Five Bad Deeds

A Novel

By: Caz Frear

Narrated by: Beth Eyre, Chris Harper

Length: 11 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

"An involving, layered, and thrilling story of secrets, lies, and revenge, FIVE BAD DEEDS takes us far beneath the surface of suburban bliss into the dark heart of human desire. . . . Riveting!" —Lisa Unger, New York Times bestselling author of SECLUDED CABIN SLEEPS SIX

“[A] devastating suspense novel . . . .This is a must-read for fans of Tana French and Gillian Flynn.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Acclaimed, internationally bestselling author Caz Frear ratchets up the suspense in this outstanding standalone psychological thriller—a gripping tale of revenge, loyalty, and the secrets hidden between the walls of the most beautiful home in town.

Ellen Walsh has done something very, very bad. If only she knew what it was . . .

Teacher, mother, wife, and all-around good citizen Ellen is juggling nonstop commitments, from raising a teen and two toddlers to job-hunting to finally renovating her dream home, the Meadowhouse. Amidst the chaos, an ominous note arrives in the mail, declaring:

People have to learn there are consequences, Ellen.

And I’m going to teach you that lesson.

Right under your nose.

Why would someone send her this? Ellen has no clue. She’s no angel—a white lie here, an occasional sharp tongue there—but nothing to incur the wrath of an anonymous enemy. She’d never intentionally hurt anyone.

But intention doesn’t matter to someone. Someone blames this supposed “good person” for all the bad they’ve experienced. And maybe they have reason to? Because few of us get through life without leaving a black mark on someone else’s. Could the five bad deeds that come to haunt Ellen explain why things have gone so horribly wrong?

As she races to discover who’s set on destroying her reputation and her future, Ellen continues to receive increasingly threatening messages . . . each one hitting closer to everything she cherishes.

©2023 Caz Frear (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

The sequencing of the story

Liked the plot twists that kept you guessing, however, the some of the characters were unlikeable or unbelievable

Curiosity

A great fast moving novel with plenty twists and turns - loved every page - couldn’t put it down

Interesting But Not Exciting

While the plot kept me guessing, the main character’s inability to standup to anyone, especially her bratty teen and deprecating husband, was annoying.
I didn’t dislike it but wished it had a more exciting climax and plot twist. The author did more “telling” than “showing.”

This book is horrible too much dialogue!

It doesn’t get to the point. It drags on and on. I wanted to try something from this author, and I’m regretting it for sure. I am tempted to try another book, but very wary of that decision.

Plot went everywhere

Too many words, too little meaning. Character’s pasts were explored and never truly tied in to the story. Needs to be trimmed down and more focused.

Not what I expected from Caz Frear

Ms. Frear is the author of a few of my favorite books, so I bought this one without waiting for reviews. Never again! I got as far as four hours in and concluded it wasn't worth finishing. I didn't care about the characters and the book slowly and in great detail did virtually nothing for four hours other than describe the relationships among these characters. A menacing letter is received by a main character, and she has set about detecting who among her acquaintances sent it. Slow, slow, slow. Sadly, Audible says I can't return the book for a refunded credit. Never again will I buy a book on the first or second day after its release.