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Ta druga
Za każdą doskonałą kobietą kryje się... Sto innych, równie perfekcyjnych, które tylko czekają, by zająć jej miejsce.
Carrie sporo poświęciła, by znaleźć się na szczycie. Teraz, kiedy ma czterdzieści lat, jest uznaną producentką telewizyjną, ma za męża odnoszącego sukcesy scenarzystę, a czas dzieli między dwa piękne domy. Odchodząc na urlop macierzyński, jest pełna obaw – nie wierzy, że uda jej się znaleźć godną następczynię, która będzie w stanie podołać jej dotychczasowym obowiązkom.
Ale Emma jest inteligentna, zdeterminowana i drobiazgowa. Dokładnie taka, jak Carrie. A skrupulatność, z jaką Emma we wszystkim naśladuje swoją mentorkę, jest wręcz... przerażająca.
Otoczenie Carrie, z jej mężem na czele, już zaakceptowało jej młodą, pełną wigoru zastępczynię, ale świeżo upieczona matka zastanawia się, czy przypadkiem nie zatrudniła psychopatki…
Nielojalność, kłamstwa, cudzołóstwo… morderstwo. Niektóre kobiety zrobią wszystko, by osiągnąć to, czego pragną.
Carrie sporo poświęciła, by znaleźć się na szczycie. Teraz, kiedy ma czterdzieści lat, jest uznaną producentką telewizyjną, ma za męża odnoszącego sukcesy scenarzystę, a czas dzieli między dwa piękne domy. Odchodząc na urlop macierzyński, jest pełna obaw – nie wierzy, że uda jej się znaleźć godną następczynię, która będzie w stanie podołać jej dotychczasowym obowiązkom.
Ale Emma jest inteligentna, zdeterminowana i drobiazgowa. Dokładnie taka, jak Carrie. A skrupulatność, z jaką Emma we wszystkim naśladuje swoją mentorkę, jest wręcz... przerażająca.
Otoczenie Carrie, z jej mężem na czele, już zaakceptowało jej młodą, pełną wigoru zastępczynię, ale świeżo upieczona matka zastanawia się, czy przypadkiem nie zatrudniła psychopatki…
Nielojalność, kłamstwa, cudzołóstwo… morderstwo. Niektóre kobiety zrobią wszystko, by osiągnąć to, czego pragną.
412 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
270 people are currently reading
5507 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Frances
13 books775 followersMichelle's books have been published in 21 countries and have sold three quarters of a million copies worldwide. She is a USA Today bestseller and has charted at No. 1 on both Amazon Kindle and Apple UK.
Her first novel, The Girlfriend, became an international best seller. She is also the author of The Playground, The Boyfriend, Sisters, The Daughter and The Temp.
Find out more at http://michellefrancesbooks.com
Her first novel, The Girlfriend, became an international best seller. She is also the author of The Playground, The Boyfriend, Sisters, The Daughter and The Temp.
Find out more at http://michellefrancesbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 500 reviews
October 5, 2022
"A tiny ad, almost hidden at the bottom of the single page of vacancies. Script editor on a long-running, tired series. She jolted as she noted the name of the production company."
After reading what feels like a multitude of thrillers over the past few years, it's getting more difficult to find ones that wow me, or even hit above a 3 star rating on my scale. So many of these feel similar, but every once in awhile, when I am feeling particularly jaded, something comes along, snatches my attention, and completely absorbs my thoughts until I consume the entire book in 24 hours. Ahem. I'll let you decide if this book feels unique or ground-breaking, but what I can tell you is that it is a spine-tingling, enjoyable experience.
"She's just a script editor, she chided herself. Stop being paranoid. But the queasy feeling had resurfaced."
I'll admit, from reading the synopsis on the back of the book, I thought I had this one figured out before even starting it. I don't want to spoil anything, and I'm unsure just how much to say, but I was completely off base and did not, in fact, have this one figured out from the beginning. Hooray for being duped! I hate it when people hype up a book and talk it up to the point it's impossible for said book to live up to expectations, so I'll humbly leave it at saying this: if you're looking for an entertaining read that's filled with domestic drama, creeping unease, and an explosive ending, consider putting this one on your list. It has been quite some time since I've not only picked up a book immediately upon receiving it in the mail, but also finished it in one day, which made this a wholly enjoyable experience.
*Review copy provided via the publisher.
After reading what feels like a multitude of thrillers over the past few years, it's getting more difficult to find ones that wow me, or even hit above a 3 star rating on my scale. So many of these feel similar, but every once in awhile, when I am feeling particularly jaded, something comes along, snatches my attention, and completely absorbs my thoughts until I consume the entire book in 24 hours. Ahem. I'll let you decide if this book feels unique or ground-breaking, but what I can tell you is that it is a spine-tingling, enjoyable experience.
"She's just a script editor, she chided herself. Stop being paranoid. But the queasy feeling had resurfaced."
I'll admit, from reading the synopsis on the back of the book, I thought I had this one figured out before even starting it. I don't want to spoil anything, and I'm unsure just how much to say, but I was completely off base and did not, in fact, have this one figured out from the beginning. Hooray for being duped! I hate it when people hype up a book and talk it up to the point it's impossible for said book to live up to expectations, so I'll humbly leave it at saying this: if you're looking for an entertaining read that's filled with domestic drama, creeping unease, and an explosive ending, consider putting this one on your list. It has been quite some time since I've not only picked up a book immediately upon receiving it in the mail, but also finished it in one day, which made this a wholly enjoyable experience.
*Review copy provided via the publisher.
December 11, 2018
So, reading many thrillers over the years... I feel like it's getting bit tough to "wow" me. So many seem too familiar to me and I just haven't been that impressed.
With having read Michelle France's debut thriller, I knew I had to get my hands on her second novel. I was definitely intrigued by the book to begin with and kept my interest initially. Then it sort of fell flat for me in the middle and in all honesty was a tad bit TOO long for my liking.
Are there twists in this one? Of course... but for some reason it was just lacking that "wow" factor for me.
Carrie has become pregnant by her husband Adrian and they both work in the tv industry. Adrian is the writer and one selfish centered prick (sorry but he is haha). Carrie the producer has to take time off due to having her baby and 24 year old script writer Emma is hired to take her place during maternity leave. Something isn't quite right with Emma and Carrie is starting to come on to the red flags that she sees surrounding not only her but also her husband Adrian.
