Killing the Unicorn

by Lizella Prescott

He was the father of my adorable, two-year-old twins, and he still wanted me, with all my lumps and flaws. I should have melted into him. I should have longed to be vulnerable and intimate and seen.

And yet I felt nothing but a bone-deep exhaustion...

A COMPLICATED MARRIAGE

Since having twin daughters, Helen has lost her waistline, her libido, and her edge. Mann, her wealthy, high-flying husband, has tried to be patient. But he needs more than she can give. A lot more.

When he asks to open their marriage, Helen agrees. She would rather bend than risk a high-stakes divorce.

A DANGEROUS OBSESSION

When Mann connects with Julia, Helen is relieved. At first. She likes Julia, a gentle woman with a tragic past. But her husband is moving fast. Too fast. And a series of odd events unnerves Helen and makes her wonder if Julia is lying about her past...or worse.

As Mann falls deeper into love, Helen becomes obsessed with Julia even as she questions herself. To protect her children and her sanity, Helen must discover the truth: is Julia a danger to her family, or is she?

Genres: Fiction

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2018

About the author

There is creative reading as well as creative writing.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Medium Top Writer in Fiction and Short Story, Lizella colors outside the genres. She routinely travels between the realms of domestic suspense, horror, and dark fantasy.

When she’s not dreaming up new ways to torture fairy princesses and troubled wives, Lizella writes corporate copy under a different pseudonym and tries to keep up with one husband, two kids, and four large dogs. Connect with her on Twitter. Find giveaways and other goodies on her website.

Reviews

[Chandra Claypool (WhereTheReaderGrows) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Polyamorous and open marriages are more common these days. I've always known I wasn't good at sharing, and after this book... well, yeah, I'm even more certain now! How far would you go to make your husband happy? And why is it that the woman always feels the need to compromise herself to do so?

When first approached about this book, I was extremely curious about the open marriage part of it. Then I thought, how is it going to be a whole lot different than most psychological thrillers except that now the wife knows about the other women? Well, Lizella brings you the crazy! Just when I think I know what's going on, she smoothly brings in a part I did not expect and I DO like to be surprised!

Once the crazy came, then it somersaulted into more crazy and I loved it! I even laughed at certain moments (with the characters, not at them) and barreled through this story in one sitting. There are moments in here with dealing with children, home life, work life and just the pressure of it all. How kids change a marriage. How everyone has an agenda. And omg, I think I needed a glass of wine and a Xanax when it came down to the end of it all! (You'll know what I mean when you read this, and you should!)

Women, if you're hesitant about a huge life decision such as bringing another person into your marriage, then listen to your gut feeling! Toward the end I felt it did go a little bit too far and made things a bit convoluted. However, it didn't take away from the entertainment value of the book.

Absolute surprise of a domestic thriller for me - a different take and perfect for those who need a binge read!

Thanks so much to the author for this copy!

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen and Mann Gottlieb’s marriage has changed since the birth of their twin daughters, Briar and Rose. Although they still love each other, their sex life has become non-existent due to a difficult pregnancy which left Helen with a lack of desire for intimacy. Helen was also ashamed of her increased waistline and all the lumps and bumps associated with her post pregnancy body. Mann becomes increasingly frustrated with his wife’s inability to perform in the bedroom and suggests an open marriage hoping it would take a huge weight off of their marriage. Helen reluctantly agrees. When Helen meets Julia Weatherstone at a party, she can’t help but feel sorry with the young girl with a tragic past and when Mann’s interest is piqued, they both decide to give Julia a shot and welcome her into their home. But, Julia is hiding secrets that could destroy Helen’s family. Will Helen be able to save herself and her family in time?

Killing the Unicorn takes a dark look into a polyamorous relationship and the shocking consequences that come along with it. When I read the synopsis, I was really intrigued as I do have a few friends who live a poly lifestyle. I wouldn’t necessarily choose that kind of relationship for myself, but I do find it interesting. Going into the story I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew the story would be intense especially being a psychological thriller, but I was not prepared for the complete and utter madness that ensued. To say the least, I was shocked…very very shocked. Lizella Prescott hits you with twist after twist after twist. Just when you think the story couldn’t take another turn, guess again!

