The Hypnotist’s Love Story by Liane Moriarty
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.
This is the 2nd book of Moriarty’s I read. There was a lot about this book I enjoyed, but there was much to be desired. I didn’t like the ending, and felt it was so anti-climatic compared to all the build-up of the stalker throughout the story. There was part of me that waited for Saskia to kidnap Ellen, or at least for there to be more of a showdown between the two women. Instead, all we got was a hazy hospital scene that left much to be desired. I also didn’t like that Patrick and Ellen were fighting and seemed rocky, but suddenly the baby came and everything was smooth sailing again. It just didn’t jive for me. I did appreciate their heartfelt conversation on the beach, but I still feel Ellen was a bit too passive on all of that.
The things I did like about the book: part of me liked the switching back and forth on the narrative. It was interesting to truly get into the head of Saskia, and to be an observer on Ellen and Patrick. Moriarty also has a solid writing style, and I like her use of language. I loved the concept of this story, I just wish it had been executed differently.
This book certainly won’t be the last one I read of Liane’s, but if you haven’t read any of her books I’d start with a different one.