I absolutely loved the author's debut novel and she has an immense amount of talent. Her writing is crisp, on edge, and engaging to the max. But, I felt like this story was a bit repetitive and rushed at times. There are definitely some interesting themes to the story including infidelity, adding a child to a marriage where one partner is not fully invested, and overall motherhood.
I feel like the story kind of went off in an odd direction and then the author wanted that bang of a surprise at the end. It just left me a bit unsatisfied and wanting more.
Overall, this was a decent and entertaining read. I will continue to check out more from this author because I'm a huge fan! :)
3.5 stars rounded down.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date: 1/29/19
Published to GR: 12/10/18
With having read Michelle France's debut thriller, I knew I had to get my hands on her second novel. I was definitely intrigued by the book to begin with and kept my interest initially. Then it sort of fell flat for me in the middle and in all honesty was a tad bit TOO long for my liking.
Are there twists in this one? Of course... but for some reason it was just lacking that "wow" factor for me.
Carrie has become pregnant by her husband Adrian and they both work in the tv industry. Adrian is the writer and one selfish centered prick (sorry but he is haha). Carrie the producer has to take time off due to having her baby and 24 year old script writer Emma is hired to take her place during maternity leave. Something isn't quite right with Emma and Carrie is starting to come on to the red flags that she sees surrounding not only her but also her husband Adrian.
I absolutely loved the author's debut novel and she has an immense amount of talent. Her writing is crisp, on edge, and engaging to the max. But, I felt like this story was a bit repetitive and rushed at times. There are definitely some interesting themes to the story including infidelity, adding a child to a marriage where one partner is not fully invested, and overall motherhood.
I feel like the story kind of went off in an odd direction and then the author wanted that bang of a surprise at the end. It just left me a bit unsatisfied and wanting more.
Overall, this was a decent and entertaining read. I will continue to check out more from this author because I'm a huge fan! :)
3.5 stars rounded down.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date: 1/29/19
Published to GR: 12/10/18
January 22, 2019
After reading The Girlfriend by Michelle Frances last year I knew I needed to get a copy of The Temp and expected big things. This thriller however fell into that I just read too many of these pile with a feeling that I may have read this one before.
Carrie and her husband are both in the television business and thought they were perfect for each other and had their lives planned out. This however changed when Carrie accidentally get pregnant throwing a wrench in their best laid plans.
When Carrie decides to keep the baby she knows she will need to take some time off of her hectic TV producer job so she looks for a temporary replacement. Emma walks into Carrie’s life and at first it’s a relief how good she is, that is until it begins to feel as if Emma is taking Carrie’s place in not only Carrie’s job but with everyone she knows.
The Temp really wasn’t a bad read at all I just felt as if to me this one was a little familiar. Then when the final twist and turn took place I did have the biggest factor guessed relatively early on having read similar books. I wouldn’t let my experience scare most readers off of trying this one though as Michelle Frances does write compelling stories that are easy to immerse yourself into. This one is a bit on the lengthier side but I still flew through it waiting to see if I would be correct and since I was I’m only giving this one 3.5 stars, still a completely solid read in the end though.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Carrie and her husband are both in the television business and thought they were perfect for each other and had their lives planned out. This however changed when Carrie accidentally get pregnant throwing a wrench in their best laid plans.
When Carrie decides to keep the baby she knows she will need to take some time off of her hectic TV producer job so she looks for a temporary replacement. Emma walks into Carrie’s life and at first it’s a relief how good she is, that is until it begins to feel as if Emma is taking Carrie’s place in not only Carrie’s job but with everyone she knows.
The Temp really wasn’t a bad read at all I just felt as if to me this one was a little familiar. Then when the final twist and turn took place I did have the biggest factor guessed relatively early on having read similar books. I wouldn’t let my experience scare most readers off of trying this one though as Michelle Frances does write compelling stories that are easy to immerse yourself into. This one is a bit on the lengthier side but I still flew through it waiting to see if I would be correct and since I was I’m only giving this one 3.5 stars, still a completely solid read in the end though.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
January 15, 2019
This is my second book by Michelle Frances and if I'm being honest I was one of the few that was disappointed in her debut, The Girlfriend, but because the synopsis of The Temp was so intriguing I decided to give her another shot. This book fared slightly better than her debut.
Carrie and Adrian are a successful married couple. She a television producer and he a script writer. Carrie now finds herself in her early forties and pregnant. She and Adrian agreed from the start of their relationship that they were never to have children so let's just say Adrian isn't exactly thrilled with the news. Carrie feels like this may be her last and only opportunity to bare a child so she decides to keep the baby under the pretense that Adrian will come around in time especially once the baby is born.
Not only does Adrian not come around to having a son, Rory, Carrie now finds herself in a predicament where she has to hand over the reigns of her job to, Emma, a new hire that has come in to cover her maternity leave.
I will say that from reading the blurb I felt fairly certain that I knew exactly where this story was going but Michelle Francis did toss in a surprise I didn't see coming about 1/3 of the way through which took all my preconceived notions and turned them on their head. However this book, like her debut, suffers from being too damn long. Many pages skimmed with this one. The ending I found satisfactory for this particular genre but not mind blowing by any means. 3 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Carrie and Adrian are a successful married couple. She a television producer and he a script writer. Carrie now finds herself in her early forties and pregnant. She and Adrian agreed from the start of their relationship that they were never to have children so let's just say Adrian isn't exactly thrilled with the news. Carrie feels like this may be her last and only opportunity to bare a child so she decides to keep the baby under the pretense that Adrian will come around in time especially once the baby is born.
Not only does Adrian not come around to having a son, Rory, Carrie now finds herself in a predicament where she has to hand over the reigns of her job to, Emma, a new hire that has come in to cover her maternity leave.
I will say that from reading the blurb I felt fairly certain that I knew exactly where this story was going but Michelle Francis did toss in a surprise I didn't see coming about 1/3 of the way through which took all my preconceived notions and turned them on their head. However this book, like her debut, suffers from being too damn long. Many pages skimmed with this one. The ending I found satisfactory for this particular genre but not mind blowing by any means. 3 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 22, 2018
After reading “The Girlfriend” I was very excited to get the chance to receive my copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a review.
