Dark Corners by Megan Goldin

 I'm pretty sure I've read another Rachel Krall novel before, but I can't remember.  There wasn't any in my blog, so if I did it was a while ago.

Anyway, this book was great.  I enjoyed how the author led us on from the beginning, leaving us guessing until the very end who the real murderer was.  I mean, she definitely gave it away, but it plays out so expertly you would have thought someone else was involved, when they weren't.  

The love story was given or take, but it was a nice added touch, as well.

What I didn't love but was apparently essential to the story plot and elements, were the social influencers.  It is a very contemporary plot line, though.  If anyone is going to understand that world it would be the new millennials.  Way to appeal to the times!

Psychological Elements

This one was a bit tricky.  There is definitely the psychopath element for the serial killer.  His problems were brought on by his poor upbringing and bad parenting.  Unfortunately, he had an incurable disease that made him unapproachable; however, for some reason he chose a profession where his appearance and odor would be judged.  That was an interesting choice.

Terence Bailey's and Maddison's characters were interesting too.  They chose to change their personas in different ways to hide from this killer and blend into their new environments.  One of them was prison, the other was hiding in plain sight on Instagram.  I also found it strange that Maddison chose to put her image out there when she was trying to hide.  Both killer and would be victim were "hiding in plain sight."

She Started It by Sian Gilbert

 Not my favorite.  Point Blank.  It takes place on a deserted island where a begrudged bride to be knocks off her past bullies.  It was so unnerving to even think about doing something that ridiculous as going to a deserted island without cell phone service with someone who essentially blames you for ruining her life.  Needless to say, many end up dead.  

Until the last few chapters, there is very little thriller components to it.  You spend most of the book hating the characters for what they did to this poor girl.  But, you sort of feel like it didn't matter because she became a rich, fancy doctor who can afford a private island retreat for 5.  Until the twist ...

Psychological Elements

Depression, suicide, self-mutilation, bullying, and more...

The high school girls were definitely mean and belittled the main character for seemingly no reason.  Much like many other young girls in high school, she was just trying to find herself.  All these girls did was ruin everything she held close to her.  Everything but her sister ...

Did I like the ending?  Not really.  But, come to think of it, I don't think I liked the beginning or middle either. 

This one was just not for me.  What are your thoughts?

The Last Word by Taylor Adams

 Not my favorite.

Well, the literary quality was there.  Lots of suspenseful elements and twists and turns.  But, my level of anxiety was elevated throughout every page of this book and nothing brought it down.  That's why it wasn't my favorite.  Don't get me wrong, I love a good suspenseful thriller, but holy, moly work up to it!  From the second I started reading until the very end, it was hard to catch my breath.  If that was what the author was going for, then kudos!  If not, then, well, it didn't work.

I will say this:  Great job putting it altogether in the end!  I didn't feel like there were any missing pieces and even the dog makes out ok!

Psychological Elements

Many different elements were brought into play, such as social isolation, anxiety, depression, suicidality, and psychopathy.  You get the sense that the main character is hiding something or that something terrible happened for her to retreat into isolation, but it is not what you think.  I did feel a connection to all the characters, even the aggressor.  The situation was believable, yet unbelievable.

Anyway, read it yourself and tell me what you think.