Matt McAvoy Book Review

I would probably put this taut offering by Keira Mayock in the crime melodrama category, rather than calling it a standard formula, suspense-style, twisty thriller.  Rather than threat there is an underlying feeling of family betrayal, and I don’t think you ever really feel any danger imminent – though, to be honest, I think much of this may be because of the relatively small cast of equally rather dislikeable characters, if masterfully crafted.  In hindsight, I could actually envision this as a stage play in three acts: the first featuring Cindy and Nigel, the second a solo scene starring Cherie, and the third portraying the three of them; there are really no other significant parts in the play, other than very early on.  Of course, though, it is instead a novel, and a rather decent one, I have to say; just don’t expect to endear to anyone in it.  There are no real twists to speak of, with perhaps the exception of a revelation of the sisters’ history, which does satisfy the reader. 

The real appeal is in Keira’s writing; she chooses several styles to deliver her narrative, and does them all well; she is undoubtedly a fine author capable of quality craftsmanship, although I would like to see her get her teeth into a complex thriller piece.  This one hints in a small way at that, and in the early chapters looks to be veering toward the Gone Girl path, but ultimately it becomes about relationships and exploration beneath the surface of social veneers; with its erotically-charged energy, there is perhaps more Danielle Steel than Gillian Flynn – equally good company to be in, of course.  Don’t get me wrong, I am in no way complaining; indeed, I often find drama fiction personally more engaging than much of the suspense I read.  I think my biggest issue with the book is that the premise of it is somewhat contrary.  There is an unambiguous foundation of feminism underpinning its whole theme, with continual references to the inequality and might required to breaking through the glass ceiling, which gives the book and its lead real muscle, but then ultimately you really just have two women, one vastly successful, willing to risk everything for the love of a man – and one who is, in all honesty, a bit of a loser and not much of a catch.  For me, this undermined that tough feminine premise a touch.

Still, I don’t want to undermine it in any way; it is well worth a read.  Regardless of my own ideas for the plot and misgivings about the characters, when getting down to the bottom line (if you’ll excuse the pun), I really couldn’t put it down for two days – and in the end that’s the things that matters most when reading fiction.  If you have a few days to yourself, maybe shut in by the weather, you could do a lot worse.  Personally, I really look forward to seeing what else Keira has up her sleeve, because I don’t doubt there is plenty more up there.