PSYCHOS
Beware The Woman by Megan Abbott (Virago £18.99, 304 pp)
Beware The Woman
by Megan Abbott (Virago £18.99, 304 pp)
Abbott is quite rightly considered to be psycho thriller royalty but her latest offering might divide her fans.
This subtly paced story is set in a picturesque lodge in a remote forest in Michigan. Newly pregnant Jacy is visiting the childhood home of her husband, Jed, when a health scare suddenly makes her the focus of claustrophobic attention from her father-in-law, the elegant patrician Dr Ash, and creepy housekeeper, Mrs Brandt.
Things get weirder as Jed becomes overwhelmed by memories of his dead mother, and everything screams danger for Jacy.
The main theme of the book is toxic masculinity and women’s power over their own body. Abbott’s writing is as intense and energetic as ever. Every page is laced with quiet menace. But a rather abrupt ending and her switch from a straightforward thriller style to horror gothic might puzzle some readers.
The New Wife by J.P. Delaney (Quercus £14.99, 352 pp)
The New Wife
by J.P. Delaney (Quercus £14.99, 352 pp)
There is a fresh, irresistible energy that Delaney brings to his books, and this intriguing tale set in the stunning countryside of Mallorca doesn’t disappoint. It is inspired by Daphne du Maurier’s My Cousin Rachel.
Finn and Jess are a brother and sister who have survived the neglect of their bohemian upbringing among artists, poets and deadbeats on the island. Finn is returning now to lay claim to their inheritance, a dilapidated finca currently inhabited by his father’s third wife and her attractive daughter Roze.
We then discover the police are investigating the death of the father, and that the finca has been transformed into a fabulously chic dwelling. Finn’s character is tested to the limits and takes the plot in a very disturbing direction while asking the reader some important questions about manipulation and competing truths. This is another terrific book from a first-class writer.
The Spare Room by Andrea Bartz (Michael Joseph £18.99, 352 pp)
The Spare Room
by Andrea Bartz (Michael Joseph £18.99, 352 pp)
This is an unapologetically sexually driven thriller set in the claustrophobic conditions of lockdown. Kate (a bit of a drip) is recovering from a break-up and staying with her glamorous writer friend Sabrina and her handsome husband Nathan in a smart mansion near Washington.
Soon she is happily involved in a steamy threesome and a sexy new way of life beckons, until she discovers that her threesome predecessor has mysteriously disappeared.
Her anxiety about her safety is increased by Sabrina and Nathan’s reluctance to discuss the disappearance. The story is weirdly compulsive, despite some preposterous plot detours. None of the characters are particularly relatable, but Bartz has a keen ear for dialogue and, if you like steamy sexy scenes, you will forgive the plot deficiencies.
An easy, fun summer read, not burdened by exploring serious issues.
