Month: November 2021

You’d be hard-pressed to find a psych thriller that better typifies the genre than this one. It has everything a reader wants in a book.

Lily is a sympathetic main character/narrator. She’s smart, intuitive, and a little too trusting. That last one is important because it has a big impact on the plot. It is vital she sees nothing wrong with her life until she’s in the middle of a mess.

But exactly what is the mess, and who is responsible for it?

I don’t think she is naïve in any way, although some readers may take her as such. I like that she is a teacher first and foremost because she looks at her problems from several different angles. As a teacher myself, I can relate to that.

The author does a great job of building the foundation through the first part of the book. It is the perfect example of “setting the stage.” The action moves along even though there are a lot of details to put in place.

And once those details are in place, hang on…because once Lily starts to realize certain things the action takes off and doesn’t let up until the very last pages. Actually, not even then.

The way the storylines converge is masterful. The parallels between the past and present situations are each detailed and unique but with enough similarities that the reader recognizes the important patterns.

This is vital to the story. But I’m not going to say why, because that would give away the plot. And that would be no fun to new readers. I did guess a few points, but only because I like to challenge myself to see if I can think like the author.

I rooted for Lily pretty much the entire book. There was only one part about ¾ through that I thought was out of character, but as I continued to read, I realized why she did what she did.

There are other characters in the book (of course). I don’t want to say anything specific about Edward and his family, because I might slip up. But let’s just say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I felt for Noah. And Marsha was a good friend.

But really, this psych thriller should be at the top of your list. I couldn’t put it down and read late into the night to finish it. An excellent entry in the genre.

Also by this author: The Night Away

Author Bio:
Jess Ryder is the pseudonym of Jan Page, author, screenwriter, playwright and award-winning television producer. After many years working in children’s media, she has recently embarked on a life of crime. Writing, that is. Her other big love is making pots.

Hoooooo boy, does Mel have a tough time in this psych thriller.

She’s already out her man, about to be out of her house, and her career…well, that’s not in such great shape either.

So, when her co-worker offers her the chance at a blind date, she considers taking him up on it.

Little does she know how wrong that can all go. And boy, does it go wrong.

Although the setup was efficient, it all really takes off when Mel takes over the late-night shift at the radio station. Soon, all kinds of things happen and Mel feels like she is getting hit on all sides.

The author does a great job of creating a spooky atmosphere through little hints here and there. Additionally, the claustrophobia of a radio booth can’t be beaten. There were times that it reminded me of the 1980s television show “Midnight Caller.”

Especially when Mel receives calls from a person who eerily has a similar story to her own.

I had my suspicions about every character at some point. The only ones I didn’t feel added to anything were Niall and Fiona. That seemed to be more contrived to get Mel to the next point, rather than truly having any impact.

Mel was intriguing. At times, she seemed to bring the drama on herself. Her lack of self-confidence, greatly shaken, added to her being uncertain about where to turn when things got very weird.

There were a few things that appeared out of nowhere, and I am not sure I buy a couple of the twists and relationships.

But I still enjoyed this psych thriller immensely. In fact, I read it in one day – which is highly unusual for me. So, I do recommend it.

Just be aware that you will not know who to believe and what the real story is until the very end. And I mean the very last page.

Other psych thrillers from this author:

• His Hidden Wife
• The Bride

Author Bio:

Wendy Clarke was a teacher until the small primary school where she worked closed down. Now she is a writer of psychological suspense but is also well known for her short stories and serials which regularly appear in national women’s magazines.

Wendy has two children and three step-children and lives with her husband, cat and step-dog in Sussex. When not writing, she is usually indulging in her passion for dancing, singing or watching any programme that involves food!