Publication Date: July 1st From Blackbird Digital
Source: Review Copy
When Glasgow journalist Shona McGilvery moves with her partner Mikey and their baby to an idyllic cottage in rural Scotland, they believe that all that lies ahead of them is happiness.
But with Mikey working offshore, the frightening isolation of the Aberdeenshire countryside begins to drive her insane…
That is, until she is rescued by a new friendship with the enchanting Valentina.
She has the perfect home, the perfect man, and a charismatic new best friend – or does she?
Valentina was a surprisingly good addition to the psychological thriller genre – intriguing gorgeous writing and clever plotting, with a dark, quite emotive vibe throughout the narrative that really pulls you deep into the story.
Its not new – if you read widely in this genre then you’ll know the likely themes and character types you will meet, but there is a difference between playing it by numbers and writing a genuinely insightful, fascinating and darkly realistic story that will play on the readers mind and keep them turning those pages – S E Lynes has written the latter, it is cleverly immersive and absolutely gripping.
There is some beautiful descriptive prose in Valentina, the characters are richly drawn and believable, the unsettling feeling that the author weaves into the ongoing narrative is intelligently done, as things unfold it is fascinating and eminently readable – this is one of those novels you might well read in one sitting.
Overall it is a great read, addictive yes, unpredictable sometimes, character driven absolutely. In fact if you love psychological thrillers then Valentina ticks all the boxes then adds a few as well. Definitely recommended.
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