Review of Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney: A Dark, Atmospheric Thriller @alicewriterland @MacmillanAudio

In Beautiful Ugly, an author’s search for answers about his missing wife leads him to a remote Scottish island where reality twists into darkness.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the ARC of this audiobook. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summary:

In Alice Feeney’s gripping thriller, author Grady Green’s life shatters when his wife, Abby, vanishes after a mysterious car accident. A year later, still consumed by grief and unable to write, he retreats to a remote Scottish island to rebuild his life. There, he encounters the unthinkable—a woman who looks exactly like Abby. With dark twists and a sharp exploration of how marriage changes people in unexpected ways, Feeney delivers a chilling tale of love, loss, and revenge.

My Thoughts:

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney is a gripping psychological thriller that pulls you in with its eerie atmosphere and unrelenting twists. Set on a remote Scottish island, the book thrives on its unsettling vibe, keeping you guessing right to the end.

The story primarily follows Grady Green, an author who begins the worst day of his life with news of his latest bestseller, only to have it unravel when his wife, Abby, mysteriously disappears. A year later, grief-stricken and unable to write, Grady retreats to a secluded cabin on a storm-lashed Scottish island. There, his reality starts to bend as he encounters a woman who looks exactly like Abby. Is it his sleep deprivation, the alcohol he relies on, or is Abby truly there?

Told from Grady’s perspective with occasional insights from Abby, the narrative shifts between the present and the days leading up to her disappearance. This gradual revelation of their marriage’s fractures was one of the story’s most compelling aspects. The contrast between their perceptions of their relationship added depth, making the story as much about human connections as it was about suspense.

The Narration:

The audiobook, narrated by Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton, was a standout experience. Armitage’s ability to differentiate characters’ voices, even across genders and accents, was masterful, while Middleton’s performance added an extra layer of unease. Their combined efforts made the chilling twists even more impactful.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re in the mood for a dark, atmospheric thriller with plenty of surprises, Beautiful Ugly is well worth your time. And for audiobook fans, this version is a must-listen.

Another Book I’ve Reviewed Written by Alice Feeney:

His & Hers