I'm very divided about this book. There were times when I thought, "This is so bonkers, it has to be satire" and then there were other occasions when I thought, "Oh, come on, this isn't satirical or funny, it's just silly". I did enjoy the writing, which I felt hit some very high moments, and was mostly sharp, with the dialogue fitting exactly with the characters. I thought all the players were well drawn and in keeping with the tone of the book. So what is it that is stopping me from loving this book. I'm not sure, maybe I just found the whole thing too contrived, too far-fetched. Of course, it's meant to be far fetched, so ultimately, it's all about personal taste, and it might just be that this story didn't hit the spot with me personally. But it contains all the elements necessary for a good book, so the issue is definitely me. Don't let me put you off. I'm obviously turning into a miserable curmudgeon!

When I started this I didn't realise it was the second book in a trilogy, there was a few things the first book would have helped with however you don't really need to have read the first. I didn't find this book to be well written which got frustrating at times, the story was good but not gripping. I wouldn't recommend to family and friends.

This was one of the most unpleasant books I have ever read. The main character is totally unlikeable, the story is silly to say the least, the sequence of events often make no real sense, even the Italian spoken in the book is mostly incorrect or taken straight out of google translate (therefore ridiculous, no Italian would ever say those sentences) - overall not a book I would recommend.
I persevered until the end to see if it would get any better, but it did not. It was not a good read, don’t waste your money on it.

Part of a trilogy but also works well as a stand alone novel. Kept me wondering what Alvie would do next as the plot & her mind shifted so quickly! An enjoyable read from a talented writer

This is a marmite book. The author is obviously well educated as there are many literary references within the story, however I found the style of writing quite infantile. This annoyed me greatly at the beginning, however I found myself compelled to finish the book as I wanted to see what happened to Alvie - a feeling which surprised me!

I was really excited to read this book and the trilogy in general. I haven't yet read the first part that comes before this (Mad) but that didn't really matter as most of the plot seems to have been summed up very early on in this book as the dust starts to settle on what Alvie has done. This is a hugely fast paced book and initially I was very intrigued and really hooked but as the story progressed, I was disappointed to be losing interest and it was only the fast pace that kept me reading until the end so I could find out how it unfolded and at this speed, it did make me want to keep reading (I read it in just over a day). It's a very unrealistic book but I did expect that from the plot of the first book, which doesn't exactly sound like your typical trip! So that isn't a criticism as I wasn't reading it and expecting a realistic story by any means. That said, it does get a bit too far fetched at times but Alvie is quite a funny character with the situations she gets into it and the often ludicrous nature of the plot lent itself to this too. There were some scenes that genuinely made me laugh and that helped me to stick with it too. I will probably go back and read the first book to see if it changes my opinion of this one but I do feel that this can act as a standalone. I will also probably read the final part of the triology but without such high hopes. It's a fast paced, fairly enjoyable read, albeit verging on the unbelievable at times.

I gave up on Bad after trying really hard to persevere and keep going, I found it difficult to read.
I lost interest and gave up. This book was not for me.

This book was very enjoyable to read with some dark humour
The characters are larger than life and crap at making decisions.
Great summer books, set in fantastic locations and set at a fast past.

With thanks to the publisher for the copy received. I’m not entirely sure what I have just read. I don’t know whether it is all just a dream that Alvie was having or if it was a warped reality. Whatever it is, it’s the most bonkers book I have read for a long time.
I hadn’t read Mad, book one in the series, but anything I missed was covered in the first few pages. It would probably have helped if I had, then at least I would have been aware of what Alvie was like. Her thought and actions at time were bizarre.
There were times I couldn’t read for laughing, there are images in my head that involve two prominent UK politicians that I really need to ‘unsee’. And some of the scenes that involved Mavis also made me smile.
Alongside our accidental murderess and the chaos that is Alvie’s life is a travelogue. Chloé Espisito shows the beauty of Italy,even if it only its more affluent areas.

