A Book A Week

Do you believe in giving second chances? I'm an avid reader, devouring numerous books yearly, and I'm always looking for the next great read. With so many options at my fingertips, I can be hesitant when it comes to trying out new authors. Several years ago, I got caught up in the buzz surrounding Alice Feeney's debut novel, Sometimes I Lie. I never got around to reading that book, so my first experience with her work was I Know Who You Are. I have to admit, I didn't enjoy it. It felt like it was twisting the plot for the sake of shock value, and I found the big revelation at the end to be in poor taste. It was a disappointing experience that made me steer clear of Feeney's books from that point on. Still, many readers continue to find enjoyment in her novels. My fellow book enthusiasts have urged me to give her another chance, and that day has finally come. I recently picked up Rock Paper Scissors, and I finally understand the fervor surrounding Feeney's writing.

Adam and Amelia Wright's marriage is in a state of turmoil. Adam, a successful screenwriter, grapples with a unique condition known as face blindness. Essentially, he struggles to recognize people's faces, unable to distinguish one person from another. The only way he identifies his wife is through the length of her hair and the fragrance of her perfume. In a dedicated effort to support her husband and his career, Amelia painstakingly assists him by discreetly whispering the names of individuals he encounters.

Yet, Adam's single-minded focus on his work often causes him to overlook his wife. Every year, the couple exchanges gifts to celebrate their anniversary, selecting items corresponding to the traditional materials associated with each year of marriage. While some years see them carefully choosing thoughtful presents, others lead to hastily assembled gifts. This variability reflects the ups and downs of their relationship. In a way, they can't stand each other, but they also can't bear to be apart. Their connection is inextricable.

Amelia unexpectedly wins a weekend getaway to Scotland, a vacation that could either rekindle their love or drive a deeper wedge between them. As they embark on their journey, a snowstorm sets in. Upon arrival, they are met with the sight of an old stone chapel cloaked in snow, a far cry from the luxurious getaway they had anticipated. This weekend is poised to be a turning point in their relationship. Will it bring them closer, allowing them to find their marital happiness, or will it push them further apart?

Rock Paper Scissors is a mind-bending thriller that progressively releases layers of sinister intrigue with every turning page. Alice Feeney crafts the narrative through multiple shifting perspectives, allowing us to delve into the inner workings of both the husband and wife. Alongside these viewpoints, a shadowy third perspective surfaces, shrouded in initial ambiguity, intensifying the enigma that unfolds. The story's atmosphere is palpable, casting a chilling suspense over the entire narrative, keeping readers engrossed and disquieted. Feeney's character development shines brightly in this tale. Although both protagonists share responsibility for their ailing marriage, I couldn't help but root for their redemption. The alternating perspectives culminate in an ending that's a whirlwind of twists, shocks, and a well-deserved resolution. I'm delighted that I gave this author a second chance. If Rock Paper Scissors represents the caliber found in her other works, I'm eager to explore more of her writing.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 84)

This year has been brimming with intriguing thriller releases, adding numerous titles to my ever-expanding to-be-read list. One such addition was Sarah Pekkanen's Gone Tonight, which I eagerly included as soon as news of its release surfaced. Having previously enjoyed Pekkanen's collaborative works with Greer Hendricks, the prospect of her new solo venture captured my attention. While it took me a bit of time to finally open the book's pages, I found myself swiftly making my way through its content once I did.

How well do you truly know your parents? We often rely on them to fill in the gaps of their lives that existed before we came into the picture. Even in adulthood, there are still moments of discovery about our parents that surprise us. I find myself regularly uncovering new layers in the stories of my own parents. This sentiment resonates with Catherine Sterling, who believed she had a solid understanding of her mother. Ruth Sterling, a quiet and diligent individual, has been a constant companion and confidante throughout Catherine's lifetime. Together, they've shared cities and experiences, forming an inseparable bond.

Now, Catherine is on the brink of embarking on a new journey—a step into independent adulthood. A fresh job opportunity in a new city beckons, igniting her excitement to embrace this new phase. For Ruth, who has safeguarded Catherine all her life as a single mother, protection has been her priority. Every choice and sacrifice she's made has been for her daughter's safety and well-being. Ruth recognizes that Catherine places unwavering trust in her, a trust she has worked to cultivate. But as Catherine prepares to venture out on her own, Ruth confronts the unsettling reality that her protective measures, necessary though they may be, could drive a wedge between them. Ruth harbors a hidden past, carefully concealed from her daughter. And now, to ensure Catherine's continued safety, Ruth is prepared to go to extraordinary lengths to prevent her daughter from leaving.

