Gripping Secrets and Shadows: A Review of Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
As I flipped through the pages of Rock Paper Scissors, I couldn’t help but feel a unique resonance with the themes of love, distrust, and the terrifying unknown—especially as I celebrated my own twentieth anniversary during this chilling read. Alice Feeney’s latest psychological thriller caught my attention for its intricate weaving of marital woes set against a backdrop of suspense and mystery. The stakes are high, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
At the heart of the story are Adam and Amelia Wright, a couple desperately trying to salvage their crumbling marriage during a weekend getaway to the eerie Blackwater Chapel in the Scottish Highlands. Neither of them is fully aware that this trip may become a test of life or death. Adam, a successful screenwriter grappling with prosopagnosia—which prevents him from recognizing faces—represents a deeply flawed man trying to reconnect with his distant wife throughout their ten-year marriage. Amelia, on the other hand, is carrying her own secrets, and it becomes evident that they both wear masks that hide their true selves.
Feeney skillfully alternates between Adam’s and Amelia’s perspectives, allowing readers to dive deep into their tangled emotions and histories. There were moments when their thoughts echoed my own marital experiences, particularly when Amelia reflects, “We’re both pretty good at keeping up appearances.” This statement hits home, resonating with anyone who has ever felt the weight of unspoken truths and hidden regrets.
The pacing in Rock Paper Scissors is exceptional, weaving tension and atmosphere that had me clutching my blanket as the Scottish winter storms trapped the couple (and me!) inside. The usage of the titular game is not just a clever motif; it is artfully integrated into the structure, adding layers of meaning to their marital struggles. You can feel the chill not only from the weather but through the gradual reveal of secrets and the intertwining fates of Adam, Amelia, and an intriguing third character, Robin.
Feeney’s writing captivates with evocative imagery—every shadowy nook and cranny of the chapel feels like a character itself. Lines like, “I count three rusted metal rings embedded in the wall, and do my best not to think about what they were used for,” create an atmosphere thick with suspense, making me wonder just how far Feeney would take this unraveling tale.
As for the narrative’s twists? You’ll find yourself saying, “Wait, what?” more than once, especially as the climax accelerates. Just when you think you have a grip on everything, Feeney pulls the rug out from under you, revealing the complexity of truth and perception. But—and this is crucial—the marketing might raise some eyebrows, especially if one reads the descriptions closely. I felt a disconnect between the promotional hints and the book’s actual narrative, which left me pondering the ethics of unreliable narrators versus outright misleading advertising.
In conclusion, Rock Paper Scissors is a captivating read for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers steeped in emotional complexity. Couples seeking to examine their own experiences may find themselves analyzing the Wrights’ dysfunction. Whether you’re curled up in arms of an old lover or gazing skeptically at your plans for adventure, this book promises a thrill that’s hard to shake. So, grab your favorite warm drink and prepare for a chilling journey through love, deception, and the chilling echoes of secrets long buried. Just remember to keep a neck brace handy for the wild ride to the finish!