About the Book:
A gripping psychological suspense novel about a woman diagnosed with cancer who sets out to discover if someone poisoned her before her time is up
Jennifer Barnes never expected the shocking news she received at a routine doctor’s appointment: she has a terminal brain tumor—and only six weeks left to live.
While stunned by the diagnosis, the forty-eight-year-old mother decides to spend what little time she has left with her family—her adult triplets and twin grandsons—close by her side. But when she realizes she was possibly poisoned a year earlier, she’s determined to discover who might have tried to get rid of her before she’s gone for good.
Separated from her husband and with a contentious divorce in progress, Jennifer focuses her suspicions on her soon-to-be ex. Meanwhile, her daughters are each processing the news differently. Calm medical student Emily is there for whatever Jennifer needs. Moody scientist Aline, who keeps her mother at arm’s length, nonetheless agrees to help with the investigation. Even imprudent Miranda, who has recently had to move back home, is being unusually solicitous.
But with her daughters doubting her campaign against their father, Jennifer can’t help but wonder if the poisoning is all in her head—or if there’s someone else who wanted her dead.
My Review:
Okay so THAT’S how you do a surprise ending!
This is a wonderful, twisty thriller that had a great cast of narrators. Jennifer is dying from a brain tumor but of course she believes there is something more going on. She has triplet daughters and a husband who left her for a younger woman after many years of marriage. The mystery deepens when Jennifer’s medical records show that she might have had dangerous levels of lead in her blood in the past. Was that the cause of her brain tumor now? How was that fact overlooked? What seems to be a straightforward, simple plot quickly develops into a layered thriller with a cast of lots of flawed characters.
I loved the points of view of each of the daughters. Of courser Jennifer always believed herself to be a loving and devoted mother, but each of the girls added a new perspective to the story. And Jennifer’s anger and bitterness toward her husband Jake might not be entirely his fault. Jennifer is hell bent on blaming Jake for the possible lead poisoning that could have caused her brain tumor but she is definitely an unreliable narrator!
This is my first book by author Catherine McKenzie and I loved the writing. A good domestic thriller always grabs my attention, and this one was particularly well crafted.
The ending was completely surprising. This was a fast-paced, entertaining book with very well developed characters. If you’re a fan of domestic thrillers, don’t miss this one!
