The Bookish Ashley

Alice Feeney delivers another compelling thriller with Beautiful Ugly, a novel brimming with intrigue, emotion, and the psychological twists that fans of her work have come to expect. This book takes readers on a journey through grief, love, and the secrets that can transform relationships into riddles.

Plot Overview:
Grady Green, a once-acclaimed author, is struggling with the worst best day of his life. After calling his wife Abby to share career-changing news, he hears the terrifying sounds of a car accident and then silence. When he arrives at the scene, Abby has vanished, leaving behind an abandoned car teetering on a cliff. A year later, plagued by insomnia and writer’s block, Grady retreats to a remote Scottish island, only to encounter a woman who appears to be his missing wife. What unfolds is a masterfully crafted mystery that blurs the lines between reality and imagination.

Strengths:

1. Atmosphere: Feeney’s descriptions of the desolate Scottish island are breathtaking. The wild, untamed setting mirrors Grady’s emotional turmoil and creates a vivid backdrop for the story.
2. Character Depth: Grady is a flawed yet relatable protagonist. His grief and obsession with Abby’s disappearance are palpable, making his perspective both compelling and heartbreaking.
3. Twists: True to Feeney’s style, Beautiful Ugly keeps readers guessing. The plot is layered with twists that challenge assumptions and unravel in surprising ways.
4. Themes: The exploration of change within relationships—and how perception can become distorted by grief—is thought-provoking and poignant.

Weaknesses:

1. Pacing: The first third of the book builds slowly. While the atmospheric writing is immersive, some readers may feel the story takes too long to gain momentum.
2. Ending: Without spoilers, the resolution—while clever—may divide readers. Some may find it brilliant; others might feel it stretches plausibility.

Final Thoughts:
Beautiful Ugly is an evocative and twisty tale that showcases Alice Feeney’s skill at weaving psychological tension with emotional depth. While not without its pacing hiccups, the novel is a rewarding read that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Fans of domestic thrillers and mysteries with a gothic flair will find much to enjoy in this atmospheric and gripping story.

Rating: 4/5 stars