Beware the Woman: The twisty, unputdownable new thriller about family secrets for 2023 by the New York Times bestselling author

Megan Abbott's novel "Fever Dream" is a chilling and compulsive story about a family holiday that takes a terrifying turn. The book was selected as a Best Book of the Year by various publications and praised for its tense atmosphere, twisty plot, and portrayal of women's agency.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2023
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

From the acclaimed and bestselling author Megan Abbott comes a spine-tingling and utterly gripping novel that delves into the depths of a family holiday that takes a horrifying turn.

CHOSEN AS A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE GUARDIAN, NPR, AND THE TABLET, this splendidly tense and atmospheric masterpiece is a contemporary retelling of the timeless classic, Rebecca.

Splendidly crafted, the novel envelopes readers in a web of almost unbearable tension, creating an atmosphere that is both captivating and chilling. From the very first page, Abbott masterfully weaves a tapestry of suspense, leaving readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate through the intricate web of lies and secrets that threaten to unravel the newly married couple's perfect life.

Set in a remote cottage nestled in the dense woods, the story revolves around Jacy, a young woman who has everything she ever wanted. Her husband, Jed, is loving and supportive, and their baby is on the way. When Jacy and Jed visit Jed's father in his cottage, Jacy is immediately drawn to his charming housekeeper, Mrs. Brandt. However, beneath the surface of this idyllic setting, there are whispers and hints of something sinister lurking.

As Jacy experiences a health scare, all eyes turn to her, and the whispers about Jed's long-dead mother seem to intensify. Jacy feels trapped in the cottage, her body under the constant scrutiny of those around her. But are her fears justified, or is she being driven by a stubborn refusal to take the necessary precautions to protect her unborn child?

Abbott skillfully ratchets up the menace towards an unexpected ending in this claustrophobic chiller. The dense woods surrounding the cottage may pose dangers, but the greater ones lie within the confines of the house itself. The novel explores the complex dynamics of power and gender, delving into the ways in which men deny women agency and control.

Through the character of Jacy, Abbott offers a powerful commentary on the societal pressures and expectations placed on women, particularly those who are pregnant or new mothers. Jacy's struggle to assert her autonomy and make decisions about her own body is relatable and poignant, resonating with readers who have faced similar challenges in their own lives.

The writing in this novel is exquisite, with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the heart of the woods and the confines of the cottage. Abbott's prose is masterful, evoking a sense of foreboding and dread that lingers long after the last page is turned. The characters are well-developed, each with their own secrets and motivations, adding depth and complexity to the story.

The comparisons to Rebecca are inevitable, and Abbott does not disappoint in her homage to the classic. The novel carries the same sense of psychological suspense and atmospheric tension, reminding readers of the power of the past to haunt the present. However, Abbott brings her own unique perspective to the story, injecting it with a fresh and contemporary sensibility.

One of the standout aspects of this novel is its ability to keep readers guessing. Abbott skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, dropping hints and clues that lead readers down a path of speculation and anticipation. The twists and turns are unexpected, and the revelations are both shocking and satisfying.

Overall, Megan Abbott's Chosen is a masterpiece of psychological suspense that will leave readers breathless and craving more. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and atmospheric writing, this novel is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and those who appreciate a well-crafted story that keeps them guessing until the very end.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 162 x 243 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780349012490