By B. A. Paris

“I can’t help thinking it’s a shame he’s such a sadistic bastard, because he has wonderful manners.”

**This whole review is one giant spoiler***
I haven’t read very many psychological suspense thrillers, domestic or not, that are so popular right now, but I was more than entertained with this one. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one day. It’s not 5 stars because there were too many holes and weaknesses in the plot. There were two main ones. First, why did Jack risk pushing Millie down the stairs and possibly killing her, when the whole reason for his evil plan was to get his hands on her? Second, I loved the justice of his ultimate fate, but Grace took too many chances to accomplish it. Making sure he suffered in the basement jeopardized her successful escape, to begin with. It also practically ensured that an autopsy and investigation would be done. Once law enforcement got a hold of those bars on the windows, her cell, all of the fingerprints, the steel shutters, the forensic evidence in her cell, etc. Etc., the jig would be up. No jury would convict her, ultimately, but what about Millie? Too risky. It comes as a shock to her and (kinda) to the reader, that she is rescued from any suspicion and probable further investigation at the last minute. There are quite a few other quibbles I had with the plausibility of all the goings on, but I won’t pile on.

Other problems? The Molly episode was too disturbing. The ending was too abrupt for me, though I realize it is probably a great way to end it literarily. I wanted more background on Esther. Why was she the one who suspected it was all a charade? What gave her that special insight? She was a great character and I would have loved to see more of her. I would have loved to see the happenings from her point of view. Of course, the wonderful Milly, who was so underestimated.

Overall though it was a well-written page-turner. I loved the “happy” ending, and had no problems at all with Grace, as many of the critical reviewers had.

May 28, 2019