Sarah Pekkanen's books have gained immense popularity in the thriller genre for good reason. Her knack for crafting intricate narratives centered around family drama makes her novels incredibly engaging. Right from the initial pages of Gone Tonight, I found myself captivated. Pekkanen employs a dual perspective, alternating between the mother and daughter's viewpoints, providing readers with insights that the other character is oblivious to. This narrative technique intensifies the suspense as revelations unfold.

While the overall execution is skillful, there are moments of inconsistency. The middle section, in particular, seemed to become entangled in the complexities it was weaving. Nevertheless, Pekkanen propels the plot forward, enticing readers to delve deeper into the enigmatic mother-daughter relationship. The story culminates in a gripping finale that left me breathless. One's response to this book might be influenced by their familiarity with the thriller genre. While parts of the narrative exhibit similarities to other thrillers, Pekkanen adds her own distinctive touch. As I delved further into the intricacies of the plot, I found myself increasingly willing to immerse in its uniqueness. Gone Tonight stands as a commendable thriller that held my attention through its consistently moving plot and unexpected character revelations.

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 60)

It has been a while since a thriller indeed thrilled me. As a suspense lover, I am constantly seeking the next book that will keep me on my toes. A downside to reading as many books in the genre as I do is that I can usually spot the twist or end well before reaching the climax. Reading a mystery or thriller is still fun, but not knowing how everything will finish brings an extra layer of suspense and satisfaction. It was with high hopes that I accepted a copy of Robyn Harding's latest The Drowning Woman from her publisher. The premise drew me in, but the twists ultimately turned me into a fan. 

Lee is about as close to rock bottom as she could possibly be. After opening her restaurant, she was living her dream. COVID arrived, crushing Lee's business, romance, and any chance at a real future. Now she travels around with only her beat-up Toyota and a meager amount of clothes. There's really no way things could get any worse. One morning, as Lee lies on the Seattle beach, letting time pass by, she takes notice of a sobbing woman. The lady seems hysterical. Lee gazes on as the woman thrusts herself into the frigid ocean. She's clearly decided to drown herself. Rushing to action, Lee dives into the water after her, hauling the woman back to the safety of the shore. 

The woman Lee rescued is anything but grateful for the good deed. Her name is Hazel, and she's downright furious with Lee. Hazel explains that she's been part of an abusive relationship, and she felt that death was her only way out. Now Lee has robbed her of that escape. After they've parted ways, Lee is certain she's seen the last of Hazel. But the next day, Hazel returns. The pair begin to bond over their collective misfortunes, creating a friendship that shouldn't be. Then one day Hazel makes a bizarre request. She's come up with another way to leave her husband, and she wants Lee to help her disappear. 

As I began reading The Drowning Woman, I felt a bit off-kilter. I didn't understand how Harding's story about a down-on-her-luck, homeless woman could possibly turn into a thriller. Even as the initial setup about the drowning woman unfolded, teeing up the domestic suspense to come, I didn't think this book would end up wowing me. Then, in a masterful stroke of plotting that completely swept the rug out from under me, Harding changed the POV of the book. Learning about the events that I'd just read from a different perspective completely blew my mind. Suddenly the true nature of this twisted story was disclosed, and the reveals didn't stop coming. I easily breezed through the latter half of the novel, blindsided by each new revelation. Yes, logical thinking derails a bit of the story, but I didn't care. I was completely sucked into this book and couldn't put it down. The plot does center around a consensual nonconsensual relationship that gets pretty dark, so be warned of the potential triggers there. Still, if you're searching for a thriller that will keep you guessing, go ahead and pick up The Drowning Woman. You won't regret it. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 35)

April is here, and with the new month comes a string of new releases that I've been eager to read. First up is a new thriller from another new to me author Sally Hepworth. I've made it a goal to read titles from authors who I've heard of but have never read, and Hepworth certainly fits that bill. I've been tangentially aware of her writing for several years. Many of my reading friends have praised her standalone thrillers. When her publisher offered me a copy of her latest book via ebook and audio, I jumped at the chance to read it. The Soulmate proves why so many other readers adore Hepworth's writing and has turned me into a fan of her works too. 

It was their dream home. Gabe and Pippa Gerard had built a beautiful life together, and this was the place they would live out the remainder of their days. The house was large enough to hold their growing family for years. The Melbourne estate sat atop a seaside cliff overlooking the waves crashing against sharp rocks below, the peaceful sound of breaking waves filling the air of the entire property. Yes, this was the perfect place to call home. The cliffs bringing such peace to the Gerard family bring something much darker to others. This dark proclivity would soon begin to unravel their dream. 