Helen and Mann are both flawed characters. Helen suffers from PTSD and worries about her children constantly. She suffers panic attacks and in turn relies heavily on prescription medicine and wine just to feel normal. All she wants is to please her husband even though she knows entering a poly relationship is wrong. Helen has no backbone and has a hard time standing up for herself. In a way, I felt sorry for her. Mann is a billionaire, but makes his wife hold a job and pay her own way. He is very selfish and manipulative and twists Helen into believing adding a second woman is what is best for their marriage and will make their relationship stronger. I had a very hard time liking both characters especially Mann. Mann is a complete jerk. Every time he spoke, I just wanted to poke his eyes out. I probably cursed a million times and called him every name I could think of. It has been such a long time, that I have had this type of reaction to a character in a story. Julia is an interesting character and although her backstory is tragic, you know she is up to no good. I was really rooting for Helen to figure out what was going on before it was too late.

The story starts out really strong as we delve into Helen and Mann’s marriage. The slow pacing in the beginning was a necessity as we get to know the characters, but believe me when I say – when the first twist comes you are in for one wild ride from there on out. After a while I stopped trying to figure out what was going to happen next because even the twists had their own spin on things.I was thrilled when all of the pieces started falling into place, but the ending is a shocker and was an absolutely brilliant way to tie everything together.

Killing the Unicorn is an edge of your seat psychological thriller that weaves layer upon layer of lies, manipulation, and suspense that will make you question what is real and unreal. Prescott really knows how to you reel you in and then blows you away with her creativity and devious mind. By far, this is my number one favorite psychological thriller of the year. I am definitely a huge fan of the author and plan on going through and reading every single book Prescott has published. I am thoroughly hooked! Thank you for being such an outstanding writer and storyteller. You have a very wicked mind and I love it!

[Babus Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen and Mann lead an idyllic life with their two year old twin girls, Briar and Rose. He’s a billionaire and she’s a working mother. However, since her difficult pregnancy and the traumatic both of her twins, Helen has found intimacy with her husband incredibly difficult, so when Mann suggests an open marriage she considers it seriously for his happiness, but the reality of such an arrangement proves far more complicated than Helen could even begin to imagine.

I awarded this thriller five stars because I found the theme of polyamory and open marriage provocatively explored from Helen’s point of view. Her reactions and instinct were easily relatable and this kept me turning the pages in this well-paced psychological thriller. I am not well qualified enough on the subject of polyamory to know if the author did it justice, but in hitting the realistic emotions of a wife and mother finding herself sharing her home, husband and children in this rather unorthodox arrangement, I think the author could not have written it better.

A tense psychological thriller that pulled few punches, drew me in and broadened my mind.

[Kate Reyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. So I just finish d this book and I’m a bit blown away! At first, I felt I could relate to Helen with post parting issues. I’ve been super depressed, had my intamicy drive take a nose dive and I’ve watched my body change in a bad way. About halfway through the book I stopped feeling relatable with her. I started getting angry with her for not standing up for what she believed in and who she was. Towards the end of the book I was hooked and couldn’t put it down till I finished! All I can say is WTF... What happened?!? I’m still shocked! If your looking for a book that sucks you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat guessing, look no further! This is it! Again, wow. I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[latybug · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free download of this book from the author, and was not obligated to leave a review, but I am choosing to post an honest review of my thoughts.

I will admit that I almost gave up on the book during the first few chapters. I am so fundamentally opposed to polygamy in my own marriage, (I vowed for better or worse, forsaking all others), that I just didn't think I could read about it any longer. I really disliked the characters, and pretty much sat in judgement of all of them. I don't see how any truly loving marriage can be open, but I guess it does happen, and I really have no right to be intolerant of others' relationships. So I decided to put aside my feelings about polygamy and just read the book as the thriller that it is. Besides, I knew what the book was about when I accepted the download, and I felt I owed it to the author to read the entire thing, especially since I have read and enjoyed other books she has written.

All that being said, I was glad I stuck with it, because it turned out to be a really good story. There were a few twists I saw coming, as it has a definite "Hand That Rocks the Cradle" vibe, but other times something would come out of left field to completely turn the story in the opposite direction of where I thought it was heading. I was happy with the way the book ended.