When producer and writer couple Adrian and Cassie discover they are going to be having a baby, they employ Emma as a temp script writer. Unfortunately Carrie is alone at home with a crying baby, a husband who is a reluctant father and the need to go back to work as she does not trust Emma!!
This is definitely not a black and white story, throughout you never really know who the bad guy is, liked the mystery and the ending wasn’t what I thought it would be.
So looking forward to Michelle Francis’s next book, I swear she could rewrite the phone book and make that into the next bestseller!!
When producer and writer couple Adrian and Cassie discover they are going to be having a baby, they employ Emma as a temp script writer. Unfortunately Carrie is alone at home with a crying baby, a husband who is a reluctant father and the need to go back to work as she does not trust Emma!!
This is definitely not a black and white story, throughout you never really know who the bad guy is, liked the mystery and the ending wasn’t what I thought it would be.
So looking forward to Michelle Francis’s next book, I swear she could rewrite the phone book and make that into the next bestseller!!
August 4, 2018
The Temp by Michelle Frances was a thriller about the makers of a television show. The writer with a big ego, his wife the producer who has just had a baby and is jealous of the temp who is very ambitious and has taken her place. It has a few twists and turns in the story.
I found this story very slow moving and I didn't like the characters at all.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2019
Carrie, a successful TV producer, is pregnant and needs to hire a temp. She will need time off work after the baby comes, even though she hates having to leave her job. She hires Emma. Emma is ambitious and eager to work with Carrie.
Told with the alternating points of view of Carrie and Emma. Carrie and her husband have successful careers and a happy marriage. When Carrie finds out she is pregnant, they’re well planned lives get off course. Emma wants to work in the television industry, but hasn’t had much luck. A temp position with Carrie is a dream for her, and she desperately wants it to work.
A slow-burning psychological thriller. Interesting characters and twisty plot made for a captivating read. Intriguing, suspenseful, and twisted.
Told with the alternating points of view of Carrie and Emma. Carrie and her husband have successful careers and a happy marriage. When Carrie finds out she is pregnant, they’re well planned lives get off course. Emma wants to work in the television industry, but hasn’t had much luck. A temp position with Carrie is a dream for her, and she desperately wants it to work.
A slow-burning psychological thriller. Interesting characters and twisty plot made for a captivating read. Intriguing, suspenseful, and twisted.
March 1, 2019
I was pleasantly surprised by The Temp. It led me down a path then switched gears and took me somewhere completely different.
From start to finish it had me hooked with its very credible portrayal of Carrie, a woman in her 40’s whose life plan suddenly changes with the new addition of baby Rory, her selfish husband I strongly DISLIKED, and temp Emma the neurotic struggling writer (I actually did like!) I especially enjoyed when a secret revelation is revealed adding yet another switch-a-roo to its storyline. I’m already anticipating Michelle Francis new thriller “The Daughter” releasing June 27, 2019! 4 ☆
From start to finish it had me hooked with its very credible portrayal of Carrie, a woman in her 40’s whose life plan suddenly changes with the new addition of baby Rory, her selfish husband I strongly DISLIKED, and temp Emma the neurotic struggling writer (I actually did like!) I especially enjoyed when a secret revelation is revealed adding yet another switch-a-roo to its storyline. I’m already anticipating Michelle Francis new thriller “The Daughter” releasing June 27, 2019! 4 ☆
October 3, 2018
Carrie and Adrian are a massively successful screen writer and producer couple who are at the peak of their respective careers. Adrian has just won a BAFTA and Carrie is producing his next show, when she discovers she is pregnant with a baby that Adrian really doesn’t want. In her 40's, Carrie decides to proceed with the pregnancy and 24 year old Emma is hired as a script editor to fill in for Carrie whilst she is on maternity leave. With a newborn baby, an unhappy, uninvolved husband and a young, talented writer filling her shoes, Carrie's life feels like it’s falling apart. Who does she trust? Who should she trust?
I’m rounding up my star rating from 3.5*. I loved, loved, the author's previous book, The Girlfriend and so bought this on the day it was released. It didn’t hook me straight away and there was a lot of repetition at one point, which detracted from the tension. There were a few too many coincidences and melodramatic proclamations which made the story unrealistic and there was a sadly trite and predictable ending. The author has a massive talent, her writing is engaging and vivid, and her debut novel was amazing. I just felt like this was perhaps rushed and at times overblown. There are interesting themes here: what happens to a relationship when one partner wants children and another doesn’t? Why is life so difficult for women who want both a career and to have children? They weren’t really explored enough, I felt. The story veered in an odd direction before being neatly tied up and it left me feeling a bit cold and unsatisfied (that’s what she said).
I can’t wait to read Michelle France's next novel, I think she’s fantastic. I just hope that it’s more like The Girlfriend with it’s slow burning tension and psychological insight, which I think is her forte.
I’m rounding up my star rating from 3.5*. I loved, loved, the author's previous book, The Girlfriend and so bought this on the day it was released. It didn’t hook me straight away and there was a lot of repetition at one point, which detracted from the tension. There were a few too many coincidences and melodramatic proclamations which made the story unrealistic and there was a sadly trite and predictable ending. The author has a massive talent, her writing is engaging and vivid, and her debut novel was amazing. I just felt like this was perhaps rushed and at times overblown. There are interesting themes here: what happens to a relationship when one partner wants children and another doesn’t? Why is life so difficult for women who want both a career and to have children? They weren’t really explored enough, I felt. The story veered in an odd direction before being neatly tied up and it left me feeling a bit cold and unsatisfied (that’s what she said).
I can’t wait to read Michelle France's next novel, I think she’s fantastic. I just hope that it’s more like The Girlfriend with it’s slow burning tension and psychological insight, which I think is her forte.
March 14, 2019
I'm torn between three and four stars on this one. Overall it was a very decent book, just not a thriller at all in my opinion. I definitely felt like her previous novel, The Girlfriend, have more elements of a thriller to it and more intrigue and suspense as well. that's not to say there wasn't a pretty decent twist at the very end of this one, I appreciated that and it definitely added to my overall enjoyment. I think going forward with this author I'm going to keep my expectations lower and expect more of a drama when I pick up her work. Once again, good writing, deceptive marketing.
January 31, 2019
3 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my first Michelle Frances book. While it didn’t “wow” me, I did like it a bit.
