Book Review: Dear Debbie

Freida McFadden has blessed the start of the year with a new psychological thriller novel, Dear Debbie. Most famously known for The Housemaid Series, disappointment isn't something that comes easy with McFadden. 

The plot surrounds Debbie Mullen, an advice columnist for a small town magazine who hits a wall after losing her job, nevermind managing two teenage daughters who want nothing to do with her. And in the background a husband keeping secrets. With Debbie spending years giving advice to others in her town, her controversial advice is taken not only but herself. This revenge plot storyline delves into her past and her dangerous present, slowly one by one getting her payback. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book for many reasons. First being I loved how there were so many perspectives and storylines. They evolve into each other, making you lead up to them being in each other point of view. Some may say having more than one character talking in first person can be confusing but I find reading other McFaddens books, she does this well. Something that can be clever when the major twist comes towards the end.

I feel as well you changed how you read depending on the character, for example Debbie was savage and empowering. Then her husband, fragile and weak. You could differentiate between who was who, so there wasn't a chance to become confused personally. I always find McFaddens books easy to read and I never pick up on the fine details which then becomes crucial at the end which has been built over time. 

I liked Debbie as a character. I thought she was ruthless but in a way had a heart still. It would come to making a decision, but upon reflecting she decides it isn't right to create chaos, that things had changed from the past. But did seek revenge in the end, it just didn't look how she thought. The daughter I had a love/hate relationship with purely due to their age. It fit the stereotype, frustrated and teenage attitudes. We have all been there. I am not shocked they were presented that way, maybe this is a win for McFadden as she did the job and represented them as they should. It only made me feel sorry for Debbie as a mother in parts. Debbie's husband, Cooper was a puzzle as he was seen as a successful businessman and had everything to offer but didn't have a backbone. As the book ended you understood why this was only till the last couple of chapters. So even though his actions didn't match up with what he was saying, it all looped back around. 

One thing i disliked about this book, was that it was cut short. Normally when there are many storylines coming together and big fiasco, I expect an in depth ending. I felt because there were so many characters who have all different endings, it made the one year later reflection cut short. There wasn't a mass of detail and I wanted more after all the drama and build up to know more about what the characters have done/doing after. 

I didn't think this was a predictable storyline, it made you keep guessing and the story was changing all the time. Overall, I would rate it a four out of five. It was fun and lighthearted in its own way, or maybe as an avid thriller lover it was tamer than what I would usually read.