The Revenge List : A Novel
Hannah Mary McKinnon
On Sale Date: May 23, 2023
ISBN: 9780778333463
Trade Paperback
$18.99 USD | 368 pages
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Advanced copy gifted by publisher for review and blog tour.
In “The Revenge List” by Hannah Mary McKinnon, readers are thrust into a world of suspense . While the novel exhibits solid writing, commendable character development, and an unexpected cliffhanger, the story ultimately falls short due to an unsympathetic and deeply flawed protagonist.Frankie Morgan, the central character, is introduced as a woman grappling with anger management issues. From the outset, it becomes clear that Frankie is manipulative, self-centered, and entitled. Her lack of empathy and detachment from the consequences of her actions make it challenging to connect with her on any level. Despite McKinnon’s attempt to shed light on Frankie’s damaged past and personal struggles, these elements fail to redeem her character or elicit sympathy from this reader.
The author demonstrates skillful writing throughout the novel. McKinnon’s prose is engaging. The pacing is well-maintained, keeping readers on their toes as the story unfolds. Additionally, the character development of the secondary cast is commendable. The victims of Frankie’s revenge list are fleshed out with their own unique personalities and motivations, providing a sense of depth to the narrative. However, the pivot plot sequence surrounding Frankie’s revelation fails to humanize her character and elicit empathy. Unfortunately, this revelation falls short in its intended impact.
While it adds complexity to Frankie’s past, it does little to endear her to this reader. Her self-centered nature and disregard for others overshadows any potential sympathy one might have for her.
McKinnon keeps readers guessing with twists and turns, leading to a satisfyingly surprising cliffhanger. The anticipation for what comes next is undoubtedly the novel’s strongest point. It leaves readers eager to explore the consequences of Frankie’s actions and the potential for her redemption.
“The Revenge List” presents readers with a twisted thriller that showcases good writing, commendable characters, and an unexpected cliffhanger. However, the novel falls short due to its unsympathetic protagonist. While the book may satisfy fans of the genre craving suspense, those seeking a relatable and sympathetic protagonist may find themselves disappointed.
Advanced copy gifted by publisher for review and blog tour.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As a therapy exercise, a woman writes a list of people she wants to forgive and thinks nothing of it when she loses it in an Uber…until one by one the people on the list become victims of freak accidents. Set in Portland, Maine, Hannah Mary McKinnon’s breakout suspense novel THE REVENGE LIST will appeal to fans of Lisa Unger, Joshilyn Jackson, and Tarryn Fisher.
Following an epic run-in with a client who threatened to pull out of a contract at her father’s company if she doesn’t suffer some consequences, Frankie Morgan agrees to go to anger management. With the business struggling with cash-flow and her brother needing help with the medical bills for his sick daughter, she can’t risk harming the business further. But that doesn’t mean she’ll be happy about attending.
During the first session, the group is asked to spend some quiet time exploring their pasts and sitting with the emotions that generates, before making a start on a Forgiveness List—a list of people with whom they’re angry and might work on forgiving. She begrudgingly goes along with it and doesn’t worry too much when she forgets the list in an Uber on her way home. It shouldn’t matter—it was just a therapy exercise—except a few days later the first person on that list is injured in a freak accident. When the second person gets hurt, she hopes it’s coincidence. After the third is targeted, she knows it’s a pattern. And she’s in trouble. Because the next name on that list is…hers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hannah Mary McKinnon was born in the UK, grew up in Switzerland and moved to Canada in 2010. After a successful career in recruitment, she quit the corporate world in favor of writing. She now lives in Oakville, Ontario, with her husband and three sons, and is delighted by her twenty-second commute. Connect with her on Facebook, on Twitter @HannahMMcKinnon, and on Instagram @HannahMaryMcKinnon. For more, visit her website, http://www.hannahmarymckinnon.com.
SOCIALS:
Website: www.HannahMaryMcKinnon.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HannahMaryMcKinnon (@hannahmarymckinnon)
Instagram: www.instagram.com/HannahMaryMcKinnon/ (@hannahmarymckinnon)
Twitter: www.twitter.com/HannahMMcKinnon (@hannahmmckinnon)
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/15144570.Hannah_Mary_McKinnon
BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/hannah-mary-mckinnon
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/hannahmarymckinnon
BUY LINKS:
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-revenge-list-hannah-mary-mckinnon/18745472
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-revenge-list-hannah-mary-mckinnon/1142010420
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Revenge-List-Hannah-Mary-McKinnon/dp/0778333469
Books A Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Revenge-List/Hannah-Mary-McKinnon/9780778333463
BUT FIRST, BOOKS 