Carrie and Adrian are a married couple in the television industry. When Carrie gets pregnant - to the disappointment of her husband - their office hires Emma - the temp to fill her position while she’s out on maternity leave. Emma does a fantastic job. She is well liked by her new colleagues. So much so, that Carrie starts to feel her job is threatened. But Emma has plans. Plans that Carrie and Adrian did not see coming.
I’m not really a fan of slow burn thrillers. There are very few that I have raved about. This one started off with a lot of promise, but started to drag a bit towards the middle. I would categorize The Temp as more of a domestic drama rather than a thriller. Maybe I’ve just been reading too many thrillers, but the final twist was really lackluster - and it was totally unexpected. I wish it could’ve been more fast paced, but I did enjoy the story and will read more from Frances.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Michelle Frances for the advanced copy to review.
This was my first Michelle Frances book. While it didn’t “wow” me, I did like it a bit.
Carrie and Adrian are a married couple in the television industry. When Carrie gets pregnant - to the disappointment of her husband - their office hires Emma - the temp to fill her position while she’s out on maternity leave. Emma does a fantastic job. She is well liked by her new colleagues. So much so, that Carrie starts to feel her job is threatened. But Emma has plans. Plans that Carrie and Adrian did not see coming.
I’m not really a fan of slow burn thrillers. There are very few that I have raved about. This one started off with a lot of promise, but started to drag a bit towards the middle. I would categorize The Temp as more of a domestic drama rather than a thriller. Maybe I’ve just been reading too many thrillers, but the final twist was really lackluster - and it was totally unexpected. I wish it could’ve been more fast paced, but I did enjoy the story and will read more from Frances.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Michelle Frances for the advanced copy to review.
February 9, 2019
After reading and thoroughly enjoying "The Girlfriend" by Michelle Frances I was thrilled to receive a copy of her next novel "The Temp". Not a thriller but still a captivating story.
A slow burning read that begins with you getting to know Carrie, a television producer, and Adrian a screenwriter. They had been together for many years when she unexpectedly becomes pregnant to his dismay. Carrie is replaced by a temp, Emma, who is exceptional at her job and has a desire to impress without overstepping her boundaries. However, Carrie sees things differently and becomes suspicious of Emma feeling that she not only wants her job but wants her life as well.
Sinister twists and turns lead to a totally unexpected conclusion.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
A slow burning read that begins with you getting to know Carrie, a television producer, and Adrian a screenwriter. They had been together for many years when she unexpectedly becomes pregnant to his dismay. Carrie is replaced by a temp, Emma, who is exceptional at her job and has a desire to impress without overstepping her boundaries. However, Carrie sees things differently and becomes suspicious of Emma feeling that she not only wants her job but wants her life as well.
Sinister twists and turns lead to a totally unexpected conclusion.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
January 12, 2019
***4-4.5 Stars***
Publication date: January 29th, 2019
I absolutely devoured this book and could not put it down.
Carrie is a successful TV producer and married to Adrian when Emma is hired as a temp and everything goes from there. Is Emma interested in Carrie's husband and why?
Is Carrie just paranoid because she's pregnant and feeling distance with her husband?
With my favorite category of reads being thrillers, I totally thought I knew how this would end but surprisingly it was different and wayyy better than I imagined.
The twist at the end totally caught me off guard as well. I don't imagine anyone will predict it.
I love Michelle Frances' writing style, short chapters that make it impossible to put down. I also encourage others to read her previous book " The Girlfriend”.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corporation for allowing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: January 29th, 2019
I absolutely devoured this book and could not put it down.
Carrie is a successful TV producer and married to Adrian when Emma is hired as a temp and everything goes from there. Is Emma interested in Carrie's husband and why?
Is Carrie just paranoid because she's pregnant and feeling distance with her husband?
With my favorite category of reads being thrillers, I totally thought I knew how this would end but surprisingly it was different and wayyy better than I imagined.
The twist at the end totally caught me off guard as well. I don't imagine anyone will predict it.
I love Michelle Frances' writing style, short chapters that make it impossible to put down. I also encourage others to read her previous book " The Girlfriend”.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corporation for allowing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2018
Wow this book was absolutely amazing. I was hooked from start to finish. It had so many twists and turns and it kept you guessing. It had a brilliant ending which I always think is very important in a book. I really really enjoyed it and I highly recommend it. I can’t wait to read more books from Michelle Frances. Her book the girlfriend was also a great read. It was a very good book.
January 23, 2019
2.5/5
I want to start off my saying that I think I’m burnt out on slow burning thrillers in general and sick of waiting for a book to properly engage me for more than half of it. Unfortunately, that’s basically what happened here and I think I was so disinterested by the time things did speed up, I just didn’t care how great the twists were. So keep all of this in mind while I share my thoughts…
The premise of this sounded interesting enough, I loved the idea that a young, ambitious and crafty woman tries to replace someone else and also that it was set in the television industry, not too common for a thriller. But then not much really happened, there were a lot of subtle little hints about both Emma and Carrie’s lives, both past and present, but I was just so bored. So what kept me reading? Well Frances is a good writer and I guess I just kept hoping I would get hooked at some point but honestly waiting for that until like sixty percent is just too frustrating for me.
Another petty thing that irritated me was that it was divided into several parts, and in my experience before one part ends and another one begins, there’s usually some sort of surprise or twist and that really didn’t happen here. Each part was labeled with one characters name but then the chapters were told from everyone’s POV so what was the point of the labeling and separate parts even?! See, petty haha but it bothered me. I do want to say that the twist was decent and I didn’t predict it, but I just didn’t care in the end. If you don’t mind waiting for things to pick up you may like this though, I just think I need a break from the simmering tension style books for awhile.
I want to start off my saying that I think I’m burnt out on slow burning thrillers in general and sick of waiting for a book to properly engage me for more than half of it. Unfortunately, that’s basically what happened here and I think I was so disinterested by the time things did speed up, I just didn’t care how great the twists were. So keep all of this in mind while I share my thoughts…
The premise of this sounded interesting enough, I loved the idea that a young, ambitious and crafty woman tries to replace someone else and also that it was set in the television industry, not too common for a thriller. But then not much really happened, there were a lot of subtle little hints about both Emma and Carrie’s lives, both past and present, but I was just so bored. So what kept me reading? Well Frances is a good writer and I guess I just kept hoping I would get hooked at some point but honestly waiting for that until like sixty percent is just too frustrating for me.