Besides being known as their dream home, the cliffs on the edge of their property are also known as "The Drop". This steep bluff overlooking jagged rocks below has become a well-known location for people to commit suicide, a place to quickly end their troubled lives. Since moving in, Pippa and Gabe have encountered seven individuals who are ready to end it all. When the couple notices another woman approaching the edge of the rockface, Pippa is concerned but not worried. Surely Gabe will be able to sort this one out too. She watches from afar as Gabe approaches the woman and begins speaking to her. Pippa looks away for only a moment but is shocked when her gaze returns to the scene. Gabe stands at "The Drop", arms outstretched in front of him, and the woman is nowhere to be seen. Is the woman's fall simply a tragic accident, or is something more nefarious at play?

I was immediately consumed by the premise of Sally Hepworth's The Soulmate. Hepworth employs shifting perspectives including the POV of the deceased woman who is stuck in a kind of purgatory watching the events unfold. This tactic can be hit or miss in thrillers like this one, but I found it to really help add to the suspense and sense of paranoia that fills the novel. Barrie Krienik and Jessica Douglas-Henry give voice to these characters in the audio version of the book, and I found their narration to really ground the story in authenticity, even as certain plot points became a bit far-fetched. The Soulmate is a popcorn thriller at its best. Family secrets, tension, and plenty of twists keep the pages turning and had me thoroughly engrossed in the story. This was my first read by Hepworth, but it certainly won't be my last. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 19)

Relationships are built upon trust. Think about it for a moment. You love and respect the person you've chosen to spend your life with, but there's no way for either of you to know every aspect of their life that hasn't included you. Undoubtedly, there were moments before you entered each other's lives that you simply don't know about. Even the longest relationships between couples who "share everything" are bound to have at least some kind of discrepancy or blind spot.  It is the trust that you've established between yourselves that allows you to not have to worry about those unknowns. If trust between a couple can be built, it stands to reason that it can also be broken. In her debut novel He Said He Would Be Late, author Justine Sullivan tells the story of a couple about to face the ultimate test of trust in their relationship. 

From the outside looking in, Liz Bennet has a perfect life. She's a published author with a deal for a second book secured. She's the mother to the precocious toddler Emma. Liz's husband Arno is everything she ever dreamed of. He's handsome, wealthy, and the perfect father to their daughter. To top things off, his last name is Bennet, giving Liz the same name as the protagonist from her favorite novel Pride and Prejudice. That has to be some kind of cosmic sign that her relationship is meant to be. Yes, there is no denying that Liz's life is about as perfect as she could dream of. Why then, does it feel as if her life isn't everything it is cracked up to be?

The cracks in Liz's life begin to appear soon after the birth of her daughter. Instead of the bliss and sense of duty that comes with being a mother, Liz can only think of the way this child is negatively impacting her life. Other mothers speak of the way giving birth flipped a switch that turned on motherly instinct. Liz loves her daughter, but that ethereal motherly inclination hasn't come to her. On top of this, spending every waking hour caring for Emma has kept her from writing her second novel. There's just no time to devote to her ever-approaching deadline. Finally, there's her relationship with Arno. He's a great father when he's home, but Liz is noticing him spending longer and longer days at the office. It seems as if he's always running late. Then she stumbles across a text from a female coworker on his phone. At first glance, it seems like an innocent enough message thanking Arno. But there's a kissy face emoji at the end. This simple text begins to sow seeds of doubt in Liz's mind. She'll stop at nothing to find out the truth. 

He Said He Would Be Late marks the debut of author Justine Sullivan. She's written about the perils of paranoia in the form of suspenseful domestic fiction. The novel is told entirely from the perspective of the protagonist, giving the reader deep insight into the character and what motivates her. This isn't a thriller in the traditional sense. Instead, Sullivan uses the anxiety of her character to lace each page with a sense of uncertainty. As I read, I became intensely invested in the plight of this character. I wasn't certain that I could trust her instincts around her husband's infidelity, but I equally could not look away as she followed every breadcrumb of potential evidence. This is a tightly plotted read that will have you breathlessly turning the pages. The open-ended ending may frustrate a few readers, but I found that it perfectly capped off this story. I'm thankful to Sullivan's publisher for sharing a copy of the book with me, and I can't wait to read whatever she comes up with next. 

For more information visit Amazon and Goodreads. 

(2023, 16)