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Bring Me Back
Bring Me Back
B.A. Paris | 2018 | Thriller
8
7.9 (14 Ratings)
Book Rating
Unnerving with lots of twists
B. A. Paris returns once again with a deeply troubling psychological thriller following a couple and a woman, who disappeared 12 years ago.

Finn and his girlfriend Layla are in France before she mysteriously vanishes, leaving him to answer police questions over her disappearance. Fast forward 12 years, and Finn has settled down, about to marry Layla's older, much more mature sister, but suddenly bizarre events begin to occur, and they wonder - has she returned?

The entire book is unnerving, moving between several narratives and voices, first establishing Finn's version of the past and the present. And then soon after, another voice emerges, and you're left to question whether it really is Layla.

While you do get an inkling with 30 minutes left of the book about what could be possible - it is written so that the final reveal is still harrowing and shocking. Another gripping thriller from Paris.
  
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Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Promise in Books

Dec 15, 2020  
The Promise
The Promise
Teresa Driscoll | 2019 | Thriller
5
7.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
An average thriller
I havent reviewed anything in a few weeks and this is the first book I've read in a while, and to be honest despite being a thriller, it didn't really thrill me.

The problem with this book is the premise and the fact that the whole plot revolves around a huge secret that you are kept guessing about as long as possible. And whilst the secret wasn't quite what I was expecting, it wasn't particularly shocking either. That paired with a group of main characters that I found myself caring very little about didn't make this story any more enjoyable. Also the writing itself was questionable. It seemed to ramble on in sections and I've never seen any other author use "..." as much as Teresa Driscoll does.

Overall whilst this was bearable to read, I didnt find it hugely enjoyable or particularly memorable. I'm not entirely sure psychological thrillers are for me!
  
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Erika (17789 KP) rated The Shining (1980) in Movies

Nov 25, 2018 (Updated Nov 25, 2018)  
The Shining (1980)
The Shining (1980)
1980 | Horror
I just watched this film for the first time yesterday. I don't typically watch horror films/scary movies because I have an overactive imagination and don't need any other nightmare fuel.
I was finally convinced after a conversation with a co-worker when we were talking about how sometimes people just snap, and he emphasized how Jack Torrance's actions were completely fitting with a psychological break. I had also seen various references to the film, such as the extended scene in Ready Player One, and a South Park Halloween episode when Randy Marsh buys a Blockbuster and the same situation happens.
I wouldn't actually deem this as a straight-up horror film, it was definitely more of a psychological thriller. It was so well done (haven't read the book, nor will I ever, not a fan of Stephen King). The music fitting with the cinematography and creating the mood and overall tension in the film. It's definitely one of the best films I've watched as of late, and I'm glad I finally got around to it.
  
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Andy K (10823 KP) Nov 25, 2018

It is a masterpiece for sure. You should try and find documentary Room 237 which talks a lot about The Shining and how Kubrick filmed the fake moon landing.

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Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Fellside in Books

Apr 27, 2018  
Fellside
Fellside
M.R. Carey | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
10
7.3 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Fellside was a unique combination of psychological, thriller, supernatural, crime, and romance. When I say psychological, it was because it makes you think; thriller because I couldn't put it down, and found my heart racing; romance not in the typical sense of the term, but a deep and surprising love that brought all the characters to a new level, and puts the reader in a different frame of mind. It was the kind of book you know is completely unrealistic, but since the author believes in it, you believe in it. It begins with a mysterious tug, and right as you fall in love with the main character she starts to break your heart. M. R. Carey doesn’t write cute books, or sweet books, or books that are easy to read. They make you think and confront how you feel about certain things; but it’s beautiful in it’s own way. I am totally in love with this story, this world, the concept, and the way it all comes together in the end. I definitely recommend it for ages 16+, but not as a light beach-read or hour-at-a-time read. Sit down and chew on this one, and let your mind go where it wants to. Content/Recommendation: Ages 16+ for some violent scenes. This is a women's prison. - See more at: http://www.thelifeandlies.com/2016/07/book-review-fellside-by-m-r-carey.html#sthash.DM728BD3.dpuf
  
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Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Promise in Books

Feb 28, 2019 (Updated Mar 1, 2019)  
The Promise
The Promise
Teresa Driscoll | 2019 | Thriller
8
7.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
More of a slow building suspense novel then a psychological thriller.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

I was intrigued as soon as I read the opening of The Promise by Teresa Driscoll. The story has a few twists and turns but, based on the book's description and opening, I expected it to be much darker than it is. However, although I enjoyed the novel, I would not consider it to be dark. It is more of a slow building suspense novel then a psychological thriller.

Three girls, Beth, Sally, and Carol, were best friends at a boarding school and as close as sisters. Something happens and they make a promise to never tell the secret of what happened.

Years later, all of them have been affected by the secret in different ways. Beth and Sally are still close friends but Carol has become estranged. When they find out the boarding school is to be sold and demolished, fearing their secret will be revealed, Beth and Sally attempt to find Carol..

Driscoll wanted to establish a intense connection between the girls but did not want to make them sisters. The setting helps you to understand why the girls would keep the secret.

I have added Teresa Driscoll's I Am Watching You to my want to read list.

Published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 2/28/19.
  
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Awix (3310 KP) Mar 1, 2019

What exactly is a 'physiological thriller'? Is it like a psychological thriller but with more exercise...? Sorry.

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Christine A. (965 KP) Mar 1, 2019

Haha. Oops. That might have changed my rating. Gotta love spell check. I'll fix it. A huge thanks for letting me know but mostly thank you for reading the review.

I Know Who You Are
I Know Who You Are
10
8.8 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Aimee Sinclair: the actress everyone thinks they know but can’t remember where from. But I know exactly who you are. I know what you’ve done. And I am watching you.
When Aimee comes home and discovers her husband is missing, she doesn’t seem to know what to do or how to act. The police think she’s hiding something and they’re right, she is – but perhaps not what they thought. Aimee has a secret she’s never shared, and yet, she suspects that someone knows. As she struggles to keep her career and sanity intact, her past comes back to haunt her in ways more dangerous than she could have ever imagined.

This is an absolutely brilliant psychological thriller.
This is an interesting story set in two different time periods. The novel begins in 2017 with Aimee as an aspiring actress.
The character of Aimee is very well written, and the book flows well between the past and present.
I really enjoyed the pacing, writing and the characters. I liked that the different timelines were very easily distinguishable,.
This novel had me completely gripped from start to finish.
The ending is superb, this will keep you guessing until the end.
Tense, dark at times, quietly disturbing, massively twisty and extremely clever, this is a very good psychological Thriller.
Highly Recommended.!

Many thanks to Netgalley/Alice Feeney/HQ for a digital copy of this title.