REVIEW: Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James

Review by Kate.

“So. Were you glad, deep down? Were you glad to be rid of her? Your perfect sister? Were you secretly glad when she was killed?"

Following a horrific tragedy that leaves her once perfect family devastated, Katherine Patterson moves to a new city, starts at a new school, and looks forward to a new life of quiet anonymity. But when Katherine meets the gregarious and beautiful Alice Parrie her resolution to live a solitary life becomes difficult. Katherine is unable to resist the flattering attention that Alice pays her and is so charmed by Alice’s contagious enthusiasm that the two girls soon become firm friends. Alice’s joie de vivre is transformative; it helps Katherine forget her painful past and slowly, tentatively, Katherine allows herself to start enjoying life again. But being friends with Alice is complicated – and as Katherine gets to know her better she discovers that although Alice can be charming and generous she can also be selfish and egocentric. Sometimes, even, Alice is cruel. And when Katherine starts to wonder if Alice is really the kind of person she wants as a friend, she discovers something else about Alice – she doesn’t like being cast off.

To say that this book is full of mystery is an understatement. The truth is, it’s packed with mystery. The story is told in three different parts of Katherine’s life – before her sister died, her time with Alice and looking back on events 5 years later. These stories are told in pieces, with James keeping back vital pieces of information for most of the book. 

I found myself completely lost in the plot at points, it was very well written. It was very easy to empathise with the characters and when Alice turned nasty, I found myself very creeped out too. It was quite difficult to forget that she was just a character in a book and not someone who was after me!

There was also an interesting twist in the middle, which I didn’t see coming at all. Though it wasn’t a big part of the plot, I was still impressed with how James managed to subtly place the clues into her writing in a way which made the reader think the details were irrelevant. I was almost kicking myself for not picking up on the hints that were there.

I also felt very inspired by the end of the book, though I’m not sure if that’s true for just me. I didn’t think it would be possible to feel hope after reading such a dark tale, but I found it a lot easier than I thought.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed reading “Beautiful Malice”, so much so I’m already planning to re-read it! Well written and full of mystery, I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a more mature teenage read.

Review by Kate

Comments

[Sophie]

I have to admit that this book doesn't really appeal to me, but you've somehow managed to make me very curious about it. Great review, Kate!

[Ria]

Sounds great- you write your review so well!
-Ria

[Kate]

Thanks everyone. My friend waned me to recommend a book for her to read and I was like "Beautiful Malice is great...but it's mine!" haha. It's too good to lose!

Thanks Ria, I'm glad you like my writing style. Sometimes I reread them and think "I'm writing s load of nonsense!" lol, glad it makes sense.