Another petty thing that irritated me was that it was divided into several parts, and in my experience before one part ends and another one begins, there’s usually some sort of surprise or twist and that really didn’t happen here. Each part was labeled with one characters name but then the chapters were told from everyone’s POV so what was the point of the labeling and separate parts even?! See, petty haha but it bothered me. I do want to say that the twist was decent and I didn’t predict it, but I just didn’t care in the end. If you don’t mind waiting for things to pick up you may like this though, I just think I need a break from the simmering tension style books for awhile.
December 5, 2018
I was hooked! Great narrator and a mostly unpredictable story. Really enjoyed it
September 20, 2018
After coming across Michellle Frances's internationally bestselling debut novel 'The Girlfriend' and having deemed it such a solid start to her career, I was excited to get my mitts on a copy of this, her second novel. This is the perfect thriller to settle down with on a cool, windy autumn day, and in the end it leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling that jumps off the pages.
Essentially, this is a book about ambition, deception and betrayal and how each can leave a lasting impact on a persons life. Carrie is a TV producer and a career woman in an extremely high pressure job. Married to Adrian, who is also in the industry, when she discovers she is pregnant which would require time off, she is terrified that, Emma, the temp is trying to take more than her job. Is it paranoia, or does Emma really have a secret agenda?
There are some unexpected surprises throughout the book, but some of them were rather obvious. Normally, this would affect my overall enjoyment but, here, it actually didn't matter to me as it was great in many other ways. The writing, as with her debut, is excellent, flows well and grabs you early on. I also feel that if you're one of those thriller readers that need some believability to the storyline, you'll appreciate this one a lot. The plot, up to a point, is certainly something that I could see happening in real life. Jealously, paranoia and a lack of communication leading to unbearable situations and feelings. Michelle's novels focus on fraught relationships between female characters and the potential for fear to build up and spiral out of control to the point where the individual cannot think logically anymore. Naturally, this leads to a ratcheting up of the tension towards the back end of the book.
Many thanks to Pan for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Essentially, this is a book about ambition, deception and betrayal and how each can leave a lasting impact on a persons life. Carrie is a TV producer and a career woman in an extremely high pressure job. Married to Adrian, who is also in the industry, when she discovers she is pregnant which would require time off, she is terrified that, Emma, the temp is trying to take more than her job. Is it paranoia, or does Emma really have a secret agenda?
There are some unexpected surprises throughout the book, but some of them were rather obvious. Normally, this would affect my overall enjoyment but, here, it actually didn't matter to me as it was great in many other ways. The writing, as with her debut, is excellent, flows well and grabs you early on. I also feel that if you're one of those thriller readers that need some believability to the storyline, you'll appreciate this one a lot. The plot, up to a point, is certainly something that I could see happening in real life. Jealously, paranoia and a lack of communication leading to unbearable situations and feelings. Michelle's novels focus on fraught relationships between female characters and the potential for fear to build up and spiral out of control to the point where the individual cannot think logically anymore. Naturally, this leads to a ratcheting up of the tension towards the back end of the book.
Many thanks to Pan for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
February 15, 2020
Carrie has a fantastic life. She is a successful tv producer happily married to her screen writer husband Adrian. Busy careers with all the luxuries of the child free and wealthy. Expensive dinners, endless amounts of time together and a beautiful beach house. However life dramatically changes when Carrie discovers that she is pregnant. Having previously agreed that neither of them wanted children this is a huge shock to her husband and career.
Enter Emma. The charming new temp that Carrie cannot quite get her head around. Reluctantly agreeing to hire her as cover, Carrie attempts to relax on maternity leave. But Emma is almost too good. She is bright, capable and well liked. Surpassing work expectations and dazzling her husband, everyone wants her opinion. Carrie begins to feel threatened, both at work and home. Something she can’t quite put her finger on ....
Ok so this is a slow burner. I was never bored but I wasn’t exactly riveted either. The ending was decent but aspects were predictable. I’d say 3.5 but I’m going to round up. 4 stars from me. ✨
Enter Emma. The charming new temp that Carrie cannot quite get her head around. Reluctantly agreeing to hire her as cover, Carrie attempts to relax on maternity leave. But Emma is almost too good. She is bright, capable and well liked. Surpassing work expectations and dazzling her husband, everyone wants her opinion. Carrie begins to feel threatened, both at work and home. Something she can’t quite put her finger on ....
Ok so this is a slow burner. I was never bored but I wasn’t exactly riveted either. The ending was decent but aspects were predictable. I’d say 3.5 but I’m going to round up. 4 stars from me. ✨
January 7, 2019
Carrie a successful T.V. producer with an award winning screenwriter husband Adrian finds herself pregnant and is looking for a temporary replacement while she goes on maternity leave.
Emma , a 24 year old script editor feels like a perfect fit and everyone seems to love her but Carrie soon starts to suspect that there might be an ulterior motive to Emma's intentions.
The Temp is my second book by Michelle Frances after loving her first book The Girlfriend.It is a fast, entertaining read with some expected and some unexpected twists. Looking forward to reading the next one by Michelle Frances.
I would like to thank Kensington Books & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
Emma , a 24 year old script editor feels like a perfect fit and everyone seems to love her but Carrie soon starts to suspect that there might be an ulterior motive to Emma's intentions.
The Temp is my second book by Michelle Frances after loving her first book The Girlfriend.It is a fast, entertaining read with some expected and some unexpected twists. Looking forward to reading the next one by Michelle Frances.
I would like to thank Kensington Books & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
January 28, 2019
Carrie is a television producer married to Adrian, a television writer. She has signed him to an exclusive deal with the production company where she's recently started working. They've come up with what they think is a brilliant idea for their next show. But their big plans feel threatened when Carrie realizes she's pregnant--and she plans to keep the baby. Carrie and Adrian's glamorous life never included children, and it's clear he isn't keen on welcoming a child into their life now. Carrie and Adrian's boss brings on a temporary maternity hire, Emma, to assist. She's young, pretty, and while rather inexperienced, she's quite clever. Carrie is immediately threatened by Emma, but Adrian welcomes her input to his scripts and writing. Carrie's convinced Emma wants her job--and then some. Is she right?
"He was thinking of his career right now and part of her didn't blame him. The timing was awful. Everything had been going so well: the new job, signing Adrian, the green light! It was the worst possible time to be having a baby."
