The Next Girl

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I had the pleasure of receiving this book as a read along with Tandem Collective and Simon and Schuster. I’m so glad to have signed up because this was such an amazing read!

If you’re into strong female leads, crime thrillers and twists and turns, then this book is for you!

I was engaged from the start and didn’t want to put this book down. I stayed up late reading it because the story had me wanting more. There’s something about Pip’s writing that makes it easy to read.

Our main character Billie has a secret that we aren’t privy to until many chapters in. She’s a paralegal wanting to see justice in the world, though a mistake with a witness in a sexual harassment/assault case she’s working on, is costly… not only to her firm but to her job. Billie hasn’t touched alcohol in some time, attending AA to keep that addiction at bay, but turns to it with the aftermath of this case. She decides to take justice into her own hands and we learn through flashbacks that this isn’t the first time she’s dabbled in sending karma to those in the wrong. We also learn she’s still impacted by her mothers passing, where a particular internet troll sent her mother to her death. It’s why Billie does what she does. If the law fails you, sometimes you need to take it into your own hands.

There was never a dull moment with this read! I was enthralled the whole time. When we find out Billie’s history, I was like “no way!”. I mean she goes all under cover agent mode to learn about her unsuspecting victims. They’ve done something wrong and she has to correct it. She’s a vigilante in her own way.

The opening lines had my attention and my god, that ending! I thought Billie might have got to a moment of acceptance that she wouldn’t do her own forms of justice anymore, but when the opportunity presents itself, she’s the type to take it.

I was a bit sad when Billie and Josh parted ways. It was understandable given the circumstances, so when we got the 8 months later scene, I was relieved! It’s such a deep secret to share and they had good chemistry. I thought it would have been a waste to throw away!

Overall, I thought this book kept me on the edge of my seat, it had me so engrossed that I wanted to read more and it was exciting to read throughout. Would recommend it to anyone interested in the genre.

Please check the trigger warnings before reading.