Psychological thrillers still seem to have plenty of appeal within the book world at the moment, and I’ve read and enjoyed quite a few this year, so decided to give this one by Claire Douglas a try.
Kirsty needs a new start for her family after her husband’s depression, and decides to renovate a house and run it as a bed and breakfast with her mother. The only problem is that her mother can be a little overbearing and has her own ideas, including inviting several family members to be guests. This includes Kirsty’s cousin Selena, who Kirsty hasn’t spoken to since they were 18. Kirsty knows she can’t trust Selena and doesn’t want to let her back into her life, but begrudgingly agrees. After a few unsettling surprises in the house, Selena and Kirsty make up, but then everything changes when one of the house’s occupants dies. At first Kirsty thinks it is a horrible accident, but the police decide it is murder, and begin an investigation that uncovers more than a few secrets within the B&B.
I really enjoyed the tense atmosphere within this book and the many twists and turns. Lots of secrets were revealed and took me by surprise, which is exactly what you want in this sort of story. The downsides? I didn’t particularly warm to Kirsty as a protagonist. I also didn’t particularly find the resolution satisfying as a reader.
An enjoyable quick-read, even though the ending lacked the drama I thought it needed.
Returning to Reading 