An exploration of domestic derangement, as sinister as Daphne Du Maurier’s classic Rebecca, that plumbs the depths of sibling rivalry with wit and menace.

Oh, to be a Beloved—one of those lucky people for whom nothing ever goes wrong. Everything falls into their laps without effort: happiness, beauty, good fortune, allure.

Betty Stash is not a Beloved—but her little sister, the delightful Gloria, is. She’s the one with the golden curls and sunny disposition and captivating smile, the one whose best friend used to be Betty’s, the one whose husband should have been Betty’s. And then, to everyone’s surprise, Gloria inherits the family manse—a vast, gorgeous pile of ancient stone, imposing timbers, and lush gardens—that was never meant to be hers.

Losing what Betty considers her rightful inheritance is the final indignity. As she single-mindedly pursues her plan to see the estate returned to her in all its glory, her determined and increasingly unhinged behavior—aided by poisonous mushrooms, talking walls, and a phantom dog—escalates to the point of no return. The Beloveds will have you wondering if there’s a length to which an envious sister won’t go.

Due out April, 2018

MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Enter a dark, twisted, narcissistic, sociopathic mind bent on revenge, spurned on by jealousy.  The target, a unsuspecting, loving and dedicated sister. And to think, there are real people out in the world exactly like Betty.  Does this fact make you quake in your boots?  It should…

The whole premise is eerie and psychotic. The plot shoved in to overdrive, driven hard and mentally dark with aspects of cruelty and insanity.  Watch as an already unstable individual snaps and allows her inner demons to surface, frothing and vile, to exact a revenge for slights she received throughout her life, ones that she holds no responsibility none whatsoever for.   Betty can do no wrong, according to Betty, and everyone else is to blame for her unhappiness.  Anyone you know?

This book is riveting and full of dark twists and turns that keeps the story pacing along nicely.  The character is broken and foul, and plain and simply… nuts!  I love how her devious notions continue to develop to a fated ending.  This is an excellent read at the edge of your seat book.  It’s very well-written story and actually extraordinary in its concept.  The ending wasn’t my favorite, but eh… still effective!

I give it: