The instant #1 New York Times bestseller (January 2019) everyone is talking about! People Magazine’s Book of the Week • Bookish’s “Must-Read Books of Winter” • PopSugar’s “Best Books of Winter” • Cosmopolitan’s “2019 Books to Bring to Your Book Club” • Bookbub’s “Biggest Books of Winter” • Refinery 29’s “Best Books of January 2019” • Crime Reads’ “January’s Best Psychological Thrillers” • … • Crime Reads’ “January’s Best Psychological Thrillers” • InStyle’s “7 Books That You Should Resolve to Read This January” • HelloGiggles’ “The 50 Most Anticipated Books of 2019” • USA Today’s “5 New Books Not to Miss” • Marie Claire’s “The Best Women’s Fiction of 2019 (So Far)” • Hypable’s “Winter Releases You Can’t Afford to Miss”
“Hendricks and Pekkanen are at the top of their game…You won’t see the final twist coming.” —People Magazine
“Beware strange psychologists…the authors know exactly how to play on their characters’ love of danger to bring them to the brink of disaster – and dare them to jump off.” —New York Times Book Review
“Slickly twisty [with] gasp-worthy final twists...major league suspense.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“For those who relished the creepy stalking in Hendricks and Pekkanen’s The Wife Between Us, this unnerving tale will have them rethinking what secrets are safe to share and if moral and ethics really matter when protecting the ones you love.” —Library Journal (starred review)
“Masterfully escalates the suspense.” —Booklist (starred review)
Looking to earn some easy cash, Jessica Farris agrees to be a test subject in a psychological study about ethics and morality. But as the study moves from the exam room to the real world, the line between what is real and what is one of Dr. Shields’s experiments blurs.
Dr. Shields seems to know what Jess is thinking… and what she’s hiding.
Jessica’s behavior will not only be monitored, but manipulated.
Caught in a web of attraction, deceit and jealousy, Jess quickly learns that some obsessions can be deadly.
From the authors of the blockbuster bestseller The Wife Between Us, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, An Anonymous Girl will keep you riveted through the last shocking twist.
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are ones you feel you could relate to if you were in their shoes. (Or maybe you have been already)
In the style of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, An Anonymous Girl contains many twists and surprises after the main character, Jess, lies her way into a psychological study only to find herself at the mercy of the psychologist behind the study. And then there’s the psychologist’s husband, and even more surprises. About halfway through this book one realizes that things have taken a truly creepy turn and it’s time to fasten one’s seatbelt and maybe even reach for the oxygen mask!
Jessica (Jess) Farris is a makeup artist living in New York City. Always looking for ways to earn some extra cash, she learns of an opportunity to participate in a study and make some serious money for what she thinks will be a one time session. What first seems to be a harmless exercise conducted by the mysterious Dr. Shields turns out to be just the beginning of a tangled web of lies, deceit and manipulation that threatens to consume Jessica’s life and well being.
What a heck of a ride! Talk about psychological thrillers, this was just plain crazy at times…crazy good. Every time I though I had someone or something figured out, another angle was presented. Don’t get me started on the unreliable narrators as no on seemed willing to present their true face for fear of being vulnerable, with substantially good reason. I’m not certain if there were any likable characters here but I was rooting for Jess. And, even when I thought I knew the basic answers, it still wasn’t enough to calm my racing heart.
I love listening to these kind of stories, especially when performed by great narrators. They don’t perform any better than Julia Whelan and in this story she shows why she appears on a lot of favorites lists. She was Jess, or at least she convinced me of that. It was my first time listening to Barrie Kreinik, who just nailed Dr. Shields, and I hope not the last.
Wish I could share more but you really, really wouldn’t want me to. It’s a perfect book for group discussion and I’m so fortunate I’m participating in one. Though it’s not without flaws, this was just mesmerizing! 4.5 stars
An Anonymous Girl is hauntingly well written, long after finishing the book you’ll be wondering if you were told the entire truth. Hardly anything or anyone are as they seem in this book. A must-read page turner that will leave you wanting more.
This book is hard to put down!
Loved it
Very well done. Would read again
Lots of Twists and turns! Great story. I thought I had it figured out about half way through, but I was pleasantly surprised and totally wrong! Lots of twists and turns and a great read, I can’t say much more without giving away plot points! It is a page turner.
