Beautiful Malice

Following a terrible tragedy that leaves her once-perfect family shattered, Katherine Patterson moves to a new city, starts at a new school, and looks forward to a new life of quiet anonymity.

But when Katherine meets the gregarious and beautiful Alice Parrie her resolution to live a solitary life becomes difficult. Katherine is unable resist the flattering attention that Alice pays her and is so charmed by Alice’s contagious enthusiasm that the two girls soon become firm friends. Alice’s joie de vivre is transformative; it helps Katherine forget her painful past and slowly, tentatively, Katherine allows herself to start enjoying life again.

But being friends with Alice is complicated – and as Katherine gets to know her better she discovers that although Alice can be charming and generous she can also be selfish and egocentric. Sometimes, even, Alice is cruel.

And when Katherine starts to wonder if Alice is really the kind of person she wants as a friend, she discovers something else about Alice - she doesn’t like being cast off.

"An international sensation that the Wall Street Journal called a 'publishing phenomenon,' this complex, poignant, and chilling novel of psychological suspense will hold readers enthralled from its wrenching opening to its stunning climax."

That was what was printed about Beautiful Malice. Somewhere, somebody screwed up. Not this book. Complex? No. For the entire first half of this book, I felt dragged through a world of text book, one dimensional characters. With the second half offering slight surprises here and there, I was only mildly interested enough to keep reading. Climax? That word doesn't belong anywhere near this piece of... work. The deaths were dull and unimaginative. The constant time jumping, likely written to arouse suspense and curiosity, left me in a state of annoyance and frustration as it completely disrupted the flow of what apparently was meant to be a thriller. Quite honestly, the only thrill I got was in the end as Katherine got her chance at what I stretch to call a happily ever after.

The only character who held an inkling of appeal to me was Robbie, a young man who has lost his mother and who finds no support or comfort from his emotionally wrecked father. One who is willing to succumb to the poison that is Alice so as to feel even an iota of happiness that she able to give him despite the destruction she brings to his heart and mind.

I've never felt such a compulsive drive to be harsh with my 'reviews.' I couldn't help it in this case. I really couldn't. And despite it, I'm thankful for the chance to read it. But I'm left to ask, is my opinion too much for Goodreads?