First Impressions
Alice Feeney never fails to craft an intriguing thriller, and Beautiful Ugly is no exception. While it’s not the fastest-paced or most twist-heavy of her novels, I found myself utterly absorbed by the eerie setting and the slow, psychological unraveling of the story. This is the kind of book that keeps pulling you back in—not because it’s heart-racingly suspenseful, but because the creeping unease lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.
Plot Summary
Grady Green, a once-celebrated author, has lost his ability to write after his wife, Abby, mysteriously disappeared a year ago. Struggling with grief and creative paralysis, his agent sends him to a secluded cabin on a remote Scottish island, hoping solitude will reignite his inspiration. But upon arrival, Grady quickly realizes something is deeply off. The island’s residents are unnervingly secretive, the landscape feels isolating yet suffocating, and soon, cryptic messages about Abby start appearing—slipped under his door by someone who knows what happened to her.
As Grady tries to untangle the mystery surrounding his wife’s disappearance, he begins questioning everything—his memories, his sanity, and whether he’s truly alone on the island. The deeper he digs, the darker the secrets become, leading him toward a shocking conclusion that forces him to confront the truth he never wanted to face.
Themes
Feeney expertly explores themes of grief, isolation, and unreliable memory, weaving them seamlessly into the eerie setting. The novel touches on the limits of perception—how much we can trust our own minds when faced with trauma and secrecy. There’s also an underlying tension between outsider vs. insular community, a classic theme that plays well in remote and mysterious locations.
Additionally, the novel subtly examines the power of storytelling, both in the way Grady attempts to write his own narrative and in how the island’s residents control the version of events they want outsiders to believe.
What Worked
- Atmospheric Setting – The Scottish island is vividly described, making it both beautiful and deeply unsettling. It’s one of those locations that feels like it holds secrets in its very soil.
- Slow-Build Suspense – While not an action-packed thriller, the novel’s tension builds gradually, keeping the reader hooked by the unsettling atmosphere rather than explosive twists.
- Intriguing Wordplay – The oxymoronic chapter titles add an interesting touch to the novel’s structure, reinforcing the idea that nothing in the story is as it seems.
- A Cleverly Hidden Message – Feeney layers meaning into the book, particularly in the way the plot unfolds, making it enjoyable to reflect back and pick up clues missed the first time around.
- Unexpected Twists – There are two major twists that shift the entire perspective of the story. While I had inklings about some elements, I was still surprised by how everything unraveled.
What Could Have Been Stronger
The pacing, particularly in the first half, is quite slow, and some plot points lean towards the implausible. While the twists are clever, the ending felt a bit abrupt—some connections seemed forced rather than naturally earned. That being said, Beautiful Ugly still delivers a satisfying, mind-bending conclusion for those who enjoy psychological tension rather than straightforward action.
Who Might Enjoy This Book?
Who Might Enjoy This Book?- Fans of slow-burning, atmospheric thrillers
- Readers who appreciate eerie, isolated settings with a creeping sense of dread
- Those who love unreliable narrators and psychological tension
- People who enjoy books that leave them questioning everything, even after finishing
- Anyone intrigued by stories about memory, grief, and perception
Conclusion
While Beautiful Ugly may not be Feeney’s most fast-paced or twist-heavy thriller, it is deeply unsettling in all the right ways. The eerie setting, layered mystery, and unreliable perspective make for an intriguing read that lingers in the mind long after the last page. If you enjoy thrillers that focus on psychological complexity rather than high-stakes action, this one is worth picking up.
Thank you to Pan MacMillan SA for the opportunity to read this book.
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