I’m a big fan of Kerry Wilkinson. (You can read my reviews of The Wife’s Secret, After the Accident (probably still my favorite), and The Child Across the Street. I’m pleased to say that the author is in fine form in this book.
As with other “psychological thrillers with a twist” stories, I’m not going to give any of the twists away here – you can read blurbs and spoilers elsewhere. But I am going to tell you what worked in this book.
The prologue gives the reader enough of a hint that something might be off in the interactions between two characters. It’s obvious that something isn’t quite right, and the author wisely leaves it to the reader’s own assumptions to try to figure out what is going on.
This continues throughout the book. There are several points where the author merely throws out a suggestion – sometimes in the form of an incident, sometimes a thought of a character – and lets the reader take it however they choose.
I love it when an author values the reader’s intelligence this way. Are they vital pieces of info or are they red herrings? Who knows…that’s the fun of it.
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I totally felt for Maddy throughout the story. She had these events thrust upon her and had to deal with the brunt of everything even as she had no idea what was really going on. I liked her character, because her reactions seemed very natural. I could see myself reacting much in the same manner.
I also like how the author used past events to give us hints as to Maddy’s perspective and reasons for her reactions. It was cleverly done and very illuminating. I’ll not say more than that. The author also captures small-town life, and the personalities that emerge in small towns, perfectly.
Even as the truth finally comes out about…well, everything…she is still unsure about what steps she will take next. I also liked this about her (and about the story) because it was realistic. Not everything is wrapped up neatly. I admire the author’s willingness to leave things a little unfinished.
One picky thing. The cover should have had a red coat. ‘Nuff said.
This is another strong entry from this author. I’m getting used to them and look forward to the next one.
Author Bio:
Kerry Wilkinson has had No.1 crime bestsellers in the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Singapore. He has also written two top-20 thrillers in the United States. His book, Ten Birthdays, won the RNA award for Young Adult Novel of the Year in 2018 and Close To You won the International Thriller Award for best ebook in 2020.
As well as his million-selling Jessica Daniel series, Kerry has written the Silver Blackthorn trilogy – a fantasy-adventure serial for young adults – a second crime series featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter, plus numerous standalone novels. He has been published around the world in more than a dozen languages.
Originally from the county of Somerset, Kerry spent way too long living in the north of England, picking up words like ‘barm’ and ‘ginnel’.
When he’s short of ideas, he rides his bike, hikes up something, or bakes cakes. When he’s not, he writes it all down. Learn more on his website at https://kerrywilkinson.com/