I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers, and I will continue to read more from this author.

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This what not what I expected this book to be about polygamy.  I don't think I would make the same choices to open the bedroom up to someone else.  But this book had me reading more to find out what would happen next.  Once it turned into more of a thriller book, I was excited to read more.  I think it is great the author could change it for what I hope would bring her a bigger audience with this book.  I was hooked and read all the way to the end .  I was a little surprised at myself that I enjoyed this book so much.  Great job!  *This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.*  4/5 Stars 

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen was in what she considered a wonderful marriage to the handsome and wealthy Mann. He chose her and took her from her struggling life and youth. After having a really painful and disastrous delivery of their twins, she has never been the same. She finds being intimate really painful, hasn’t lost any of her pregnancy weight gain and now isn’t much concerned about what she wears, so long as it can hide her lumps and bumps. They keep separate bank accounts and Helen works as well as looks after all the children’s expenses.

She can sense that Mann, although being patient with her, has his needs which she has been unable to satisfy since her pregnancy and has suggested opening up their marriage. This makes Helen even more uncomfortable with herself, but she does think about it seriously. Would she be able to divorce him or could she allow him to operate an open marriage?

They go to a party, invited by a poly couple, who are friends of theirs and Mann meets a young woman called Julia. He soon becomes captivated by this younger and slimmer version of Helen and moves her into their house, when she leaves her previous poly couple. Helen is relieved at first, as Julia takes over some of the tasks at home, but then starts to get suspicious as Julia takes over more and more of her life and looking after her children. Julia says they remind her of the twins she lost a few years before.

Helen catches her out in a couple of occasions and her husband seems to believe everything Julia says and trusts her with their children more than he does his own wife. Matters start to reach a head and are being turned against Helen. She now has to discover the truth for herself and try to find out what is being done to her and who is responsible. Opening up her marriage has a lot to be responsible for and can she really trust those closest to her?

A good, twisting, psychological thriller that hides some of the actions until they get revealed later on in the book. There are plenty of surprises in stall for Helen and others. The storyline is seriously twisted in its secrets and surprises appearing at every corner. Exposing readers to exploring matters outside of a usual marriage and the idea of freedom of a poly or open marriage. But also showing the dangers this can bring.

I loved the twists in this book and there are certainly a good few belters near the end! It certainly keeps you guessing. I shall be looking out for other books, to read, by this author. I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Dawn Nicole Costiera · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Killing the Unicorn by Lizella Prescott is not my usual type of read. I'm more of an emotional reader. Books that make me feel, but the synopsis of this one had me intrigued. So, I took a shot and it paid off. I ended up really enjoyed it. The beginning was a little slow for me, but once it picked up I was all in! It's twisty physiological thriller that kept me reading, quessing and thinking.

Helen's life appears perfect. She is married to a billionaire, Mann Gottlieb and has two beautiful twin toddlers. After a tough pregnancy and birth, Helen finds herself over weight and uninspired. She still loves her husband, but their sex their life is suffering. To her surprise Mann suggests (of course to save their marriage... hummm) a polygamous relationship. This is something that I personally could NEVER do, but putting my feelings aside, I can understand why Helen agreed... She was extremely desperate. This is where we meet the seemingly perfect Julia. She swoops in and does everything right. At first things are actually good, maybe too good. As the story unfolds it takes a dark turn. This is where the plot gets intense and addictive. Helen senses something is terribly wrong.... Is she being paranoid or is something sinister going on? At first, I disliked Helen. She was insecure, whiny and self loathing. I needed this chick to stand up for herself and get it together. I could not relate to her until further into the book. Then I began to actually feel for her situation. Was she delusional or was she right?? How many woman have had gut feelings but are made to feel crazy?

Some aspects of Killing The Unicorn were bit over the top, but I just went with it and found myself entertained. After all it is fiction!

If you are looking for a book to get lost in this one is for you.

[Myra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review first published on Oh Just Books.

Wonderful fast paced book - I absolutely loved how it neatly wrapped up at the end.

This spate of domestic noir thrillers that are all the trend now (starting with Gone Girl) have thrown up some real gems. This is one of those. Quite unlike some others.

