Not for me

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angep1969 Avatar

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I love a good psychological thriller, it's probably my favourite genre, but I really struggled to get into this book.
Heavily based around domestic violence it is certainly creepy in parts but it was also relentlessly depressing, to the point where I found myself putting down after only reading a chapter.
The central character, Ria, is currently on her own with the kids as husband, Danny, is working away for 30 days. She runs the local women's refuge where she is faced with angry men on a continual basis, they all know their wives/partners are there as they are invited in for "group therapy" sessions - though this seems to me to be completely against the standard rules of the average woman's refuge. Anyhow, when someone starts stalking Ria there are clearly a lot of potential suspects. Not only the disgruntled men but there is also a dark secret in her past which may also have a bearing. Added to this Ria is estranged from her parents because, yep her Dad is also controlling/abusive.
Within all this we have a separate narrative from Tanya, who is also being abused but it isn't clear how she fits into the tale.
I think this was my problem with the book - clearly it was going to revolve around abusive men but, Danny aside, every single male character is an abuser, rapist, murderer or just corrupt. It's all just a bit too much, a bit too man bashing and downright (whispers quietly) dull.
An important subject but a slightly lighter touch would have been a welcome relief to this reader...….