Pages

Thursday, September 28, 2017

The Breakdown

The Breakdown

The Breakdown is a pretty good psychological thriller that really had me wondering what was going on. Cass is a woman who becomes convinced she has early onset dementia when she starts forgetting things, and her mental stability is further threatened when a woman is killed nearby and it turns out to be someone Cass knew. To make matters worse Cass passed the murdered woman's car the night of her murder, but since it was pouring rain she didn't offer to help. She figured the woman had called for help on her mobile, and when the woman didn't seem to need assistance, she drove on. Only to find out later that the woman was murdered. 

Torn by grief, her life starts to spiral out of control when she blames himself for not assisting. And her dementia seems to get progressively worse as time goes on- it doesn't help that her mother also had early onset- and even though her husband is supportive, she can't stop blaming herself. She phones the police anonymously to let them know that she stopped briefly and that the woman, Jane, was still alive at that time- and after the news releases that info, she starts to get silent calls. Cass begins to fear that the killer knows she was there, and is now after her. And weird little things keep happening, things she knows but can't prove, which just makes things worse. 

I thought this one started a little slow, but as it went on and Cass' condition worsened, I got more and more intrigued. What exactly was going on? I started thinking Cass might be the mother of all unreliable narrators, and this was going to be one of those books where you realize at the end that half the book was imagined. That's not entirely the case, there is something going on and while I had my suspicions (especially given a crucial clue revealed early on), the how and why of it were something else again. And honestly this could have went any of several different ways. 

I also thought at times that Cass was losing it, frankly, as things got more and more bizarre. When the truth starts to come out it was a breakneck finish for me as the story ramps into high gear. I couldn't get to the resolution fast enough. 

This would be a fun book to compare theories or just commiserate over. If I have any complaints it's that the explanation for some of the events is a wee bit unrealistic perhaps, but that's a minor quibble. And there's a certain sense of satisfaction towards the end as well, as things develop and it all comes together. If you like psychological thrillers, or a good suspenseful read, this is a great choice. 

40 comments:

  1. Wow, this sounds pretty good, though since I forget things all the time that premise might freak me out. This sounds a little different and I just might try it!
    Jen Ryland

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha I know what you mean! It was a pretty good thriller!

      Delete
  2. I am curious about this one! Sorry you felt some things were a tad unrealistic, but it sounds like a good one overall.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was just some of the reveals, like I thought a few times really? But it didn't detract from the story really- it was quite good!

      Delete
  3. This is one of those sitting on my self that I want to get to. I like he sound of it but not the slow part. Glad you enjoyed it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. This sounds pretty good! I don't read a lot of psychological thrillers, but every time I read one, I realize how much I enjoy them. Thanks for sharing:-D

    ReplyDelete
  5. I could read something suspenseful soon

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've needed a break from all the unreliable narrator stories of late but this sounds a little different and I'm dabbling with thrillers so I'll check it out.

    For What It's Worth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you might like it. It's one of those yikes, what would I do stories, you know?

      Delete
  7. This one has been on my radar and it sounds great despite the slow start and some unrealistic wrap ups. I love that feeling of not being able to wait to find out what happens next!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah the wrap up itself wasn't really unrealistic, just a couple reveals where I thought it all tied together just a little too neatly? But at the same time it was a rush seeing how it unfolded. I think you'd like it. :)

      Delete
  8. I keep going back and forth on wanting to read this one. I do enjoy the psychological thrillers. I'm glad you mentioned the slow start. I always assume these types of thrillers are going to be such page turners so it's good to know.

    ReplyDelete
  9. The moment this books was released I saw this everywhere. This sounds good and after reading the synopsis I'm already making speculations of who did it lol. I'm really curious about this and need to read it soon. Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oooh, I like the concept. I mean, how could you not feel guilty, being one of the last people to see the woman alive? And maybe if she had stopped... yeah, that's enough to drive any person off the deep end, and if she's having other mental/neurological issues, then whoa. I feel like I need to know what happened- you did a really great job of building suspense even in your review! I will definitely need to get this one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know? Exactly. Plus she already has probs. And thanks! Can't wait to see what you thought.

      Delete
  11. Oh, thanks for mentioning that even if it starts out a little show, it will pick up. Good to know since I've been on the fence about reading this book. I think you've convinced me to give it a try :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's not super slow, but it does take just a while to get going. Not bad. Lots of suspense towards the tail end.

      Delete
  12. I am not into thrillers, but this sounds pretty good. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I loved this one. It's not perfect but it kept me guessing and I love watching the characters of this authors books get revenge.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same here. Not perfect, but I did enjoy it, and I loved the payback at the end. :)

      Delete
  14. I do like psychological thrillers, and if you say this is also a good suspenseful read, I believe it's worth a shot!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay! I liked it, it does have good suspense, especially towards the end.

      Delete
  15. I've thought about picking this up, but I've seen mixed reactions. I do like that everything is tied up in the end, I hate loose ends or open endings. I'll have to check this one out. Just reading your review, I'd be suspicious of the husband, lol. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah no loose ends in this one, which I liked. And ha ha yes there are a few good suspects in this one!!

      Delete
  16. Yikes. I can imagine it'd make you feel pretty awful if you didn't stop to help someone and they turned up dead the next day. Everything you described in the second paragraph sounds really creepy and mysterious. I love those types of books that get more intriguing as they go and really pick up speed and have you completely gripped by the end!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, wouldn't it? And it totally freaked her out. This one was so like that, and by the end I loved it because there was a little payback. :)

      Delete
  17. You know, the blurb for this one isn't as engaging as this book really is as you've reviewed it. It totally missed the mark for me, and I'm reading your review going: WHAAAAT, THIS is what the book is about?!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I have been reading more and more thrillers lately. I will have to see if my library has this one. Thanks for the review!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'm not big on thrillers but I do love unreliable narrators. You have me really curious about this one. Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I can't wait to pick this one up! Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I definitely want to try this and Behind Closed Doors. Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  22. lately I've felt I'm getting in the mood for physiological thrillers. Though.. not sure if I can handle the slow pace.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I loved Behind Closed Doors. I definitely have to read this one.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I have heard good things about Breakdown. Just from your review I dying to know how it all plays out.

    ReplyDelete