This was an odd yet very readable book. In some ways the story sort of meandered along, as the plot unfolds from Carrie, Emma, and Adrian's point of view. But I have to admit, it had me pretty well hooked. From nearly the beginning, I was curious as to what Emma's deal was. She clearly had some reason she wanted to be a temp for Adrian and Carrie in particular--we just didn't know exactly why. Figuring out her story was pretty interesting overall, and I enjoyed the read.
I was pulled into Emma's world--it took a bit of time to warm up to her overall character, but it was easy to be puzzled by her intentions. I wound up liking both her and Carrie and feeling a bit sorry for them. I also liked the backdrop of the TV writing world--it was an interesting background for a novel. There are not a lot of characters in this novel: we really have our main three, but they are fairly flushed out, and you get to know them well.
There are some good twists and turns in this one. I would still describe it overall as a meandering read in some ways. We sort of wander along with Emma, Carrie, and Adrian, discovering bits and pieces of their lives, especially their pasts. Then, with only a very small percentage of the book left, we're thrown one very abrupt twist, which, while quite a surprise to me, seemed really thrown in out of left field. I would have maybe liked to have seen a bit more lead up to that one.
Still, even with the abrupt, twisty ending, this was an enjoyable read. It kept me engaged and guessing. I liked being sucked into Emma and Carrie's worlds and wondering about Emma's motives. 3.5 stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review (thank you!).
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"He was thinking of his career right now and part of her didn't blame him. The timing was awful. Everything had been going so well: the new job, signing Adrian, the green light! It was the worst possible time to be having a baby."
This was an odd yet very readable book. In some ways the story sort of meandered along, as the plot unfolds from Carrie, Emma, and Adrian's point of view. But I have to admit, it had me pretty well hooked. From nearly the beginning, I was curious as to what Emma's deal was. She clearly had some reason she wanted to be a temp for Adrian and Carrie in particular--we just didn't know exactly why. Figuring out her story was pretty interesting overall, and I enjoyed the read.
I was pulled into Emma's world--it took a bit of time to warm up to her overall character, but it was easy to be puzzled by her intentions. I wound up liking both her and Carrie and feeling a bit sorry for them. I also liked the backdrop of the TV writing world--it was an interesting background for a novel. There are not a lot of characters in this novel: we really have our main three, but they are fairly flushed out, and you get to know them well.
There are some good twists and turns in this one. I would still describe it overall as a meandering read in some ways. We sort of wander along with Emma, Carrie, and Adrian, discovering bits and pieces of their lives, especially their pasts. Then, with only a very small percentage of the book left, we're thrown one very abrupt twist, which, while quite a surprise to me, seemed really thrown in out of left field. I would have maybe liked to have seen a bit more lead up to that one.
Still, even with the abrupt, twisty ending, this was an enjoyable read. It kept me engaged and guessing. I liked being sucked into Emma and Carrie's worlds and wondering about Emma's motives. 3.5 stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review (thank you!).
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May 2, 2019
The writing is solid, the characters believable, the structure sound. Why, then, did I not love this?? From the first page, my attention was easily redirected—to my email, to phone calls, etc. I just never felt fully engaged with the story. Even without that engagement, it wasn’t difficult to figure out the “twist”, which ended up seeming rather “ho hum”.
Just not my cuppa.
Just not my cuppa.
March 25, 2019
At 40-something Carrie and her husband, Adrian, had written off children, instead embracing their dream careers as television producer and script writer, respectively. When Carrie becomes pregnant it seems like a sign and she embarks on the journey despite Adrian's hesitation. While not happy about leaving her role temporarily, Carrie is even more unhappy about the young women filling her shoes. Emma is smart and willing to do whatever it takes, but she also seems too willing to take up the seat right next to her husband too.
Adrian is a selfish, full of himself man, Emma is a peppy employee (and unreliable narrator), and Carrie is a typical new mom in the midst of both a mid-life crisis and a marriage that might have more secrets than truths. While the life Carrie and Adrian leads seems easy, like a problem like this couldn't come between them, it is Emma who reveals the cracks in their surface. We follow the three from the office to production sets and from house to house as Emma charms everyone, but leaves a sour taste in Carrie's mouth.
While Michelle Frances is a talented author and the television world seemed like a perfect change of pace for my usual thriller readers, The Temp just didn't have the wow factor I expected. I don't know how else to put this, but I was bored while reading this book. The characters didn't have many redeeming qualities and following them down a very predictable path grew tiresome. While the unique setting and character backgrounds were what drew me to the story, the thriller aspect felt so much like every other domestic drama out there right now. And honestly, the big twist was hinted at far too early on. While this may be a hit for others, it was a miss for me.
Adrian is a selfish, full of himself man, Emma is a peppy employee (and unreliable narrator), and Carrie is a typical new mom in the midst of both a mid-life crisis and a marriage that might have more secrets than truths. While the life Carrie and Adrian leads seems easy, like a problem like this couldn't come between them, it is Emma who reveals the cracks in their surface. We follow the three from the office to production sets and from house to house as Emma charms everyone, but leaves a sour taste in Carrie's mouth.
While Michelle Frances is a talented author and the television world seemed like a perfect change of pace for my usual thriller readers, The Temp just didn't have the wow factor I expected. I don't know how else to put this, but I was bored while reading this book. The characters didn't have many redeeming qualities and following them down a very predictable path grew tiresome. While the unique setting and character backgrounds were what drew me to the story, the thriller aspect felt so much like every other domestic drama out there right now. And honestly, the big twist was hinted at far too early on. While this may be a hit for others, it was a miss for me.
January 30, 2019
I have been reading a lot of thrillers lately and while this one was decent and some things happened that I wasn't expecting, I wasn't completely hooked on this book. It took me awhile to get through it and while for the most part it held my interest, I wasn't really thinking about when I would have my next free moment to continue reading like I usually do when I'm submerged in a story.
Overall, it was a decent read and I have her other book on my tbr list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the arc!!
Overall, it was a decent read and I have her other book on my tbr list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the arc!!
January 24, 2020
I don't know what I expected from this book but it was nothing like what I actually read. There was so much plot and everytime I thought I knew where the story was going it would take a completely different turn. The ending was completely unexpected but at the same time kind of annoyed me, like they were just throwing another plot twist in for the shock factor.
