I’m a huge fan of Laura Lyndhurst’s writing! Psychological thrillers are one of my all-time favorite genres, so I was keen to get stuck into her latest releases!
Fatal
First up is Fatal, the newest book (it was released in February). At the heart of this tense and suspenseful story is Ken Brady. He’s a thoroughly despicable character, who is guaranteed to get readers’ hackles up.
Something I really like about Lyndhurst’s writing is the way she doesn’t shy away from getting into the heads of unlikable characters, and Ken is no exception to this. He’s an arrogant bully, casting everyone—including his ex-wife, kids, and parents—as losers. Like a typical abuser, “He preferred the respect engendered through fear, and the feeling of power it gave him.” However, when the story becomes a whodunnit, the reader is plunged into a world of suspense and intrigue, where there are many motives but only one killer.
I thought the shifting third-person point of view worked well, switching between various characters (who later become suspects) throughout the book. I also found myself rooting for Monica (Ken’s ex-wife), who made an error in judgement marrying Ken, and is still paying for it. I also found Emmy, Monica and Ken’s fourteen-year-old daughter, a character I could sympathize with. Emmy longs for her father’s approval despite his neglectful treatment of her, which is truly heartbreaking. There is a cast of other characters, too, all of whom are easy to identify with. The themes of trauma, family dynamics, and vengeance makes this a darkly enticing read.
I found this to be a fast-paced thriller, which keeps you in suspense until the end. I didn’t see the final twist coming, and it took my breath away!
The Guilty Party
The Guilty Party is another clever psychological thriller. Once again, the author takes a shifting third-person point of view, allowing the reader to really get inside each character’s mindset.
When some old friends meet up for a birthday party, some dark secrets come to the surface. I liked the way the narrative shifted between past and present. This non-linear style built up the story in a rounded way, adding layers of meaning and keeping me intrigued throughout. I liked the way that what seemed like a cordial get-together is actually the catalyst for the past to resurface, and, indeed, be confronted. Personally, I’m not a fan of social situations or chit-chat, so this novel was really enjoyable, as it presented a scenario where the façade is completely ripped off! In this book, we see behind the social masks that people inevitably hide behind, which makes suspenseful reading. There dialogue and undertones simmer with hostility and secrets, and I found myself glued to the pages. The characters are cleverly crafted and complex, three-dimensional in their own right. There is real emotional tension throughout this book, and I enjoyed the exploration of various themes, such as memory, loneliness, and guilt.
If you’re into psychological thrillers, I’d highly recommend exploring Laura Lyndhurst’s work! Links to her socials can be found by clicking here
The Introverted Bookworm 
Leave a comment