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Jane and Lila Pool #1
Hard Girls
Two estranged twin sisters as they hunt down their elusive mother in this razor-sharp crime novel from "master of the dark arts" J. Robert Lennon. (Kelly Link)
Jane Pool likes her safe, suburban existence just fine. She has a house, a family, (an infuriating mother-in-law,) and a quiet-if-unfulfilling administrative job at the local college. Everything is wonderfully, numbingly normal. Yet Jane remains haunted by her her mercurial, absent mother, her parents’ secrets, and the act of violence that transformed her life. When her estranged twin, Lila, makes contact, claiming to know where their mother is and why she left all those years ago, Jane agrees to join her, desperate for answers and the chance to reconnect with the only person who really knew her true self. Yet as the hunt becomes treacherous, and pulls the two women to the earth’s distant corners, they find themselves up against their mother’s subterfuge and the darkness that always stalked their family. Now Jane stands to lose the life she’s made for the one that has been impossible to escape.
Set in both the Pool family’s past and their present, and melding elements of a chase novel, an espionage thriller, and domestic suspense, Hard Girls is an utterly distinctive pastiche—propulsive, mysterious, cracked, intelligent, and unexpected at every turn.
Jane Pool likes her safe, suburban existence just fine. She has a house, a family, (an infuriating mother-in-law,) and a quiet-if-unfulfilling administrative job at the local college. Everything is wonderfully, numbingly normal. Yet Jane remains haunted by her her mercurial, absent mother, her parents’ secrets, and the act of violence that transformed her life. When her estranged twin, Lila, makes contact, claiming to know where their mother is and why she left all those years ago, Jane agrees to join her, desperate for answers and the chance to reconnect with the only person who really knew her true self. Yet as the hunt becomes treacherous, and pulls the two women to the earth’s distant corners, they find themselves up against their mother’s subterfuge and the darkness that always stalked their family. Now Jane stands to lose the life she’s made for the one that has been impossible to escape.
Set in both the Pool family’s past and their present, and melding elements of a chase novel, an espionage thriller, and domestic suspense, Hard Girls is an utterly distinctive pastiche—propulsive, mysterious, cracked, intelligent, and unexpected at every turn.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published February 20, 2024
About the author
J. Robert Lennon
37 books274 followersJ. Robert Lennon is the author of three story collections and ten novels, and is co-editor of CRITICAL HITS, an anthology of writing on video games. He lives in Ithaca, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
February 8, 2024
My initial impression of Hard Girls by J. Robert Lennon is certainly a memorable one. The mystery woman on the cover of the book is beautiful. Her sizzling eye contact with the viewer is unapologetically confrontational, she’s a femme fatale. Mesmerized by her intrigue, I found myself staring at her for some time, contemplating who she is and what secrets she may be keeping. Understandably, I was eager to start the book! I also really like the design. The oversaturation and contrasting color choices are aesthetically pleasing and gives a vintage appearance.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book, which is narrated by Amanda Troope. I thought she did a wonderful job voicing the characters, making them distinct and easy to recognize. She’s energetic and easy to listen to. I could turn on the book and get lost in the story for long periods of time.
Set in Nestor, NY alternating between a few different past and present perspectives, Jane Pool, the main character, is trying to bury her traumatic past to push forward in her properly deadened, mechanical existence as a working mother, wife, and thoroughly heckled daughter-in-law. Jane has convinced herself she’s happy, satisfied, and living the life she always wanted with her husband (Chance) and daughter (Chloe). Despite her endeavors, she cannot kick a niggling feeling she needs to tie up loose ends from her past sooner rather than later and seek answers she is entitled to but hesitant to find. She finally decides to acquiesce and initiate contact with her disaffected twin sister (Lila) who delivers shocking and not entirely welcome news that their mother is still alive.
In this propulsive, cat and mouse thriller, Jane feels inexorably drawn towards her twin sister and the alure of excitement and the unpredictable. Her nihilistic decision to confront their past and hunt down their mother to obtain long awaited answers will have the sisters globetrotting, fully submerged in their mother’s world of espionage and subterfuge, which will inevitably jeopardize Jane’s future in a carefully constructed, conventional life with her family. These girls have certainly lived hard lives already and their fateful reconnection will spark disastrous consequences, lighting those closest to them aflame.
I thought the story was very good, though at times the plot got bogged down in mundane details. Similarly, I felt like there was a bit too much time spent on the backgrounds of people and descriptions of places they encountered on the chase. I also wanted the writing to convey a higher sense of urgency to better mirror what I perceive the girls are feeling---they are losing control but are in too deep to turn back. Overall, this was a solid story and a fun read, so I do recommend it to thriller enthusiasts! Since I am an identical twin, I felt a deeper connection to the girls and a greater understanding of some of their more shocking choices: I will always choose my twin over anyone or anything else.
