Book Review: Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
As a lover of psychological thrillers, I was drawn to Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney due to its intriguing premise and enviable reputation as "the queen of the killer twist." With a plot revolving around marriage, secrets, and deception, I knew I was in for a rollercoaster ride. The tagline "Think you know the person you married? Think again…" really hooked me, making me curious about the depth of the characters and the twists to come.
The story centers on Adam and Amelia Wright, a couple whose marriage seems to be on the rocks. Their weekend trip to Scotland, a supposedly random prize, becomes a stage for unraveling the complexities and betrayals that have marred their ten years together. Adam, a workaholic screenwriter, struggles with face blindness, complicating the dynamics of their already strained relationship. The annual exchange of traditional anniversary gifts and letters adds another layer to the narrative, emphasizing the secrets each character keeps.
One aspect I absolutely loved about the book was its character development. Each character felt remarkably real and relatable, which, as Mariejws noted, made the story irresistible. I found myself invested in their backstories and motivations, and the way Feeney masterfully weaves the plot through multiple perspectives—Amelia, Adam, and even the mysterious neighbor, Robin—keeps the reader actively engaged. The alternating viewpoints added intrigue, allowing me to delve into the inner workings of their minds.
However, I did find a common drawback echoed in some reviews: the pacing of the beginning. While I was captivated from the start, other readers felt the opening was a tad slow. Caine Basey mentioned that the first 200 pages didn’t create a "must-finish" urgency. I can understand this perspective; it took some time for the story to gain momentum. But for me, the slow build felt necessary to flesh out the characters’ complexities.
The twists, as everyone promised, were indeed mind-bending. The plot twist caught me completely off guard—much like Rebeccatt alluded to in her review. The letters that Amelia writes each year, which purposefully mislead, create a multilayered mystery that kept me turning pages long into the night. The ending was so unexpected that I had to take a moment to catch my breath. While some readers criticized it for being overly shocking and lacking foreshadowing, I appreciated the unpredictability.
Yet, not everything was flawless. One of the critiques that resonated with me was the lack of insight into Robin’s character, as the chapters from her perspective were written in the third person. I found this choice a bit frustrating, as it denied me a deeper understanding of a character that could have significantly enhanced the story’s tension. Exploring her thoughts might have heightened the reactions to the climax.
Despite these minor issues, Alice Feeney’s writing remains compelling, and her skill in creating atmospheric suspense is undeniable. The dialogue flows smoothly, making it easy to lose track of time while reading. I especially enjoyed the creative imagery and the poignant lines scattered throughout the narrative, like the observation about couples finishing each other’s sentences but getting them wrong.
In conclusion, Rock Paper Scissors left a significant impression on me. It effectively balances thrilling twists with emotional depth, making it a gripping read. Although some may find the pacing slow at first or feel that certain aspects could be improved, the overall experience is undeniably rewarding. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a suspenseful thriller filled with complex characters and unexpected turns. With a rating of 4 stars, I can confidently say it’s worth your time—just be prepared to question everything you believe about love and trust!
Discover the intriguing twists and emotional depth of Rock Paper Scissors: A Novel. >>