Day: August 26, 2022

Sometimes you read a psych thriller where the crazy just pours off the page practically from the start. The Ex by S.E. Lynes is one of those.

The way the author tells the story, the reader gets that crazy from several different perspectives. First, there’s the “hero” – or is he a victim? Sam is…complicated. On the one hand, we know that he is good at his job as a chief landscaper.

On the other hand, his home life is sort of a mess. I guess that makes him relatable?

Then there’s Naomi, Sam’s ex. Is she as crazy as she seems? Or is she crazy like a fox? What are her motives for…everything? We have Joyce, Sam’s grandmother, who I actually liked. I think she is the most “normal” of all of them.

And then there is Miranda. She works with Sam and is supposed to be a sort of omnipotent narrator. And therein is part of the problem with the way the story is told.

I like that the author tried to do something unique. Having Miranda “introduce” everything at the beginning was neat, and it got me very hooked to see how the story developed. It had the potential for developing the psych thriller aspect. However, the method is not consistent throughout the story.

There are times when Miranda has good insight into the events. Then there are times where I found myself wondering “how could she possibly know that?” It might have worked better if the character “narrating” was not also involved as much in the plot itself. As is, it was confusing at times.

Equally confusing is that there is very little identification as to whose perspective we are reading from in each chapter, and even within chapters. I found myself re-reading passages because I thought someone else was talking.

Another thing that was odd, but not a deal breaker, was how obvious Naomi’s crazy was and how apparently clueless Sam was about it. I know that love can make a person blind, but he takes it to a totally different level.

It is worth mentioning that the author refers heavily to the pandemic. The original lockdown is partly the basis of the entire plot. I get it, it’s a pivotal time for all of us.

However, I read books to escape reality. This is a personal decision for my own brain health. So, I understand why the author uses it so heavily. But it was a reminder of “real life” that I did not particularly care for. Again, that is totally a personal preference. Other readers may have no trouble with it.

I still enjoyed The Ex by S. E. Lynes, but I have liked other books by her better. I’ll still look for her next one.

Author Bio:
A former BBC Producer, S.E. Lynes has lived in France, Spain, Scotland and Italy and is now settled in Greater London. After completing her MA, she taught creative writing at Richmond Adult Community College for ten years. She now combines writing, mentoring and lecturing in Richmond Borough.