I’m of a mixed mind with this book.
On the other hand, it had all of the hallmarks of an excellent psych thriller. But just where everything should have exploded and had me gasping, instead I was just kind of…meh.
Let me try to explain.
For a majority of the book, I’d say at least 85-90%, the author spun a twisted story of secrets, traps, and a pretty darn good mystery.
Stephanie’s university roommate went missing several years prior. Stephanie is now married with two kids and living (what she thinks is) a happy life. Until something happens and the old tragedy becomes new again, bringing up all kinds of memories.
And then things get really weird.
The author does a great job of moving from section to section of the story seamlessly. There are flashbacks throughout the first half of the book that give the reader the backstory of Stephanie and her roommate, Allison.
It’s an effective way of storytelling, as we get to see the action as it happened then, rather than Stephanie just remembering it all. I do like it when an author shows us instead of telling us.
Ostensibly, old wounds are reopened by a documentary filmmaker who is researching cold cases/unsolved crimes. When forced to remember that time period, Stephanie regresses – with nightmares and suspicions hitting her often.
Then a few things occur that turn the story more sinister. This was still well-done. I suspected every character at one point or another, so the author definitely kept me guessing. I even thought there was a touch of gaslighting going on.
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0992PNS9Z
Where the book failed to deliver (for me at least) was in the climax. The big reveal should have been shocking and breathless. The author had laid such an amazing groundwork, that I expected it to be like a rollercoaster swooping around to the end of the ride.
But right when Stephanie found out what had really been happening, it all just kind of fizzled. What should have been pulse-pounding was just briefly described, and then the wrap-ups were tossed off with a sort “oh well, this happened.”
It’s such a shame because I couldn’t put the book down throughout most of it. But so much was just skimmed over at the end, the villain didn’t even really get to be enough of a villain. And other characters were dealt with in a very abrupt fashion.
I will say that I guessed one of the “twists” fairly early on, but the author did enough to dance around it that I was never quite sure that I was correct until the big reveal. And I’m not sure how I feel about the revelation of a pivotal character.
There was also a character that appeared in a flashback (albeit at a vital moment) who remained in the background until the end. That part didn’t exactly ring true to me but didn’t entirely bother me either.
Overall, I would still recommend this book, because 90% of it was one of the best psych thrillers that I have read this year. I just wish the ending had more oomph to it.
But I will continue to read this author because I think she is solid, and her writing keeps me engaged.
Author Bio:
Miranda Rijks is a writer of psychological thrillers and suspense novels. She has an eclectic background ranging from law to running a garden centre. She’s been writing all of her life and has a Masters in writing. A couple of years ago she decided to ditch the business plans and press releases and now she’s living the dream, writing suspense novels full time. She lives in Sussex, England with her Dutch husband, musician daughter and black Labrador.
