Rock paper scissors Paperback – July 20, 2021

This book has been coming up in suggestions for me for a while, and I’ve always passed it by until now. WOW, am I ever glad I finally gave it a chance! This was a fantastic book.First of all, the way the book was written was unique and interesting. Normally I’m not a huge fan of time jumps, as it often breaks momentum for me. This time, however, they fueled the momentum. The “letters” were carefully constructed with clever and effective red herrings and just enough insight into the couple’s past to have you constantly rethinking what’s actually happening.Second, the twists, especially *the* big twist, absolutely bowled me over. If anyone else guessed the whopper twist in there, I can gladly accept that they are smarter than I am! This author sneaked things by me like none other - I had no idea I was being duped for the majority of the book. Loved it!The ending was a little unfinished - it seems reality was distorted for me right up to the very end. Fantastic, but I felt the end was just slightly unresolved for me. Regardless, it was too good not to give it all 5 stars!! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a super complex puzzle to solve, and will be reading more by this author!

Good read. Had some unexpected twists and turns. The beginning was a little slow but the story picked up in the latter part of the book. I wasn’t expecting some of the surprises but enjoyed the plot twists.

This was an exciting read and moved along fairly quick. I didn't like any of the characters (besides Bob), but I suppose that's the point in this psychological thriller. It was quite suspenseful at times. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure it out. I rarely stay up trying to finish a book (mom needs sleep! 🙃), but I couldn't stop once I got near the end.I found some of the quirky sayings fitting in the story.There were sooo many twists! It was exciting and sometimes was a nice shock 🤯What I didn't like was the many times where it just didn't add up.Adam had prosopagnosia, face blindness, yet he couldn't recognize someone's signature style/look? He wasn't blind!Feeney made it seem like Adam knows more about the church, like he's been there before, by having him miss the squeaky steps and opening the locked doors, etc. But then nothing came of that and he never was there before.There were other loose ends, aspects that were so unrealistic (but didn't ruin the story imo) and puzzling, and there wasn’t much of a closure.The ending ruined it a bit. The ghostly aspect was redeeming for Robin, perhaps those tales (especially about her father) were true after all? However, the box with the trinkets on the grave made sense in referencing rock paper scissors, but made absolutely no sense why they were there and on that grave. That part seemed unnecessary. But I could have totally missed the connection.This story was good, had more potential, but I felt like the author got so caught up in twists that she got lost in where she was headed.

Words that describe Alice Feeney: a very creative, exceptionally talented writer who isn’t afraid to throw in the macabre. She can weave a twisty web and leave you wanting to read portions again. Some of her books are too dark for my taste, but this one led me to read several of her other titles. Her ability to draw you in while leading you on a merry, sometimes creepy, and, in my case at least, surprising chase is superb.

Suspense filled, had me going! The book was intriguing, I was on the edge trying to figure out how this would all work out. But didn’t care for the ending.

"Rock Paper Scissors" by Alice Feeney is a gripping and mind-bending psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. Feeney's third novel takes us on a chilling journey into the depths of human psychology, exploring the intricacies of relationships, trust, and the fragile nature of the human mind.The story revolves around Adam and Amelia Wright, a couple in crisis who embark on a secluded retreat in an attempt to salvage their failing marriage. Isolated in an eerie house in the Welsh countryside, they quickly realize that their decision may have dire consequences. As the tension rises and secrets come to light, the couple becomes entangled in a web of deception, manipulation, and paranoia. Through alternating perspectives and a non-linear narrative, Feeney skillfully constructs a tale that leaves readers questioning everything and everyone.Feeney's writing style is both evocative and addictive, drawing readers deeper into the twisted world she has created. The pacing is relentless, and the short, punchy chapters propel the story forward with a sense of urgency. The author's ability to maintain suspense and create a sense of unease is commendable, as she skillfully plays with readers' expectations, leading them down unexpected paths with surprising twists and turns.The characters in "Rock Paper Scissors" are flawed and complex, making them compelling and relatable. Adam and Amelia are deeply flawed individuals, each battling their own demons, and Feeney delves into their psyches, unraveling their pasts and their true motivations. The exploration of their fractured relationship is poignant and raw, adding an emotional layer to the otherwise tense and chilling narrative.One of the highlights of Feeney's novel is the exploration of the theme of perception and reality. As the story progresses, the line between truth and lies becomes increasingly blurred, and the reader is left questioning the reliability of the narrators. The author masterfully manipulates perceptions, making it difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is a figment of the characters' imagination. This constant sense of doubt and uncertainty keeps the reader engaged, eager to uncover the truth hidden within the layers of the narrative.While "Rock Paper Scissors" is an engrossing and intricately plotted thriller, some readers might find the non-linear structure and frequent shifts in perspective slightly disorienting. The narrative jumps back and forth between past and present, and although this technique adds to the overall mystery, it may require readers to pay close attention to keep track of the events unfolding.In conclusion, "Rock Paper Scissors" is a thought-provoking and suspenseful thriller that showcases Alice Feeney's talent for crafting dark and twisted narratives. With its complex characters, unpredictable twists, and exploration of perception and reality, this novel will leave readers questioning their own assumptions and eager to unravel the secrets hidden within. Fans of psychological thrillers will undoubtedly find this book a gripping and satisfying read.