Thank you NetGalley and Mulholland Books/Hachette Audio for the ARC and the opportunity to share what I think! All opinions are my own. Publication is Feb 20th!
I listened to the audiobook version of this book, which is narrated by Amanda Troope. I thought she did a wonderful job voicing the characters, making them distinct and easy to recognize. She’s energetic and easy to listen to. I could turn on the book and get lost in the story for long periods of time.
Set in Nestor, NY alternating between a few different past and present perspectives, Jane Pool, the main character, is trying to bury her traumatic past to push forward in her properly deadened, mechanical existence as a working mother, wife, and thoroughly heckled daughter-in-law. Jane has convinced herself she’s happy, satisfied, and living the life she always wanted with her husband (Chance) and daughter (Chloe). Despite her endeavors, she cannot kick a niggling feeling she needs to tie up loose ends from her past sooner rather than later and seek answers she is entitled to but hesitant to find. She finally decides to acquiesce and initiate contact with her disaffected twin sister (Lila) who delivers shocking and not entirely welcome news that their mother is still alive.
In this propulsive, cat and mouse thriller, Jane feels inexorably drawn towards her twin sister and the alure of excitement and the unpredictable. Her nihilistic decision to confront their past and hunt down their mother to obtain long awaited answers will have the sisters globetrotting, fully submerged in their mother’s world of espionage and subterfuge, which will inevitably jeopardize Jane’s future in a carefully constructed, conventional life with her family. These girls have certainly lived hard lives already and their fateful reconnection will spark disastrous consequences, lighting those closest to them aflame.
I thought the story was very good, though at times the plot got bogged down in mundane details. Similarly, I felt like there was a bit too much time spent on the backgrounds of people and descriptions of places they encountered on the chase. I also wanted the writing to convey a higher sense of urgency to better mirror what I perceive the girls are feeling---they are losing control but are in too deep to turn back. Overall, this was a solid story and a fun read, so I do recommend it to thriller enthusiasts! Since I am an identical twin, I felt a deeper connection to the girls and a greater understanding of some of their more shocking choices: I will always choose my twin over anyone or anything else.
Thank you NetGalley and Mulholland Books/Hachette Audio for the ARC and the opportunity to share what I think! All opinions are my own. Publication is Feb 20th!
February 12, 2024
DNF @ 20%
""Harry was desperately attracted to her immediately; she had an arboreal air, furtive yet self-assured, like an extremely sexy deer."
sometimes you just read a line or paragraph in a book that gives you the ick, and that was this line for me LOL. this was at 13% in the book so I decided to keep on reading and give it a bit more of a shot but I was just not feeling it.
The description sounded great and the cover was very eye catching but ultimately I wasn't into the writing and didn't begin to care for any of the characters. This wasn't bad, it just wasn't for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Mulholland books for sharing a digital copy for me to read, as always opinions are my own.
""Harry was desperately attracted to her immediately; she had an arboreal air, furtive yet self-assured, like an extremely sexy deer."
sometimes you just read a line or paragraph in a book that gives you the ick, and that was this line for me LOL. this was at 13% in the book so I decided to keep on reading and give it a bit more of a shot but I was just not feeling it.
The description sounded great and the cover was very eye catching but ultimately I wasn't into the writing and didn't begin to care for any of the characters. This wasn't bad, it just wasn't for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Mulholland books for sharing a digital copy for me to read, as always opinions are my own.
March 17, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Mulholland Books for access to this title
The cover of the book caught my attention, and I was intrigued by the story of two sisters, Jane and Lila, who were searching for their mother after she left them with their father, Harry, who had his secrets. The novel included flashbacks of their childhood and the secret that led to their estrangement.
However, I must admit that I struggled with this book. I tried to appreciate the dark side of the characters, but I felt impatient to reach the point. I don't think it was a bad book, but I would tell my students that it simply wasn't the right book for me.
Publication Date 20/02/24
Goodreads Review 17/03/24
#HardGirls #NetGalley.
The cover of the book caught my attention, and I was intrigued by the story of two sisters, Jane and Lila, who were searching for their mother after she left them with their father, Harry, who had his secrets. The novel included flashbacks of their childhood and the secret that led to their estrangement.
However, I must admit that I struggled with this book. I tried to appreciate the dark side of the characters, but I felt impatient to reach the point. I don't think it was a bad book, but I would tell my students that it simply wasn't the right book for me.
Publication Date 20/02/24
Goodreads Review 17/03/24
#HardGirls #NetGalley.
