Novel take on the crazed killer of women theme

Would you consider the audio edition of Beneath the Skin to be better than the print version?

It's not the kind of book I would normally buy. I'd have suspected it of coming under that heading of 'chick lit' and given it a wide berth. But Audible offered me a package deal of them and so I bit. Not a bit sorry. It has held my attention comfortably for three days or more while working at other jobs, and I was keen to get back to it when I had to take a break.French's take on the killer of women theme is to tell it from the angle of the prospective victims, whom we come to know and appreciate, and whom we hope will not die.Characters well drawn and convincing, police appropriately baffled, neat tie up of plot at the end. You're not left hanging by the thoughtful TV fade-out. This is the great joy the book, I think, over most other media. What I really wanted to say was that the weight of concern and value shifts on to the victims in this book, for which reason I think it is timely and has its heart in the right place. We could do with being a lot less fascinated by killers and much more concerned and interested by their victims.

Who was your favorite character and why?

No contest about my favourite character - Nadia takes all the prizes, because she does fight back, does not play the helpless woman card, manages to remain funny and appealing amid the increasing mess her life gets into.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me sad and thoughtful too, and for that I am always grateful.

Any additional comments?

I thought French was perhaps trying to tell me that nobody is going to care more about my life and well-being than me! I'm glad to have this message reinforced. It's easily forgotten. As a psychotherapist, I often try to tell patients this, and it is not an easy point to get across. Women especially actually think it weird! Dependence is a normal part of the human condition - over-dependence is a good way to mess up your life big-time!

8 people found this helpful

Chilling and captivating read!

Where does Beneath the Skin rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Very highly. The reader had an excellent skill for differentiating her voices between each of the characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Beneath the Skin?

Not giving too much away but the last of Jenny's chapters. Absolutely chilling, cleverly planned out and written. Highly effective psychological thriller.

Which character – as performed by Julie Maisey – was your favourite?

I especially liked Nadia - I suppose she is the character the reader feels they spend the most time with and she both embodies and set herself apart from the other women before her.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! I couldn't wait to listen to it again, it had me on the edge of my seat and I absolutely devoured it!

Any additional comments?

It is very hard not to become so involved with the characters that you regret the loss of them and the helplessness of the characters around them.

7 people found this helpful

Disappointing

Having loved the Frieda Klein books, I had great hopes. However, I found this book really disappointing. It was three boring stories about three boring women in monologue, with a truly weak ending.
It was irritating in parts it was so mundane.
Left quite robbed of time.

5 people found this helpful

lightweight and dull. I got bored waiting

The narrator should be applauded for ploughing through the tedium of the story. very dull

3 people found this helpful

Disturbing

One of the most difficult books to listen to. Would not recommend I usually listen at night at bedtime but could only listen on long car.journey

2 people found this helpful

Beneath the Skin

Very compelling story. I recommend memorising Part One particularly, your understanding and enjoyment of the rest of the book will be greatly enhanced.

2 people found this helpful

Quirky and a little disturbing.

If you could sum up Beneath the Skin in three words, what would they be?

Told from the victims' point of view. This makes it interesting but also quite disconcerting. I wasn't sure I was comfortable with that at some points in the story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The last "victim" is the best for obvious reasons once you have read the book.

What does Julie Maisey bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

She made me feel engaged with the characters, even when you weren't meant to like them much.

Any additional comments?

Not the usual way these stories are told. Quite obvious at some points, puzzling at others but the ending tidies everything up without you saying "what?" but you are left feeling a bit ..... flat?
I enjoyed it but I wouldn't read it again.

2 people found this helpful

Lost the story on chapter 13

Would you try another book written by Nicci French or narrated by Julie Maisey?

no

What was most disappointing about Nicci French’s story?

a book for female

Did Julie Maisey do a good job differentiating each of the characters? How?

yes

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Beneath the Skin?

after chapter 13 for it was seemingly missing, disappointed.

Any additional comments?

the part where she was attacked in her flat ended and continued about some house that had nothing to do with the story. Then later on it returned but in another vein?

2 people found this helpful

Gripping

I read this before listening but now I listen to books while working at home I thought I’ll try it; so glad I did. You hear things differently to when you read it. Gripping tale that you don’t want to end. Well worth a credit!

1 person found this helpful

Great thriller

This book was gripping, frightening, and satisfying. If you like a murder thriller, this is for you. Great story.

1 person found this helpful