The mystery/suspense
genre is not something that I personally enjoy and unfortunately this one has
not converted me into a fan. I found the characters rather shallow and cliched
and the build-up to a climax never really materialised (Review by Fiona de
Goede)
A Twisted Love Story
by Samantha Downing is a tale about two people who are really not very good for
one another – in fact, their relationship could well be classified as toxic. Wes
and Ivy have a roller coaster life together. There are times when it is really
very, very good and all seems to be moonlight and roses. But, when it goes bad
it is really very bad.
Wes Harmon and Ivy Banks met at college at a Theta Rho fraternity party. She was not the most beautiful girl there and Wes was certainly not the all-American boy next door.
However, there was something about Ivy that piqued his interest. The attraction was mutual and it wasn’t long before they were a couple.
During a particularly bad break-up, Ivy accuses Wes of stalking her and lodges a complaint at the local police station. Detective Karen Colglazier takes on the case and makes it her business to find evidence against Wes. As the story unfolds, the reason for her absolute belief that Wes is indeed guilty of stalking Ivy gradually comes to light.
Wes and Ivy share a secret, something that happened a long time ago and which they never, ever refer to or talk about. Something so catastrophic that should the truth get out, one of them could be accused of murder.
Then, a series of events that occur at Wes’s workplace has Detective Karen Colglazier investigate the matter. After she digs around and starts asking awkward questions, Wes and Ivy realise that for them to survive they need to stand together and bond like never before. This will be the ultimate test of their love for one another.
Samantha Downing has written three previous novels and has won several awards. Her debut novel was a Sunday Times bestseller and has been published in 30 languages. A film adaptation by Nicole Kidman is also in the pipeline.
The mystery/suspense genre is not something that I personally enjoy and unfortunately this one has not converted me into a fan. I found the characters rather shallow and cliched and the build-up to a climax never really materialised. This is, of course, my opinion and I have no doubt that lovers of this particular genre will probably find some value in this offering from Samantha Downing.
Published by Penguin Random House SA: ISBN 978-0-241-44691-1 - Fiona de Goede
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