Alice Feeney’s Beautiful Ugly is a psychological thriller around a missing person case. The story follows Grady, a struggling author whose wife vanishes mysteriously. As he deals with the trauma of her disappearance, he accepts an offer to retreat to a secluded writing cabin on a remote island.

The novel’s pacing is uneven, with a slow-burn start that picks up considerably in the final quarter. While the initial chapters are slow, the second half delivers a series of jaw-dropping twists that will keep you guessing. However, certain plot elements push the boundaries of believability, which may detract from the overall impact.

The audiobook narration is well-executed, with the narrators using voice modulation and accents to bring the various characters to life. The addition of sound effects further enhances the listening experience.

If you’re a fan of Feeney’s work, Beautiful Ugly is worth giving a try.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this book. I voluntarily listened and gave an honest review.