I loved reading The Wife Between Us and these authors have knocked it out of the park again with An Anonymous Girl. Jessica signs up for an anonymous psychology study in hopes of earning some easy money. As Dr. Shields increases the study demands, Jessica finds herself wondering how she got herself into this and if the money is worth it. Not one big twist here but a lot of little- oh my goodness, did I just read that moments. Great book!
Very good!
Another great book by this dynamic duo. As a psychotherapist, I loved the unfolding suspense in this novel as well as the exploration of moral and ethical questions. It kept me guessing and wondering how it could possibly come to any satisfying ending. If you like psychological thrillers, definitely add this to your list!
An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen is a psychological suspense. I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down. They did an amazing job and I can’t wait to read more from these authors in the future.
I did not skim a page of this. A page-turner with supremely flawed characters and loads of psychological suspense.
Great book – one of the best I’ve read in a long time
4 wth just happened stars!! Things went left, right, upside down and all around!!
“You’re Invited: Seeking women aged 18 to 32 to participate in a study on ethics and morality conducted by a preeminent NYC psychiatrist. Generous compensation. Anonymity guaranteed. Call for more details.”
I was so excited to read this book. All you need is that above paragraph before you jump in. This was definitely full of little and big mind games. Or as I call them mind fucks. I think the characters were so on point that I felt as I knew them. I was waiting for Jessica to emerge and boy did she.
This book did seem to lag on at times but you almost feel like you have to know more. I would put this down and then just keep thinking about it until I could pick it back up. I think with some minor tweaking this could be a serious hit. Like movie deal and all. For some reason I kept envisioning certain actors and actresses playing each character. I think this book is definitely a book you should read.
FYI that ending was awesome!! Total bad ass!! Did not see it coming.
**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**
essica Ferris signed up for a psychological study regarding Ethics and Morality for the purpose of earning an easy $500. Except, the deeper she gets into the study with Dr. Lydia Shields, the more Jess becomes suspicious of the agenda behind the study…but what is it?
How far would you go to keep your secrets secret? This novel is filled with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
#AnAnonymousGirl #St.MartinsPress
I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from the publisher – St. Martin’s Press
The words on the ARC cover: ominous, devious, curious, desirous, suspicious, dangerous, malicious, murderous – all elements to be found in this novel. Some of the plot is predictable, but there are elements that could’ve been expanded on.
PART ONE:
The reader meets Jessica, a BeautyBuzz make-up consultant living in New York. While she’s with a client she sees an opportunity – especially when the client blows off the chance at $500.
Jessica lies her way into the study. Ironically the study centers on morality and ethics. Despite the fact she is replacing Taylor (the original subject); Jessica is allowed to proceed as she fits the demographic, becoming subject #52. She is led into the room and is the only person there.
Jess is asked to come back for session two (2). She has proven herself to be an intriguing subject. It isn’t just what she reveals, but what she didn’t reveal.
Jess meets Noah and at first it is a one-night-stand with her giving him the name of her client – Taylor.
Someone who wasn’t supposed to be a part of the study seems to be directing the course of it. The project begins to evolve from academic to real life. Jess is assured it will be safe and she will be in complete control.
Ominous –
The original study is suspended indefinitely and Jess becomes the sole focus.
Jess wonders why she is being paid. She receives her payment and a gift – a bottle of nail polish that she had seen and complimented Dr. Shields on.
Devious
Dr. Shields is slowly grooming Jess to go forward with the study, and gives the young girl another gift – the wrap she had been wearing – especially after a “rough session”.
Jess herself is now curious and tries to track Taylor down since she was the original subject.
But, the reader learns this study isn’t about Jess at all …
Dr. Shields is going to test a theory about her husband’s infidelity. Jess has unwittingly proven her loyalty for the next step … the Temptation of Infidelity.
PART TWO:
Desirous
Dr. Shields puts Jessica in position to get a married man to flirt with her at a bar. Jess is rejected. She’s stunned that she was put in that position (luring a man). Dr. Shields then tells her why it was necessary.
The reader then learns that the family of subject #5 hired an investigator; who hasn’t found anything (yet).