April 10, 2024
Genre: Espionage/Thriller/Family Drama
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Pub. Date: February 20, 2024
In “Hard Girls,” two estranged adult twin sisters play a cat-and-mouse game to track down their elusive mother, who went missing years ago. At best, they suspect their mom to be CIA. At worst, she may be a crime lord. The story travels back and forth from when the twins were in their childhood, teen, and adult years. In their youth, their mother would often disappear. Their despondent father never explained why she left, why she came back, or why she would leave again. Throughout the novel, we see how the family’s lifestyle is based on dishonesty and neglect. The sisters earned the right to be called ‘hard girls.’ In their teens, the twins were involved in a murder. One goes to jail, and the other, like her mother, disappears. Despite its potential, the plot failed to hold my interest. — a bit too pulp-like fiction for me. I usually enjoy novels with different timelines, but I found this one confusing, especially when reading the history of the parents’ relationship. If I say more, it would be a spoiler. The novel has some good twists. You may find this thriller more enjoyable than I did.
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Publisher: Mulholland Books
Pub. Date: February 20, 2024
In “Hard Girls,” two estranged adult twin sisters play a cat-and-mouse game to track down their elusive mother, who went missing years ago. At best, they suspect their mom to be CIA. At worst, she may be a crime lord. The story travels back and forth from when the twins were in their childhood, teen, and adult years. In their youth, their mother would often disappear. Their despondent father never explained why she left, why she came back, or why she would leave again. Throughout the novel, we see how the family’s lifestyle is based on dishonesty and neglect. The sisters earned the right to be called ‘hard girls.’ In their teens, the twins were involved in a murder. One goes to jail, and the other, like her mother, disappears. Despite its potential, the plot failed to hold my interest. — a bit too pulp-like fiction for me. I usually enjoy novels with different timelines, but I found this one confusing, especially when reading the history of the parents’ relationship. If I say more, it would be a spoiler. The novel has some good twists. You may find this thriller more enjoyable than I did.
Find all my book reviews at:
https://books6259.wordpress.com
https://www.goodreads.com
https://www.amazon.com
https://www.facebook.com/martie.neesr...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/c...
January 19, 2024
I can see how this story would easily be a 5-star read for many people! There were many things I loved about the story and the writing, but also a few things that left me wanting more.
I loved how the author uses cryptic language to tease past events and how the characters came to be in the place they are (physically and emotionally). It was a slow burn in the best way and kept me on the edge of my seat. Most of the reveals paid off which was even better. I also think the author did an excellent job flipping between past and present. It was easy to follow and everything was woven together beautifully to answer that "how did we get here?"
There was a lot happening in the story, however. It was a cat/mouse thriller; it was a spy thriller; it was a story about a dysfunctional family. Mixing all of these elements was confusing at times. I'd get drawn completely in to one type of story, then the next chapter would feel like I was reading something totally different.
Ultimately, I didn't get quite as invested as I had hoped I would but still found it to be a compelling story!
Thank you Mulholland Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
I loved how the author uses cryptic language to tease past events and how the characters came to be in the place they are (physically and emotionally). It was a slow burn in the best way and kept me on the edge of my seat. Most of the reveals paid off which was even better. I also think the author did an excellent job flipping between past and present. It was easy to follow and everything was woven together beautifully to answer that "how did we get here?"
There was a lot happening in the story, however. It was a cat/mouse thriller; it was a spy thriller; it was a story about a dysfunctional family. Mixing all of these elements was confusing at times. I'd get drawn completely in to one type of story, then the next chapter would feel like I was reading something totally different.
Ultimately, I didn't get quite as invested as I had hoped I would but still found it to be a compelling story!
Thank you Mulholland Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
April 10, 2024
I enjoyed this book very much!! It’s a great thriller/mystery read with two main female characters that I fell in love with.
Sisters (twins) have had a very hard and unique younger years. That unfortunately follows them into adulthood. They finally face their demons and try to put some closure to the way their parents treated them growing up.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!!!!
Sisters (twins) have had a very hard and unique younger years. That unfortunately follows them into adulthood. They finally face their demons and try to put some closure to the way their parents treated them growing up.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!!!!
August 17, 2023
Jane Pool seems like a normal fun loving mother where she is an admin at her local college. She has to deal with a horrible mother-in-law and her slowly aging professor father but life is good and uneventful when she hears from her twin. Her twin has been estranged for many years and will not reveal her location but promises to share secrets regarding their mother.
Jane take a leap of fate and dials a secret number which leads to a whirlwind tour. She learns that her mother had some deep deep secrets that she is still keeping that have caused the majority of the heartache is her life to date. Unfortunately for Jane, more than one person wants to keep these secrets buried and she finds herself working with her twin sister against the clock.
Bold and boisterous! This is a great thriller blending governmental intrigue, family matters and all out adventure!
#mullhollandbooks #hardgirls #jrobertlennon
Jane take a leap of fate and dials a secret number which leads to a whirlwind tour. She learns that her mother had some deep deep secrets that she is still keeping that have caused the majority of the heartache is her life to date. Unfortunately for Jane, more than one person wants to keep these secrets buried and she finds herself working with her twin sister against the clock.
