I liked the fact that we get Jake’s point of view and not Alice’s. I don’t think I’ve read a thriller style book with it being solely a man’s point of view and it was a nice change. The writing was easy to read, it kept me addicted, so much so I stayed up to the early hours of the morning trying to sneak the final few pages. The story was written with good emotion from the husband, but also at times it was very matter of fact. This occasionally led to information that was surplus, like when we were informed how many siblings Jake’s co-workers had, which really jarred my attention away from the book for a little, as it wasn’t relevant to the book at all as we never really hear about his colleagues again. That said, I always eagerly returned.  

At times the book delved into over the top, could this really happen? Would people react like Jake? This didn’t put me off, more made me freak out about how terrible it would be if it did.   Jake was an interesting lead. He was clearly devoted to Alice, almost idolised her in a sence, whereas Alice is very much a free spirit in some regards. Yet it’s him that is the more wary of the pact. I was unsure of Alice at times, her aloofness made me like her at times but also liking her at other times.  

The pact itself is batshit crazy to put it mildly. Yes it sounds nice, simple and absolutely utopian in theory, and some of the clauses like giving a gift every month, going away on a long weekend every 3 moths or so, all nice, but it’s very cult like when talking to other members.  

Overall this book really took hold of me and despite the unrealistic premise of the pact, or at least the severeness and creepiness of it all, I really enjoyed this book, and cannot wait to see what Michelle Richmond writes next.  

Published by: Penguin
Gratefully received from the Publisher for review  

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