Dr. Shields asks Jessica to use her profession to test how money and morality intersect – basically when people when the lottery they say they’ll give to charity when they win, very few do. Shields arranges for women to “win” a make-up session, for which she will compensate Jessica for. Shields states that they were part of an earlier study and warned there would be more follow-ups.
Jess is reflecting on her life – the group she misses. The man from outside the museum texts her to let her know the lady from the accident is all right. Jess needs to talk to someone about what is going on, but can’t. Instead of calling Noah, Jess calls the man who informed her about the accident victim. With him, she can be “an anonymous girl” – only know a few hours, never again.
Dr. Shields plans another chance for Jess to meet Thomas.
She is surprised it is the man who text her after the accident – Thomas. He wants to know what she is doing there – a friend recommended the place. Jess wonders why he was chosen.
Suspicious
Thomas wonders if Jess is stalking him. After the phone call with Dr. Shields, Jess discovers a voice mail from Thomas, about the “friend” – he knows who it is.
Dangerous
Jess soon learns who Thomas is – he is the husband of Dr. Lydia Shields, and Jess demands proof. He wants to know how the two women know each other – Jess tells him she is being paid for a study. He tells her that Lydia preys on young women like her.
While she is out with Noah – Jess gets the proof Thomas has promised her – it’s a wedding photo.
Dr. Shields is wondering why Jess seems to be evading her. When Jess feigns being sick, the doctor stops by, but Jess isn’t home.
Instead, Jess is meeting Dr. Shields’ assistant. A startling revelation – his position was terminated as the study was terminated. Jess is stunned as she is still part of this “survey”. Even more stunned that he hadn’t spoken to her in a few weeks.
Thomas and Jess meet at the conservatory. Jess learns she cannot trust Dr. Shields.
Thomas has his own questions such as why Lydia sent her. Jess wants clarification about the “prey” remark. He tells her about another girl, one with issues, one that Lydia treated as a younger sister.
Jess learns about Subject #5 and her suicide.
Lydia wonders if Jess isn’t deliberately deceiving her, and believes her subject is slipping away. Lydia wonders how much it will cost to get her loyalty back. She goes through her file, and decides to focus on Jess’ family.
Jess wonders how an esteemed psychiatrist could drive a young girl to suicide. She wonders if Lydia will do to same to her.
Jess gets a text from Noah about a date and takes him up on the offer. She then contacts Dr. Shields about dropping by for her check. Jess confides that she wants to head home for the holidays to be with her family. Jess then gets a call from her mother who is excited that someone is financing their trip to Florida, expresses regret that Jess cannot join them since she’ll be working. As she leaves, Jess notices the oranges – Florida navel, same kind she used to sell for her high school fundraisers.
Lydia notes that Jess reminds her of April. April’s death also marked the end of Lydia’s marriage to Thomas. Lydia is now relying on Jess.
Jess then sees Thomas and Lydia in an intimate exchange.
Jess now believes that they are both lying to her. Which one is more dangerous?
PART THREE
Who is really deceiving Jess? Dr. Lydia Shields or her husband Thomas? Who is April?
Jess recalls the impulsive moment when she grabbed Taylor’s phone and replayed the message – meant for Taylor – was 10 seconds that have now changed Jess’ life.
Jess starts gathering notes about Thomas and Lydia. She knows less about him. Only two people are connected – assistant Ben who won’t talk and subject #5 who can’t talk. After a Google search, Jess finds her: KATHERINE APRIL VOSS, 23. She searches April’s Instagram page. Similar to Jess – likes cookies, leather jackets, dogs, silver hoop earrings. Finds a picture of Thomas – in her bed.
Jess doesn’t know how much Lydia knows, or what she is capable of. Figures if she can’t get out by pulling away, maybe by leaning in.
She tells Lydia that she hasn’t been honest – she did hear from him, but she hasn’t replied. Thinks it is Lydia’s husband. Jess mentions the incident near the museum and the jackets in Lydia’s closet – don’t match man in photo.
Dr. Shields confesses that Thomas is indeed her husband, reveals the cheating, and wants Jess to help ensure he won’t cheat again. Arranges another meeting which is shorter – it’s not what Dr. Shields is expecting.
Thomas initially passes the test.
But, Lydia finds out about Jess’ mystery man – Jess never mentioned him, who is he? What have you told him?
The reader then learns about April.
