This Is Not Over

Dawn and Miranda are at war, and they've never met. What should have been a simple and pleasant transaction (Dawn renting Miranda's home for a vacation stay) turns ugly when Miranda keeps part of Dawn's deposit to replace damaged sheets, and Dawn posts a negative review in response. Escalating emotions and spitefulness dominate their interactions over something seemingly insignificant. However, each woman has distinct reasons for her actions, and their rationales and streams of thought are entirely plausible when considered in isolation. Instead of ramping up and going from zero-to-60, Brown starts her thriller in high gear, building the tension on the opening page. Alternating chapters relate each woman's version of events, and readers will find themselves rooting for Dawn and then switching loyalty to Miranda. Brown (A Necessary End) is particularly adept at fleshing out two equally troubled and insecure protagonists, both of whom actively try to project themselves as other more successful women.