Greetings from another blustery cold, snow on the way, spring day! It’s been pretty annoying having this weather in April, but I’m going to try not to complain too much. After all, it gives me an excuse to hole up in my house with a good book. And I can still wear slippers, and it’s April 15, that’s a plus, right? I love my slippers!
I also recently got a new pair of Sorel rain boots. They are wedges and comfy and adorable and it did give me great joy that I got to wear them when I was out and about this morning. Books and shopping are really my two favorite things!
What are your favorite things about an extended winter? I’m really trying to put a positive spin on this. And I promise at some point I will stop blogging about the weather.
I picked Our Kind of Cruelty for my April Book of the Month and it did not disappoint. Here’s more on that!
From the Publisher:
This is a love story. Mike’s love story.
Mike Hayes fought his way out of a brutal childhood and into a quiet, if lonely life, before he met Verity Metcalf. V taught him about love, and in return, Mike has dedicated his life to making her happy. He’s found the perfect home, the perfect job, he’s sculpted himself into the physical ideal V has always wanted. He knows they’ll be blissfully happy together.
It doesn’t matter that she hasn’t been returning his emails or phone calls.
It doesn’t matter that she says she’s marrying Angus.
It’s all just part of the secret game they used to play. If Mike watches V closely, he’ll see the signs. If he keeps track of her every move he’ll know just when to come to her rescue…
A spellbinding, darkly twisted novel about desire and obsession, and the complicated lines between truth and perception, Our Kind of Cruelty introduces Araminta Hall, a chilling new voice in psychological suspense.
My Review:
Our Kind of Cruelty was so good! I usually like certain aspects of a book but find some things to complain about–but this one was really very solid. The narrator, Mike, is a super psycho. Really. We’ve all known that guy. Just off. Way off, but still somehow, functioning in society. But his voice is so chilling because he’s a complete psycho, but is so matter-of-fact about things and clearly thinks the rest of the world is crazy, not him.
He kind of reminded me of a psycho Christian Grey. Errr, wait, Christian Grey was kind of a psycho. Maybe a less glossed-over Christian Grey. Also reminiscent of Patrick Bateman, but maybe before his murderous spree. And the book is reminiscent of You, by Caroline Kepnes. Enough with the comparisons already because for real–this book is special, it can stand on its own– but I liked those characters and books just as I liked this one.
Verity is also a great character. She clearly relishes control and puts on a very different persona in public than she does behind closed doors, or behind bathroom stall doors at a nightclub. Mike’s unfaltering love for her is both fascinating and confusing. And her character kept me guessing beyond the final page.
This is one of those books I can’t say much about without giving things away. But I will tell you to read it. Immediately if you can. It would be a fantastic book club selection as well as I think people would definitely have their opinions.
Anyone else read this one? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Get your copy:
Women in Trouble Book Blog 
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