Her Every Fear

Publication Date: 19 January 2017

Goodreads Description

Growing up, Kate Priddy was always a bit neurotic, experiencing momentary bouts of anxiety that exploded into full-blown panic attacks after an ex-boyfriend kidnapped her and nearly ended her life. When Corbin Dell, a distant cousin in Boston, suggests the two temporarily swap apartments, Kate, an art student in London, agrees, hoping that time away in a new place will help her overcome the recent wreckage of her life. Soon after her arrival at Corbin’s grand apartment on Beacon Hill, Kate makes a shocking discovery: his next-door neighbor, a young woman named Audrey Marshall, has been murdered. When the police question her about Corbin, a shaken Kate has few answers, and many questions of her own—curiosity that intensifies when she meets Alan Cherney, a handsome, quiet tenant who lives across the courtyard, in the apartment facing Audrey’s. Alan saw Corbin surreptitiously come and go from Audrey’s place, yet he’s denied knowing her. Then, Kate runs into a tearful man claiming to be the dead woman’s old boyfriend, who insists Corbin did the deed the night that he left for London. When she reaches out to her cousin, he proclaims his innocence and calms her nerves--until she comes across disturbing objects hidden in the apartment and accidentally learns that Corbin is not where he says he is. Could Corbin be a killer? What about Alan? Kate finds herself drawn to this appealing man who seems so sincere, yet she isn’t sure. Jet-lagged and emotionally unstable, her imagination full of dark images caused by the terror of her past, Kate can barely trust herself, so how could she take the chance on a stranger she’s just met?

My Review

There's no doubt about it, this author is a master of his craft, with heaps of writing talent. I love his easy style, which leads to stories that just flow naturally.

This is more of a character driven story, and although it can definitely be classified as a psychological thriller, this story progresses at a steady pace, with fewer shocks, twists and turns. Having said that though, don't think for one minute that this story isn't gripping. After the opening chapters where we are introduced to Kate and learn about her move to Boston, the story changes focus and moves onto Corbin. From that moment, I was well and truly hooked. Corbin's story and his new friendship formed at University with the outgoing and charming Henry was totally engrossing and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

For me, one of the strengths of this story is the believability of the characters. Kate, with her flaws, seemed very real to me, as did many of the other characters, including the slightly dark Corbin. This is a story that I would describe as a character based thriller. Is it full of "wow, I didn't see that coming" moments? No, it isn't. But boy, this is still a great story. Peter Swanson can add another feather to his cap with this one.

My rating: * * * *

Many thanks to author Peter Swanson, Faber and Faber Ltd publishers and NetGalley for my review copy. It was my pleasure to read this book and to write an honest review.