling locals, and an atmosphere so thick with tension, you’ll feel it in your chest as you read.
Feeney’s vivid descriptions transport you right to Amberly. Even if you’ve never been to Scotland, you can practically feel the damp chill of the air and hear the wind howling over the cliffs. It’s more than just a setting—it’s a character in its own right, adding layer upon layer to the suspense.
The plot? Oh, it’s a rollercoaster. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, Feeney hits you with a twist that leaves you spinning. And that ending? Let me warn you it’s ambiguous. With Grady as an unreliable narrator, you’re left wondering what was real and what was imagined. It’s the kind of story that stays with you, making you think long after you’ve turned the last page.
What I loved most was the dual perspectives and time shifts, letting us see the story unfold from both Grady’s and Abby’s points of view. It’s like piecing together a puzzle where the pieces keep shifting. And the characters Grady, Abby, and the island’s strange inhabitants are all so richly written. Each one keeps you on edge, questioning their motives and truths.
I experienced this story through both the ebook and audiobook, and while the book was gripping, the audiobook was next-level. Narrated by Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton, their voices brought these characters to life in a way that made the story even more immersive. If you’re an audiobook fan, this one’s a must-listen.
If you haven’t read any of Alice Feeney’s previous works, this is a fantastic place to start. For longtime fans, Beautiful Ugly delivers everything you’d expect mind-bending twists, deep character work, and an atmosphere that pulls you right in.
So, here’s my question for you: What’s your take on unreliable narrators? Do they thrill you or frustrate you? And what about ambiguous endings do you love the mystery or need closure? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
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Thanks for reading and happy thriller-hunting!
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