I have been a fan of Holly Brown since reading her first novel Don’t Try to Find Me so I was really excited to read her newest novel A Necessary End. It is written in what I’m coming to know as her trademark style in terms of a psychological thriller and her talent shines through in building a story that thoroughly grips its reader. From the beginning to the end I found myself enthralled in the intricate web of A Necessary End as I struggled to know just who to trust or who to believe.
Adrienne is in her late thirties and desperate for a baby. She’s tried adopting a baby once before but that ultimately turned out to be nothing but a nightmare for her and she’s still deeply troubled by what happened. This time though – with Leah – she’s determined to get her child. Unfortunately Gabe, her husband, isn’t as excited about welcoming a baby into their lives as she is. Really he’s dreading it. He doesn’t want their lives or Adrienne to change and no matter how you look at it a baby will change things. The baby will be the center of attention, not Gabe, and he’s not sure he can handle that. Adrienne knows this probably better than anyone else as she’s always done pretty much anything to keep him happy… but her need for a child is overwhelming every other desire. One other thing … Adrienne is used to getting her own way and isn’t one for letting any obstacles stand in her way.
Then we have Leah who is just nineteen and beautiful; remarkably resembling Adrienne when she was younger. Leah isn’t as innocent as she seems though and she’s arrived at Adrienne and Gabe’s place with an agenda of her own. She’ll give them her baby with no strings attached as long as they let her live with them for a year so she can get on her feet in California where she wants to start a new life. Is that really all she’s looking for? Is there more? Is her real plan to take the baby from Adrienne? Adrienne WON’T let that happen.
Seems simple enough but Adrienne has secrets lurking in her past and she’s not really the person she presents to the outside world. As a character you’re torn between liking her and not liking her. At times I thought she and Gabe were crazy for allowing Leah to dictate to them how things were to go but then I’d stop and remember just how desperate Adrienne is for a baby. Either way this novel keeps you guessing as to what is truly going on and even when you think you know what might be happening you realize soon enough that things aren’t what they seem once again.
A Necessary End is another great read from author Holly Brown. I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Khristine Hvam and James Patrick Cronin and they both do a superb job of telling this story. I bet this book would make a fantastic book club pick with a huge arc in terms of subjects to discuss from adoption to psychopaths. Highly recommended!
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I’m anxious to read one of her books – I’m sure I’ll love her work.
The premise of this one really appeals to me. The domestic situation and then the more psychological thriller side to it. You’ve got me curious about this one.
Wow, these characters definitely sound like ones I would not like to have in my own life, but they make for a compelling story for sure!
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Darlene, this sounds very readable, or “listenable”. Terrific review! Enjoy your weekend. I hope you are having lovely weather. We are (knock on wood). 🙂
I’m going to get a kick out of this book. I’m quite sure of it. Yes! The characters sound a bit like creeps but I sometimes enjoy the darkER side of book characters.