Karen Clarke is on edge and trying to keep a grip on a life that is quickly unraveling. Rex Capel, the father of her daughter Alice, has just come home from prison where he served ten years for murder. After his release, Karen is determined that they have the best possible chance at a normal life, but sinister phone calls and a nosy reporter threaten to expose Karen’s family to unknown danger and lingering secrets from the past.
The Poison Tree: A Novel, by Erin Kelly is a wonderfully absorbing debut novel that deftly navigates the past and present while keeping the reader in suspense about a murder that changed the lives of a group of friends. A sort of backward murder mystery, if you will, we know the identity of the killer, but what we don’t know is why he did it or whom he killed. The story unfolds in Karen’s first person narrative, and everyone the reader meets as Karen shares the story of their past, is a potential murder victim. The reader’s inquiring mind supplies plenty of dramatic tension through all the twists (some of which are readily suspected and others not so much).
The characters in The Poison Tree are easily recognizable and familiar. Karen is an overachieving and class conscious student – a step behind and in awe of her wealthy friends, Biba is a free spirited party girl who befriends and bewitches Karen, and Rex is Biba’s overprotective and passionate brother with whom Karen eventually becomes involved. The summer that Karen spends with Biba and Rex is an eye opener for her, exposed for the first time to a seemingly carefree bohemian existence complete with drugs and wild parties. As the trio grew closer, it was interesting to watch and see where shifting dynamics and emerging insecurities would lead them. There were so many possibilities to sift through as I got sucked into their world.
This well crafted psychological suspense novel will definitely appeal if you have ever been a fan of murder mysteries that overturn the worlds of close knit college students. Pick this one up when you have a good chunk of time to devote to it because after the initial chapters, it is very hard to put this book down.
Review copy.
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This sounds like a good one, Nicole. I do love a good psychological thriller. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Literary Feline´s last [type] ..Sunday Salon- Culling the Shelves again
Every now and then I’m in the mood for a good thriller, and this one sounds great. Terrific review, Nicole!
This sounds sooo good!! I can’t wait to read it!
Jenny´s last [type] ..Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
I love murder mysteries, but this one sounds like it is unique in how the mystery is unveiled. Very creative!
Sandy´s last [type] ..Monday Movie Meme – If You Build It- They Will Come
Sandy, it was just as much tension as if it had been the other way around. I was dying to know who got killed.
The more I read about this book the more curious I become…another for my wishlist.
Jess – A Book Hoarder´s last [type] ..Giveaway – Waiting for Columbus – Audiobook
Great review Nicole! I love a good thriller and this sounds like one to add to my list.
iliana´s last [type] ..Winner & Misc
Wow, coming right off of reading The Likeness, this sounds wonderful! ;O)
Yes! It did remind me of The Likeness and The Secret History. If you like the feel of those books, you will likely enjoy this one.
Averting my eyes! Yay you for reading this so fast. I hope to get to it before February.
Beth F´s last [type] ..Review- The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown
I do the same thing! Jen made me read it.
This one is right up my alley! I’m adding it to my overwhelming TBR list right now!
I actually enjoy a thriller told in this “backward” manner so this sounds like a real winner to me.
bermudaonion (Kathy)´s last [type] ..Review- I- Alex Cross
I definitely want to read this book, so I’m glad you enjoyed it!
S. Krishna´s last [type] ..Book Review- The Janus Stone – Elly Griffiths
I’m so excited to read this one – I’ve had this for a few months since the SIBA Trade Show Event in Daytona Beach. Not sure why I’m delaying in reading this one…
Coffee and a Book Chick´s last [type] ..Monday- Monday! What Are You Reading