Full review to come but I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from Michelle Frances.
Full review to come but I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from Michelle Frances.
January 21, 2019
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley. It does not impact my review.
I have seen several glowing reviews for The Temp and was excited to give it a try. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy it near as much as others have seemed to.
First, I want to say that I think the synopsis is a little misleading. Nothing it says is wrong, exactly, it just makes things sound like they happen much more suspensefully or creepily than they actually do. Anyways, I have recently read several light and fluffy Romances in a row and I was really craving something with a little more substance when I picked this book up. I really wanted the suspense and thrills and The Temp just didn’t give it to me. I didn’t think any of the twists were surprising. There is one that is saved until almost the end of the book that I suspected within the first 20% of the story.
Which leads me to my next point. This book was far longer than it needed to be. I felt like there was a lot of repetition and the pace was pretty slow. The chapters became a little quicker towards the end, but I still felt like things were dragged out for too long. I also thought it was structured kind of oddly. The book is broken into four parts, each under a different character’s name, but the story is told in third person and the POV changes almost every chapter, despite which part it’s in. I didn’t understand the purpose of the different parts named after a character if that section didn’t focus entirely on that character’s POV?
Overall, The Temp just wasn’t for me. It had an intriguing premise and the writing wasn’t that bad, it just lacked the suspense and creep factor I was expecting. I wasn’t surprised by any of the twists and I didn’t find the characters very likable or relatable. However, I have seen other people who have really enjoyed this book, so it still might be worth the read.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 2 Stars
I have seen several glowing reviews for The Temp and was excited to give it a try. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy it near as much as others have seemed to.
First, I want to say that I think the synopsis is a little misleading. Nothing it says is wrong, exactly, it just makes things sound like they happen much more suspensefully or creepily than they actually do. Anyways, I have recently read several light and fluffy Romances in a row and I was really craving something with a little more substance when I picked this book up. I really wanted the suspense and thrills and The Temp just didn’t give it to me. I didn’t think any of the twists were surprising. There is one that is saved until almost the end of the book that I suspected within the first 20% of the story.
Which leads me to my next point. This book was far longer than it needed to be. I felt like there was a lot of repetition and the pace was pretty slow. The chapters became a little quicker towards the end, but I still felt like things were dragged out for too long. I also thought it was structured kind of oddly. The book is broken into four parts, each under a different character’s name, but the story is told in third person and the POV changes almost every chapter, despite which part it’s in. I didn’t understand the purpose of the different parts named after a character if that section didn’t focus entirely on that character’s POV?
Overall, The Temp just wasn’t for me. It had an intriguing premise and the writing wasn’t that bad, it just lacked the suspense and creep factor I was expecting. I wasn’t surprised by any of the twists and I didn’t find the characters very likable or relatable. However, I have seen other people who have really enjoyed this book, so it still might be worth the read.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 2 Stars
December 23, 2018
Humm...what do I have to say about this novel? Well it’s a novel that should have been played out on the Lifetime Movie Network. I was excited for this book after reading and loving Frances previous book The Girlfriend. Unfortunately, I was left feeling disappointed! The pacing was off, the characters lacked dimension, and the plot was deficient in substance.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2019
4 🌟
I enjoy trying to find out why the temp Emma was doing the things she was doing.
She had her reasons for wanting to be Carrie's temp as Carrie has her son and is on leave. With her husband still working to write scripts for the tv show that they both husband and wife runs. Carrie starts to believe the new temp wants her job and her hubby.
Adrian isn't all a great hubby nor a father. The temp Emma sees his true self and she wants what's her.
Secrets are revealed.
I enjoyed.
I enjoy trying to find out why the temp Emma was doing the things she was doing.
She had her reasons for wanting to be Carrie's temp as Carrie has her son and is on leave. With her husband still working to write scripts for the tv show that they both husband and wife runs. Carrie starts to believe the new temp wants her job and her hubby.
Adrian isn't all a great hubby nor a father. The temp Emma sees his true self and she wants what's her.
Secrets are revealed.
I enjoyed.
February 14, 2019
So, this was one of those books where I smugly thought I knew exactly what was going on...until I didn't.
Very pleased that the author took this in an unexpected direction.
While I didn't love every turn the plot took, I appreciated that the author had me so very curious to see what was going on and how it all would end!
Suspenseful read!
*ARC provided via Net Galley
Very pleased that the author took this in an unexpected direction.
While I didn't love every turn the plot took, I appreciated that the author had me so very curious to see what was going on and how it all would end!
Suspenseful read!
*ARC provided via Net Galley
February 12, 2019
Ah, the curse of the second novel release. Having thoroughly enjoyed The Girlfriend, I had no qualms about purchasing the authors second book and I’m sad to say it wasn’t a patch on her debut.
I understand the author writes from her own background perspective as a script editor and having worked in the television industry, is well placed to create a novel around it. Unfortunately, the story was slow and not very inspiring. I didn’t enjoy any of the characters much, and in fact the entire book felt like an extended soap opera episode. Too many cliches and unrealistic scenarios made it difficult to follow and I struggled to take it seriously. The character of Emma was my main gripe; how her personality swings throughout the book is annoying and unrealistic.
It’s not often I write a scathing review but truthfully there wasn’t much I enjoyed about this book. I know from the authors last release that she can write well, but this one just didn’t show that. Maybe I’ll have better luck with her third novel.
I understand the author writes from her own background perspective as a script editor and having worked in the television industry, is well placed to create a novel around it. Unfortunately, the story was slow and not very inspiring. I didn’t enjoy any of the characters much, and in fact the entire book felt like an extended soap opera episode. Too many cliches and unrealistic scenarios made it difficult to follow and I struggled to take it seriously. The character of Emma was my main gripe; how her personality swings throughout the book is annoying and unrealistic.
It’s not often I write a scathing review but truthfully there wasn’t much I enjoyed about this book. I know from the authors last release that she can write well, but this one just didn’t show that. Maybe I’ll have better luck with her third novel.
February 24, 2019
Michelle Frances follows up her debut release, The Girlfriend, with another mediocre psychological thriller that focuses more fully on the insidious and ultra competitive world of television. Despite striking a few overfamiliar notes and the usual descent into implausibility that mars much of the genre, this is an entertaining and undemanding look at a successful TV producer, Carrie Kennedy, her later life unexpected pregnancy at the age of forty-two and the whippersnapper stepping into her shoes as temporary maternity cover.
