Second Life, by S.J. Watson

Synopsis:

From the New York Times bestselling author of Before I Go to Sleep, a sensational new psychological thriller about a woman with a secret identity that threatens to destroy her.

How well can you really know another person? How far would you go to find the truth about someone you love?

When Julia learns that her sister has been violently murdered, she must uncover why. But Julia’s quest quickly evolves into an alluring exploration of own darkest sensual desires. Becoming involved with a dangerous stranger online, she’s losing herself . . . losing control . . . perhaps losing everything. Her search for answers will jeopardize her marriage, her family, and her life.

A tense and unrelenting novel that explores the secret lives people lead—and the dark places in which they can find themselves—Second Life is a masterwork of suspense from the acclaimed S. J. Watson.

Review:

[image error]How much do I agree with the synopsis on a scale of 1-10? I’d come in mid-way at a 5. The story is told in first person, present tense. I generally have no issue with a story told that way, if it fits. This didn’t. Julia is angry throughout making it a tense read with little in the way of breathers.

I didn’t find the writing exemplary, but that in itself didn’t make it a terrible read. The book is divided into five parts, the first three being a bit boring and drawn out. The last two parts, especially the final one, is what redeemed the entire book. The author ties up the loose ends nicely, although there were a few things I found myself questioning. For example, at the end, Connor is missing. They know he is headed to Paris to meet his father. Julia is on the phone with everyone – except the police at that point. They all had to take a train to reach him, wouldn’t calling the authorities in Paris before they arrived have been the logical thing to do?

I picked this title up in a discount bargain bin, so it was worth the small price I paid. Had I paid full price, I would have left it feeling cheated. Not terrible, but not memorable either.