Tag: Psych Thriller

It’s no secret that I like a psych thriller that keeps me guessing, and this one definitely fit the bill.

I thought everything, from the characters to the plot and even minute details, was well-done. The author did a great job of laying everything out so that it all made sense, even as the reader was trying to figure out the truth right along with the characters.

I will admit, I wasn’t sure what to make of Mel at first. It was obvious that she was a hard luck case, but some of the descriptions didn’t seem to fit with each other. I just couldn’t get a grasp on her. But that didn’t really bother me.

The same could be said for Katie, her daughter. They were obviously struggling, and it made sense that she would be picked on (because kids like her often are, unfortunately). But the instances and descriptions of the bullying against her seemed over the top – especially not for Mel to do anything.

But that all went by the wayside when they relocated – and then plot picked up.

There was a gothic feel to the primary location: the mysterious acquisition, the reclusive tenant, and the odd occurrences all added to the atmosphere.

I liked how this seemed to get under Mel’s skin, as she began to see the person who haunted her the most in every detail. She had a nagging feeling of dread that came across clear and was shared with the reader.

I also thought it was effective in showing how her perspective was skewed by that person and how she sometimes couldn’t see the forest for the trees, never knowing exactly who to trust.

Turns out there was good reason for that – but I’m not giving anything away.

I did like the parallels that were revealed between Mel and another character and thought that a couple of the surprises were well-done. A few wrap-ups didn’t work as well for me but didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment.

The author had me guessing right up until the very last page (and I mean that literally), so I would certainly recommend this as a good psych thriller to help get you through the January doldrums.

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.

I have enjoyed past books by this author (see my reviews of I Know You Lied and The Leaving Party). In fact, the latter still sticks in my mind as one of the best examples of a claustrophobic psychological thriller.

That same feeling comes across clearly in The Birthday Weekend.

Even though the story largely belongs to Louise, the author does a terrific job of creating a foreboding feeling that emanates from each of the four main characters.

Collectively, that’s a powerful force in this book.

Each of the women have something to hide – that becomes clear very early on. Just how much of it has to do with the catalyst for the weekend soiree (to use Amy’s word) – well, that’s for you to read for yourself.

The past event that Amy wants to address on her birthday weekend obviously impacted all of the women, but (as with the secrets) it’s difficult to discern who had what stake in it.

The author also does a great job of laying the groundwork that what happened to Hannah has an actual bearing on the choices that the women have made that have led them to their current situations.

I know that sounds convoluted, but I don’t want to give away plot points by mentioning specifics. And it’s not at all confusing in the plot itself.

The only thing that kept this from being five stars for me was the way the author sometimes shifts timeframes. For example, Louise will be in the present but remember something in the past and then we are instantly in the full memory of that past event.

It’s a natural way for a person to think, so it did work in that regard. And to flip back and forth in chapter form would have caused the flow of the narrative to break.

In thinking of it that way, it was probably the best choice for relaying the important information without revealing the secrets. It just jarred me a few times to realize that I was suddenly in the past.

Nevertheless, the author builds to a climax that is (for the most part) surprising and cathartic. It was almost like I had been holding my breath along with the characters, wondering when the other shoe was going to drop, and all would be revealed.

Once again, great job by the author. I will certainly continue to search out her other psychological thriller books.

Author Bio:

Lesley attended the Curtis Brown Creative 6 month novel writing course in 2015/6, and in 2017 The Orchid Girls (then On The Edge) was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish fiction prize.

Lesley is the author of psychological thrillers and spends her days writing in coffee shops in Kings Cross where she lives and works as a librarian. She loves the atmosphere and eclectic mix of people in the area. Lesley discovered Patricia Highsmith as a teenager and has been hooked on psychological thrillers ever since.

This was quite an interesting read.

It started off with one focus, then seemingly switched. I’ll admit that I read nearly half of it wondering exactly what was going on. To be honest I was a little bit annoyed.

And then I got to a turning point and realized exactly what the author had plotted out and I couldn’t help but admire how everything was put together.

It ended up being one of the more unusual psychological thrillers I have read in some time.

Although, I do have to say that I didn’t get much of a psych thriller feel from it – almost more family drama. Then again, I recently wrote about how some psych thrillers play more of a trick on the reader than the characters in the book, and I would say this fell into that category.

The story is sectioned into three parts. The first part alternates between Paula and Charlie. I’ll admit to being unsure of whether they were taking place in the same time frame or not – I like that the author left that ambiguous because it worked for the story.

In part II, we get the added perspective of Marian, and part III alternates between all three women. It’s an effective way of story telling because the reader gets a holistic picture of the plot (if that makes sense).

There was also a bit of mystery, because Paula is actually trying to find out what really happened with her sister Lizzie. I really enjoyed the scenes with her and Johnny, because I liked their common-sense approaches.

