I have come to realize that atmosphere plays a big part in my enjoyment of a book. This is the perfect example to explain.
The prologue sets a creepy tone as an ambulance arrives at a remote farm, only to find a woman who is severely injured. There’s howling wind and a sense of abandonment, but the ambulance attendants also hear creaking floors, and there are perceived glimpses of someone else in the house.
It was a truly eerie opening that gave me shivers. It also made me eager to see if the author continued that feeling through the story.
No spoiler alert – it’s there.
Apple: http://ow.ly/QI0j50DCmnJ
Kobo: http://ow.ly/Jb8f50DCmlU
Google: http://ow.ly/OHa550DDmxK
The story is told in three parts with Eva’s perspective first, then Nancy’s, then both of them wrap up to the end.
It’s an effective structure and allows the reader to have a clear understanding of the characters’ mindsets as the plot winds its way toward the conclusion.
There are twists and revelations that I don’t want to talk about because I don’t want to give anything away. But each of the main characters is fully fleshed out, and the author ensures that the reader feels and empathizes with them.
I didn’t relate to any of them, but that was okay because in this case I don’t think it was necessary to identify with a character or situation in order to enjoy the book.
Eva’s desire for the truth and Nancy’s perspective on past events are all just there for the reader’s enjoyment. No great messages or particularly deep thoughts. There’s a tendency to look too hard for that sometimes.
This was just plain good, moody plotting. I was so caught up in it that a few times there were loud noises around my house that made me jump.
I really don’t want to talk myself into a corner by discussing further plot points, but the author wraps everything up neatly and believably by the end of the book.
I’d definitely recommend this atmospheric, creepy psych thriller.
Author Bio:
Rona lives on the Isle of Man with her husband, two dogs and three guinea pigs. She has been a bookworm since she was a child and now she’s actually creating stories of her own, which still feels like a dream come true.
She is an outdoorsy person and loves stomping up a mountain, walking the coastal paths and exploring the wonderful beaches on the Island while she’s plotting how to kill off her next victim. She also makes sure she deletes her Google history on a regular basis, because… well, you can’t be too careful when you spend your life researching new and ingenious ways for people to die.
She has three children and two step-children who are now grown up and leading varied and interesting lives, which provides plenty of ideas for new stories!
