Book Review: "Brighton Hills" by Seraphina Nova Glass
As an avid fan of psychological thrillers, I couldn’t resist diving into "Brighton Hills," especially given its intriguing premise of secrets lurking in a seemingly perfect neighborhood. The book is touted as a New York Times Book Review Summer Read and an Edgar Award nominee, which piqued my interest even further. I was keen on exploring a story that promised to weave together mystery and emotional depth among its characters.
"Brighton Hills" focuses on the intertwined lives of three women—Cora, Paige, and Georgia—all residents of a luxurious community on the Oregon coast, where it seems like neighbors watch each other a bit too closely. The dual narrative of Cora, who suspects her husband is cheating, and Paige, who is grappling with the aftermath of her son’s tragic death, creates a compelling dynamic. These engaging characters are further complemented by the enigmatic Georgia, who adds an additional layer of intrigue to the story.
One of the standout elements of Glass’s writing is her ability to create palpable suspense. As Susan M. Baumann noted in her review, the tension builds steadily, making it hard to put the book down. I completely agree—the pacing was flawless. I found myself flipping through pages quenching my curiosity as layers of intrigue were peeled back. The backstories of the characters, especially their complex relationships and burdens, were meticulously crafted, leading to truly relatable moments.
In addition, the development of the three female leads was impressive. I appreciated how Glass portrayed them as strong and resourceful in the face of dire circumstances. As noted by another reviewer, Rhea, the author’s fluid storytelling allowed me to see the characters evolve. I was particularly invested in Cora’s journey; her resilience and moral compass attracted my empathy, making her struggles hit home more profoundly.
However, not everything was perfect. Some parts of the plot felt a tad implausible, particularly the way certain dramatic events unfolded. For instance, there was a critical moment later in the book that hinged on a surprising twist, but it felt somewhat contrived. M. Emrich raised an interesting point regarding the plot’s credibility, and I found myself pondering similar thoughts. While it was genuinely enjoyable and thrilling, I would have preferred a tighter resolution that adhered more closely to the mystery conventions rather than a "gotcha" moment that came out of nowhere.
Another point of critique is the book’s setting. While Brighton Hills is depicted as a picture-perfect neighborhood, I found it hard to visualize its authenticity based on some geographical details. Reality often contends with a narrative’s wishful imagination, and I echo the sentiments of a reviewer who pointed out inconsistencies that could affect the book’s overall immersion.
Despite its minor drawbacks, "Brighton Hills" lives up to its promise of being an unputdownable psychological thriller. I found its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and suspenseful elements to be compelling enough to outweigh any faults. It truly made for a perfect summer read—captive yet light enough to keep my attention on those lazy afternoons by the beach.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend "Brighton Hills" to anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller with strong female leads. The intertwining lives of its characters create an engaging narrative, filled with tension and unexpected turns. Although some plot elements may falter in their believability, the emotional depths explored leave a lasting impression. Grab this book for your next beach read—you won’t regret it!