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Neurosis
Seeing isn’t always believing.
Trapped by her past trauma, Macy McCall worked with a variety of therapists and medications- most yielding minimal results. Her newest doctor, Daniel Yates, helps bring forth her biggest breakthroughs and she believes she can see the light at the end of a very dark and scary tunnel. With a boyfriend and a good job, she enjoys her blooming independence. Then she sees her. The woman that looks exactly like her.
This mirror image plagues her life in a way that she would never have expected. And when it all unravels, she won’t be the only one left wondering what is real and what is imagined.
Trapped by her past trauma, Macy McCall worked with a variety of therapists and medications- most yielding minimal results. Her newest doctor, Daniel Yates, helps bring forth her biggest breakthroughs and she believes she can see the light at the end of a very dark and scary tunnel. With a boyfriend and a good job, she enjoys her blooming independence. Then she sees her. The woman that looks exactly like her.
This mirror image plagues her life in a way that she would never have expected. And when it all unravels, she won’t be the only one left wondering what is real and what is imagined.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2021
4 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Amy Hale
18 books299 followersSince childhood, best-selling and award-winning author Amy Hale has been using the written word to inspire, encourage, and entertain. She loves creating characters and worlds from nothing but her imagination and a few glasses of wine. Her popular paranormal series The Shadows Trilogy has earned multiple awards, as have the Havenwood Falls books, of which she is a participating author. She's also a participating author in the Feisty Heroines anthology which became a #1 New Release and Bestseller on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Nook shortly after its release.
She debuted her first fiction novel in 2015 after retiring from 13 years of non-fiction writing for various online entities. For the last couple of decades, she’s also carried the titles of Laundry Goddess, Chef, Butt Wiper, Soother of Temper Tantrums, and in more recent years, Moderator of Sarcastic Eye-rolls and Sass. She resides in Illinois with her husband and two grown children who claim they are never moving out. Regardless, they are the center of her universe, although her cat believes otherwise.
If she had any spare time, she’d love music, photography, watching Mystery Science Theater 3000 with her family, and long rides on the back of her husband’s motorcycle.
Learn more at authoramyhale.com
She debuted her first fiction novel in 2015 after retiring from 13 years of non-fiction writing for various online entities. For the last couple of decades, she’s also carried the titles of Laundry Goddess, Chef, Butt Wiper, Soother of Temper Tantrums, and in more recent years, Moderator of Sarcastic Eye-rolls and Sass. She resides in Illinois with her husband and two grown children who claim they are never moving out. Regardless, they are the center of her universe, although her cat believes otherwise.
If she had any spare time, she’d love music, photography, watching Mystery Science Theater 3000 with her family, and long rides on the back of her husband’s motorcycle.
Learn more at authoramyhale.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 18, 2021
Mind-blowing!
An absolute amazing thriller read by Amy Hale! So much happens in this book, that I felt like my heart raced the whole way until I reached the end. Amy Hale is such a genius storyteller. It hooked me from the beginning and I didn’t know which way was up!
And that ending! (Hoping there might be a book 2 in the works)
An absolute amazing thriller read by Amy Hale! So much happens in this book, that I felt like my heart raced the whole way until I reached the end. Amy Hale is such a genius storyteller. It hooked me from the beginning and I didn’t know which way was up!
And that ending! (Hoping there might be a book 2 in the works)
November 6, 2021
I met Amy at a comicon and wanted to read this thriller. I have to say this novel is a prime example of why people need to read more independent authors. I had finished another novel from an author on the best seller list and her main character suffering from a childhood trauma was unlikable and the plot terrible. Amy gives us an interesting mystery and a character who I care about and want to know what is causing her resurgent of mental issues. It’s a page turner as well. It seems the explanation to all the main characters problems are simply in her head, but they go much deeper. I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to Amy’s next attempt at a thriller.
September 18, 2021
An incredible psychological thriller! Keeps you on the edge of your seat. Twists at every turn. Great story, great characters, great writer. You can’t put it down. This should be adapted into a movie or TV series today. A must-read!
November 10, 2021
This isn't a book I would normally pick up, but the reviews were great and the author has other books I love. This one will keep you reading and keep you guessing until the end. Macy's plight will pull at your heartstrings and by the end you will be rooting for her and trying to figure out whats going on too. Read this book. You will not be disappointed.