I thought Marian was an interesting character. She seemed harmless at first before the plot really kicked in. I’m not saying more than that, but she was a good example of how even the smallest things can affect someone.

I do want to recognize that the way the author finally brings everything together was pretty masterful. Again, I don’t want to give anything away, but I loved how there were things right under my nose that I hadn’t even noticed.

That can be chalked up to clever writing (yes, I did even go back to see if I had missed something) and a strong plot that stood up to the twists and turns (that were all realistic, by the way).

I would definitely recommend giving this book a read. Stick with it, because you will be rewarded.

Interesting side note: As I was formatting this blog, I re-read my review for this author’s previous book, The Man She Married. I realized that the author plotted this one much in the same manner.

It is apparent she has a writing style. Now that I recognize that over two books, I’ll be looking forward to it in the next one.

Author Bio:

Born in the Cotswolds, Alison spent most of her formative years abroad. She studied languages at Oxford, then became a journalist and author, returning to university after her two children to take a law degree. After a three-year stint as a criminal paralegal, Alison worked as a commercial copywriter and then a TV storyliner, before coming full circle to write fiction again.

I don’t know where to start with this one. The author has crafted a page-turning, compelling story that had me thinking one thing throughout the entire book only to pull the rug out from under me a couple of times.

I like when an author can do that.

I thought the premise was interesting and it was unique enough that it grabbed my attention right away. I liked the setting and Anna’s job. Both opened up the story to lots of side avenues, and the author took full advantage of that. I also liked the “math mystery.”

Anna was instantly relatable. She was the type of person who always said yes to everything partly to be indispensable but partly because it was the only way she thought things would get done correctly. I think many women of a certain age can identify with that feeling.

I did think that the author could have used that a little bit more, actually. There were a few times when it came into play, but after a point, it seemed like that aspect of her personality kind of disappeared.

As things in Anna’s life become a mysterious and convoluted, everything in general becomes more complicated. The author did a good job of keeping me a little off balance.

As events occurred, I was never quite sure if Anna was on the up and up or if there was background that was being hinted at but not fully explained. I liked that as well, because it wasn’t an “easy solve.”

I really don’t want to give anything away because there were some good twists. And if I say much more I’ll give away a major point. And I hate doing that.

I will also say, however, that I wish the author had taken a bit more time with language. It was clear that the action was set in the United States. However, there were a lot of UK English terms (“plaster” for “bandage/band-aid,” “twig” for “catch on,” “biro” for pen, etc.)

I didn’t see any indication that Anna had a UK background, so this was a bit distracting. Just a little attention to detail that’s a bit of a pet peeve of mine.

But it didn’t wreck the overall enjoyment I got from reading it. This was definitely a solid psych thriller, and I highly recommend it.

Author Bio:

Natalie Barelli can usually be found reading a book, and that book will more likely than not be a psychological thriller. When not absorbed in the latest gripping page-turner, Natalie loves cooking, enjoys riding her Vespa around town and otherwise spends far too much time at the computer. She lives in Australia, with her family.

This book has all of the hallmarks of a good psych thriller.

Opening scene that grabs the reader? Check.

Cool plot point that sets the scene and tone? Check.

Unreliable narrators who throw the reader off balance? Check.

Chapters with a mystery character who could be anybody? Check.

And don’t forget a few red herrings thrown in the mix.

I was never quite sure where this one was going. There were definitely times where I thought the author was throwing a curve ball (sometimes I was right, sometimes I was wrong).

I liked how the plot unfolded and thought the conceit (Phil losing his memory of two years) worked well for being able to question what was real and what wasn’t. I also thought the character relationships were realistic.

I thought the author did a decent job of creating doubt as to whose story was more accurate. There were a few times that I found myself doubting Freya because there was just enough uncertainty in her perspective to make Phil’s concerns legitimate.

As the truth starts to come out, however, it becomes apparent as to why those doubts are given any attention at all. I don’t want to give away a major plot point (you can find those spoilers elsewhere).

But I do think that once the reality of the entire situation comes to light, there are a few lapses in logic that were hard to overlook.

Without giving too much information, I found it difficult to believe that Freya would even consider giving Phil another chance. I mean, those memories she had were real regardless of whatever else happened.

In that regard, Freya’s characteristic was the most real because she was the stereotypical person in that situation, always making excuses, thinking that the next time will be different.

Again, don’t want to say more – but as you can see from other reviews, there may be some triggering events in this story.

I thought that the author handled it well, but it made me question how strong Freya really was.

Ultimately, I did get that answer. I also guessed a few other “twists” but they were still good. I would recommend this book. I understand this is the author’s first psych thriller and I think it’s a good start. I hope to see more.

