Rock Paper Scissors: A Gripping Psychological Thriller of Marital Secrets and Deadly Games

Alice Feeney’s Rock Paper Scissors throws readers headfirst into the chilling depths of a marriage teetering on the brink. This isn’t just a weekend getaway; it’s a final, desperate gamble for Adam and Amelia Wright. As they escape to the remote, snow-laden Scottish Highlands, the isolation of Blackwater Chapel becomes a stark backdrop for their unraveling relationship and the secrets they’ve long harbored. For fans of suspenseful thrillers, Rock Paper Scissors delivers a masterclass in атмосферics and escalating tension, all while cleverly weaving in the intriguing motif of the childhood game, Rock Paper Scissors.

Setting the Scene: Isolation and Atmosphere in the Scottish Highlands

Blackwater Chapel, nestled in the remote Scottish Highlands, becomes more than just a picturesque setting; it’s a character in itself. Feeney expertly crafts an atmosphere of isolation from the outset. With “zero bars” on their phones and an eight-hour drive from London in Amelia’s unreliable “tin-can antique” Morris Minor, the Wrights are truly cut off from the world. The setting amplifies the sense of unease and vulnerability. The descriptions of the ancient stone chapel, the biting cold, and the unreliable power all contribute to a palpable feeling of spookiness, even before any overtly mysterious events unfold. This masterful use of setting is a hallmark of Rock Paper Scissors, drawing readers into the Wrights’ claustrophobic world.

Characters and Premise: A Marriage Defined by Secrets and “Rock Paper Scissors”

At the heart of Rock Paper Scissors are Adam and Amelia Wright, a couple grappling with a decade of marriage strained by unspoken truths and deep-seated resentments. Adam, a successful screenwriter, lives with prosopagnosia, or face blindness, a condition that adds a layer of complexity to his interactions and perceptions. This unique trait, while a personal challenge for Adam, also serves as a compelling narrative device, blurring the lines of trust and recognition within the thriller. Amelia, working at Battersea Dogs Home, is seemingly more grounded, yet equally enigmatic.

The novel cleverly incorporates Adam’s early screenplay success, aptly titled Rock Paper Scissors, as a recurring motif. This game, seemingly simple, becomes symbolic of the choices, chances, and potentially harmful dynamics within their marriage. The structure of the novel itself echoes the game’s elements, hinting at the calculated moves and unpredictable outcomes that define Adam and Amelia’s weekend – and their relationship. The premise is immediately engaging: can this weekend mend their broken marriage, or will it shatter completely, leaving only one survivor?

Spooky Atmosphere and Mystery: Unseen Presences and Locked Doors

While Rock Paper Scissors is firmly rooted in psychological suspense, Feeney doesn’t shy away from weaving in elements of gothic mystery. Blackwater Chapel is depicted as undeniably spooky. Ancient stone walls, a basement crypt converted into a wine cellar, and tales of unsettling occurrences contribute to an atmosphere ripe with tension. Mysterious notes left by a supposed housekeeper, unexplained sounds, and doors that seem to lock and unlock on their own all heighten the sense that something is amiss beyond the marital discord.

Feeney masterfully uses атмосферics to keep readers on edge. The crypt scene, described with shadows cast by candlelight, evokes classic suspense novels and films, adding layers of chilling imagery to the narrative. Are these strange events simply products of heightened nerves in an isolated location, or is there something more sinister at play? This ambiguity is crucial to the thriller’s effectiveness, keeping readers guessing about the true nature of the threat facing Adam and Amelia.

Twists and Turns: Unveiling Secrets Layer by Layer in a He-Lied-She-Lied Narrative

Rock Paper Scissors is a thriller that thrives on its twists. Feeney expertly peels back layers of secrets from both Adam and Amelia, revealing the cracks beneath the surface of their seemingly normal facade. The narrative structure, alternating between Adam’s and Amelia’s points of view, provides fragmented perspectives, adding to the unreliability and suspense. The introduction of Robin, a character connected to the chapel, further complicates matters and adds another layer of intrigue.

The inclusion of Amelia’s anniversary letters to Adam, never given but revealing the history of their marriage through her eyes, is a particularly effective storytelling technique. These letters, each marked with a “word of the year” and a traditional anniversary gift, offer clues and foreshadow events, deepening the mystery and emotional resonance of the narrative. The “He-Lied-She-Lied” dynamic, and the potential for a third party’s manipulation, creates a constant state of uncertainty, making Rock Paper Scissors a truly gripping read. The plot twists are indeed hairpin turns, demanding the reader’s full attention and rewarding close reading.

Marketing and Reviewer’s Opinion: A Delightful Read Despite Misleading Claims

The reviewer expresses a minor critique regarding the book’s marketing, suggesting it might be slightly misleading without revealing specific spoilers. This adds an intriguing meta-layer to the review, prompting readers to pay close attention to the marketing materials after reading the book. However, this point does not detract from the overall positive assessment of Rock Paper Scissors.

Despite this minor issue, the review emphatically recommends Rock Paper Scissors as a “delight of a read.” Feeney’s skill in crafting chapter-ending hooks is praised for making the book incredibly difficult to put down. The reviewer suggests readers prepare for a chilling reading experience, recommending warm clothing and perhaps a hot toddy or Scotch whiskey to enhance the атмосферics. The neck brace recommendation, while humorous, underscores the intense, twist-filled nature of the final chapters, promising a truly unforgettable and suspenseful reading experience.

Conclusion: A Must-Read Thriller with a Netflix Adaptation on the Horizon

Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney is a highly recommended psychological thriller that masterfully blends marital discord with gothic suspense and unexpected plot twists. Its atmospheric setting, complex characters, and clever use of the “rock paper scissors” motif make it a standout in the genre. For readers seeking a gripping, twisty, and atmospheric thriller, Rock Paper Scissors is an excellent choice. Adding to its appeal, the announcement of a Netflix mini-series adaptation by the producer of The Crown further solidifies its status as a must-read and must-watch.

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