Bold and boisterous! This is a great thriller blending governmental intrigue, family matters and all out adventure!
#mullhollandbooks #hardgirls #jrobertlennon
March 5, 2024
Thank you to @NetGalley and @Hachetteaudio for the #gifted copy.
First, the cover it amazing. It is what ultimately made me pick up the book. Second, I normally am drawn to books about twins so this made it a double win just to start! Third, I really enjoyed the audio.
Overall, the author did a great job with suspense throughout the book, but sadly, I really just could not stay focused to really enjoy this one. With that said, I will still pick up book 2 because I did like the storyline!
First, the cover it amazing. It is what ultimately made me pick up the book. Second, I normally am drawn to books about twins so this made it a double win just to start! Third, I really enjoyed the audio.
Overall, the author did a great job with suspense throughout the book, but sadly, I really just could not stay focused to really enjoy this one. With that said, I will still pick up book 2 because I did like the storyline!
February 7, 2024
My initial impression of Hard Girls by J. Robert Lennon is certainly a memorable one. The mystery woman on the cover of the book is beautiful. Her sizzling eye contact with the viewer is unapologetically confrontational, she’s a femme fatale. Mesmerized by her intrigue, I found myself staring at her for some time, contemplating who she is and what secrets she may be keeping. Understandably, I was eager to start the book! I also really like the design. The oversaturation and contrasting color choices are aesthetically pleasing and gives a vintage appearance.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book, which is narrated by Amanda Troope. I thought she did a wonderful job voicing the characters, making them distinct and easy to recognize. She’s energetic and easy to listen to. I could turn on the book and get lost in the story for long periods of time.
Set in Nestor, NY alternating between a few different past and present perspectives, Jane Pool, the main character, is trying to bury her traumatic past to push forward in her properly deadened, mechanical existence as a working mother, wife, and thoroughly heckled daughter-in-law. Jane has convinced herself she’s happy, satisfied, and living the life she always wanted with her husband (Chance) and daughter (Chloe). Despite her endeavors, she cannot kick a niggling feeling she needs to tie up loose ends from her past sooner rather than later and seek answers she is entitled to but hesitant to find. She finally decides to acquiesce and initiate contact with her disaffected twin sister (Lila) who delivers shocking and not entirely welcome news that their mother is still alive.
In this propulsive, cat and mouse thriller, Jane feels inexorably drawn towards her twin sister and the alure of excitement and the unpredictable. Her nihilistic decision to confront their past and hunt down their mother to obtain long awaited answers will have the sisters globetrotting, fully submerged in their mother’s world of espionage and subterfuge, which will inevitably jeopardize Jane’s future in a carefully constructed, conventional life with her family. These girls have certainly lived hard lives already and their fateful reconnection will spark disastrous consequences, lighting those closest to them aflame.
I thought the story was very good, though at times the plot got bogged down in mundane details. Similarly, I felt like there was a bit too much time spent on the backgrounds of people and descriptions of places they encountered on the chase. I also wanted the writing to convey a higher sense of urgency to better mirror what I perceive the girls are feeling---they are losing control but are in too deep to turn back. Overall, this was a solid story and a fun read, so I do recommend it to thriller enthusiasts! Since I am an identical twin, I felt a deeper connection to the girls and a greater understanding of some of their more shocking choices: I will always choose my twin over anyone or anything else.
Thank you NetGalley and Mulholland Books/Hachette Audio for the ARC and the opportunity to share what I think! All opinions are my own. Publication is Feb 20th!
I listened to the audiobook version of this book, which is narrated by Amanda Troope. I thought she did a wonderful job voicing the characters, making them distinct and easy to recognize. She’s energetic and easy to listen to. I could turn on the book and get lost in the story for long periods of time.
Set in Nestor, NY alternating between a few different past and present perspectives, Jane Pool, the main character, is trying to bury her traumatic past to push forward in her properly deadened, mechanical existence as a working mother, wife, and thoroughly heckled daughter-in-law. Jane has convinced herself she’s happy, satisfied, and living the life she always wanted with her husband (Chance) and daughter (Chloe). Despite her endeavors, she cannot kick a niggling feeling she needs to tie up loose ends from her past sooner rather than later and seek answers she is entitled to but hesitant to find. She finally decides to acquiesce and initiate contact with her disaffected twin sister (Lila) who delivers shocking and not entirely welcome news that their mother is still alive.