Great job Amy Hale!
I can't wait for the next one!
Great job Amy Hale!
I can't wait for the next one!
August 9, 2021
This review is short and sweet because I don’t want to give anything away. The writing’s excellent and the characters are believable,vividly described and well developed.
The plot is intriguing and twisted. It’s a menacing psychological thriller that kept me guessing throughout, and it has an equally unforeseen conclusion.
This is not my usual type of book but it was so gripping I couldn’t stop reading once I started…
I received a copy of this book from the author via Quirky Blind Date with a Book
The plot is intriguing and twisted. It’s a menacing psychological thriller that kept me guessing throughout, and it has an equally unforeseen conclusion.
This is not my usual type of book but it was so gripping I couldn’t stop reading once I started…
I received a copy of this book from the author via Quirky Blind Date with a Book
April 22, 2021
Wow...just, wow. I love a good Jedi mind twist and this book has it all! I was so super excited when I heard that Amy Hale was taking a chance on a psychological thriller. I love her writing style and she really knocked it out of the park with this book. I literally couldn’t put it down! I had to know what would happen next. The flow was steady and her characters were fully developed and well thought out. The whole story gripped me from the beginning and held my full attention throughout. I love a good thriller that gets in your head and you have to really pay attention to the details to figure it out. The twist surprised the hell out of me, I was not expecting that! Well done and I look forward to more!
October 29, 2021
This is my first time reading author Amy Hale's books, but it won't be the last! I appreciate that the author gives the warning in the beginning (This book deals with the topic of mental illness & trauma with mentions of abuse and self-harm/suicide.). This allows the reader to start the book with no surprises and gives the reader an out if needed.
The plot is fast moving, the author's writing style is smooth and the reader can't find a good stopping point for them to actually do the real life things that they should be doing. The author has a bit of everything in this book, and it keeps the reader wanting more. The reader can't help but admire Macy and all that she has been through. The reader continues to think about this one long after they have finished reading the books. This is sure to give the reader a book hangover, so be prepared and forewarned.
The reader is on the edge of their seat with this one and while they zoom through the pages to see what is going to happen next, they alternate between not wanting the book to end. This is a must read and a must read now! Add this one to your TBR list - you won't be sorry!!
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
The plot is fast moving, the author's writing style is smooth and the reader can't find a good stopping point for them to actually do the real life things that they should be doing. The author has a bit of everything in this book, and it keeps the reader wanting more. The reader can't help but admire Macy and all that she has been through. The reader continues to think about this one long after they have finished reading the books. This is sure to give the reader a book hangover, so be prepared and forewarned.
The reader is on the edge of their seat with this one and while they zoom through the pages to see what is going to happen next, they alternate between not wanting the book to end. This is a must read and a must read now! Add this one to your TBR list - you won't be sorry!!
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
August 1, 2023
Macy is a gifted painter, plagued by the untimely and horrific deaths of almost every person she cared about. At age 12, Macy is the sole survivor of a fire that destroyed her home and killed both her parents along with the housekeeper and her daughter- Macy's only friend. Now 23, Macy has made great strides in overcoming her PTSD and multiple fears with the help of psychologist Daniel Yates. That is until a Macy lookalike starts appearing.
Macy's boyfriend Troy is doing everything he can to help her, but is it enough? Macy is the only one to see this "twin" and as the encounters get more and more dark and threatening Macy fears her mind is breaking. Is she getting worse? Or is there something evil happening? When Macy starts attacking the ones trying to help her she is left on her own to sift through the pieces to discover the truth.
A very well written book with a little bit of everything. Psychological thriller, action, romance, deception, mystery, suspence, justice. The writing style can be a little jumpy, but it only emphasizes Macy's mental status and how she's trying to hold it all together. There's enough twists and suspence to keep you wondering what is the truth. As one who struggles with mental illness, it is very well written and an accurate depiction of a desperate woman being held captive by her mind and fears.
188 pgs, copyright 2021
Macy's boyfriend Troy is doing everything he can to help her, but is it enough? Macy is the only one to see this "twin" and as the encounters get more and more dark and threatening Macy fears her mind is breaking. Is she getting worse? Or is there something evil happening? When Macy starts attacking the ones trying to help her she is left on her own to sift through the pieces to discover the truth.
