In a genre littered with “jaw-dropping twists, you won’t see coming,” it is kind of rare for me to find one that actually delivers and absolutely floors me.
This happens to be one that does.
I don’t like using the word “literally,” because it gets overused and sometimes loses its meaning. But in this case, I did literally gasp and say, “NO WAY!” out loud more than a few times.
And at the end, I just sat there thinking, “What the hell did I just read?”
To be more succinct, this book was freaking awesome.
It’s everything anyone could want in a psychological thriller.
Sympathetic main character: check
Jen is a mess as she deals with the recent death of her husband (Jeremy), a moody teenage son, and the repercussions of a night that she would rather forget.
Ominous occurrences: check
The mystery surrounding Jeremy’s death, their marriage that may or may not have been in trouble, a strange patient (Jen’s a doctor) who is obviously a threat…for some reason. They’re all present.
Flashbacks: check
Labeled simple as “Then” in various chapters, the story from the past has obvious ties to the present…but it’s not exactly clear what those ties are.
Red herrings: check, check, check
Who is M? Who is Scott? What does the past have to do with the present? Who is the real monster in all of this? Just when you think you know the answers to these questions…you don’t. (The cover is 100% correct).
Apple: https://apple.co/3xm8O7j
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3xmP97l
Google: https://bit.ly/2TvXN50
The author has created such an intricate plot that even little innocuous things that don’t seem important suddenly loom large as the real picture comes into focus. It’s this attention to detail that makes this book as amazing as it is.
Wisely, there is a slow build as the author lays the groundwork for the fireworks that are set to go off in the last third of the book. And when you get to that part, hang on. Because roller-coaster doesn’t even begin to describe it.
If ever there is a time to NOT give away any important details, this is the time, because you truly need to discover the twists on your own.
I will repeat, just when you think you know why a character did something…you don’t. When you think you know who someone really is…you are mistaken. And when you think you figured out how everything fits together…you most certainly did not.
The twists do not stop until the very last page. Literally (there’s that word again). And the last part of the book will leave you questioning how you feel about…everything you just read.
If you get to the end and want to go deep and philosophical, I’ll just throw it out there to think about who the real monsters are in this book. You may be surprised at your answer.
Do yourself a big favor and pick this one up. If you are a psych thriller fan, it should be at the top of your TBR list.
Instagram: samanthahayes.author
Twitter: @samhayes
Author Bio:
Samantha Hayes grew up in a creative family where her love of writing began as a child. Samantha has written eight thrillers in total, including the bestselling Until You’re Mine. The Independent said “fantastically written and very tense” while Good Housekeeping said, “Her believable psychological thrillers are completely gripping.” Samantha’s books are published in 22 languages at the last count.
When not writing, Samantha loves to cook, go to the gym, see friends and drink nice wine. She is also studying for a degree in psychotherapy. She has three grown-up children and lives in Warwickshire.
