The Argument: A gripping psychological thriller with an incredible twist

Having enjoyed Victoria’s first psychological thriller The Divorce, I was really excited to hear that she was releasing another book this year. The Argument is an intriguing read and packed with family drama in every sense of the word. The real surprise comes as a twist to end all twists that will have your head spinning! Victoria has crafted a plot that from reading the blurb had me hooked. It is intense, gripping and very compelling. It is a slow burn to start with, but as the story progresses and the tension builds, it has you on the edge of your seat and makes you think and question the characters motives. Throw in chapters that are read from a diary where the author is unknown, just adds another layer of mystery to the story where it all comes together in a thrilling conclusion. The characters in this story are very well developed. Olivia who is portrayed perfectly as the petulant teenager and black sheep of the family, is definitely the standout for me. Hannah I didn’t really connect with. I found her quite cold and distant but she has been written well. Michael (husband/father) was also one I couldn’t connect with and throughout there was something about him that didn’t sit well with me and made me question his character. I enjoy Victoria’s writing style which is very engaging. She excels in getting the reader settled into the story only to pull out the rug from under you and take it in a different direction that you were not expecting at all. I really enjoy when this happens in a book. She also is really great with her characterisation and I like how not all of her characters are likeable. The Argument is a solid and quick read that will pull you in to its drama and will leave you reeling with its shocking revelations. A must read that messes with your head and really sits very well in the psychological thriller genre. It was a pleasure to read and review The Argument which I recommend. Thank-you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Victoria Jenkins for allowing me to read an advanced copy of The Argument which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

As readers, Jenkins leads us to believe that this story is mostly about a dramatic teenager, a sulk gone too far. An argument and a typical teenage outburst of ‘I hate you. You’ve ruined my life. And I’m never speaking to you again.’ As a mother of three, I dread these words. Which mother wouldn't? We know the teenage years are coming, but can we ever truly be ready for them? Having read The Argument, I only wish this were the case for teenager Olivia and her little sister Rosie. Sadly, this couldn't be farther from the truth. // I enjoyed the mystery of the diary pages, the little snippets here and there leaving you guessing who wrote it. Was it teenaged Olivia? Or was it her mother, Hannah? Personally, I wasn't fond of Hannah's character from the get-go. I know I can be a strict mom from time to time, but Hannah always seemed to take it too far. Always assuming guilt for reasons unrevealed until the latter part of the book. Additionally, I would have loved a chapter dedicated to Rosie and her journey; in the end, I feel like that would have tied everything together nicely, giving the reader a perspective from a much younger mindset. All-in-all everything came together quite well with enough backstory to provide an understanding of the characters - not an agreement by any means, but at least an eye-opener into particular sick and twisted, misguided minds. // More times then not, I can usually guess the ending or 'twist,' this time, however, I did not see it coming! I was able to figure out one of the reveals regarding Olivia's parentage, but that twist was something else. For the first almost three-quarters of the book, it felt like I was reading a family drama. I knew there was supposed to be a twist at the end, something psychological, but going in, I had no idea just how fast-paced and truly shocking the last quarter would play out! I commend Victoria Jenkins for throwing me for a loop, dragging me along only to leave me utterly jaw-dropped! // I enjoyed The Argument, I liked trying to figure out exactly where it was going. I rated it four-stars. I would happily recommend this book to anyone looking for a family drama mixed with psychological thriller because let's face it - that last quarter was a pure psychological thrill! Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and the author Victoria Jenkins for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. // I just reviewed The Argument by Victoria Jenkins. #The Argument #VictoriaJenkins #NetGalley #Bookouture #MistysCornerReviews

The first 75% is super slow, but I think that was exactly what it needed. You read from two points of view: Hannah and Olivia. It's hard to choose a side much of the book because you're getting the story from each perspective. There's a lot of inner dialogue that makes you question any guesses you have. The twist happens at around the 75% mark and OH MY GOD is all I can say about it. I honestly didn't see it coming. 4 emotional stars!!