The crisp autumn air nipped at my cheeks as I hurried into my favorite bookstore, seeking refuge from the bustling city streets. My eyes scanned the shelves, hungry for a new literary adventure. That’s when I spotted it – “Rock Paper Scissors” by Alice Feeney. The title intrigued me, conjuring memories of childhood games and innocence. Little did I know, this book would be anything but innocent.
I’ve always been drawn to psychological thrillers, but lately, I’d been in a bit of a reading slump. Nothing seemed to capture my attention quite like it used to. However, something about Feeney’s novel called to me. Perhaps it was the promise of a remote Scottish chapel or the unique premise of a protagonist with face blindness. Whatever it was, I found myself at the checkout counter, eager to dive in.
From the very first page, I was hooked. Feeney’s writing style is immersive and atmospheric, pulling you into the world of Adam and Amelia Wright with an almost unsettling ease. The story alternates between their present-day getaway and past anniversary letters, creating a delicious tension that had me turning pages well into the night.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to keep you guessing. Just when I thought I had figured out the mystery, Feeney would throw another curveball my way. The twists and turns are masterfully crafted, never feeling forced or contrived. I found myself constantly questioning the characters’ motivations and wondering who I could trust.
The setting of the remote Scottish chapel adds an extra layer of creepiness to the story. Feeney’s descriptions are so vivid that I could almost feel the chill in the air and hear the wind howling outside. It reminded me of a trip I took to Scotland years ago, where I stayed in an old, drafty castle. I remember feeling both exhilarated and slightly unnerved by the isolation, much like Adam and Amelia must have felt.
One aspect of the book that particularly resonated with me was its exploration of marriage and the secrets we keep from those closest to us. There’s a line in one of Amelia’s anniversary letters that struck a chord: “Sometimes I wonder if I ever really knew you at all.” It made me reflect on my own relationships and the parts of ourselves we choose to reveal or conceal.
While the book is undoubtedly a page-turner, it’s not without its flaws. At times, I found the pacing to be a bit slow, especially in the middle section. Some of the plot twists, while shocking, stretched the boundaries of believability. However, these minor issues didn’t significantly detract from my overall enjoyment of the novel.
Feeney’s prose is sharp and evocative, with a knack for creating tension through seemingly innocuous details. One passage that stuck with me describes Adam’s struggle with face blindness: “I recognize my wife the way I recognize a favorite song. I know every line, every curve, every dip and rise of her body. But her face? It’s like trying to recall a dream upon waking – always just out of reach.” The vulnerability and frustration in this description are palpable, adding depth to Adam’s character.
Reading “Rock Paper Scissors” made me ponder the nature of trust and perception in relationships. How well do we really know the people we love? Can we ever truly see someone for who they are, or are we all just playing a game of rock, paper, scissors – each trying to anticipate the other’s move?
I finished the book feeling both satisfied and slightly unsettled. Feeney has a talent for leaving you with more questions than answers, in the best possible way. For days after, I found myself mulling over the characters and their choices, trying to piece together the puzzle from different angles.
Would I recommend “Rock Paper Scissors” to others? Absolutely, but with a caveat. This isn’t a book for those seeking a light, feel-good read. It’s dark, twisty, and at times, uncomfortable. But for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers that challenge their perceptions and keep them guessing, this book is a must-read.
In fact, I’ve already lent my copy to my sister, who shares my love for suspenseful novels. I can’t wait to discuss it with her and see if she picks up on the subtle clues I missed on my first read-through.
“Rock Paper Scissors” reminded me why I fell in love with reading in the first place – the thrill of being transported to another world, the joy of unraveling a mystery, and the satisfaction of a well-crafted story. It pulled me out of my reading slump and reignited my passion for psychological thrillers.
As I closed the book for the final time, I found myself reaching for my phone to look up Alice Feeney’s other works. If “Rock Paper Scissors” is any indication of her talent, I have a feeling I’ve just discovered a new favorite author. And isn’t that the best feeling a book can leave you with? The excitement of knowing there are more literary adventures waiting to be discovered, more mysteries to unravel, and more nights to be spent turning pages long after you should be asleep.
In the end, “Rock Paper Scissors” is more than just a thriller. It’s a reminder that the games we play in our relationships can have real, sometimes devastating consequences. It’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of secrets and the importance of truly seeing the people we love. And for me, it was the perfect escape from reality – even if that escape led me to a chilling, remote chapel in Scotland where nothing is quite as it seems.