Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher HQ for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.
Expected: 14 May 2020
For fifteen years, Lexi and Jake have played the same six numbers with their friends, the Pearsons and the Heathcotes. But then, one Saturday night, the unthinkable happens. There’s a rift in the group. Someone doesn’t tell the truth. And soon after, six numbers come up which change everything forever.
Lexi and Jake have a ticket worth £18 million. And their friends are determined to claim a share of it.
The Review
This one got me pondering the definition of a psychological thriller. I expect drama, action, tension and most-importantly a mystery to solve - I want to try and work out 'who-dunnit' and why. So, in that respect this was quite slow paced as it was nearly two-thirds of the way in before there was any drama to unpick.
However, the definition of a psychological thriller is more about a story which emphasises the psychology of the characters and their emotional states and behaviour. So, from that respect this was totally a psychological thriller but it's definitely more a compelling tale of relationships, secrets and the dark sides of human nature. And, in hindsight I think that's what author Adele Parks is known for and the focus of her books - her astute observations of human nature.
Even without the drama and mystery that I was expecting the concept of winning the lottery and how much that would/could change your life was totally fascinating and more than enough to hook me in during the slow start. The question being would you be like Lexi who wanted to continue doing the job she loves, live in the same house and simply buy Teapig tea bags instead of own brand? Or would you be like Jake who wanted the biggest, flashier, most expensive or everything from clothes to Ferraris and houses just because he could.
You never truly know who you'd react and that's why Lexi is shocked as Jake changes from a loving family an into a frivolous, arrogant, self-obessessed man. I guess (hope) I'm more of a Lexi and that's why I took to her character - down-to-earth, kind and loyal. As the narrative is also mainly Lexi's point of view, with a few chapters from her fifteen-year-old daughter Emily, I also got to know and understand Lexi better than the other characters.
Once the mystery part got going there were a few twists and turns, but honestly I preferred the way it was going to the actual reveal. Disappointingly the author leaves a few questions unanswered with Lexi even saying "I guess that will remain a mystery for ever". I also didn't really understand the final chapter- I'm not sure if I just didn't get it or did but didn't see the point.
All-in-all an enjoyable, thought-provoking read but I wanted a bit more drama and mystery.
The author
Adele Parks is one the biggest selling women's fiction authors in the UK, having sold over a million copies of her novels.
Follow @adeleparks on Twitter or find out more at www.adeleparks.com
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