Rock Paper Scissors

⭐️⭐️.5Trust me it shocks me to rate something so low giving the world praises this book as one of the best books out there but being honest it just wasn’t it. I will say this though in the books defense. The plot twist that come at the end you would never see coming, I don’t care how good you are at predicting things. Hell, a psychic wouldn’t have seen this book ending the way it did. And it’s for that ending alone that the book is even receiving 2.5⭐️. (I struggled whether or not to give it another .5 star for a solid 3 but in the end nahhh)The writing is great. There’s no denying this is a seasoned author who knows how not only to awake your senses through imagery, but also shows her creativity on age old saying which I love (ex: “We still finish each others sentences, but these days we get them wrong.) This line right here is just phenomenal. It’s one of those line as an author that you come up with and store in your phone and then come up with a plot just so you can use it. So writing a book about a failing marriage who takes a last ditch effort weekend getaway trip that they won to repair things was perfect.I love the different POVs. The book does a great job of cycling through 4 different povs Amelia (wife), Adam (husband), Robin (mystery neighbor), and love letters from the past, written on the anniversary of each year for the couple. However I didn’t like the fact that with Amelia and Adam the chapters are written in first person. Allowing us to enter their thoughts but not Robin’s chapters. Which I believe could have offered valuable insight and caused for a bigger reaction when the plot twist hits…. The biggest problem is 200 pgs in the story was nice but not a “MUST FINISH”.As far as the plot twist go, the book is definitely creative and the only reason it hits you so much of a surprise is because there’s literally nothing that points to it at all. So there’s no moment like “OMG I don’t see how I didnt put that together” it’s literally just a plot twist out of nowhere for the sake of being shocking.

Omg! So good. And when you think you have it figured out, nope it changes. Then, it changes once again. Excellent suspense author! I loved it!

This is a great story. Wild ride. Mind-blowing twist. Annoying to read at times, but overally a great story. I'd recommend

A very worthwhile read. Full of plot twists you never see coming. I’ll be reading more of books by Alice Feeney!

This is my first read by this author and now I want to read everything she writes! This story kept me intrigued from the first word to the last and then some.Adam suffers facial blindness and he and Amelia won a trip to Scotland. It's not just any trip though! Over the course of the last ten years, letters that Amelia has written to Adam every year on their anniversary are now allowed to be read by Adam. There are secrets shared and revealed with each one, along with their traditional wedding gifts.This was beautifully written and will stick with you for awhile!

Really suspenseful , what I really like about this book is that there is no foul language. It is very well written has a great storyline. You won’t be sorry looking forward to reading more from this author.

This lived up to the hype

I purchased this book because it was part of my book clubs read of the month … it’s an interesting. I personally do not read fiction I prefer non fiction but this was entertaining.

Overall, a good book. Didn’t see the twist coming, but didn’t love the characters. I also can’t relate to the ending!

This book had potential- I wanted to like it- I craved a good book- I enjoyed the shorter chapters and multiple points of view- about 70% into the book there is an unveiling- a twist- but it wasn’t executed smoothly at all. I had to back track to see if I’d missed something or if the author just didn’t accomplish the smooth transition. It wasn’t smooth and it took a few chapters for me to get my head back into the book to iron out the ending:The ending made the entire book seem quite boring to be honest.I don’t think I’ll dead another Alice Feeney book unless I have nothing else to read. She just isn’t hitting the mark for me.

That moment when you are attempting to determine the plot twists and then they hit and you were so wrong lol. That was crazy and kept me interested.

Lots of twist I didn't see coming, read it in a weekend, hard to put down! The ending wasn't what I was expecting but definitely a book I'd recommend

In many of the reviews, readers had difficulty in engaging with the beginning of the book. I did not. It does take a twist at the end because when you read the wife’s anniversary letters, you misinterpret who writes them. No more said or I will spoil the ending. None of the characters are good people. I enjoyed the book and spent a lovely Sunday afternoon reading it.

This book has been coming up in suggestions for me for a while, and I’ve always passed it by until now. WOW, am I ever glad I finally gave it a chance! This was a fantastic book.First of all, the way the book was written was unique and interesting. Normally I’m not a huge fan of time jumps, as it often breaks momentum for me. This time, however, they fueled the momentum. The “letters” were carefully constructed with clever and effective red herrings and just enough insight into the couple’s past to have you constantly rethinking what’s actually happening.Second, the twists, especially *the* big twist, absolutely bowled me over. If anyone else guessed the whopper twist in there, I can gladly accept that they are smarter than I am! This author sneaked things by me like none other - I had no idea I was being duped for the majority of the book. Loved it!The ending was a little unfinished - it seems reality was distorted for me right up to the very end. Fantastic, but I felt the end was just slightly unresolved for me. Regardless, it was too good not to give it all 5 stars!! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a super complex puzzle to solve, and will be reading more by this author!

The twists at the end kept coming. Gets an A plus for plot twists and creativity of those twists. Very enjoyable psychological thriller. I would have enjoyed more suspense and drama in describing the church/house and prior visitors’ experiences. The bell tower, basement/wine cellar, stairs - all were settings for descriptive nail-biting scenarios. The trek up the high snow covered hillside in the bitter cold lent itself to a much more intense, life-threatening event. I really liked the premise and will read more from this author. All the hype led me to believe this would be much more of a page turner with chilling suspense.Did anyone else feel that Alice Feeney left us with a cliffhanger? The explanation at the end stating the daughter’s reason as to why her father sent her to boarding school contradicted what her father claimed his reasoning was in sending her away. I wonder if Ms. Feeney intended to leave us with a cliffhanger or if the father’s version was correct.