Author Bio:

Karen King is a multi-published bestselling author of fiction for both adults and children. She has also written several short stories for women’s magazines.

Currently published by Bookouture and Headline. Karen has recently signed a two-book deal with Bookouture to write psychological thrillers. The first one will be out in November, and the second one in 2021. She is also contracted to write three romance novels for Headline, which will be out in 2021 and 2022

Here’s an interesting thing about psychological thrillers.

Sometimes they’re slow burns that draw the reader in with sinewy turns, keeping both the characters and the readers off balance.

Sometimes they’re roller coasters with sharp about faces and twists that make the reader question what they thought they knew, and what is “real” or not within the story.

And sometimes they’re heavy on they “psychological” part, delving into the characters’ motivations with long internal monologues and deep thoughts.

I would put this book firmly in the last category. And that’s both good and bad.

The good is that we get intense insight into Emily’s thought processes and motivations. There are various chapters from other characters’ points of view (her daughter and husband mainly) but the story belongs to Emily.

It was interesting because Emily has a lot of baggage that causes her to overthink and overreact to events and minor incidents. It made her an unreliable character because it was often hard to tell if her reactions were justified or not.

The plot certainly has several plot points that make the reader (and Emily) think one thing when something else is actually the truth. This is that “off-balance” part I mentioned earlier. There were several red herrings, which made for a few page-turning moments.

However, the not so good part of the reliance on inner monologues is that it makes for long passages with no action. That’s tough to get through. For me, that type of writing requires paying close attention to the details.

Recently it seems as if I don’t have it in me to concentrate that carefully. That’s absolutely no fault of the author at all – I usually appreciate those insights and the effort that goes into creating a character’s perspective.

But for whatever reason, the long “thoughts’ made it more difficult for me to read.  That’s totally on me.

The author has crafted a good story with an ironic title because it’s nearly impossible to know who to trust in this twisted tale. You’d do well to pick this one up and give it a try.

Author Bio:
Sheryl Browne writes psychological thriller and edgy contemporary fiction. A member of the Crime Writers’ Association, Romantic Novelists’ Association and awarded a Red Ribbon by The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, Sheryl has several books published and two short stories in Birmingham City University anthologies, where she completed her MA in Creative Writing. 

I’m a big fan of Kerry Wilkinson. (You can read my reviews of The Wife’s Secret, After the Accident (probably still my favorite), and The Child Across the Street. I’m pleased to say that the author is in fine form in this book.

As with other “psychological thrillers with a twist” stories, I’m not going to give any of the twists away here – you can read blurbs and spoilers elsewhere. But I am going to tell you what worked in this book.

The prologue gives the reader enough of a hint that something might be off in the interactions between two characters. It’s obvious that something isn’t quite right, and the author wisely leaves it to the reader’s own assumptions to try to figure out what is going on.

This continues throughout the book. There are several points where the author merely throws out a suggestion – sometimes in the form of an incident, sometimes a thought of a character – and lets the reader take it however they choose.

I love it when an author values the reader’s intelligence this way. Are they vital pieces of info or are they red herrings? Who knows…that’s the fun of it.

I totally felt for Maddy throughout the story. She had these events thrust upon her and had to deal with the brunt of everything even as she had no idea what was really going on. I liked her character, because her reactions seemed very natural. I could see myself reacting much in the same manner.

I also like how the author used past events to give us hints as to Maddy’s perspective and reasons for her reactions. It was cleverly done and very illuminating. I’ll not say more than that. The author also captures small-town life, and the personalities that emerge in small towns, perfectly.

Even as the truth finally comes out about…well, everything…she is still unsure about what steps she will take next. I also liked this about her (and about the story) because it was realistic. Not everything is wrapped up neatly. I admire the author’s willingness to leave things a little unfinished.

One picky thing. The cover should have had a red coat. ‘Nuff said.

This is another strong entry from this author. I’m getting used to them and look forward to the next one.

Author Bio:

Kerry Wilkinson has had No.1 crime bestsellers in the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Singapore. He has also written two top-20 thrillers in the United States. His book, Ten Birthdays, won the RNA award for Young Adult Novel of the Year in 2018 and Close To You won the International Thriller Award for best ebook in 2020.

As well as his million-selling Jessica Daniel series, Kerry has written the Silver Blackthorn trilogy – a fantasy-adventure serial for young adults – a second crime series featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter, plus numerous standalone novels. He has been published around the world in more than a dozen languages.

Originally from the county of Somerset, Kerry spent way too long living in the north of England, picking up words like ‘barm’ and ‘ginnel’.

When he’s short of ideas, he rides his bike, hikes up something, or bakes cakes. When he’s not, he writes it all down. Learn more on his website at https://kerrywilkinson.com/