Faber & Faber

Discover what our reader-reviewers thought of the must-read of the summer, Beautiful Malice.

'That 40 minute commute, that train ride home, that spot by the pool and a lazy Sunday afternoon – are you craving a bit of escapism? The new novel Beautiful Malice, from Faber and Faber has just been launched in the UK. After receiving rave reviews in Australia this could be the book of the summer.

Psychological, poignant and based around a shocking incident, the reader is enveloped into the tales of a manipulative friend, a sister atoning and plenty of twists and turns along the way. Katherine is the book’s protagonist; we learn about her emotions concerning the incident and how it affects her life in years to come. Alice, the complicated, disturbed friend provides a telling case study into obsession, desire and selfishness.

The book has great supporting characters that appear to have moral and harmonising qualities in contrast to the manipulative sub plot giving the book a bit more depth. I was compelled by the nature of the incident, the character development and its dark psychological nature. This was my guilty pleasure – I hope it’s yours too.'

Kate Hardy

'The story centres around Katherine, a girl whose sister has been recently murdered, as she tries to make a new start in life. Her new best friend Alice turns out not to be the person she thought, dominating every aspect of her. This deadly friendship could well have disastrous consequences in life and love. The tale unravels as Katherine’s new beginning doesn’t go as she had hoped.

While this isn’t a light-hearted book, it is certainly easy reading and a good way to pass away those long summer days in the sun. The plot is gripping and I guarantee you’ll be hard pushed to put it down once you get going. The many twists and turns make James’ novel a success.

Without giving too much away, the ending is good but I’d like to know more about it. Perhaps this is giving it room for a sequel as I am still intrigued about exactly how things worked out after the book ends.

If you want an easy read that will keep you entertained this will be a book you’ll enjoy. Pack it with your flip flops for the beach and you’ll be sorted. Either that, or give to your teenage relatives, as they’ll love it!'

Helen Pilkington

'With summer just around the corner, we’re all looking for books to take on holiday and escape with. If that’s what you’re looking for Beautiful Malice has it all. It is an intense psychological drama, with realistic character portraits that get into your head. Although some of the themes are heavy and traumatic, James’s delivery is such that the book maintains its light, entertaining tone throughout.

The book is centered on two girls, Katherine and Alice. Katherine is new to town, and lives with her Aunt, and Alice befriends her, much to Katherine’s surprise. As their friendship develops, Katherine (and the reader) begin to see a more sinister side to Alice, with culminates with a riveting revelation.

The book addresses a variety of themes so that there is something for everyone: festering guilt, sibling rivalry, jealousy, love, death, pregnancy, jail, teenage angst, mother’s worry… this is just a small selection of the issues this book attempts to address. One would presume that trying to cover such a huge range of difficult issues would lead to an unsuccessful novel, but James’ plot is so unusual and original that all themes are covered in sufficient detail.

If you’re looking for a serious read, then shy away. However, if you are a young woman, looking for a holiday read to escape into, then Beautiful Malice is the book you should buy. Think Jodi Picoult fused with Sophie Kinsella. It is gripping, yet light and entertaining, girly and insightful.'

Yasna Hawksley

'Rebecca James captures deception, love, and manipulation with her story Beautiful Malice. The book reads like a jigsaw puzzle from chapter to chapter as you explore Katherine’s life going back and forth through her past, present, and future. It’s a compelling story with captivating characters that you can connect with on a personal level. The characters are real, destructive, and passionate.

Beautiful Malice brings to life real relationships between family, boyfriends, friends, and enemies. Pressing on the dangers in society for the youth of today, a society that holds charming and psychologically thrilling individuals that are capable of manipulation and even murder.

Despite the dark plot, Beautiful Malice is an easy read that you would want to read while relaxing or even bring with you on holiday. It’s a story to share with your girl friends and have a gossip over. If you’re looking to chill out on the sofa with a book or just want a dramatic and intriguing story, this is the book for you. With its indulgent plot and a gripping climax Rebecca James invites you into Katherine’s world of trial, fate, and malice.'

Alexandra Blythe Jackson

'I really enjoyed reading Beautiful Malice. It was a really easy read, and I couldn’t put the book down. The book moves from past to present throughout as we learn what the big secret is between Katherine and Alice, and as the story unravels we get let into a world of highs and lows. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an easy, girlie book as it’s a nice way to escape from reality. I also think its perfect for a holiday, because you can pick up the story easily where you left off from. Reading this book made me grow to love and hate some of the characters quite passionately, because of the way the author has created in depth personalities for them. Sometimes it even felt as if I knew them. I’m not a fan of ‘lovey dovey’ storylines, but I really wanted the main character, Katherine, to find true love and have a happy ending. If you like books that aren’t too complicated, has a love story and a very captivating storyline then this is the book for you.'

Sara Nouman

'Beautiful Malice is a dark, gripping story about the life of Katherine who lost her younger sister in the most brutal and harrowing way. The story is told from the view point of Katherine who feels guilty for her sister’s murder.

In order to escape the guilt, Katherine begins a new life away from these memories in Sydney where she befriends a seemingly care-free and vibrant girl – Alice. But is there something brewing underneath the façade of bubbly Alice? The story continues to draw out the painful truth of what actually happened the dreadful night Katherine’s sister was murdered.

The character of Alice is mesmerising and captivating. The author manages to draw you into this story about starting afresh and proves that there is no way of escaping your past. Some people say you are no more that six people away from someone who knows you. In this case Katherine is closer than she thinks to someone who knows everything about her past, about her sister, Rachel, and is intent on ruining her life and the life of those closest to her.

You will find the story intriguing, saddening and entrancing to read. Rebecca James manages to draw her audience in right until the end. You will find out secrets about Alice that are dark, menacing and beyond anything else enthralling.'

Skye McCulloch