Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney is an absolute masterclass in dark, twisted storytelling. Sinister and full of surprises, this thriller hooks you from the very first page. It’s wickedly fun to read, with impeccable pacing, steadily building tension, and enough twists to leave you reeling.
At its heart, the novel explores marriage, redemption, revenge, and resilience. We meet Grady Green, a once-successful author whose life has crumbled after his wife mysteriously disappeared on a day that should have been a celebration. Now paralyzed by grief, Grady has lost everything: his ability to write, his sense of purpose, and his way forward. In a last-ditch effort to revive his career, his agent sends him to a tiny, remote Scottish island, hoping the isolation will force him to write his next book.
But this is Alice Feeney we’re talking about, and nothing is ever what it seems. The island feels ominous and unsettling. Strange things begin to happen, the locals harbor their own secrets, and Grady—already unraveling—starts seeing his missing wife everywhere. Is it guilt? Grief? Or something far more sinister?
What sets Beautiful Ugly apart is Feeney’s ability to create an atmosphere so immersive, it feels like the damp chill of the Scottish island seeps through the pages. The plot is clever and labyrinthine, the characters expertly drawn—flawed, unreliable, and endlessly fascinating. Feeney crafts each layer of the story with precision, ensuring every reveal lands perfectly.
This is a book about secrets, grief, and the lies we tell ourselves and others. It’s a sharp, atmospheric, and thrilling ride that feels both dark and delicious. Feeney fans will find everything we love here—twists, tension, and a story that keeps you guessing until the very end.
5/5—an absolute must-read for thriller lovers.