A very well written book with a little bit of everything. Psychological thriller, action, romance, deception, mystery, suspence, justice. The writing style can be a little jumpy, but it only emphasizes Macy's mental status and how she's trying to hold it all together. There's enough twists and suspence to keep you wondering what is the truth. As one who struggles with mental illness, it is very well written and an accurate depiction of a desperate woman being held captive by her mind and fears.
188 pgs, copyright 2021
August 14, 2023
Macy is a gifted painter, plagued by the untimely and horrific deaths of almost every person she cared about. At age 12,
Macy is the sole survivor of a fire that destroyed her home and killed both her parents along with the housekeeper and
her daughter- Macy's only friend. Now 23, Macy has made great strides in overcoming her PTSD and multiple fears with
the help of psychologist Daniel Yates. That is until a Macy lookalike starts appearing.
Macy's boyfriend Troy is doing everything he can to help her, but is it enough? Macy is the only one to see this "twin"
and as the encounters get more and more dark and threatening Macy fears her mind is breaking. Is she getting worse?
Or is there something evil happening? When Macy starts attacking the ones trying to help her she is left on her own to
sift through the pieces to discover the truth.
A very well written book with a little bit of everything. Psychological thriller, action, romance, deception, mystery,
suspense, justice. The writing style can be a little jumpy, but it only emphasizes Macy's mental status and how she's
trying to hold it all together. There's enough twists and suspense to keep you wondering what is the truth. As one who
struggles with mental illness, it is very well written and an accurate depiction of a desperate woman being held captive
by her mind and fears.
Macy is the sole survivor of a fire that destroyed her home and killed both her parents along with the housekeeper and
her daughter- Macy's only friend. Now 23, Macy has made great strides in overcoming her PTSD and multiple fears with
the help of psychologist Daniel Yates. That is until a Macy lookalike starts appearing.
Macy's boyfriend Troy is doing everything he can to help her, but is it enough? Macy is the only one to see this "twin"
and as the encounters get more and more dark and threatening Macy fears her mind is breaking. Is she getting worse?
Or is there something evil happening? When Macy starts attacking the ones trying to help her she is left on her own to
sift through the pieces to discover the truth.
A very well written book with a little bit of everything. Psychological thriller, action, romance, deception, mystery,
suspense, justice. The writing style can be a little jumpy, but it only emphasizes Macy's mental status and how she's
trying to hold it all together. There's enough twists and suspense to keep you wondering what is the truth. As one who
struggles with mental illness, it is very well written and an accurate depiction of a desperate woman being held captive
by her mind and fears.
October 1, 2021
I'm a huge psychological thriller fan. It's my go-to these days. 90% of the books I read fall into this category, and I've read many great authors in the genre. I'm also a fan of Amy Hale so I jumped at the chance to read Neurosis when I found out she'd written in my favorite genre!
It started out a little slow - for me.. totally my opinion. At first, I worried about the impact it might have on my own mental health. That may be why it took me so long to actually get into the book. I used to hate the word 'triggered' and didn't understand why people threw it around so often, but since dealing with my own anxiety I get it. As I continued reading, the worry dissipated and I found my groove.
Was Neurosis the best psychological thriller I've read this year? No. But it was pretty darn good. I'll definitely recommend it to the folks in my thriller group. It was engaging and twisted, and I had no idea what was real. I lost track of how many times I tried guessing and ended up dead wrong. This is an excellent first run at the genre! I hope she'll continue to write thrillers.
It started out a little slow - for me.. totally my opinion. At first, I worried about the impact it might have on my own mental health. That may be why it took me so long to actually get into the book. I used to hate the word 'triggered' and didn't understand why people threw it around so often, but since dealing with my own anxiety I get it. As I continued reading, the worry dissipated and I found my groove.
Was Neurosis the best psychological thriller I've read this year? No. But it was pretty darn good. I'll definitely recommend it to the folks in my thriller group. It was engaging and twisted, and I had no idea what was real. I lost track of how many times I tried guessing and ended up dead wrong. This is an excellent first run at the genre! I hope she'll continue to write thrillers.
December 2, 2021
Wow, what a story this one was!!