It's a domestic tale, but with a twist. A polyamorous twist, to be precise. Haven't read any like this before, and I've read a lot of the genre. It's expected, and with this genre you are supposed to expect the unexpected. And yet! Utterly well structured.

Helen was quite indecipherable at times, and I loved it. I would like to talk more about her and Mann and Julia. But I can't. If I do, it would be foreshadowing for spoilers. I so dearly want to talk more about it. But I don't want to give anything away.

Read the rest of the review here.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free for an honest review. As always, I like to focus more on my critique than on a description of the plot; you can read that for yourself! SPOILERS!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The premise of this book was intriguing to me, and it did not disappoint. I was rooting for Helen the entire time, but did not expect, at the beginning of the book that Mann would turn out to be so devious! (Or maybe I should have had a clue with the separate finances.) I really thought that Julia was the one who was to blame, but it was revealed later that she was only a tool.

A question I had was how could Helen live with someone for so long and not know he was a psychopath? I also got a little frustrated with Helen and her inaction. Until the end of the book she is more reactive than proactive, which doesn't seem to fit her character as it was described before she had kids.

[Ksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 Stars

Where do I start?

In this novel, Helen and her husband, Mann, decide to open their marriage after their sex life became nonexistent after the birth of their children. Julia becomes their third, and Helen begrudgingly accepts her into their life. However, all is not as it seems.

This novel begins as an interesting look into the life of polygamy and postpartum depression/pregnancy related illnesses. Readers are inside Helen's head, and can easily see how she views the world and herself.

But about halfway through, this novel goes from an intriguing look into polygamy and turns into a psychological thriller. I was totally not expecting that. It kept me enraptured, and I couldn't stop reading. I just had to know what happened next!

I received an ARC of this novel from Shifted Sheets Promotions

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen and her husband Mann have the good life. He is a billionaire, she has her job, and they have two year old twin girls. Prior to the pregnancy, they had a great marriage, were in love, and lots of sex. After the pregnancy, Helen could not keep up with the demands from her husband and caring for the children. Their marriage suffered! Her husband asked her for an open marriage and she gladly accepted thinking of his happiness. The woman he meets seems to be wonderful at first and Helen could not be happier. As time goes on, Helen becomes suspicious of her. Is Helen having jealousy issues or is there something really off about Mann’s new woman? The story takes more unexpected twists and turns as events unfold. Who is Mann really? Who is the masked man that has a proposition for Helen? What will happen between these four people? Is anyone else involved? A great psychological read!

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two years ago Helen had a difficult pregnancy to which she gave birth to twins. Now her body isn't what she likes, she is tired all the time and never in 'the mood'. Mann, the husband, suggests they have an 'open marriage' since she is never wanting anything sexually from him. She agrees, and that was the biggest mistake she could have made. Mann and Julia 'hook up' and at first Helen liked Julia. But things between the two of them are moving rather fast, and Helen wants to know more about Julia. That is where things turn into all kinds of head games, and troubles. A great dark thriller. How does it end? You will have to read the book to find out. I would like to thank Hidden Gems for a copy of this book for me to read and review.

[Christine Karmelreads2665 W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisted

Okay, this book has seriously scarred me for life I think. Oh the title is misleading but accurate at the same time. When I started reading the book I kept thinking another book about a sexless marriage but this book turned out to be much more.

This book could serve as a reminder of who you let into your life, marriage, mind and home.

There were times that I thought the story was a little slow only to find out that it was necessary for the set up later in the story line.

This is my first book by this author who writes outside of the ordinary box to delve into a person's darker side. Everything that looks pretty is not always so.

[Maggie Deaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Really Pleasant Surprise!

Almost didn't pick this up to read as it was a bit outside my usual genre and not an author I was familiar with reading. However the premise intrigued me and as it was not particularly lengthy, I gave it a whirl and I am so very glad I did. If you enjoy really dark romantic suspense that keeps you guessing until you close the book ( so to speak!) then this will be as enjoyable for you as it was for me! I will be trying other books by this author and suggesting this one to other readers who are as eclectic in their tastes as I am....It is certainly a very fine blend of several genres and an exceptionally entertaining read...