In this propulsive, cat and mouse thriller, Jane feels inexorably drawn towards her twin sister and the alure of excitement and the unpredictable. Her nihilistic decision to confront their past and hunt down their mother to obtain long awaited answers will have the sisters globetrotting, fully submerged in their mother’s world of espionage and subterfuge, which will inevitably jeopardize Jane’s future in a carefully constructed, conventional life with her family. These girls have certainly lived hard lives already and their fateful reconnection will spark disastrous consequences, lighting those closest to them aflame.
I thought the story was very good, though at times the plot got bogged down in mundane details. Similarly, I felt like there was a bit too much time spent on the backgrounds of people and descriptions of places they encountered on the chase. I also wanted the writing to convey a higher sense of urgency to better mirror what I perceive the girls are feeling---they are losing control but are in too deep to turn back. Overall, this was a solid story and a fun read, so I do recommend it to thriller enthusiasts! Since I am an identical twin, I felt a deeper connection to the girls and a greater understanding of some of their more shocking choices: I will always choose my twin over anyone or anything else.
Thank you NetGalley and Mulholland Books/Hachette Audio for the ARC and the opportunity to share what I think! All opinions are my own. Publication is Feb 20th!
February 14, 2024
Hard Girls by J. Robert Lennon. Thanks to @mulhollandbooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jane joins her estranged twin to track down their often absent and mercurial mother.
I love stories about twins and I enjoyed their reconnection and getting to know both characters. I especially enjoyed the childhood timeline and how they grew up with the sometimes absent mother. I was really interested in seeing how that developed. I wasn’t as interested in the modern timeline and felt it was really bogged down with details and a slower pace.
“He had loved her passionately, without reservation. But he never understood her. She was fierce, mercurial.”
Hard Girls comes out 2/20.
Jane joins her estranged twin to track down their often absent and mercurial mother.
I love stories about twins and I enjoyed their reconnection and getting to know both characters. I especially enjoyed the childhood timeline and how they grew up with the sometimes absent mother. I was really interested in seeing how that developed. I wasn’t as interested in the modern timeline and felt it was really bogged down with details and a slower pace.
“He had loved her passionately, without reservation. But he never understood her. She was fierce, mercurial.”
Hard Girls comes out 2/20.
February 27, 2024
This was an interesting plot following sisters and their quest to locate their mother. The story jumps between the past and the present. I enjoyed the dynamic between the sisters, but the parents’ relationship could have been developed more. It was a quick read and I enjoyed it!
Thank you to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2024
3.5-4 I enjoyed the story of twins who embark on a journey to find their mysterious mother. Mixed in are their backstories, especially Jane's, who we know spent time in prison. It's obvious that there's a spy element here, and this unfolds as the novel progresses. The plot moves along at a good pace, with a few detours.
April 21, 2024
Hard Girls is a hard book to become enmeshed in. I never did quite achieve that.
I found the flipping back and forth narrative a distraction and not to my liking.
The more I read about Lila and Jane the less I liked either of them
I finished the book but it wasn’t to my liking.
Thanks to NetGalley and Muholland Books for the early read.
I found the flipping back and forth narrative a distraction and not to my liking.
The more I read about Lila and Jane the less I liked either of them
I finished the book but it wasn’t to my liking.
Thanks to NetGalley and Muholland Books for the early read.
January 26, 2024
Well this book surprised me in a good way. I was pleasantly impressed that is was not strictly a run of the mill thriller. It has lots of other components.
Told in past and present time lines and multiple POV’s. It moves at a good pace and the writing is engaging. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for a honest review. 4 ⭐️
Told in past and present time lines and multiple POV’s. It moves at a good pace and the writing is engaging. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for a honest review. 4 ⭐️
February 18, 2024
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley. I am providing an honest review.
The basics:
Twenty years ago, Jane Pool’s mother abandoned her family and all she’s ever known. Ten years later, her twin sister Lila did the same. In the present day, Jane is an exhausted mother. Her marriage is in shambles, her in-laws are toxic, her father is dependent on Jane’s support, and Jane is stifled by her routine and corporate job.
When Lila sends Jane a cryptic email with information on their mother, Jane drops everything for the chance to heal from her past.
My thoughts:
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel and I absolutely loved this narrator. She was energetic, dynamic, and entertaining. There was a very clear difference between the past and present, as well as clear differences in character perspective. Despite being a long novel, the narration was so interesting that it flew past
Additionally, I loved the plot basis of this novel. To me, the novel was reminiscent of Karin Slaughter’s style. I also thought each character was extremely unique and multi-dimensional. They each had a very distinctive personality. I loved the power dynamics between Lila and Jane, as well as Harry and Annabelle. I would definitely read a sequel to this!
I do have a few criticisms. I felt that some of the details on Lila and Jane’s backgrounds really dragged. For example, I don’t think it was necessary to hear so much about their theatre summer camp, their mother’s affair, or their interest in spy toys. I also think their time on the run really could’ve been cut down, as it dragged in a lot of places. I also don’t think Harry’s chapters were needed at all (I think it would’ve been a larger plot twist without those chapters too).
