Not What She Seems

A Novel

By: Yasmin Angoe

Narrated by: Jordan Cobb

Length: 15 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

She left home as the local pariah at twenty-two, but when a family tragedy brings her back, she must confront her tortured past—and a new danger in town that no one seems to understand but her.

After years of self-exile, Jacinda “Jac” Brodie is back in Brook Haven, South Carolina. But the small cliffside town no longer feels like home. Jac hasn’t been there since the beloved chief of police fell to his death—and all the whispers said she was to blame.

That chief was Jac’s father.

Racked with guilt, Jac left town with no plans to return. But when her granddad lands in the hospital, she rushes back to her family, bracing herself to confront the past.

Brook Haven feels different now. Wealthy newcomer Faye Arden has transformed the notorious Moor Manor into a quaint country inn. Jac’s convinced something sinister lurks beneath Faye’s perfect exterior, yet the whole town fawns over their charismatic new benefactor. And when Jac discovers one of her granddad’s prized possessions in Faye’s office, she knows she has to be right.

But as Jac continues to dig, she stumbles upon dangerous truths that hit too close to home. With not only her life but also her family’s safety on the line, Jac discovers that maybe some secrets are better left buried.

©2024 Yasmin Angoe (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Endless skeletons in the family closet…” —Kirkus Reviews

“Angoe grounds the plot’s surprising twists with lovable, fully realized characters. Lisa Unger fans, take note.” —Publishers Weekly

“Jac’s return to her hometown reveals lie after shocking lie. You’re going to want to help her dig up every dirty secret. Not What She Seems is a must-read for thriller lovers.” —Melinda Leigh, #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author

Good, but loquacious

I really liked this story, but there were many times in the book where I think less words would have been better. Certain parts just seemed to drag on, like listening to someone when they've already explained something to you but they just keep going. But I did finish the book and the story is actually very good.

Too Long

This was a good book, but way too drawn out. I almost did not finish it because of this.

Sociopath

When I say this book through me through a loop, with twists and turns!! All I can say is hang on till the end!💥💥🔥🔥

The kind of mystery read you fuss at…..

The narrator was amazing. As with any good mystery, you will be fussing at characters, hating some and loving others. Good Read!

Great arguments between characters

the book dragged and dragged and dragged. this did not need to be that long. the inner monologuing of Jac was way too much!

I couldn't put it down!!!

Jacinda "Jac" Brodie can't seem to catch a break. Everywhere she goes, trouble seems to follow. Will it ever get better for her, or will there always be a heavy downpour of a dark cloud hovering over her life?

I loved this book, from Jac's thoughts playing out in her mind to the actual events playing out before her very eyes.

I'm not giving anything away apart from what the author has already said about this book. However, I will say, ignore the bad reviews and read this book for yourself. It's really good!

Not my kind of book

The main character is full of self pity and whiny. I find her very unlikable.

Had potential

3.5 I really enjoyed the book about half way through but it got a bit ridiculous at that point with excess drama. Maybe trying to weave together too many different plot lines? I think it just missed the mark of a winner for me.

Stick With It

This book started out with a bang for the main character Jacinda affectionately known as Jac. Admittedly, after that, the first 25% dragged a bit and had some repetitive internal narrative thoughts. However, as the story opens up in the town of Brookhaven with a cast of characters who all seem to hold secrets, the reveals begin to spill out and you must strap in! The rollercoaster of suspense and thriller careens through a set of twists and turns that leave you holding on to your seat and clutching invisible pearls. Great writing! Great narration!

Hometown Murder Mystery + Female Empowerment

Give Jac time to understand her situation. She’s a smart woman, but she definitely is a hot head and misses the big picture at times. I loved reading through her experience, and the murder mysteries were an interesting addition.