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Book Review: Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney – A Mesmerizing Thriller That Will Keep You Guessing

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Alice Feeney, the Queen of Twists, returns with another gripping psychological thriller in Beautiful Ugly—a novel so darkly immersive that it seeps into your bones, making you question everything. Feeney is known for her masterful storytelling, and this book is no exception. With a haunting atmosphere, unreliable narrators, and jaw-dropping twists, Beautiful Ugly is a must-read for anyone who loves thrillers that keep them on edge until the very last page.

Plot Summary: A Mystery Wrapped in Shadows

Grady Green, a bestselling author, is having what should be the best day of his life—until it turns into his worst nightmare. He calls his wife, Abby, with thrilling news, only to hear her slam on the brakes, get out of the car… and then silence. When he later finds her car near the edge of a cliff, the headlights still on, the driver’s door open, and her phone left behind, Abby has vanished without a trace.

A year later, still drowning in grief and unable to write, Grady retreats to a secluded Scottish island to reclaim his life. But when he arrives, he sees the impossible—a woman who looks exactly like his missing wife. As eerie events unfold, Grady begins to question his own sanity. What really happened to Abby? And what dark secrets are lurking beneath the surface of this strange island?

An Atmosphere That Chills to the Bone

One of Feeney’s greatest strengths is her ability to craft an atmosphere that pulls readers in, and Beautiful Ugly is no exception. The novel’s setting—a remote Scottish island with only 25 residents—is both eerily beautiful and deeply unsettling. The swirling mist, the oppressive trees, the unexplained noises, and the strange inhabitants create a claustrophobic sense of dread that lingers on every page. The island is more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right, one that adds to the suffocating tension and heightens the novel’s psychological edge.

Characters That Get Under Your Skin

Feeney’s characters are never simple—they are layered, flawed, and utterly compelling. Grady Green is a protagonist who is as unreliable as he is tragic. His grief consumes him, making him question what’s real and what’s imagined. Readers will sympathize with his pain but will also struggle to trust his perspective.

Then there’s Abby, whose voice comes to us through therapy sessions before her disappearance. These alternating perspectives provide a fascinating, twisted look at marriage—one where both partners remember their relationship very differently. As we dive deeper into their fractured love story, we’re left to wonder: Who is telling the truth? And more importantly, who is lying?

A Masterclass in Twists and Turns

If there’s one thing Alice Feeney excels at, it’s keeping readers on their toes. Beautiful Ugly is a book that thrives on unpredictability. Just when you think you have a handle on what’s happening, Feeney pulls the rug out from under you with a twist so sharp it leaves you breathless. Some moments will make you gasp aloud; others will have you flipping back pages to see how you missed the clues.

While some seasoned thriller readers may predict certain elements, Feeney ensures there are plenty of surprises to keep you engaged. The novel’s conclusion is bold, unexpected, and deeply satisfying—a perfect payoff for the suspenseful buildup.

The Meaning Behind the Title

The oxymoronic title, Beautiful Ugly, perfectly encapsulates the novel’s themes. Life, love, and relationships are filled with both beauty and ugliness—sometimes at the same time. The book explores the duality of human nature, the contradictions in marriage, and the secrets that can turn love into something unrecognizable. Feeney’s exploration of these themes adds depth to the psychological tension, making this thriller as thought-provoking as it is chilling.

Final Verdict: A Must-Read Thriller

Beautiful Ugly is a tour de force in psychological suspense. With its haunting setting, complex characters, and mind-bending twists, it is sure to be one of the most talked-about thrillers of the year. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Alice Feeney or new to her work, this book is an absolute must-read.

If you love stories that blur the line between reality and illusion, thrillers that keep you guessing, and narratives that play with your mind, Beautiful Ugly deserves a place on your bookshelf.

Where to Buy

Don’t miss out on this chilling masterpiece! Grab your copy of Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney today on Amazon and prepare for a reading experience like no other.

Buy "Beautiful Ugly" on Amazon now!

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