Jess pretends to be a friend of April’s and goes to see her mother. Mrs. Voss doesn’t question her, instead she openly talks to her, gives her a copy of the funeral program. The Beatles quote sticks out for Jess.
Dr. Shields’ hyper focus has been on Thomas’ infidelity, did she miss Jess’ agenda. Jess has been solely responsible for report. Jess snuck into survey – move appears entrepreneurial at first, but now seems duplicitous.
Younger sister, like April, faced with moral temptation. Both failed. Jess was brought in to test Thomas, reflects that perhaps it was Jess who failed.
Malicious
Jess has been terminated for violating non-compete clause. It has to be Lydia. Goes out to Noah – he is walking away. Doesn’t want to speak to her again.
Lydia tells Noah of Jess’ destructive behaviors. Of which:
1.) Recent job termination – ethical violations
2.) Visit to a drug addict’s home
3.) Habitual one-night stands with married men and different personas
Jess heads over to Lydia’s house and confronts her. Lydia feigns ignorance, but acts sympathetic. She gives Jess a pill, which the younger girl learns is Vicodin. Same thing April OD’d on. Dr. Shields had to have given it to her.
The truth about Lydia’s younger sister is revealed. She and Jess are bound by dual, but similar tragedies.
Jess heads to conservatory sees the bench in April’s name, donated by Dr. Shields. Wouldn’t have known about her had Thomas not told her. April saw the quote in his office. She wasn’t there to stalk him. Saw him as a client – for therapy.
Jess gets a call from Dr. Shields to come over as she has a gift for her. Jess refuses, but Lydia states she’ll take it to the police. She sets the girl up for a criminal charge.
When Jess arrives, she’s stunned to see Thomas there. Lydia threatens both of them. However, she wants the truth about their “relationship”.
Jess admits her truth, Thomas admits his. It is evident that Thomas is lying – to protect Jessica. Jess questions Lydia about the Vicodin. Thomas knows what happened.
Murderous
A confession is made and Lydia begs Thomas to go along with her plan. Thomas decides not to and leaves. Jess leaves, but leaves a present as well – a framed Instagram picture of Thomas.
Dr. Shields takes the only remaining course of action as she realizes that without Thomas – there is no light in her life.
The last part is haunting … “was it really worth it?”
This was an engaging, riveting, and page-turning read. The writers did a wonderful job crafting the tale and weaving the characters together. I found that I couldn’t put down. I am curious to see what the writers do next.
4 stars for this highly addictive, un-put-down-able book.
The magic between Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen is real. Believe in it, embrace it and look for it everywhere. I devoured this book in 2 sittings, I couldn’t get enough and it is easy to see why this seems to be the “It” book of 2019.
However… This book didn’t fully hit the mark. Before you start thinking that this is not a positive review, I’m going to stop you right there. I loved this book and I highly recommend it. But, I read a lot of books in this genre, and I mean A LOT. So while this book had me enraptured, the writing flawless, there were just some things that kept it from being a “knock my socks off” kind of book.
With that said, Part One was off the chains. I read Part One in a complete sitting. I was so engrossed in this story and what was really going on with Dr. Shields and what Jessica’s part was. But once you get a sense of what is going on, there isn’t any surprises and it really was what you thought. There were a few “oh” moments, but the most part the story unfolded exactly like you were thinking it would.
And while it is definitely not fair to compare books, I am going to anyway. Because The Wife Between Us was just as addicting but had that major “holy crap” moment (you know the one!) and even the ending had that satisfying little twist. There really wasn’t anything happening in An Anonymous Girl that you didn’t already figure out on your own. And because of that, this book was 4 stars for me.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for my copy of this book via NetGalley
My stomach was in a knot as the story progressed! An amazing psychological thriller with so many twists and turns and an unexpected ending.
The reviews or this book are mixed, but I’m not exactly sure why. I found it suspenseful. The protagonist, Jessica, is a college-age young woman who diligently makes money as a makeup artist. While on a job, she finds out about a well-paying psychological experiment in which Dr. Shields is studying ethics and morality. The questions intrigue her, as does the invitation to further the experiment. Thus begins a game of cat and mouse between Jessica and Dr, Shields, in which it is often hard to dissect good from bad, morality from immorality. The books hurtles towards a ending that is hard to forsee but also a little disappointing. Overall a good read though and kept me guessing.