Overall, I would highly recommend this novel to anyone that’s looking for a great thriller!
The basics:
Twenty years ago, Jane Pool’s mother abandoned her family and all she’s ever known. Ten years later, her twin sister Lila did the same. In the present day, Jane is an exhausted mother. Her marriage is in shambles, her in-laws are toxic, her father is dependent on Jane’s support, and Jane is stifled by her routine and corporate job.
When Lila sends Jane a cryptic email with information on their mother, Jane drops everything for the chance to heal from her past.
My thoughts:
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel and I absolutely loved this narrator. She was energetic, dynamic, and entertaining. There was a very clear difference between the past and present, as well as clear differences in character perspective. Despite being a long novel, the narration was so interesting that it flew past
Additionally, I loved the plot basis of this novel. To me, the novel was reminiscent of Karin Slaughter’s style. I also thought each character was extremely unique and multi-dimensional. They each had a very distinctive personality. I loved the power dynamics between Lila and Jane, as well as Harry and Annabelle. I would definitely read a sequel to this!
I do have a few criticisms. I felt that some of the details on Lila and Jane’s backgrounds really dragged. For example, I don’t think it was necessary to hear so much about their theatre summer camp, their mother’s affair, or their interest in spy toys. I also think their time on the run really could’ve been cut down, as it dragged in a lot of places. I also don’t think Harry’s chapters were needed at all (I think it would’ve been a larger plot twist without those chapters too).
Overall, I would highly recommend this novel to anyone that’s looking for a great thriller!
May 2, 2024
One mark of a good author is that they can succeed in writing all sorts of different books. I first encountered J. Robert Lennon with his surreal mystery Subdivision. Coming to this I was thrilled to find that he was just as good at spy-thriller/family drama as he was with dreamlike logic. Both are great, though they couldn't be more different.
Jane Pool has a husband, a job, and a daughter. She has the normal, average life that she always strived for. And it takes one email from her estranged twin sister, Lila, to make that all unravel. Soon, the two sisters are traveling across the country, getting in fights, and running cons, all in pursuit of the mother who abandoned them 20 years ago.
The modern-day plot is propulsive, and it’s interspersed with flashbacks to the girls’ childhood, their fascination with their mysterious mother, and finally the crime that first got them on the lam. Their alcoholic academic father holds a few secrets as well, including the truth about their mother’s past.
I had a blast reading this book. It’s been teased as the beginning of a trilogy, and given the way that it ended, I’ll be glad to pick up the next book.
Jane Pool has a husband, a job, and a daughter. She has the normal, average life that she always strived for. And it takes one email from her estranged twin sister, Lila, to make that all unravel. Soon, the two sisters are traveling across the country, getting in fights, and running cons, all in pursuit of the mother who abandoned them 20 years ago.
The modern-day plot is propulsive, and it’s interspersed with flashbacks to the girls’ childhood, their fascination with their mysterious mother, and finally the crime that first got them on the lam. Their alcoholic academic father holds a few secrets as well, including the truth about their mother’s past.
I had a blast reading this book. It’s been teased as the beginning of a trilogy, and given the way that it ended, I’ll be glad to pick up the next book.
February 8, 2024
Lila and Jane are twin sisters who have a very challenging childhood, mostly because of emotional neglect from their parents. And then their mother disappeared completely out of their lives.. The sisters drift away from each other as they reach adulthood until one day Lila contacts Jane out of the blue via a bygone secret code they used as children. Lila says she knows where their mother is and wants Jane to join her in finding her even though it means disrupting her carefully planned and dull life. Jane agrees and then the cat and mouse action begins and doesn't stop. This was an interesting story, however it did not keep me on the seat of my chair like I thought it would. The narrator was good. I would give this a 3 star rating.
Thank you to Net Galley and Hachette Audio, Mulholland Books for a chance to read/listen the an ARC version of this story.
Thank you to Net Galley and Hachette Audio, Mulholland Books for a chance to read/listen the an ARC version of this story.
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March 17, 2024
Thank you Novel Suspects for the physical ARC and Netgalley for the eARC. All opinions expressed bellow are mine alone.
This cat-and-mouse espionage thriller was definitely not for me. It started off strong, and I was truly invested in the story of the twins' life growing up. Once I hit the halfway point of this book, I found it a struggle to read. I became uninvested in the story altogether. The trope of "keeping a secret from the reader" started to really bother me and, generally speaking, caused me to become very confused as to what was going on.
Let's not forget to mention the reasoning for these twins finding their mother. I honestly have no clue why they would want to. They ruin their personal lives in search of their neglectful and absent mother, who left them at a young age.
Would I personally recommend this book? Not at all.