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a tangled web we weave! I admit in the beginning I was annoyed by Helen's apathy and trying to check out from her life. I also didn't like Mann suggesting the open marriage. However, as the book went on, I started to see a sinister tone much like Helen did and I began to feel for her. Everything was not as it appeared to be. Who knew Mann was such a sociopath? So many twists and turns and layers. Nothing is as what it seems to be. I tell you this book has the makings of a Lifetime movie. A gripping book that makes you feel things as you're lead into darkness and madness. Very good read!

[Amy Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling and intense

Helen gets more than she bargains for when she allows her husband to open their marriage. It's an interesting and unique take on a dark thriller, when three becomes a crowd. Prescott writes well, and creates depthful characters. The story started out a bit slow, but makes the reader wonder why such a divide in this marriage. And then the story unravels at a pace perfect for building up the intrigue and intensity of the story. I enjoyed this story, and look forward to reading more from this author.

[Renata M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

My god, what a shit ending. Two of the protagonists die and Helen has her happy ending. Worst of all is how she kills her husband and still gets away with it, that's what scares me the most. As if it couldn't get any worse, he ended up with a typical acceptance phrase. Oh, please. Lost two stars for this rubbish.

[Jacqueline Ellison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Lizella Prescott that is a dark thriller. Helen lets her husband open their marriage up. The story started off really slow but it did pick up. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally LOved this book...

I totally LOved this book best book I've read all year. Please write more of this type...
Mozilla Prescott and I'll keep reading.
I will tell my friends to read this anyone who like domestic suspense will love!

[Brie S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read! I've recommended it to many friends!

[Jessica Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a Kindle edition of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

I read this book in one day. I usually give page turners like this one five stars, but I have to say, I was ready to give up because Helen was an incredibly annoying character for most of the book. Only the story itself kept me going. It's one of those stories you have to know what happens in the end, but unfortunately, you have to deal with an annoying character. I am glad I stuck it out, though. The story itself was great.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book with an animal in the title.

[Jenifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I have to pick my jaw up off the floor. Now maybe I can process what I just read. I loved this book! I couldn't put it down. It was so crazy. Each new chapter brought on a new layer of insane madness.
I could really feel for Helen. Her post-pregnancy self esteem is at an all time low. When her husband proposes an open marriage she reluctantly agrees hoping it will fix their marital issues. (How the hell that could possibly do that is beyond me.) She feels guilt and is too nice - a lot of times to the point of being a doormat.
Their new 'third,' Julia, seems sweet and sad, having been through tragic events in her recent past. They take her in with a feeling of protecting her and, of course, for Helen's husband, Mann. Finding inconsistencies in her story and background, Helen feels Julia is pretty sketchy. Proving it is a whole other problem. So frustrating!
Helen feels like her life and marriage is circling the drain while Julia moves in to try to take over her husband and her children. It's so scary and frustrating and felt so hopeless. I wasn't sure how this was going to work itself out! Don't even bother trying to figure it out because things twist and turn so fast. You think you know but you have no idea. New craziness unfolds and builds up faster and faster. It's like 'The Hand That Rocks the Cradle' but even twistier and possibly even more evil! Keep reading and enjoy the dark crazy ride! I have bags under my eyes today because I stayed up too late to finish it.
I loved this book and I highly recommend it.

[Amileigh Gordon]

#GoodreadsGiveaway

[Jo-Anne Marasca Fina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book started out a little slow, but that was so you can understand the characters better. I felt bad for Helen, who was miserable working in a job she hated because her selfish billionaire husband, Mann, felt that their finances should be separate. She also was suffering from post-partum. Instead of insisting she get help or that they go to couples therapy, Mann suggests they explore polygamy. Helen, would loves her husband dearly, reluctantly agrees. & they welcome Julia into their family. Who could have foreseen how bad that decision would be for them, especially for Helen, who seemed to have lost herself & appeared to be going crazy, or was she? Every time I thought Helen was going to get ahead something derailed her. By the last 2 chapters, I was like OMG! I didn't see that coming. I couldn't put the book down & read it in 2 days. I received this book free in exchange for a review & I'm glad I did. I look forward to reading more by Lizella Prescott