After finding a man in her bedroom in the middle of the night, Sophie Gardener’s life is thrown into a tailspin. He does not harm her, but gives her a letter which he warns her NOT to open before her 40th birthday party the following day.  She is to open it for the first time at her party, in front of all her loved ones. If she doesn’t follow his exact instructions his message is clear… her family and friends will be harmed.

He takes her mobile phone with all her contacts and personal information within it…

This story is mostly told over one panic-fueled day in which Sophie Gardner is having feelings of paranoia, guilt, stress, worry, and trepidation. This was a page-turner.

With palpable anxiety, the story was skillfully told, though to be fair, I found it quite ‘over the top’ in places. The book turned almost farcical at times. However, that being said, I rapidly turned the pages to discover for myself JUST WHAT WAS IN THAT LETTER?

Then, when the contents of the letter was revealed, I wondered how the story would move forward. The author cleverly wraps the story up, but not before misleading the reader with a plot twist or two.

I wondered while reading just why Sophie was so sure she knew WHO sent the letter. She was wrong and it seemed obvious to me that she was wrong. I wasn’t sure exactly who did, but I knew it wasn’t the person she suspected.

While reading I was simultaneously tense, confused, and compelled to read on. This plot seemed quite original, and it contained enough ‘red-herrings’ that most readers of the genre will be satisfied.

Will I read this author again? Most definitely. Do I think this might be her best work? Probably not, but quite an enjoyable read all the same. Recommended to readers who love psychological thrillers with twisty plots.

This review was written voluntarily and reflects my personal opinions of the book. I purchased this novel a few years ago and just finally got around to reading it. It is not my fault. It was hiding in my Kindle. LOL

ISBN:  9781782396222 –  ASIN:  B01FIXHMK4 –  272 pages

Lucy Dawson has been writing psychological suspense novels since 2008, when her first bestseller – His Other Lover – was published. She now writes full time (mostly on the playroom sofa) from her home in Devon, England, where she lives with her husband and children.

Follow Lucy Dawson on Twitter @lucydawsonbooks