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Lauren (1 KP) rated Disclaimer in Books

Jan 24, 2018  
Disclaimer
Disclaimer
Renee Knight | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
7
7.1 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
The ending was a complete surprise, as well as the premise being a really good idea. (0 more)
Execution of the premise wasn't as amazing as expected. First few chapters a bit slow and wobbly, but the second half makes up for it. (0 more)
A good debut from Renee Knight
At surface level, this is a really good psychological suspense/thriller book. However, you will find flaws if you look deeper. I couldn't really relate to any characters, I didn't particularly like or become attached to any of them, but the multi-layered family conflict was good and realistic.
  
Then She Was Gone
Then She Was Gone
Lisa Jewell | 2017 | Thriller
7
8.1 (21 Ratings)
Book Rating
A little far-fetched but still exciting
While this thriller seems highly unlikely, it is pretty exciting with twist after twist. More than a decade after the disappearance and death of Ellie Mack, mother Laurel begins a new relationship with a family with a sinister connection.

Some aspects seem hugely unrealistic, i.e. relying on face value to make judgements, and the interconnections appear a little tenuous but this book should be enjoyed as an exhilarating read, rather than a psychological drama. There is very little character development, and sparse information regarding the wider characters such as Hannah and Paul. However, it's interesting nonetheless.
  
Delirium (2018)
Delirium (2018)
2018 | Horror
The story and acting. (0 more)
The slow pace at times. (0 more)
Well Done
This psychological thriller on Netflix turned out to be pretty interesting. Topher Grace did a good job playing his role as the main protagonist. No flashy effects or true scares but the story played out well and ended up being pretty twisted. Kept you wondering what was in his head and what wasn't throughout most of the movie. I'd definitely recommend this one. The cinematography was well done and all the actors played their parts well. It's kind of slow moving at times, but really worth a watch!
  
Last Night in Soho (2021)
Last Night in Soho (2021)
2021 | Drama, Horror, Thriller
The 60's timeframe makes for an awesome aesthetic (2 more)
Great acting
Thought I figured it out halfway through. Then came the twists
Dark and mature subject matter may be a bit triggering for some viewers (0 more)
Very slick and stylish psychological thriller!
Any time Edgar Wright is at the helm, you know you're in for a treat, and this film is no exception! Slick and stylish visuals, an intriguing story, and excellent acting from the leads. If you're a horror fan, you'll love it! If you're an Edgar Wright fan, you'll love it. Honestly, check it out either way. You'll be glad you did!
  
The Killing Kind
The Killing Kind
Jane Casey | 2021 | Crime, Thriller
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Killing Kind is a gripping psychological thriller packed full of suspense. I didn’t know who to trust - even the main character, a barrister, is pretty unreliable. It’s hard to put a finger on who the bad guys are: it’s not black and white, but shades of grey. So this is a book that will keep you guessing from start to finish.

It’s always interesting when the character you’re not supposed to like (in this case it’s John Webster, a stalker amongst other things) is more likeable than Ingrid, the main character. And the police don’t seem to be much better.

I really enjoyed this - it’s the second Jane Casey book I’ve read, and I doubt it’ll be the last. If you like psychological thrillers, you’ll love this!

Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this 😊
  
Red Dragon (Hannibal Lecter #1)
Red Dragon (Hannibal Lecter #1)
Thomas Harris | 1981 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.1 (15 Ratings)
Book Rating
I really wish I read this when I was in high school. This book really would have been right up my alley. The story was so complex that I would have devoured it within days. This would have been one of those books that I stayed up late reading under my covers. However, reading this book showed me how much I have changed & how my tastes in books have changed as well. Personally I am not a huge fan of mysteries. I find them dull, and typically I avoid them. The weird thing is that I love mystery thrillers. I have always found them fascinating especially if it is a psychological thriller.

Red Dragon is that psychological thriller that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat once you get passed the half way mark. The beginning of the book dragged for me. I would have loved more of an action packed thriller vs. a mystery turned thriller. Though the first half was essential for establishing characters I truly felt that it dragged. I'm typically used to a book that jolts you into the action instead of taking a lazy river ride to a waterfall. I want the rapids. So, due to the first half, it took me forever to finish. One thing that I really liked about the first half was how much it messed with my mind. Honestly I had trouble reading it before I went to bed simply because of the dreams it created at night. I had to make sure every door and window was locked before I went to bed simply to help sooth my mind so that I could get some sleep.

Though the story dragged for the first half, the second half made up for it. I found myself entranced by the thriller aspect of the writing & loved how complex the story truly was. It has been years since I last watched Red Dragon (the movie) so at times the story felt fresh and new. It was weird, sexual in strange spots, and honestly something that I have never read before. Thomas Harris was able to create a serial killer that will make you cringe, sympathize with, and wish they were dead all at different moments. It was fascinating to read.

All in all, I enjoyed the book. It isn't my favorite book but it was an interesting read that makes me yearn to watch the movies again. I probably will not continue on in the series but I'm happy that I did take the time to read it.
  
Without a Word
Without a Word
Kate McQuaile | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Without A Word by Kate McQuaile is an exciting thriller which starts with two girls talking to each other over the Internet, Skyping. Imagine the scene, you’re chatting away, the doorbell rings and your friend says she’ll just answer it quickly and then come straight back. Only she never comes back and that’s the last you hear of her… and then the house goes up in flames and you don’t know if she’s in it or not.

To me that’s a great basis for a murder, mystery, psychological thriller and I read it fast and furiously – enjoying every minute of this mystery. I couldn’t put it down until I’d finished it – all 368 pages of it!

It is indeed a fast-paced, twisty tale, and it totally absorbed a few hours of my time as I joined Orla and her hunt for clues to Lillian’s whereabouts. Did she survive the fire, or was she taken? Surely, she wouldn’t have any reason to go into hiding, and not tell her best friend Orla. Would she?
  
Fight Club
Fight Club
Chuck Palahniuk | 1996 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.4 (30 Ratings)
Book Rating
Well, I have finally read a Chuck Palahniuk book and I definitely enjoyed it.

I really enjoyed the movie so naturally I decided to read the book. I wish that I would have read the book first though. I would have loved to experience the twist as a reader and not just a film watcher.

The characters are very interesting and the writing was solid. This isn't my normal type of book but I did enjoy it. Chuck Palahniuk has a way of messing with your head and it shows in this book. It was a fun psychological thriller and I look forward to reading more of his novels.
  
I enjoyed Rebecca Reid’s compelling debut novel Perfect Liars.

Perfect Liars is a thoroughly satisfying character driven psychological thriller. It’s cleverly plotted and clear from the beginning, despite being paced on the slow side, that it is a compelling tale.

The characters are somewhat unlikeable in that they are typical stereotypical pretentious, entitled, self-centered women. The story is told using a dual timeline, past and present. Whilst they display a close friendship to the world it is deeply flawed.

There are certain parts of the storyline that I felt were a little too unbelievable and that is why this does not get a full five stars from me.
  
The Couple Next Door
The Couple Next Door
Shari Lapena | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
6
8.0 (75 Ratings)
Book Rating
Another major new talent to emerge in the last few years. The narrative begins with a dinner party, a couple leave their child to go next door, taking the baby monitor and checking in every half hour. Not enough to prevent a nightmare unravelling. This is a psychological thriller that pulls you into the worst possible situation and drags you through a multitude of twists and turns. The tag line, ‘People are capable of almost anything’ really doesn’t prepare you for the shocking revelations within the pages. It leads you to question how well you know those around you and how much stress it takes to push people to the edge.