Wow, this really had me enthralled and desperate to read on. I mean, I usually enjoy samples/excerpts but certainly not where I am this eager to get my hands on the rest of the book. Beautifully written, scintillating and the very definition of unputdownable, it's no wonder there is so much hype surrounding its release. It's a delight to get a sneak peek of a book that actually surpasses the hype and exceeds everyone's expectations! Amazing.

I've been very much anticipating this novel and the first chapters do not disappoint. Taddeo's voice is powerful and self assured putting us within our narrators world with such immediacy. Opening with a shooting and our narrator's almost blase take on the events and her less than complimentary description of both the man and the events sets up her character perfectly. It is entirely intriguing to see just where this novel will take us.

After reading Three Women, I jumped at the chance when NetGalley offered this preview of Lisa Taddeo's next book, Animal.

We are immediately drawn into the narrative of Joan and her no nonense view of anything she wants, she will get, no matter who or what gets in the way or tries to stop her!

Can not wait to read the rest of this novel.

This teaser was brilliant. Wonderfully written. Creepy, atmospheric and uncomfortable but in alk the best ways! I can't wait to read the entire thing!

Joan has spent a lifetime enduring the cruel acts of men. But when one of them commits a shocking act of violence in front of her, she flees New York City in search of Alice, the only person alive who can help her make sense of her past.

I went in this blind, not reading anything but the description and not reading other reviews. The author keeps you guessing and intrigued right until the end, you find yourself turning page after page in search of the answers. You want to learn more and as much as possible while being on this journey. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

3.5/5.

This was a gripping extract, and I am very curious and excited to learn more about the main character, Joan. Taddeo's writing is as rich here as in Three Women, and I am keen to read the rest of this book when it's published!

I found the first chapters very intriguing, I can’t wait to read the rest of the book.
Having read the author’s previous book, I have to say I really enjoy her writing and this is one of of my most anticipated books of 2021. Really curious to see how she will develop the story in this novel.

I think this plot shows promise for an exciting novel. When I first started reading this extract I struggled to get into it initially. I see where Taddeo is trying to go with the plot but it felt a little rushed and I would have enjoyed understanding more of the events leading up to Joan’s current situation. Joan’s character clearly has some unresolved issues, causing her to form unhealthy relationships with men and becoming unapproachable to women. I could see how her character was trying to be portrayed, a blunt, desensitised woman in which does not conform to the perfect and ideal life set out for women. Her characterisation sometimes then bled into the descriptive elements. The attempt to create an image and set a scene was a good attempt however the chosen descriptives lacked just a little, so I could not fully let myself imagine what was being described. I think there were some geographical issues when discussing Scotland and Newcastle as Newcastle is in England, this element could feel more authentic with a little more research beyond the tartan and gravel roads. What was effective was Joan speaking directly to the reader. This made it seem as though the story was being told first hand like a therapy session or a confession which is an interesting perspective to follow and see where it takes us. Already in this extract there are a lot of cliffhangers and questions. I believe this can be a very interesting plot, offering the stark life of a broken woman showing how some people have more hurt than others lifetimes worth.a If the rest of the book follows a thriller and mystery route and with the correct research, this could make for a really great novel. It offers the idea that you can both love and hate the protagonist, with the potential to offer moments when the audience questions each characters morals and behaviours but asking themselves why they also feel sympathy towards the characters. The message that is evident from this extract is to not judge someone so quickly if you do not know what they have been through or why they choose to do what they do. One recommendation would be to look at alternative terms than “mentally challenged” such as lifelong developmental issue or disability.

This little sample of the book has gripped me from the very first line. I'm definitely going to be buying this book when it comes out!

Like many other reviews I literally can not wait to read the full book. I love Lisa Taddeo's writing, her novel Three Women was a breath of fresh air for me and I enjoyed every word. This book seems equally riveting and powerful...bring on June 24, 2021.

First of all, I would like to say a huge thanks to #netgalley, Lisa Taddeo and the publishers for the opportunity to read a two-chapter sampler of this upcoming novel in exchange for an honest review.

Next up, can we take a moment to appreciate what is probably one of the best openings of all times. The story hits the ground running and only gathers speed. The text is punchy and clipped, a bit like the information we are being fed by the narrator. It helps reveal more about the protagonist.

If this is how the book starts, herd-hitting, gutsy, full of life, I can't wait to see how it ends. I'm queuing up to see what Taddeo has cooked up. We're in for a treat.

If the first few chapters are anything to go by I'm going to love this! The writing is raw and evocative, leaving just enough for me to keep wanting more.

Having read ‘Three Women’ I knew Lisa Taddeo is an exceptional writer. This excerpt certainly had me hooked. Not too much is given away up-front. What type of person is Joan? There is enough here to make huge assumptions and I expect there will be complexities and revelations in which to draw out motivations and challenge the reader. This is definitely on the to be read list.

Wow.. I loved three women and this already might just move to the number one slot... can’t wait to be able to read the whole book!

I adored Three Women when I read it last year. I think Lisa Taddeo's writing is really unusual - the style is incredibly detailed and descriptive. When I was reading Three Women I forgot that it was actually a non-fiction book, so I wasn't surprised when I heard about the release of Animal. The sample was dark, raw and gritty - I loved the idea but, at the same time, I have no idea where the story is going and how events will unfold. A fantastic start!

What a great book thoroughly enjoyed throughout read it super quick didnt want to put it down....would definitely recommend this book to others

This extract of “Animal” piqued my interest in reading the full book. I am intrigued by the main character and her caustic, blunt narrative. I want to know more about the trauma hinted at in her childhood as well as find answers to why she moved across the country to search for Alice. She has been told she’s a sociopath and she disagrees, but I would like to know more in order to form my own opinion.

It’s a charged and intriguing beginning.

Glorious and raw
No net curtains softening the rage of women
The beauty and power of her words are captivating.
Please I need more!

Like many people I am eagerly anticipating the release of Animal so was excited to read this extract. Told in a unique voice, this gripped me from the beginning and I can't wait to read more !
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this extract.

So excited to read the rest of this! Lisa Taddeo is fantastic, I loved Three Women and have been eagerly awaiting her next work. Hurry up NetGalley!