An Anonymous Girl

Great book! Keeps you reading to the last page. Easy to read and enjoyable. It’s a must read and should be a movie

AN ANONYMOUS GIRL – Protagonist Jess doesn’t stay anonymous too long, as Dr. Shields enters her life and she becomes a number and part of the doctor’s psychological "ethics study." Here is where I wish that I had not read the reviews beforehand, because an early surprise happens when Jess learns the gender of Dr. Shields, who is not the gray-haired old gent whom she first envisioned. I gave this book 4 Stars for its originality and the unique first person present dual narrative. Also, this book has a lot of surprises for the reader, and it captured my interest right away. As I first followed Jess through her strange and creepy questionnaires which queried her personal ethics questions, I began to suspect that some force operating behind the computer screen wanted more than information for a study. And so Jess, who is struggling with money as a traveling makeup artist becomes Subject 52 and answers questions (such as “Could you tell a lie without feeling guilt?), while being paid very well to participate. But the enigmatic Dr. Shields has stranger questions and challenges ahead for Jess as the “study” continues. We know that Jess’s need for money for her family’s situation keeps her glued to the project, and she admires Dr. Shields, a wealthy and beautiful professional woman, expensively dressed and confident. Jess also initially considers her to be a kind, caring and a sensitive person. (I love the bit about the scarf!) And Jess continues to be extravagantly paid as she works, supposedly as a test subject, for the doctor. Some reviewers have criticized this book as being dull, and I understand what they mean. Although I didn’t feel it was dull, I wondered when the story would get to the point. The strange-and-stranger-yet machinations of Dr. Shields sometimes seemed to go on too long. Overall, this is a fascinating and strange psychological mystery that really pushes the chill factor up to “high.”

The ending was disappointing. Otherwise it was really good. The ending is everything!

Hendricks and Pakkanen got it right with this polished psychological thriller. I liked it as much for the writing as for the philosophical questions it posed. The writers dive deeply into the tangled minds and motives of the two primary characters, with compelling results. Jessica is a NYC makeup artist who is scrappy, independent, vulnerable, cynical, impulsive and financially strapped. She is likable and entrepreneurial. In search of quick cash to help her struggling family and disabled sister, she finagles her way into a psychological research study, where she’ll be anonymously quizzed on issues involving ethics and morality. She’ll be well-paid, if she simply agrees to be honest and forthcoming. Confidentiality and privacy are assured, so Jessica reveals long-held secrets and painful truths regarding her life. She feels unburdened, but also wary, and begins to wonder about the true purpose of the probing inquiries. At this point, Dr. Lydia Shields divulges her identity to Jessica as the respected psychiatrist and creator behind the unconventional research study. Jessica is quickly drawn to Dr. Shields, almost as a maternal confessor. Validation and insight are bestowed by this seemingly composed, empathetic and intelligent clinician. Then, Jessica is told that she’s been selected for more in-depth field research, where she’ll take part in hands-on, real-life scenarios involving choices and morals. Dr. Shields is also a well-drawn character, and the reader is shown the tiny hairline cracks in the otherwise flawless routines of her personal and professional life. With slow-building unease and alarm, Jessica begins to discover the real reason she’s been singled out for the increasingly intense and bizarre research project. Danger is suddenly everywhere and she must decide whom she can trust. Steady suspense, good pacing and an intriguing premise. Lots of complex questions to ponder regarding why people do what they do. This would be a great choice for a book group. A satisfying read.

Keeps you guessing who knows what when till the end.

I enjoyed "The Wife Between Us" by the same authors, but this one has nothing to do with it. The plot is simply ridiculous. The characters are dull and whenever Dr Shields tells her side of the story is almost unbearable. Very -VERY- boring. The only positive thing is that it helps me fall asleep. A couple of pages and I'm off.

A very engaging psychological thriller delving into the world of ethics, manipulation, and obsession.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’ve been in a reading slump for a few weeks but An Anonymous Girl pulled me out my funk. I can’t say too much without spoiling the book, but I will say I was hooked from page one. Uniquely written, I’m a sucker for the psychologist and patient trope so I knew I would enjoy reading this one. It was one of they books I just couldn’t put down, I had to find out how it was all going to play out.

I have to say, for us psych thriller fiends, there are thousands of guilty pleasure type books that I devour in a day or 2. But VERY rarely do I come across one that truly keeps me guessing, keeps my attention so well while not having the slightest idea of where the plot will go next. The character development, the easy writing style that conveys so much scene and experience that it feels like I’m watching a movie, and finally the really satisfying twists and turns and story.. I am so impressed. Thank you for giving me such a great read!! Highly recommend.