Alice Feeney's 'Beautiful Ugly' is a rollercoaster of a thriller that hooks you from the first page. The story follows Grady Green, a writer waiting for news about his book's success, only to have his life upended when his wife Abby mysteriously disappears. The setup is brilliant, and Feeney's knack for creating unreliable characters shines through.

The remote Scottish island setting adds a layer of eerie tension that I couldn't get enough of. No cell service, limited access to the mainland, and locals who seem friendly but subtly hostile—it’s the perfect backdrop for Grady’s unraveling sanity. I loved how the island itself felt like a character, with its own secrets and sinister vibe.

Grady’s grief and paranoia are palpable, though I’ll admit he’s not the most likable protagonist. His whiny, entitled attitude grated on me at times, but it also made his descent into madness more compelling. Abby’s chapters, on the other hand, were a breath of fresh air—sympathetic and revealing, they turned everything Grady told us on its head.

Feeney’s twists are legendary, and while some left me stunned (in a good way), others felt confusing or even nonsensical. The ending in particular had me scratching my head—I had to reread it to make sure I hadn’t missed something. But even with its flaws, 'Beautiful Ugly' is a gripping read that kept me up way past my bedtime.

If you love atmospheric thrillers with unreliable narrators and jaw-dropping twists, this one’s for you. Just be prepared for a few head-scratching moments along the way.