I realise that my perspective on this book might not align with the majority, as many readers seem to have thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I found myself feeling quite underwhelmed by the entire experience.

To begin with, the writing itself was quite impressive. Right from the outset, I was drawn in by the engaging prose and the brisk pacing. The author crafted a narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns, which certainly kept me eager to turn the pages and see where the story would lead next. This aspect of the book was undeniably compelling and showcased the author’s skill in maintaining tension.

However, my enjoyment was significantly hampered by the characters, whom I found to be deeply unlikable. Sylvie, in particular, portrayed an incessant victim mentality that grated on my nerves. Instead of coming across as a strong potential judge—someone I could root for—she often resembled a petulant child, struggling to take responsibility for her circumstances and decisions.

Then there's Tess, who struck me as profoundly manipulative. While I could empathise with her due to her personal challenges, the way she interacted with Sylvie rendered their friendship toxic and repugnant. Rather than uplifting one another, their relationship felt like an emotional minefield, filled with jealousy and resentment, which overshadowed any potential for genuine connection.

As the plot progressed, I found several of the twists to be somewhat predictable. While I appreciate a good surprise, by the time the climax arrived, it felt lacklustre and disappointingly uneventful, especially given the clever build-up that preceded it. Instead of feeling a sense of satisfaction or closure, I was left with a sense of indifference, as if the story had fizzled out rather than reached a dramatic peak.

Despite my critiques, I want to acknowledge that there are certainly positive elements to the book. It’s evident that the author possesses exceptional writing talent, and I can appreciate their ability to weave a fast-paced narrative. However, the storyline itself just didn’t resonate with me on a personal level. That said, I would still be open to exploring more works by this author in the future, hoping for a storyline that aligns more closely with my tastes.