The characters were amazing and I so enjoyed getting to know Macy. I made a connection with her right off the bat. Everything she went through was an emotional roller coaster to read about.
The storyline was incredible. OMG, the things that happened within this story were so traumatic and yet I couldn't put the book down. I felt as if I was reading about a true story. The way everything unfolded sent chills down my spine at times. The story felt so real and that twisted ending, well you'll have to read it for yourself. It's an edge of your seat read but I must warn that there are triggers within this story and that reader discretion is advised. If triggers don't bother you, I highly recommend this read.
The characters were amazing and I so enjoyed getting to know Macy. I made a connection with her right off the bat. Everything she went through was an emotional roller coaster to read about.
The storyline was incredible. OMG, the things that happened within this story were so traumatic and yet I couldn't put the book down. I felt as if I was reading about a true story. The way everything unfolded sent chills down my spine at times. The story felt so real and that twisted ending, well you'll have to read it for yourself. It's an edge of your seat read but I must warn that there are triggers within this story and that reader discretion is advised. If triggers don't bother you, I highly recommend this read.
November 23, 2021
Psychological thrillers can be difficult to write. You wouldn't know it from Amy Hale's latest work. Her book, Neurosis: Seeing Isn't Always Believing, must have glue mixed in the cover inks because I couldn't put it down once I picked it up.
Not only is the plot compelling and the characters rich and fully explored, but Macy's PTSD is treated with dignity. Every word of her pain and fear rings true because of Amy's writing skill. The story has plenty of curves so hold on tight when you read it.
Due to Macy's illness, this may not be the book for everyone. But I certainly enjoyed it and hope you will too.
Not only is the plot compelling and the characters rich and fully explored, but Macy's PTSD is treated with dignity. Every word of her pain and fear rings true because of Amy's writing skill. The story has plenty of curves so hold on tight when you read it.
Due to Macy's illness, this may not be the book for everyone. But I certainly enjoyed it and hope you will too.
January 5, 2023
This was my first Amy Hale book. I could not put it down. I needed to know what was happening with Macy. I also appreciated that Amy put mental illness front and center. She didn't shy away from how someone would feel in that situation. I wanted to see Macy heal. It was also comforting that she had the support system some folks do not get when struggling.
While I didn't figure it out completely, I had inklings. Some of those inklings were on the right path, but when dealing with mental illness, you can never be too sure. The web she spun was perfectly laid out and was unwoven by the end of the book. It was a great read!
I will definitely be checking more of Amy's books out!
While I didn't figure it out completely, I had inklings. Some of those inklings were on the right path, but when dealing with mental illness, you can never be too sure. The web she spun was perfectly laid out and was unwoven by the end of the book. It was a great read!
I will definitely be checking more of Amy's books out!
April 21, 2021
Absolutely mind blowing! Keeps you guessing at every page, and then guessing again.
Macy is such an amazingly strong and resilient character, with everything she goes through, she is brave and determined, and she never gives herself enough credit. I love her!
This book had me reading until 2:30 a.m. to finish and, and I'm surprised I didn't wake up the family with my shouts.
A fast paced read you won't be able to pull yourself away from until the final page.
Macy is such an amazingly strong and resilient character, with everything she goes through, she is brave and determined, and she never gives herself enough credit. I love her!
This book had me reading until 2:30 a.m. to finish and, and I'm surprised I didn't wake up the family with my shouts.
A fast paced read you won't be able to pull yourself away from until the final page.
September 9, 2021
Neurosis.
By Amy Hale.
My 1st book I have read by this author.. I truly enjoyed this story hoping there will be a second to this book.
A story about A girl who loses her entire family to fire.. A mystery Of how that all became. Only a child when it happened. Being the only survivor. Now having pstd.. Seeing things that aren't really there. Or are they...
things, You knew nothing about from the past. Can haunt you or hurt you..
Absolutely wonderful Psychological thriller Book...
By Amy Hale.
My 1st book I have read by this author.. I truly enjoyed this story hoping there will be a second to this book.
A story about A girl who loses her entire family to fire.. A mystery Of how that all became. Only a child when it happened. Being the only survivor. Now having pstd.. Seeing things that aren't really there. Or are they...
things, You knew nothing about from the past. Can haunt you or hurt you..
