How to Spot a Psychopath by M.Q. Webb
Genre: Psychological thriller, Suspense
Read: 3rd May 2022
Published: 20th April 2022
★★★★ 4.5 stars
DESCRIPTION:
We’ve all wondered about someone… are they… how do I know?
How to Spot a Psychopath is a thoughtful, intelligent, psychological thriller full of conflicting accounts and sharp turns. How to Spot a Psychopath will keep you questioning who is hiding what, and why.
When four-year-old Mia Edwards goes missing on a play date, everyone suspects that Jessica Green knows what happened to her, especially Mia’s mother, Holly, but Jessica isn’t talking.
Psychiatrist, Dr Oscar de la Nuit, is determined to save Jess from the same mistakes he’s living with.
Will Jess lead to his redemption, or will she be his downfall?
Is Mia safe, and will Jess be able to return to the life she had before?
MY THOUGHTS:
“Find out if she knows what you are.”
Four year old Mia is missing. The prime suspect, Jess, is refusing to speak. What is she hiding? Who is she protecting? And what does she know about what really happened to Mia?
This book was so intriguing I found it hard to put down! I wasn't prepared to enjoy it as much as I did but I was captivated from the first page that I just had to know how it ended. I see it compared to "The Silent Patient" and having not read that I can't give an opinion on that but I can give you one of HOW TO SPOT A PSYCHOPATH. Honestly, the premise was so intriguing but venturing into the murky territory of an unknown author...I wasn't sure what to expect. But I was pleasantly surprised.
When four year old Mia Edwards disappears from Jessica Green's house on a playdate with her daughter Zoe, all eyes turn to Jessica as the prime suspect. After all, the little girl was in her care and upon her arrest and having been placed on remand, Jessica has said little to nothing in her defence or even to try to explain what could have possibly happened. Instead she has remained tightlipped which has only added to the police's case against her. Only guilty people say nothing. An innocent person wouldn't remain silent, would they?
Forensic psychiatrist Oscar de la Nuit is intrigued by Jessica's case and arranges for her transfer from remand to the Whitner Psychiatric Hospital under his care. Unlike everyone else, he isn't quick to believe her guilt but rather believes she staying silent for a reason. What that is, he has yet to find out. And in treating Jessica, Oscar hopes to lay some of his old ghosts of the past to rest. But in doing so, he begins to peel back the layers behind which Jessica is hiding...can he discover the truth before it's too late for Mia? Or is it already too late?
The story the progresses by backtracking to where it all began. When Jessica met Holly Edwards, Mia's mum. When she inveigles her way into their little group and despite her sister Niki taking to her immediately, Jessica isn't so sure about Holly. There is something chilling about her, but Niki thinks she is just feeling insecure about Zoe going off to kindergarten. So how come everywhere she goes with Niki, Holly magically turns up? And more to the point, why? Whatever the reason, Jessica is sure Holly is up to something.
And then Mia disappears. On Jessica's watch. Does Jessica know more than she's letting on? Or is she truly innocent of any wrong-doing, despite feeling responsible?
Under Oscar's care, Jessica slowly begins to trust and little by little gives him another piece of the puzzle...before clamming up again. Why the need to remain silent? What is she hiding?
A fantastically intriguing story, HOW TO SPOT A PSYCHOPATH unfolds in the present through Oscar's narrative primarily and in the past a retelling of events through Jessica's eyes leading up to the disappearance. It was cleverly written and despite it's complexities, it was an easy book to read, with it's seventy short snappy chapters which kept the pace moving rapidly. The THEN chapters are interspersed and perfectly timed to reveal just enough to be woven with the NOW chapters.
Although it is a tad predictable, there is a twist thrown in towards the end that will have you questioning motives and sincerity as it unfolds. I was able to detect the psychopath, which was fairly easy, as well as what possibly happened to Mia. There was one aspect of the ending that wasn't entirely wrapped up and I felt it needed a little more explanation. I'm sure I'm not alone in this as others have stated much the same on one aspect. Although they don't say which aspect, I think it is fairly easy to guess which one because it really is kind left up in the air or swept under the proverbial carpet.
Despite this, HOW TO SPOT A PSYCHOPATH is a stunning debut. It is thrilling and chilling and an engrossing read. I'd be interested to see more of Oscar in the future given that this is the first in a series.
I would like to thank #MQWebb, #TBR and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #HowToSpotAPsychopath in exchange for an honest review.
MEET THE AUTHOR:
Born without a Middle name, Q is such an undervalued letter of the alphabet, only appearing with u, so thought they would give it some respect by acknowledging it in their name.
How to Spot a Psychopath is the first book in the Oscar de la Nuit series.
Social Media links:
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Thank you for this fab review and for taking part in the tour xx
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. I loved this book! I didn't expect to, being a relatively unknown author (to me), but it was brilliant!
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