Day: November 28, 2020

I don’t know where to start with this one. The author has crafted a page-turning, compelling story that had me thinking one thing throughout the entire book only to pull the rug out from under me a couple of times.

I like when an author can do that.

I thought the premise was interesting and it was unique enough that it grabbed my attention right away. I liked the setting and Anna’s job. Both opened up the story to lots of side avenues, and the author took full advantage of that. I also liked the “math mystery.”

Anna was instantly relatable. She was the type of person who always said yes to everything partly to be indispensable but partly because it was the only way she thought things would get done correctly. I think many women of a certain age can identify with that feeling.

I did think that the author could have used that a little bit more, actually. There were a few times when it came into play, but after a point, it seemed like that aspect of her personality kind of disappeared.

As things in Anna’s life become a mysterious and convoluted, everything in general becomes more complicated. The author did a good job of keeping me a little off balance.

As events occurred, I was never quite sure if Anna was on the up and up or if there was background that was being hinted at but not fully explained. I liked that as well, because it wasn’t an “easy solve.”

I really don’t want to give anything away because there were some good twists. And if I say much more I’ll give away a major point. And I hate doing that.

I will also say, however, that I wish the author had taken a bit more time with language. It was clear that the action was set in the United States. However, there were a lot of UK English terms (“plaster” for “bandage/band-aid,” “twig” for “catch on,” “biro” for pen, etc.)

I didn’t see any indication that Anna had a UK background, so this was a bit distracting. Just a little attention to detail that’s a bit of a pet peeve of mine.

But it didn’t wreck the overall enjoyment I got from reading it. This was definitely a solid psych thriller, and I highly recommend it.

Author Bio:

Natalie Barelli can usually be found reading a book, and that book will more likely than not be a psychological thriller. When not absorbed in the latest gripping page-turner, Natalie loves cooking, enjoys riding her Vespa around town and otherwise spends far too much time at the computer. She lives in Australia, with her family.