A pacey 4-star thriller, Beneath the Fear by Sheila Rawlings could be the book you need right now.
The plot:
She thought the nightmare was over. It was only just beginning.
Spoilt and indulged since childhood, Samantha Copeland believes bad things only happen to other people. However, after witnessing her husband’s murder during a bank robbery in Oxford, that illusion is cruelly shattered.
Traumatised by the experience, Sam eventually retreats to the Cornish coast, where she hopes to heal her fragile state of mind. Unfortunately, instead of the peace she so desperately craves, she soon finds her vulnerability tested to breaking point by a series of unnerving and unexplained incidents. However, after meeting her enigmatic neighbour, Tony Walker, and local handyman, Nathan Scott, Sam soon discovers the worst is yet to come.
This would be the sort of thriller drama that you see on BBC
The reason I say that it’s the book you could need right now is because of how fast-paced and easy it is to read. It’s not too heavy, and definitely got me out of a minor slump which always hits around January/February time for me.
There’s lots of conversation, and although there is some repetition on occasions, it’s consistently moving forward to the climatic ending. You’re also given an incredibly intriguing prologue at the beginning of the book, giving you a taste for what’s to come.
Rawlings really knows how to set the scene for a book and introduce you to the world and characters without being drawn-out and wishy-washy, which I hate in thrillers – you immediately get drawn into Beneath the Fear.
The plot was great – you sort of knew what was coming as you have only the main characters to contend with, but still a shocking revelation when the ending comes. It’s not over quickly, and you’re given a very satisfying ending.
The reason this hasn’t got the full 5-stars for me is because it’s not particularly unique – I really enjoyed one aspect which I was surprised about, especially with how the author manipulates you (love it), but overall, it’s a commercial thriller.
This would be the sort of thriller drama that you see on BBC split over several episodes, and honestly, I was matching the characters to actors in my head and seeing it allllll play out. It’s definitely a cinematic read.
I’d recommend to anyone who just needs a good thriller in their life right now, without it being confusing or overwhelmingly violent – the whole scene of Sam’s husband is upsetting to read, but overall, there’s no intense writings to worry about.
Beneath the Fear, Sheila Rawlings, RRP £7.99 (paperback); Amazon
Pages: 356
Independently published
Genre: Thriller
