Beautiful Ugly

"You've been served a triple decker shit sandwich, with a side of completely fucked. Which is exactly what you ordered."

“I hope you die in your sleep.”

What I Didn’t Like

Two characters had the same name unnecessarily, which felt more confusing than clever. It wasn't central to the story so why?

I wasn't invested in or care about the well-being of any character at all, even the ones we were supposed to. Their narratives were somewhat cold or distant.

The Story

Beautiful Ugly is set on a remote Scottish island, a place that felt as much a character, as the people in the story. The isolation, rugged landscape, and the relentless, unpredictable weather created an eerie atmosphere that completely pulled me in. It wasn’t just a setting—it was a mood, a feeling, a constant reminder that anything could happen, and no one could hear you scream.

The island’s remoteness added to the claustrophobic tension. It kept me guessing as to what was going on. I really could not guess the twists, and every time I thought I had a grip on the story, she pulled the rug out from under me again. The shades of grey in every character and situation only added to the unease—there was no clear right or wrong, just layers of deception and unsettling truths. All the way to the end.

What I Loved

It’s a female-centric novel. The dynamics, relationships, and onion-like characters were compelling. The shades of grey in the characters and their choices made everything feel even more unsettling. Nothing was black and white, and that made the reveals hit even harder.

The characters and the way they were written were great. Each one felt distinct, layered, and carefully crafted to add to the mystery and tension. Even when I wasn’t sure who to trust, I couldn’t stop being drawn into their stories.

The setting was incredibly atmospheric—dark, moody, and perfect for the kind of slow-building suspense.

The twists! Had. Me. Guessing. Till. The. Very. End. It has been a while since I couldn’t predict the ending of a thriller, and this one completely blindsided me.

The last line—it was excellent and left me thinking about the book long after I finished.

Beautiful Ugly was exactly what I wanted from a psychological thriller—dark, unpredictable, and completely immersive. I finished it in two sittings! I wanted to savor it, but I just couldn’t put it down.

TW: Child SA