"The Poison Tree" by Erin Kelly is a psychological thriller that explores the complexities of memory, guilt, and the consequences of past actions. The story is told in three parts, each focusing on a different period in the lives of the main characters, Karen, Biba, and Rex. Karen, a quiet and studious student, becomes entangled in the dangerous and glamorous world of her new friend, Biba, and her charismatic brother, Rex. As Karen becomes more involved in their lives, she finds herself drawn to Rex, and the three of them embark on a passionate and destructive relationship. The novel opens with Karen, now a mother and a respectable member of society, serving a prison sentence for a crime she committed many years ago. As she reflects on her past, the reader is taken on a journey through the events that led to her incarceration. The narrative is filled with tension and suspense as the reader is kept guessing about the nature of the crime and the identity of the victim. Kelly's writing is sharp and evocative, and she skillfully builds a sense of foreboding throughout the novel. The characters are complex and well-drawn, and the reader is drawn into their world, feeling their emotions and experiencing their struggles. One of the strengths of "The Poison Tree" is its exploration of the theme of memory and how it can be unreliable. Karen's memories of the past are colored by her guilt and regret, and the reader is left wondering how much of what she remembers is true. Overall, "The Poison Tree" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that will keep readers engaged until the very end. It is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone looking for a complex and nuanced exploration of guilt, memory, and the consequences of our actions.
Jane Harper
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If you enjoyed the suspenseful and psychological aspects of 'The Poison Tree', you'll love 'The Lying Game'. This thriller follows the story of a group of women who reunite after a deadly secret from their past threatens to be revealed.
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