Rock Paper Scissors Paperback – 21 Jun. 2022

Rock Paper Scissors is the fourth novel by Alice Feeney, and it’s the second one that I’ve read. I was hooked by the intriguing premise: a couple in a troubled marriage who win a weekend getaway to a remote chapel in the Scottish Highlands. What could possibly go wrong?The story alternates between the present, where Adam and Amelia Wright are trapped in the chapel by a snowstorm, and the past, where we learn about their relationship through letters that "the wife" wrote to Adam every year on their anniversary. The letters reveal secrets, lies, and betrayals that have shaped their marriage, and they also hint at a shocking twist that will change everything.Feeney is a master of suspense and deception. She creates a claustrophobic and creepy atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re in the chapel with the characters. She also keeps you guessing with unexpected revelations and twists that make you question everything you thought you knew. The ending was just perfect: it was properly satisfying and very cleaver.I highly recommend it to fans of Feeney’s previous books, and to anyone who loves a good mystery. Such a brilliant read to kick off 2024!

This book redeemed Alice Feeney in my eyes. I was captivated from the get go and the way in which she told the story was excellent. The plot twist absolutely blew my mind I actually had to go back and reread a few bits because I couldn't believe what I was reading and once I found out that his current wife wasnt the one writing the letters I had to go back and read it AGAIN to understand life from her point of view it was blady brilliant!!

Rating: 4.6/5My first experience of Alice Feeney's writing was her previous release, "His & Hers". Although I enjoyed it, I didn't think it ranked amongst the very best books in the genre. However, her latest offering, "Rock Paper Scissors" certainly does!It is difficult to go too far into the plot without giving away annoying spoilers and ruining other readers' enjoyment of the experience, so I will do no more than refer you to the official synopsis. As with the author's previous novel this is written in a style that is quite filmic. It doesn't surprise me in the least that the book has already been optioned and is going to brought to the television screen by Netflix.At its heart, this is essentially a domestic suspense thriller - and a very fine example it is too. When you read a lot of books from the mystery thriller genre you do tend to become quite adept at piecing together the various parts of the puzzle well before the solution is formally revealed. I can honestly say that I did not manage to achieve that with this novel. There were various tracks that I thought the story might go down, but Alice Feeney kept managing to surprise me by taking matters in a slightly different direction to the one I had envisaged. It has to be said that any misdirection is handled in a legitimate fashion, rather than cheating and simply pulling a rabbit out of the hat. This is much more a case of careful planning and plotting on the part of the author. I am not aware of the influences there may have been on Alice Feeney's writing, but at times I picked up hints of Stephen King, but I also sensed an atmospheric menace akin to the work of Daphne du Maurier.I can heartily recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys quality, suspenseful mystery writing and I will certainly be back for the author's next book.

Fast paced but very far fetched and not believable, also confusing in places on if you want something quick and silly to read

Adam and Amelia are going a through marriage breakdown and when Amelia wins a weekend away in Scotland and Adam is not keen. He is a screenwriter who spends a lot of his time immersed in books & scripts. The story is told from both their points of view. Amelia works in a rescue centre for dogs one of which they own. Interestingly Adam suffers from Prosopagnosia which is face blindness.Amelia reads letters she wrote to Adam detailing how they exchanged anniversary gifts that were relevant to each year. These letters were never given to Adam.Once they arrive at the remote hideaway we soon realise that there is so much more going on with the couple than we realise and another character Robin is already in place nearby and things take a different turn as we find out throughout the twists and turns who exactly the players are in this tale and they all have an angle and an agenda, not to mention twist at the end!This book kept me on edge bringing up more questions than answers and the characters were not likeable but the story had a creep factor to it so 4 stars from meThank you so much Jenny for buddy reading this with me, it was a great experience

I absolutely love that it could be made it into a movie. This is a second book I'll read of this author absolutely loved it

I haven’t read any of her other books, but this one was amazing! My wife and her mother read it as well, and none of us could put it down. Full of twists and mystery right to the end. Can’t wait to read her other stuff.

"Rock Paper Scissors" by Alice Feeney is a gripping and mind-bending psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. Feeney's third novel takes us on a chilling journey into the depths of human psychology, exploring the intricacies of relationships, trust, and the fragile nature of the human mind.The story revolves around Adam and Amelia Wright, a couple in crisis who embark on a secluded retreat in an attempt to salvage their failing marriage. Isolated in an eerie house in the Welsh countryside, they quickly realize that their decision may have dire consequences. As the tension rises and secrets come to light, the couple becomes entangled in a web of deception, manipulation, and paranoia. Through alternating perspectives and a non-linear narrative, Feeney skillfully constructs a tale that leaves readers questioning everything and everyone.Feeney's writing style is both evocative and addictive, drawing readers deeper into the twisted world she has created. The pacing is relentless, and the short, punchy chapters propel the story forward with a sense of urgency. The author's ability to maintain suspense and create a sense of unease is commendable, as she skillfully plays with readers' expectations, leading them down unexpected paths with surprising twists and turns.The characters in "Rock Paper Scissors" are flawed and complex, making them compelling and relatable. Adam and Amelia are deeply flawed individuals, each battling their own demons, and Feeney delves into their psyches, unraveling their pasts and their true motivations. The exploration of their fractured relationship is poignant and raw, adding an emotional layer to the otherwise tense and chilling narrative.One of the highlights of Feeney's novel is the exploration of the theme of perception and reality. As the story progresses, the line between truth and lies becomes increasingly blurred, and the reader is left questioning the reliability of the narrators. The author masterfully manipulates perceptions, making it difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is a figment of the characters' imagination. This constant sense of doubt and uncertainty keeps the reader engaged, eager to uncover the truth hidden within the layers of the narrative.While "Rock Paper Scissors" is an engrossing and intricately plotted thriller, some readers might find the non-linear structure and frequent shifts in perspective slightly disorienting. The narrative jumps back and forth between past and present, and although this technique adds to the overall mystery, it may require readers to pay close attention to keep track of the events unfolding.In conclusion, "Rock Paper Scissors" is a thought-provoking and suspenseful thriller that showcases Alice Feeney's talent for crafting dark and twisted narratives. With its complex characters, unpredictable twists, and exploration of perception and reality, this novel will leave readers questioning their own assumptions and eager to unravel the secrets hidden within. Fans of psychological thrillers will undoubtedly find this book a gripping and satisfying read.

En bok fylld av flera perspektiv, opålitliga karaktärer och mycket spännande vändningar. Alice Feeneys bästa enligt mig!

This is my first review about the writer. The writers style of writing took me a while to understand its interesting and keeps you hooked till the end with quite many twist and turns compelling the reader to turn back and check if you have read correctly or not. The style of suspense of the writer is directly in front of your eyes the whole time but with deception about the chatacters of the book. Very cleverly written and resonates with actual human tendencies that one can relate. Impressed with the book and would rate it 5 star for confusing me and fooling me to believe about my perception on reading the book.

I Am in the middle of reading it and all the pages are falling apart. I've had soft covered old books that are more resisting that this. Very low quality. Yes, I Am enjoying the story but it's hard when everytime I turn the page, another one falls..