This cat-and-mouse espionage thriller was definitely not for me. It started off strong, and I was truly invested in the story of the twins' life growing up. Once I hit the halfway point of this book, I found it a struggle to read. I became uninvested in the story altogether. The trope of "keeping a secret from the reader" started to really bother me and, generally speaking, caused me to become very confused as to what was going on.
Let's not forget to mention the reasoning for these twins finding their mother. I honestly have no clue why they would want to. They ruin their personal lives in search of their neglectful and absent mother, who left them at a young age.
Would I personally recommend this book? Not at all.
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February 15, 2024 Did-Not-Finish @32%
I tried 3 different times to really get into this, and I just couldn't.
I seemed to get lost every, damn time.
IDK maybe it was the narrator, maybe it's the story, maybe it's me.
Some people seem to enjoy this book; however, I cannot make it past this point.
I do want to thank #Netgalley and #Hachetteaudio for an advanced copy of this audio, I wouldn't have even made it to 30% otherwise.
I tried 3 different times to really get into this, and I just couldn't.
I seemed to get lost every, damn time.
IDK maybe it was the narrator, maybe it's the story, maybe it's me.
Some people seem to enjoy this book; however, I cannot make it past this point.
I do want to thank #Netgalley and #Hachetteaudio for an advanced copy of this audio, I wouldn't have even made it to 30% otherwise.
February 9, 2024
A fascinating and engaging story of two sisters and the bonds that cannot be broken. This story jumps back in forth between past and present and that really amplifies the drama. Jane and Lila are twins that couldn’t be more alike or more different depending on the moment. From a troubled childhood to an estranged adult life their ability to come back together for answers is something truly powerful.
March 10, 2024
I probably should have stopped reading after the author described a female character as a sexy deer. And often the female characters in the books felt like objects and caricatures. The relationship between the sisters kept me reading but I don't know that I particularly enjoyed it and I know I won't remember this book in the long term.
3 stars.
3 stars.
February 8, 2024
The narrator was good! No real complaints there. A tad monotone at times, but I don’t really mind… kind of calming actually.
The story was one of those that I found personally difficult to follow along with via audio at times, however. I may give this a try in print which may change my review.
The story was one of those that I found personally difficult to follow along with via audio at times, however. I may give this a try in print which may change my review.
February 16, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Mullholland Books for this ALC.
It has been a long time since I have seen this level of originality in a novel. This novel sweeps time periods and locations and is the perfect mix of mystery and family drama. This novel is layered and poignant, while funny. Through a feminist lens, the reader will examine ideas of sexuality, maturity, motherhood, sisterhood, self-identity and fulfilling one's goals.
It is a dizzying ride at times, as this novel moves quickly and there are numerous timeline and point of view jumps, however, there is never a dull moment. The way these various pieces come together is masterful and adds to the overall superb nature of this mystery!
It has been a long time since I have seen this level of originality in a novel. This novel sweeps time periods and locations and is the perfect mix of mystery and family drama. This novel is layered and poignant, while funny. Through a feminist lens, the reader will examine ideas of sexuality, maturity, motherhood, sisterhood, self-identity and fulfilling one's goals.
It is a dizzying ride at times, as this novel moves quickly and there are numerous timeline and point of view jumps, however, there is never a dull moment. The way these various pieces come together is masterful and adds to the overall superb nature of this mystery!
March 18, 2024
Sometimes a bit hard to follow with the different perspectives but overall good and suspenseful book with a lot of action
July 13, 2024
Read quickly but not well written. A bit far fetched
February 18, 2024
I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I started this book, but I can say that while I wasn't blown away by it, I definitely enjoyed the ride. This is largely due to the captivating characters the author has created.
The story mostly focuses on Jane Pool, a seemingly content woman living a comfortable suburban life in New York. She has a husband and a young daughter, and she hates her mother-in-law. She works a ho-hum job at a university where her aging father is a professor. From the outside, everything appears ordinary; however, beneath this facade, Jane carries the weight of her tumultuous past, largely due to a mother who was rarely present in her life and an estranged twin sister with whom she hasn't spoken in years.
When said sister, Lila, contacts her with information about their long-lost mother, Jane's curiosity is piqued. Desperate for answers and yearning to reconnect with someone who truly understands her, Jane agrees to join Lila on a journey that takes them across the United States and then to South America. As they dig deeper into their mother's secrets, they are confronted with deception and darkness that has always loomed over their family.
What I liked most about this book was the structure. We flip between the present as the twins search for their mother and the past when we gradually learn about their tumultuous childhood and how it affected their adult lives. The reveal is gradual, and I loved watching the pieces fall into place. Lennon crafted a narrative that is both propulsive and mysterious. With each turn of the page, the tension builds, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the next revelation.
