If you need something great to read and love a captivating psychological thriller, then I have a recommendation for you. I just finished reading Shell Games by Bonnie Kistler, which is exciting in how skillfully the suspense builds. This mystery will explore the complexities of family, power and manipulation that will keep you turning the pages.
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The novel centers around Kate Sawyer, an extremely rich, glamorous and powerful real estate developer in Florida. The story begins the day of her second marriage to her high school sweetheart, Charlie. Kate had loved him her whole life, but circumstances had them going their separate ways until her daughter, Julie’s husband brought him into their fold again soon rekindling their romance.
On their wedding night, Charlie confesses to an unsolved murder spree that happened years earlier. Kate naturally panics and phones Julie and the police, but Charlie denies it. He blames Kate’s accusation on too much drinking at the wedding. Julie’s husband, Eric, a doctor, insists his mother-in-law that he never liked has dementia.
Among all the lengths Eric goes through to have Kate committed to Julie’s constant digging, she doesn’t know who to trust or believe with all the twists and turns this novel takes trying to figure out who is gaslighting who in order to get access to Kate’s enormous wealth. Gaslighting is manipulating someone’s emotions enough to have them questioning their own reality, thoughts and feelings.
I don’t want to spoil this novel for you by giving away too much, but I loved it. This is the first novel by Bonnie Kistler that I have ever read, but it won’t be the last.
The author skillfully weaves a web of intrigue, leaving readers guessing about the true motivations and hidden agendas of the characters. This book is one that won’t disappoint you with a cast of well-developed characters, pacing, descriptive narrative, and an intriguing plot.
With its twists and turns, Shell Games is a gripping read that will keep you guessing until the very end. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with complex characters and a suspenseful plot, this book is a must-read. Shell Games by Bonnie Kistler that I shared here in this review is set for release November 19, 2024 from HarperCollins. Grab it for your next read on Amazon!