Dear publisher,

I'm sorry - I really tried with this one but it wasn't for me. The narrative was so frenetic that I struggled to make sense of what was going on.

Apologies for not being able to finish it. I haven't posted my thoughts anywhere as I don't think DNF reviews are helpful.

Best wishes

Claire

I am unsure what this book is trying to be.
If a thriller then it is way to far fetched but as a comedy it is quite funny.
This was just not for me.

Not for me!
I did find some bits humerous and enjoyable but the storyline was so far-fetched and the writing style were not to my liking. I have not read the first book in the series but I don't think I will to be honest.

This was just an ok read. The first book was better. This is even more far fetched than the first book. It does a lot of jumping between the past and present day and seems to somehow make an over the top story. The characters are still not likeable and I found myself reading to the end solely to see how it was going to lead into the third book.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

This is the second of a trilogy and it's an enjoyable escapade whereupon one twin murders the other and takes on her life of luxury in Sicily. It's sweary, lots of sex and for those of you who loved the first book, Mad, you'll probably really love this.

For me it was OK. An easy read but not really for me.

Thanks to the publishers and netgalley for the opportunity to preview.

I loved Mad the first book so had high hopes for this but I it really let me down. I had to dnf this which is a shame but it happens. I really couldn't get into the flow of the story with this and it just annoyed me more than anything. Whilst I loved how crazy the first book was, I felt this book just took it too far and it wasn't enjoyable for me.

I nearly gave up on this book after the first 10% - the language and explicit sex were not to my liking at all - and there was no warning in the blurb. BUT I persevered and I have to say it did make me laugh out loud on numerous occasions. It was outrageous, highly unlikely and totally unbelievable.
I won't read the first or the last in the trilogy but if you are not too prudish and you want a good laugh, go ahead and read these books. Alvina and her haikus are priceless.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Chloe Esposito/Michael Joseph for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

Alvie has taken over the life of her dead twin Beth and after killing several people is on the run in Italy with her boyfriend Nino (who thinks she is Beth) but when he takes off with all of her money she is out for revenge and pursuing him!

Fast actioned but very far fetched it did make me laugh in places but not sure that it is really my type of book, but am sure that if it is your type of book you will love it

I started this book but it had a 'disclaimer' at the beginning, which to me was too much like telling the whole story in a few paragraphs. I was slightly disappointed and I found I couldn't really read on because I was a bit lost as to where the story actually started. I thought this book had a good premise but it just didn't grab me from the start I'm afraid.
Note - I've just seen that this was the second book in a trilogy which explains the catch up at the beginning. However, I probably should have read the first book before this one but now I know what happens so has ruined it all!

I was not initially aware that this is the second book in a trilogy. So, the recap at the beginning felt like quite poor writing, jamming so much into a couple of pages. The novel, once it got going, relies quite a lot on this prior knowledge, which I then went back, bought, and read. Once I gad done so, I loved the book. It is very, very funny. Sort of Bridget Jones crossed with Raymond Chandler, Tom Sharpe and Jackie Collins. Clever and the central character (who is covering up the death of her identical twin) is hilarious. Well worth a read, but get the first book in beforehand.

She stole the life she wanted. Now someone wants to steal it back . . . Alvie Knightly may be waking up in the Ritz, but her life is no bed of roses. Firstly, she has the mother of all hangovers. Secondly, her beautiful, spoiled twin sister Beth has just been found dead in Sicily - and the police want Alvie for questioning. And thirdly, Alvie's hot new boyfriend has vanished with every penny of the millions they stole from Beth. But he picked the wrong girl to mess with. Alvie will pursue her ex to Rome in a game of cat and mouse that only one of them can survive.

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned . . . But can Alvie get revenge before her crimes catch up with her?

This was an enjoyable book to read.... the storyline is somewhat far-fetched but if you don’t take it too seriously then it’s worth a read.

I must admit that I did find myself laughing out loud at some of Alvie’s actions and ‘thoughts’.

I haven’t read the first book in the trilogy but I’m unsure whether that matters or not, as it was readable as a standalone.