Elizabeth Day is a new author to me and I picked this book up courtesy of NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Publisher.
All opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The story basically consists of three characters, Marisa, Jake, and Kate. A side character, Jake’s mother, Annabelle, also plays a critical part in the story.
It opens with Marisa in a scene where she is looking at a house for her and Jake to move in together after a short three-month romance. A Magpie flies in through an open door and basically has little to do with the story or plot. It almost felt as if the author added it so it could be the book title. Although it does come back into the story toward the end…One for Sorrow, Two for Joy.
As a psychological thriller, this story took me on quite a ride. The backstory became tedious at times, but I can also see where it is necessary to explain some actions later. However, I wanted to get on with the story instead of going backward every other chapter.
The entirety of the plot is focused on the difficulties of getting pregnant and struggling with fertility treatments. Jake wants a baby. Will it be Jake and Marisa’s baby, or will it be Jake and Kate’s baby? It was at least halfway through the story before I figured that part out.
As the real story unfolds, it becomes obvious there are serious mental issues with more than one character, but especially with Marisa. Schizophrenia is portrayed in a realistic and believable way.
Kate is the most solid character in the story. I got more than a little annoyed with Jake for allowing his mother to dominate and manipulate him. It became obvious early on, that Annabelle is narcissistic. There are so many different psychological issues at play in this story.
This one excerpt explains a lot: “Risperidone is licensed to treat the following conditions: schizophrenia, psychosis, mania…”
I don’t want to leave any spoilers, by giving anything away, so I will just say it is quite a tale, giving the reader a rollercoaster ride. Other than too much backstory told in large info dumps, it is well-written. If you are a fan of psychological thrillers, you will most likely enjoy this one.
I gave it three stars.
What a great review. I really love this sound thank you for sharing with us.
My pleasure, Alysha! Thanks for visiting!
It sounds like perhaps too much detail was stuffed into a small package, but I’m glad you were able to sift through it and enjoy the story, Jan. Thanks again, for another insightful review.
You are most welcome, Mark. Thanks for visiting.
Maybe the backstory could have been handled better, but it sounds good overall. Interesting review, Jan!
Yes, I had that thought, Priscilla. It was definitely a psychological thriller all the way! Thanks for stopping by!
Great review, Jan 🙂 This sounds like a exciting read.
Thank you, Denise. It certainly took me on a wild ride!
The moving in together after three weeks and having a baby thing–that challenged me!
Jacqui, it did me too, until I got into the story and realized that wasn’t the true scenario at all. That was all in Marisa’s head. 🙂
I enjoy a good psychological thriller, but I’ll probably pass on this one. Too bad about the backstory being overdone. Thanks for your honest review.
My pleasure, Joan! Thanks for stopping by!
This doesn’t sound like my cup of tea, though the cover is eye-catching.
It was very different, Jacquie. I don’t regret reading it, but wouldn’t read it again.
It sounds a bit like a mixed bag, Jan. Very insightful review. I love psychological fiction, but I think I’ll pass on this one, though three stars is certainly still a worthy read.
It was a mixed bag and oh my, how deep the mental illness ran! Thanks for stopping by. I agree, Mae, three stars is not a horrible rating.