Member Reviews

Oh dear god, I had to go back a chapter or 3 when it finally hit me I was like what the f**k hang on a minute!!! Got me right between the eyes, this was a great book and I can’t wait for more from the author of they’re anything like this one, what a creepy and gripping book it was, seriously 5 stars all the way! Fantastic!!!

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Oh my goodness I absolutely loved this book! It has me on the edge of my seat. So many twists and turns I definitely did not see coming. I need more from this author! Fantastic!

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Overall this was a good read but not quite as thrilling as I would have liked it to be. Its well written but a little drawn out in places and the ending was too flat for me. It has some excellent reviews from others and its definitely a recommended read.

Thank you Netgalley.

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I read this in just over a day, powering through ‘cause I wanted to know what the crackers was going on with this ménage a trois. I won’t share any spoilers here, but I found the issues of baby loss and infertility as well as mental health challenges to be dealt with sensitively and accurately. The writing was great, and even though things were tied up a bit *too* neatly for my liking, I really enjoyed this one.

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Magpie introduces us to Marisa who after only knowing her boyfriend Jake a little while, moves in with him and they quickly start trying for a baby. But then a lodger, Kate, moves in. And things quickly become uncomfortable. Why is Kate obsessed with this couple? And why does Jake not see what Marisa does?

Here’s the thing, I really liked a lot about this novel. It’s tense, and you have a creeping suspicion that something bad might happen at any moment. That line I’ve included above - the book has great moments like that that draw you in and the anticipation of what’s to come is tantalising.

Day also interestingly uses the genre to explore something that she has spoken eloquently about on her podcast How to Fail and in various articles online - fertility struggles. The book examines really well our culture towards women who struggle to get pregnant and the mental impact of that on both the person trying to get pregnant and their partner. That was a definite highlight for me.

Where I struggled with the book was in the final third. It’s really hard to explain without giving away the whole story but what I will say, is that it all wrapped up a little too nicely for me. And a little too quickly.

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Thanks Netgalley for the ARC copy.

When Marisa meets Jake they are a match made in heaven. Swept away in their romance they are soon moving in together and planning their family. Marisa falls pregnant and couldn't be any happier. That is until lodger Kate moves in. Just what is her problem, acting like she owns the place? Marisa is suspicious of the way she has involved herself in their lives and her closeness to Jake. Are they really having an affair or has Marisa become terribly paranoid?

Fantastic book and although I guessed the twist fairly early on it didn't ruin the enjoyment of watching it unfold. There's an extra little twist at the end when it all comes to a head which made me do a little fist pump.

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I was not sure what to expect from this book but I was left feeling disappointed. I am little perplexed by the other 5 star reviews. Maybe I am missing something. This book was not for me unfortunately.

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I really enjoyed this one, I thought that I knew where the storyline was going but it didn’t go quite as I expected it to, an enjoyable read that jumps back and forwards in time to keep you guessing. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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My next read I have heard such good things about this book, once read I will leave my Reiner on my goodreads, Instagram and Amazon account.

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When money gets tight, Marisa and Jake decide to take in a lodger, Kate. But it soon becomes apparent that something isn't right and Kate and Jake seem to be getting closer.

I really struggled to get into Magpie. I wanted to enjoy it as I'm a fan of psychological thrillers but somehow this book didn't work for me.

Sorry, not one I can recommend.

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There's a lot I'd like to say about this book but it's hard to talk about this book without giving away spoilers. I was really intrigued by it and flew through the first third of it, deeply interested in what would happen with these two women. Sadly it became all too clear that this was going down the route of an overdone thriller twists that just ended up making me incredibly uncomfortable. It has a decent amount to say about the pain of fertility issues which is a definite plus. But the route it went down is pretty irredeemable in my eyes, despite being all too predictable for this type of book. It's a shame because I enjoyed the writing style and was looking forward to finding out what was behind these characters.

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Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Wow. This book is a masterful psychological thriller with a twist that, if you see it coming, I'm impressed! I didn't want to put it down because it was so compelling, as well as dealing with such sensitive issues as mental health and fertility. A triumph from Day - I'll be reading her whole back catalogue.

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3.5

✨ a lodger who causes chaos
✨ a portrayal of infertility
✨ an intense plot twist

Marissa is moving in with her boyfriend Jake. Their relationship has been FAST to say the least, but for Marissa it feels right. She's found the one she's deeply in love with and really wants to start a family so why wait? To help pay the bills, they bring in Kate - a lodger who quickly gets under Marissa's skin and, before long, the green-eyed monster wiggles its way out.

It's hard to talk about this book without giving away the entire plot but it's definitely a solid read. It'll keep you gripped as the twists come flying at your face but I got a little lost towards the end.

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Magpie is full of surprises and suspense. A psychological thriller that kept me fully immersed in the story of Marisa, Jake and Kate.

These twisty novels are difficult to talk about in terms of plot as the joy is in the surprise, so I won't give anything away. But there are plenty of "whaaat" moments, and I read it voraciously to find out the truth.

A well written, suspenseful story that kept my attention throughout.

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I absolutely loved this book. It was gripping, intense, eye opening, full of twists and turns and just what I was hoping for! Would definitely recommend!

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Magpie by Elizabeth Day
Publisher: 4th Estate
Publication Date: 2/9/21

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

No Spoilers

I love a book which suddenly flips your perception and loyalties and this book certainly did that. I also learned a lot about the journey some people have to go on to have a baby, quite sad in places but ultimately rewarding.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for providing me with this advance digital copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

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Magpie is a page-turner which covers the topics of fertility and ways to make a family in a unique way. It’s a bit “Gone Girl-esq” with a twist… I kept reading because I wanted to know what happened and it was well written but I’m not sure I really liked the characters much, only maybe Kate as I felt sympathy towards her. I’d recommend for a quick easy read.

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I LOVED this, I thought it was wonderfully written, a great story and a real page turner, Thanks for letting me read and I look forward to reading more from Elizabeth day!

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This book kept me up into the small hours with its twists and about faces. The first part lulled me into thinking I was going to read a totally different story but then WHAM the twist comes and made me reevaluate what I had assumed. The story picks up pace and again I thought ‘I know where this is going now …’ only to be wrong footed again. I can’t say much about the plot for fear of giving too much away but I admit to changing my views on the three key women, Marisa, Kate and Annabelle. A very well written exploration of women’s psychology, motivations and fears.

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A very well written and riveting read with lots of twists I absolutely did not see coming. Highly recommended

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