“When she was good, she was very, very good. When she was bad, she was deadly. Rhiannon is your average girl next door, settled with her boyfriend and little dog…but she’s got a killer secret.
Although her childhood was haunted by a famous crime, Rhinannon’s life is normal now that her celebrity has dwindled. By day her job as an editorial assistant is demeaning and unsatisfying. By evening she dutifully listens to her friend’s plans for marriage and babies whilst secretly making a list.
A kill list.
From the man on the Lidl checkout who always mishandles her apples, to the driver who cuts her off on her way to work, to the people who have got it coming, Rhiannon’s ready to get her revenge.
Because the girl everyone overlooks might be able to get away with murder…” – Google Book Description
Sweetpea was recommended to me by a colleague who had noticed my obsession with reading psychological thrillers. Unlike many in this genre, this book cannot be compared to Gone Girl – and I mean that in a good way. While the first chapter is a little slow, I guarantee you that by the time you’re 30 pages in, you’ll be hooked.
Great Protagonist
My favorite thing about this book wasn’t just the fascinating plot and the suspense of who Rhiannon will kill and why. I also really enjoyed reading Rhiannon’s inner dialogue which reminded me of my own thoughts on a bad day. Sweetpea gives us front seats to the show that is her life. She has a regular job and a typical relationship yet she leads a not-so-normal life.
In her head, she doesn’t hold back on describing her colleagues, friends and the world around her in a satisfyingly brutal way. This unique story gripped me from the start and had me in a reading frenzy until the very end. And good news: there is a sequel too! Not as good as the original, but still a fun read for those who cannot get enough of Rhiannon.
Sweetpea & In Bloom by C.J. Skuse have been described as Bridget Jones meets Dexter, which I wholeheartedly agree with. Do not wait before picking up this book and diving into the world of someone honest and likable, despite her thirst to kill most people around her. I can’t really say much more without revealing some major spoilers, so I’ll shush now before Sweetpea – I mean, Rhiannon – comes for me!
You can see my other book review here. Let me know what you think once you’ve read it in the comments below.
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