The Poison Garden

By: A. J. Banner

Narrated by: Sarah Mollo-Christensen

Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

“[A] sharply written and taut psychological thriller...” - Seattle Times

A woman’s idyllic life becomes a deceptive hall of mirrors in a thriller of exquisitely constructed psychological suspense by A. J. Banner, bestselling author of The Good Neighbor.

Elise Watters seems to have it all - a blissful marriage, a gorgeous Victorian home surrounded by lush gardens, and a dream job running her late mother’s herbal boutique.

But on the eve of her first wedding anniversary, Elise makes a shocking discovery that turns her life upside down and casts doubt on everything she thought she knew - about her marriage, her friends, and even herself. As she treads into dangerous territory, Elise is forced to wonder: Is her whole future at stake? Or is paranoia getting the best of her?

If she is to believe what she sees, Elise has every reason to fear for her life....

©2019 Anjali Writes LLC (P)2019 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic Reviews

“The Poison Garden is a taut, absorbing, richly atmospheric thriller. I started it one morning and finished it late the same night. A. J. Banner is a master of smart psychological suspense.” --Cristina Alger, bestselling author of The Banker’s Wife and Girls Like Us

“A fast-paced ride that leaves you guessing until the last page. The Poison Garden is sure to please fans of Banner’s work. Engrossing and fun, I read it in one sitting.” --Catherine McKenzie, bestselling author of The Good Liar and I’ll Never Tell 

“A. J. Banner has crafted yet another wonderfully dark tale of love and loss with The Poison Garden, a fast-paced, twisted ride into the depths of obsession and deceit.” --Victoria Helen Stone, bestselling author of Jane Doe 

Good

As far as this genre goes, good, entertaining. I've read many many many I love the genre, but not all can hold my interest. It's interesting right from the start. When I review I don't consider if it is great literature, I consider how lost I was into the story, how much pleasure I got from the read. This was enjoyable so for me it's a 5er. Narration was good too. Good use of credit.

Painful

I don’t like being mean but I have to be honest - this was extremely painful to listen to. I couldn’t even finish it. 2 hours left and I just can’t. Thankfully it was free. Seemed like it was going to be a great story and plot - nope. I think it could have been but you can’t even enjoy the story due to the characters. I hate every character. None of them have redeeming qualities. The good guys, the bad guys - hate them all. I was literally yelling at the main character because she was so incredibly annoying and frustrating. I wanted to feel badly for her but couldn’t because she was completely ridiculous. The narrator was also tough to listen to - very whispery/throaty voice that got on my nerves.

Really?

Are there really women out there that are this dumb? I can't even get past the middle of this, the main character in this is a joke. Just ridiculous to portray a woman as a complete nincompoop.

Started fast & then........

Went downhill. I read from chapter one to chapter nineteen hoping the momentum would continue. Sadly disappointed.

Tedious and Unbelievable

I can’t believe I stuck it through to the end. The storyline grew more and more unbelievable the longer I listened. I guess that was meant to “keep the reader guessing.” I put it at 1.4x speed to get through it faster. Overall, 2.5 stars charitably rounded up to 3.

Just no.

There is nothing new or exciting here. The writing is past tense so you know that whatever happens to the character, she'll be fine in the end. Strong nope.

Page Turner!

Really liked this book! Twists and turns throughout the entire book! If you like suspense, read this one!

Ok read

It was a pleasant reading it was repeating itself to many times but still and all nice for a vacation book

Fantastic!!!

Chilling and creative. Excellent audible performance combined to make this one of my favorite books and performances this year.!

The Poison Garden

Although engaging in concept as to the role of the poisonous plant, the protagonist presented as far too weak, naive and trusting for a modern woman. Difficult to empathize with the character.

Ridiculous storyline

A totally stupid ridiculous storyline. A child would do better. Do not waste your time.