Book Review
Turn Of the key
She is not guilty, but not innocent either
“Because it was the lies that got me here in the first place. And I have to believe that it’s the truth that will get me out”
Synopsis
Rowan Caine, a 27-year-old woman, didn’t think twice before she is lured into a lucrative offer as a nanny at a remote island in Scotland, where she has to suffer the fate of murdering a child. She writes to a lawyer begging to take up her case, claiming her innocence. But she is not entirely honest either. What is the truth she cannot reveal even when her life is at stake?. Why she had to lie about herself to get the job? Why do other nannies have to leave the job even though the pay is lucrative?
Characters
Rowan’s character is likable, as she is truthful about herself in expressing her thoughts. Her unending rambling, and a fear of failure and loneliness, portrays her as a girl next door. She honestly expresses her feelings about children but pretends to be a different person in real. The narrative is precise in displaying her happiness and excitement. The secrecy around Rowan’s past spices up the interest.
Maddie is a creepy and scary little girl. Her silence and monosyllable answers fuels fear in the surrounding people. She is cunning and controlling, carries an eerie mystery around her.
Writing
The story holds the mystery around the house throughout the book. The major part of the writing involved creating a supernatural force in a haunted house and the mystery prevails in the air all the time. Narration is deep, explicit, and holds the readers to the page.
Rowan tried to inject the horror feel through her storytelling. It is more mystical than frightful, and a lot of unanswered questions hover over the head. There was not much character development except for subtle hints, which a reader may not notice it. The plot twist translates the story in a different direction and thus the reason the ending may not agree with the readers. The events were too quick, and the climax seemed to be rushed up, which gave little time to settle on the readers.
Final Note
The story that is built on strong writing in the first half disappointed to provide justice in the ending.
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