I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review – Thanks to them and Pan Macmillan for sending me a copy!
Title: An Anonymous Girl
Author/s: Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers, Women’s Fiction
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Publication Date: 7th Feb 2019
Plot Overview:
Seeking women ages 18–32 to participate in a study on ethics and morality. Generous compensation. Anonymity guaranteed.
When Jessica Farris signs up for a psychology study conducted by the mysterious Dr. Shields, she thinks all she’ll have to do is answer a few questions, collect her money, and leave.
But as the questions grow more and more intense and invasive and the sessions become outings where Jess is told what to wear and how to act, she begins to feel as though Dr. Shields may know what she’s thinking…and what she’s hiding. As Jess’s paranoia grows, it becomes clear that she can no longer trust what in her life is real, and what is one of Dr. Shields’ manipulative experiments. Caught in a web of deceit and jealousy, Jess quickly learns that some obsessions can be deadly.
My Thoughts:
I read, no DEVOURED this book in a day – I started reading in the morning and finished the same evening. That’s how utterly engrossed I was.
I’ve been desperately searching for a thriller that would be on the same wavelength as The Girl on The Train as I really enjoyed that book and haven’t managed to find one that is quite as unpredictable and exciting…until I read this book that is.
An Anonymous Girl is an incredible psychological thriller which will keep you turning the page and sneaking a read whenever you can. The pace is great, even in the quieter moments the atmosphere of unease and suspense continues and in the truly shocking twists, which come around every corner! A reader definitely won’t leave this forgotten on the nightstand.
This is definitely a book where no plot details can be spoiled – it simply wouldn’t have the same impact if you knew what was to come. So I won’t be giving many details but here are some of the high points for me:
- Characters – While you can’t help but root for the main character Jessica, and I enjoyed her intelligence, vulnerability and overall personality – Dr. Shields has got to be one of the most compelling and deeply unsettling characters I’ve come across in Fiction. She has a presence which can ensnare and basically, still waters run VERY deep. I liked that there were two female protagonists who are given equal focus and whose voices shape the narrative.
- Twists galore – This is one of those books that just when you think you’ve got things figured out, you’ll get thrown a curveball and re-evaluate it all. I absolutely love books which are unpredictable.
- Writing style – I’ve not read Greer Hendricks or Sarah Pekkanens books before but consider me a fan. This book was so well written and gripping and no words are wasted. Will definitely be reading their other book soon.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy dark and twisty thrillers. I can see An Anonymous Girl being massively popular on it’s release early next year and deservedly so. This is definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year.
★★★★★ – 5 Star Rating
Does An Anonymous Girl sound like a book you’d read? Do you enjoy a dark thriller? Or do you prefer a lighter read? Would love to chat in the comments!
Until next time,
Rumaanah x
Rums the Reader 
Ooooh this book is everywhere… I am eagerly waiting for it.. Fab review.. I want to devour it too
I’m really getting into my thrillers lately and this one sounds amazing! I’m a psychology student as well and we’re currently discussing ethics, which includes a similar experiment to the plot of the book, so this is definitely right up my alley. This book is going straight on my TBR. Fab review!
Ooh that’s so interesting!! I would love to see what you think from the perspective of a psychology student xx
Oh I requested this book on NetGalley the other day! The fact that you’ve mentioned that it’s as good as The Girl On The Train has made me even more desperate to read it, I’m yet to read a thriller I enjoyed more. Ah your review has made me so excited about this read, thanks for sharing! x
Evie x | https://eviejayne.co.uk
What an amazing coincidence – I hope you get to read it really soon, would love to hear your thoughts on it and see what you think xx
This usually isn’t my sort of book at all but my god you’ve made it sound so intriguing! I think I’d get as stuck into it as you sound like you have as I find it so hard to put a book down when it has an awesome plot. I am honestly so tempted to get this myself or put it on my Christmas list! Fab review 🙂
Alice Xx
I really think this could be a great introduction to the thriller or mystery genre – it’s such a wild ride from start to finish so I hope you enjoy it if you decide to read it one day xx
This sounds like a fantastic book especially as it is unpredictable! I love a book with lots of twists and turns! Psychological thrillers are one of my favourite genres, I’m going to add this one to my list. Fab review as always, thank you for sharing your thoughts ❤ xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Thank you so much for the sweet comment Bexa!! I appreciate how thoughtful your comments always are. It’s such a great thriller, I can’t speak any higher of it x
Oooh this book sounds right up my street! I love a good psychological thriller too!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
I absolutely love thrillers, and this one sounds like it would have me glued to every page. Thanks for sharing, I’ll definitely have to check it out!
Britt | http://alternativelyspeaking.ca
Hope you enjoy whenever you get a chance to read it, could not speak more highly of it xx
Ooh this certainly sounds like an intense read. I’ve read a couple of really good dark thrillers this year and I’m developing a taste for them. Definitely going to have to check this out – great review!
It’s so intense – un put downable even!
This sounds absolutely amazing! I love a thriller. I find that lighter books don’t really keep me that engaged unless they’re really funny. You’ve made the characters sound so interesting. This is definitely something I think I’d enjoy! x
Sophie
http://www.glowstead.co.uk
I totally get what you mean, I prefer a good mystery or thriller than a light read too!
The first thing that came to my mind was Girl on S Train, I only saw the film but it was good. An Anonymous Girl sounds like a great way to tease the mind. I always enjoy a great mystery book with excellent timing and unexpected transitions. Thanks for sharing, sounds like a movie Hollywood would want to recreate 😁
Natonya | https://www.justnatonya.wordpress.com
Yes! Totally love the review! I’m a debuting critic 😉 check out my Blogmas post tomorrow and give me your honest thoughts please. 🙏
Awesome review!
You made me want to read this book so badly right now!!
I don’t know, I’ll request it via Netgalley and just hope for the best.
Aw yay!! I love when people feel like reading a book after reading one of my reviews, it’s such a great feeling. I hope you do get a chance to read it as it’s such a gripping story
Loved this review and loved finding your blog. Will be checking out all posts in future!
Thank you so much, really appreciate the support
It is interesting to see a book that goes into the subject of questioning reality. I like that there is thriller involved and keeps you glued to the book. I know I’d want to see how characters develop throughout the book. Glad you loved the book!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me