I also liked that there were several elements in this novel. It's part mystery, part thriller, and another part family drama. This fusion worked well and kept me engaged, but I think what really makes this novel interesting is Jane and Lila Pool - the twin main characters. I think my only gripe was that the book's primary focus is on Jane, and I wanted a little more info on Lila. That said, this wasn't enough to ruin the book for me. I found them both very compelling.
As readers delve into Jane's psyche, they witness her transformation from a woman trapped in a mundane existence to a fearless and determined seeker of truth. We know that Jane did prison time, and finding out why really adds to the complexity of her character and has quite an impact on the relationship between the twins.
Lila, with her enigmatic personality and unwavering determination, brings a sense of intrigue to the story. Lila had a lot of tricks up her sleeve, and I think that is why I wanted to know more about her, though I think a lot of her charm was the secrets she held, and I wonder if I'd have been as intrigued by her if I knew all of her secrets. The complex relationship between the twins is one of the book's most captivating aspects as they navigate their shared past and the secrets that have kept them apart.
Supporting characters such as the twin's father, Henry, Chloe (Jane's daughter), Chance (Jane's husband), and Susan (Jane's mother-in-law) were also interesting and served a distinct purpose in the overall story. I think the only character that I felt distanced from was the twin's mother, but then again, so did they, so I guess that worked.
Overall, I felt this was a great blend of genres and a gripping tale of family secrets and identity. With its unforgettable characters and captivating plot, this book will appeal to anyone who likes a fast-paced and complex story.
The story mostly focuses on Jane Pool, a seemingly content woman living a comfortable suburban life in New York. She has a husband and a young daughter, and she hates her mother-in-law. She works a ho-hum job at a university where her aging father is a professor. From the outside, everything appears ordinary; however, beneath this facade, Jane carries the weight of her tumultuous past, largely due to a mother who was rarely present in her life and an estranged twin sister with whom she hasn't spoken in years.
When said sister, Lila, contacts her with information about their long-lost mother, Jane's curiosity is piqued. Desperate for answers and yearning to reconnect with someone who truly understands her, Jane agrees to join Lila on a journey that takes them across the United States and then to South America. As they dig deeper into their mother's secrets, they are confronted with deception and darkness that has always loomed over their family.
What I liked most about this book was the structure. We flip between the present as the twins search for their mother and the past when we gradually learn about their tumultuous childhood and how it affected their adult lives. The reveal is gradual, and I loved watching the pieces fall into place. Lennon crafted a narrative that is both propulsive and mysterious. With each turn of the page, the tension builds, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the next revelation.
I also liked that there were several elements in this novel. It's part mystery, part thriller, and another part family drama. This fusion worked well and kept me engaged, but I think what really makes this novel interesting is Jane and Lila Pool - the twin main characters. I think my only gripe was that the book's primary focus is on Jane, and I wanted a little more info on Lila. That said, this wasn't enough to ruin the book for me. I found them both very compelling.
As readers delve into Jane's psyche, they witness her transformation from a woman trapped in a mundane existence to a fearless and determined seeker of truth. We know that Jane did prison time, and finding out why really adds to the complexity of her character and has quite an impact on the relationship between the twins.
Lila, with her enigmatic personality and unwavering determination, brings a sense of intrigue to the story. Lila had a lot of tricks up her sleeve, and I think that is why I wanted to know more about her, though I think a lot of her charm was the secrets she held, and I wonder if I'd have been as intrigued by her if I knew all of her secrets. The complex relationship between the twins is one of the book's most captivating aspects as they navigate their shared past and the secrets that have kept them apart.
Supporting characters such as the twin's father, Henry, Chloe (Jane's daughter), Chance (Jane's husband), and Susan (Jane's mother-in-law) were also interesting and served a distinct purpose in the overall story. I think the only character that I felt distanced from was the twin's mother, but then again, so did they, so I guess that worked.
Overall, I felt this was a great blend of genres and a gripping tale of family secrets and identity. With its unforgettable characters and captivating plot, this book will appeal to anyone who likes a fast-paced and complex story.
April 7, 2024
Taking too long to get into any sort of action DNF for me.
March 2, 2024
I loved this book!!
July 29, 2024
Reading Subdivision recently I was reminded what a great writer Lennon is. I've appreciated the sense of dread his books convey and a hint at the supernatural.
This book felt different but it's the first of the series. The unknown is not psychological so much. There is a decent amount of background and world building and the pacing is good.
Sometimes I felt there were too many details about a person or event and sometimes too few. Some things were left unexplained (maybe in future books!).
This was solid and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series when it arrives.
This book felt different but it's the first of the series. The unknown is not psychological so much. There is a decent amount of background and world building and the pacing is good.
Sometimes I felt there were too many details about a person or event and sometimes too few. Some things were left unexplained (maybe in future books!).
This was solid and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series when it arrives.
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