Review of The Arrangement (The Arrangement, #1) by Rhea M. Williams
There are times when a book’s premise captivates you so deeply that you find yourself eagerly diving in, ready to unravel its mysteries. For me, The Arrangement was one such book—its intriguing title lurking in the shadows of the thriller genre, beckoning my curiosity. However, as I embarked on this literary journey alongside my buddy reader Nenia, who unfortunately decided to DNF early into the chaos, I quickly discovered that I was unwittingly signing up for a wild ride I neither expected nor enjoyed.
Let’s set the stage: the narrative revolves around Ainsley and Peter, a couple who appear to be on the brink of collapse, characterized by a profound lack of communication and emotional disconnection. As Ainsley grapples with her family’s shifting dynamics—her sons frolicking in the ocean while her daughter retreats into the pages of books—her sense of familial unity feels more like a distant mirage. This lack of connection set the tone for a read that was as baffling as it was frustrating.
When Ainsley proposes the Arrangement—a scheme designed to ensnare Peter, whom she suspects of cheating—the plot takes a nosedive into absurdity. I won’t dive into every gory detail (you can see my thoughts splattered through texts to Nenia), but suffice it to say, the twists and revelations in this thriller felt convoluted and oddly slapdash. Characters made decisions with a level of illogic that left me scratching my head, questioning their motivations and, at times, their sanity. I found it bewildering to attempt sympathy for a couple so adept at self-sabotage.
The writing style itself? It offered a smooth, skimmable experience, which was a double-edged sword. On one hand, it kept the pages turning quickly; on the other, the lack of nuance in character development left everything feeling shallow. The alternating first-person perspectives were intended to deepen the narrative, but instead felt flat—especially when the twists spilled out like wine-induced hallucinations rather than well-crafted surprises. There was little foreshadowing, which made each shocking reveal feel less like a masterful plot twist and more like an afterthought.
While the book had me rolling my eyes more often than not, I do admit it sparked a certain twisted amusement. Texting Nenia with each absurd plot point was probably the highlight of the experience, lending a sense of camaraderie to the chaos. “WHHAAAAT?” seemed to echo my thoughts throughout, and while I left our discussion feeling exasperated, I also felt a hint of satisfaction in sharing moments of disbelief with a fellow reader.
Ultimately, The Arrangement landed with a faint thud. It’s hard to recommend to anyone except perhaps those who relish a thrilling ride of sheer absurdity, or are curious about a narrative that feels more like a fever dream than a well-structured storyline. If readers seek depth, rich characters, or even a hint of emotional connection, they may want to steer clear. My experience with it may have been more rant-worthy than rewarding, but at least it reignited my passion for spirited book discussions—thus it earns a reluctant two stars from me, rather than one. I won’t be continuing the series, but hey, at least I can say I survived the wild ride that was The Arrangement.
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