Review of Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
When I first picked up Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney, I was enticed by the dual appeal of marital tension and the haunting atmosphere of a remote Scottish chapel. As someone who just celebrated a significant milestone in my own marriage, I was curious to see how Feeney would weave a tale of love, secrets, and suspense. Little did I know that this gripping thriller would not only explore the fragility of relationships but would also keep me on the edge of my seat, eagerly flipping pages as the plot unraveled!
At the heart of this story are Adam and Amelia, a couple whose marriage is teetering on the brink. Adam, a screenwriter plagued by prosopagnosia (face blindness), struggles with more than just his inability to recognize the faces of those he loves; he grapples with the shadows looming over his relationship with Amelia. Their weekend getaway to Blackwater Chapel is meant to salvage what’s broken—yet the stakes quickly escalate, transforming their retreat into a psychological battleground where every move feels precarious.
Feeney’s writing style dazzles with its sharp wit and palpable tension. She expertly alternates between Adam’s and Amelia’s perspectives, allowing readers to delve deep into the minds of both characters. This shifting narrative not only reveals their internal struggles but also raises the stakes as secrets unfold. The repetitive motif of the titular game—“Rock, Paper, Scissors”—is ingeniously tied into the trajectory of their relationship, illustrating how their choices can either bind them together or tear them apart.
One particularly striking quote that resonated with me was: “We’re both pretty good at keeping up appearances and I find people see what they want to see.” This line hit home, reflecting the masks we often wear in our own relationships. It’s a sentiment that feels both intimate and universal, and Feeney captures it beautifully in her storytelling.
The atmospheric setting of Blackwater Chapel serves as more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right. The desolate, snow-locked location, riddled with eerie whispers and ghostly scratches, amplifies the tension and mystery. I found myself shivering, not just from the setting but from the haunting possibilities that linger in the air.
As I turned the final pages, my heart raced with each revealed twist, each revelation felt tantalizingly close yet utterly shocking. The intricate layering of secrets, the unreliable narratives, and the tension between what’s real and what’s imagined kept me guessing until the very last moment. I couldn’t help but think, Who can I chat with about this ending?
Rock Paper Scissors is a mesmerizing thriller that will appeal to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories steeped in psychological complexity and a dash of the supernatural. Feeney’s ability to combine marital strife with spine-tingling suspense is nothing short of brilliance. If you are looking for a gripping read that explores the depths of love, trust, and the eerie unknown, this book should be at the top of your list.
In celebrating this thrilling journey alongside Adam and Amelia, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own marriage—its challenges and triumphs. Rock Paper Scissors serves as a reminder that relationships require consistent work, yet the unpredictable nature of love makes every moment worth cherishing. So grab a cozy blanket and your favorite drink—trust me, you’ll want to stay up late with this one!
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