But before Carrie drops the bombshell pregnancy news on husband and script writer supremo, Adrian Hill, she is there to see him pick up a BAFTA for his work on smash hit TV sensation, Generation Rebel, and celebrate their commitment to working exclusively together by shackling Adrian’s screenwriting prowess with Carrie’s eye for production. Having made a decision early on in their relationship not to have children, Carrie is surprised to find herself warming to the idea but the timing couldn’t possibly be worse with her and Adrian’s careers in the ascendancy. Despite Adrian’s lack of enthusiasm Carrie decides to go ahead with the baby and at thirty-six-weeks pregnant she meets her new maternity replacement at Hawk Pictures, energetic and enthusiastic Emma, who seamlessly transitions into Carrie’s role.
But for Carrie, who for years has so been so integral in supporting and assisting Adrian and established a well-respected industry presence, the sudden loss of control is overwhelming. Feeling cut adrift from her career and passed over by Adrian, her experience suddenly seems to count for little and she galled to watch ambitious Emma almost immediately make herself indispensable to Adrian and Hawk Pictures’ MD, Liz. When Carrie gives birth and is forced to hand over the reins on the TV show under production it gives rise to her insecurities and suspicion that Emma is after not only her job but her husband. As Adrian neglects her and shows little interest in his newborn son, Rory, Carrie’s distrust of Emma, whose obsequiousness soon grates, multiplies and the shifty behaviour and sketchy excuses of husband, Adrian, do nothing to alleviate her worries as she sets out to establish the truth. And whilst Emma clearly has an agenda, does she really have her sights set on slippery Adrian and sleeping her way to the top? Carrie might be surprised and as crossed wires and a lack of head-on confrontation muddy the waters, she begins to wonder just who can she really trust? Is Emma the threat that Carrie perceives or might the problems be far more fundamental?
A shifting perspective, primarily moving between Carrie and Emma, allows the reader to empathise with both of their predicaments, from Carrie’s suspicion and insecurities to Emma’s misguided attempts to make her mark in the industry. Despite a slow start with Frances taking a while to set out her stall and get some meat on the bones of the story, it pays dividends and makes for an engrossing tale albeit with the necessary suspension of disbelief. At nearly 450 pages the story feels slightly overextended and the pity is that the novel tails off into the usual descent into psychological thriller incredibility leaving a web of unresolved questions. Despite Frances making some excellent points on a woman’s later life decision to have a child and the difficulty when one half of a solid partnership reverts on a long-standing decision to start a family, the narrative is not at all preachy. Although Michelle Frances bogs down her story with unnecessary complications, most notably with the inclusion of gossipmonger producer, Elaine Marsh, and a rushed denouement where common sense gives way to silliness detracts, for the most part this is a solid novel.
Anyone who has read a Jane Fallon novel may well feel that Frances has borrowed heavily from her exploration of rivalry in the television industry. However, for all its faults, this is an reasonably entertaining, if not highly memorable psychological thriller. Suspense and surprises might be limited, but Michelle Frances deserves credit for broaching the issue of whether women can really have it all, although I doubt the final twist will contain much of a shock for regular readers of the genre.
But before Carrie drops the bombshell pregnancy news on husband and script writer supremo, Adrian Hill, she is there to see him pick up a BAFTA for his work on smash hit TV sensation, Generation Rebel, and celebrate their commitment to working exclusively together by shackling Adrian’s screenwriting prowess with Carrie’s eye for production. Having made a decision early on in their relationship not to have children, Carrie is surprised to find herself warming to the idea but the timing couldn’t possibly be worse with her and Adrian’s careers in the ascendancy. Despite Adrian’s lack of enthusiasm Carrie decides to go ahead with the baby and at thirty-six-weeks pregnant she meets her new maternity replacement at Hawk Pictures, energetic and enthusiastic Emma, who seamlessly transitions into Carrie’s role.
But for Carrie, who for years has so been so integral in supporting and assisting Adrian and established a well-respected industry presence, the sudden loss of control is overwhelming. Feeling cut adrift from her career and passed over by Adrian, her experience suddenly seems to count for little and she galled to watch ambitious Emma almost immediately make herself indispensable to Adrian and Hawk Pictures’ MD, Liz. When Carrie gives birth and is forced to hand over the reins on the TV show under production it gives rise to her insecurities and suspicion that Emma is after not only her job but her husband. As Adrian neglects her and shows little interest in his newborn son, Rory, Carrie’s distrust of Emma, whose obsequiousness soon grates, multiplies and the shifty behaviour and sketchy excuses of husband, Adrian, do nothing to alleviate her worries as she sets out to establish the truth. And whilst Emma clearly has an agenda, does she really have her sights set on slippery Adrian and sleeping her way to the top? Carrie might be surprised and as crossed wires and a lack of head-on confrontation muddy the waters, she begins to wonder just who can she really trust? Is Emma the threat that Carrie perceives or might the problems be far more fundamental?
A shifting perspective, primarily moving between Carrie and Emma, allows the reader to empathise with both of their predicaments, from Carrie’s suspicion and insecurities to Emma’s misguided attempts to make her mark in the industry. Despite a slow start with Frances taking a while to set out her stall and get some meat on the bones of the story, it pays dividends and makes for an engrossing tale albeit with the necessary suspension of disbelief. At nearly 450 pages the story feels slightly overextended and the pity is that the novel tails off into the usual descent into psychological thriller incredibility leaving a web of unresolved questions. Despite Frances making some excellent points on a woman’s later life decision to have a child and the difficulty when one half of a solid partnership reverts on a long-standing decision to start a family, the narrative is not at all preachy. Although Michelle Frances bogs down her story with unnecessary complications, most notably with the inclusion of gossipmonger producer, Elaine Marsh, and a rushed denouement where common sense gives way to silliness detracts, for the most part this is a solid novel.
Anyone who has read a Jane Fallon novel may well feel that Frances has borrowed heavily from her exploration of rivalry in the television industry. However, for all its faults, this is an reasonably entertaining, if not highly memorable psychological thriller. Suspense and surprises might be limited, but Michelle Frances deserves credit for broaching the issue of whether women can really have it all, although I doubt the final twist will contain much of a shock for regular readers of the genre.
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