Absolutely wonderful Psychological thriller Book...
November 6, 2021
This book is an excellent read and worth your time. It should be made into a movie. Without giving spoilers away it creates an interesting world, keeps you on the edge of your seat and makes you want to binge read the entire thing in one sitting. Mrs. Hale has created an interesting storyline that doesn’t rely on tired worn out tropes and shines a light on issues that are actually important (dealing with ptsd) it is well crafted, well edited and worth investing time into reading.
May 11, 2021
I love it when an author tries their hand at a new genre. Hale's plunge into adult thrillers with Neurosis is excellent.
Instant hook 👍
Developed characters 👍
Great backstory 👍
Twists 👍👍👍
I found myself wondering if Macy had a doppelganger, an evil twin, or was just seeing things each time something new happened. Hale did a great job keeping the reader guessing with a complete blindside moment in the end. Neurosis is a dark, gritty, psychological thriller that is sure to wow fans.
Instant hook 👍
Developed characters 👍
Great backstory 👍
Twists 👍👍👍
I found myself wondering if Macy had a doppelganger, an evil twin, or was just seeing things each time something new happened. Hale did a great job keeping the reader guessing with a complete blindside moment in the end. Neurosis is a dark, gritty, psychological thriller that is sure to wow fans.
June 26, 2021
Everything I hoped for...
Neurosis by Amy Hale is everything I hoped for and more. I dragged this book out longer then I wanted to, only because I didn't want to end. When I tried to guess the ending, I put it down. I never saw the actual full picture until the end.
I adore Amy Hale's rom-coms and paranormal romances, but I am praying she wrotes more thriller suspense.
Neurosis by Amy Hale is everything I hoped for and more. I dragged this book out longer then I wanted to, only because I didn't want to end. When I tried to guess the ending, I put it down. I never saw the actual full picture until the end.
I adore Amy Hale's rom-coms and paranormal romances, but I am praying she wrotes more thriller suspense.
November 3, 2021
This story was riveting and kept me reading until I finished it! The characters were fleshed out, the foreshadowing great, and the twist was awesome! I didn't see it coming to be honest and I was constantly trying to figure out the mystery. For me, that's a sign of great writing. Such a good, quick read. Bravo!!
April 23, 2021
What a mind trip!
Hale sure knows how to mess with your head. Everything you think you may know is not what it seems. There is no figuring it out. Even at the end it leaves you thinking abs wondering. What next??
Hale sure knows how to mess with your head. Everything you think you may know is not what it seems. There is no figuring it out. Even at the end it leaves you thinking abs wondering. What next??
August 13, 2021
A well written story that pulls you into the world of Macy. A girl with problems after a dramatic event in her past.
She had a very caring boyfriend and a great new Doctor but would they be enough to help her cope with her life?
I enjoyed this book 📚
She had a very caring boyfriend and a great new Doctor but would they be enough to help her cope with her life?
I enjoyed this book 📚
September 12, 2021
Macy has ptsd from surviving a child as a kid. She see a therapist called Daniel who is trying to help her. What happens tho when a older sister she didn't know about starts making her believe she is hallucinating read to find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2021
Absolutely awesome book! It keeps you at the edge of your seat. You won't wanna put it down!
April 30, 2021
Amazing read! Macy is an amazing character! You really get to know her. And just when you think you've figured it out, things change! I devoured this book and loved every bit of it!!!
May 4, 2021
Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2021
Dark. Gritty. And addictive. Hale's thriller had me itching to unspool this mystery. Each time I thought I figured it out I was wrong. Brilliant.
Dark. Gritty. And addictive. Hale's thriller had me itching to unspool this mystery. Each time I thought I figured it out I was wrong. Brilliant.
June 25, 2021
Great read! I love thrillers and this book was right up my alley. Definitely recommend to anyone who loves thrillers!
August 27, 2021
DO YOU TRUST ME? READ THIS BOOK!!!
November 5, 2021
I absolutely enjoyed this and im not normally into darker reads but this one was really good.
November 29, 2021
The understanding of psychological states in this book was much better than in other books that I've read, but the ending came a little too quickly for me.
December 29, 2021
Amy is a superb writer, I enjoyed this book keeps me guessing and on the edge of my seat. I loved it! Keep writing books like these.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews