Regrets Only

By: Kieran Scott

Narrated by: Amanda Dolan, Sura Siu, Lanna Joffrey

Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

In this “fast-paced, juicy read full of flirtation, danger, and lies” (Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author), a single mom goes undercover to investigate a host of disturbing secrets held by the leaders of a local suburban parent-school association, including embezzlement, bribery, adultery, and murder—by the bestselling author of Wish You Were Gone.

Paige Lancaster, single mom and prodigal daughter, has returned to the East Coast from her prestigious, well-paid job in Los Angeles, writing for the smartest detective series on television. Something terrible happened to her back in Hollywood. Okay, two terrible things, one featuring a misplaced tire iron—and now she’s broke, homeless, and living with her widowed mother and eight-year-old daughter, Izzy, in her Connecticut hometown.

Paige needs to buckle down and find a new writing gig but first, she meets the movers and shakers of Izzy’s school’s Parent Booster Association, run by the intimidatingly gorgeous Ainsley Anderson, who just happens to be married to Paige’s old high school flame, John.

Then she shows up at the annual Parents and Pinot fundraiser, held at Ainsley and John’s dazzling mansion, where she’s caught in a compromising position with John, accidentally destroys the guest bathroom, overhears an incriminating conversation, and discovers that her purse has gone missing. And later that night, Ainsley turns up dead at the bottom of her own driveway.

Did she fall? Or was she pushed?

Paige may have only written about detectives, but she is convinced she can handle a little undercover sleuthing. After all, it’ll give her an excuse to spend more time with John. Still, she can’t help but wonder: could he be capable of murder? Or could one of the PBA members have planned a dastardly crime to reach the top? But the most important question of all: will Paige ever get her life back on track?

©2023 Kieran Viola (P)2023 Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Dolan, Siu, and Joffrey's performances blend smoothly, eliminating any jarring transitions as the story switches from one point of view to another. The narrators excel at contrasting the women's public and private lives and at presenting the red herrings without tipping off listeners. Juicy gossip, deep secrets, and social rivalries round out the mystery." (AudioFile Magazine)

I'd be unhappy if I used a credit for this title

...but I didn't, so I'm okay with it. This was average -- writing, plot, performance -- across the board. I couldn't get invested in any of the characters, who were mostly neurotic & self-absorbed. Probably won't seek out other titles by this author or narrators.

Not sure why 3 narrators were needed

The book was a little difficult to get into at first. Maybe it’s because the heroine was not as likable as in most of the books, I read. There were a few red herrings - or were there? I guess you will just have to read defined out.

As for the narrators, I believe one woman could have read all the female parts if she just changed your voice a little. However, I do like it when the male parts are red by a male narrator.

Great!

This is exactly what I expect from a domestic thriller. Sure it is a bit unrealistic, but still completely enjoyable. I love the drama, the character development, and the pace. Perfect summer read!

Fun and entertaining beach listen

For fans of pretty little liars, big little lies, heathers, and snarky heroines in general. A great escape from reality.

Refreshing who dun it

I guess you can go home again. In this story people are not what they seem to be. This was not a complicated, twisted mystery. It reminded me of a Murder She Wrote Episode. Good and clean mystery with no gratuitous sex or unnecessary profanity.

big little lies feels

I noticed in the description that if you were a fan of big little lies, and went for this book. I very much agree that it’s similar to or for fans of big little lies. I really enjoyed the narrator’s as well as the story. It wasn’t too hard to follow, which sometimes when there are LOTS of characters I just can’t follow. If you’re on the fence about this one I say take the chance.

NOT QUITE

NOT QUITE COMPELLING ENOUGH OR SUSPENSEFUL ENOUGH OR SOMETHING ENOUGH. I DIDN'T REALLY CARE ABOUT THE CHARACTERS.

Very slow moving and hard to follow

The narrators were sometimes hard to follow and understand. I was into chapter 4 and stopped listening.

Ok

It’s okay as a daily deal not necessarily worth a full credit. Not too much depth.

A fun romp

I really liked this book. While some the characters and the plot are a tad over the top, it is well written and kept me interested and guessing the entire time. Let this one build…it’s worth it.