The story is more like a 4.5 stars ⭐️It’s well written, it has a few touch and go slow spots yet enough teasing of something more to keep you curious enough to find out.It begins with a husband and wife - Adam and Amelia embarking on a weekend getaway to Scotland Highlands to hopefully repair their troubled marriage.Each year on their wedding anniversary, Adam’s wife writes him a letter that basically recaps the year they’ve had - ups & downs - yet she never gives them to him. They’ve been married for ten years and you believe they are getting away to a nice place to reconnect. And they bring their beloved black Labrador retriever Bob.Adam is a screenplay writer and an author. He tends to put his work before his relationship. Amelia works at a dog rescue/shelter. They are quite opposite and as you read the letters to Adam, then read his POV it almost seems like he is the one already checked out of the marriage. He suffers from a condition of face blindness so he has difficulty making out or recognizing faces, including his own. That in itself would make any relationship challenging. He is suspicious of Amelia and seems to think she’s up to something less than genuine about this weekend get away as she keeps secrets from him and he does too.The story unfolds and you feel sad for the couple as they just seem to have lost whatever they once had together Lots of reminiscing in the minds of the characters. The place they stay at makes almost no sense and it definitely has the husband questioning his wives motives. Some very creepy things begin to unfold and then it becomes a story out truly didn’t see coming. It’s a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The very first time I’ve read a book by this author. It certainly won’t be the last.

Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney is an absolute gem in the psychological thriller genre. This mind-bending novel is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Feeney's captivating storytelling and intricate plot twists make it impossible to put this book down.The characters in Rock Paper Scissors are deeply complex and flawlessly developed. Feeney skillfully immerses readers into their minds, making us question their motives and allegiances at every turn. As we delve deeper into the story, the suspense builds to a crescendo, leaving us gasping for breath.Feeney's writing style is sharp and brilliant, with each chapter ending in a tantalizing cliffhanger. The pacing is perfect, driving the plot forward with precision while still allowing for moments of reflection and insight. The author's ability to create an atmosphere of constant tension adds to the overall sense of unease and keeps you gripped right until the shocking conclusion.Without giving away any spoilers, Rock Paper Scissors will leave you questioning everything you think you know. Feeney expertly weaves together multiple storylines, blurring the lines between truth and deception. Just when you think you've figured it out, she effortlessly unravels another layer, leaving you exhilarated and astonished.In conclusion, Rock Paper Scissors is a genuine page-turner that challenges your perceptions and keeps you guessing until the very end. Alice Feeney's talent for crafting complex characters and intricate plot twists shines brilliantly in this mesmerizing novel. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, do not miss the opportunity to dive into this captivating story.

"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.

This was an exciting read and moved along fairly quick. I didn't like any of the characters (besides Bob), but I suppose that's the point in this psychological thriller. It was quite suspenseful at times. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure it out. I rarely stay up trying to finish a book (mom needs sleep! 🙃), but I couldn't stop once I got near the end. I found some of the quirky sayings fitting in the story.There were sooo many twists! It was exciting and sometimes was a nice shock 🤯What I didn't like was the many times where it just didn't add up.Adam had prosopagnosia, face blindness, yet he couldn't recognize someone's signature style/look? He wasn't blind!Feeney made it seem like Adam knows more about the church, like he's been there before, by having him miss the squeaky steps and opening the locked doors, etc. But then nothing came of that and he never was there before.There were other loose ends, aspects that were so unrealistic (but didn't ruin the story imo) and puzzling, and there wasn’t much of a closure.The ending ruined it a bit. The ghostly aspect was redeeming for Robin, perhaps those tales (especially about her father) were true after all? However, the box with the trinkets on the grave made sense in referencing rock paper scissors, but made absolutely no sense why they were there and on that grave. That part seemed unnecessary. But I could have totally missed the connection.This story was good, had more potential, but I felt like the author got so caught up in twists that she got lost in where she was headed.

Rock Paper ScissorsThis is a book I wanted to love. I oscillated from three stars to five. The glimpses of the five came from the superior writing craft, this author can really write.The main plotline has a husband and wife who are going through some of the usual relationship machinations and travel to a far corner of their world for an isolated weekend together. There is a snow storm, an old church turned into a bed and breakfast, a power outage, a crazy woman who lives within walking distance, and of course a dog.The forward motion of the story is continually stopped to give backstory so much so, the main story moves too slowly (for my tastes). The author’s masterful writing craft kept me interested in this relationship/character building backstory, but I was always yearning to get back to what was going on.There is a motivational reason used that is a throw-back to a Jim Thompson novel, (The Getaway), that piqued my interest in this story, (spoiler that I won’t reveal).The structure is interesting, the story is told in multiple points of view, the husband and wife are first person (alternating chapters), the crazy woman is third person, and then there is the backstory of the wife given in second person as a journal type entry. The writing in second person is so masterfully done that I don’t think most readers would care or even notice. The shifting from character to character is like speed bumps that also detracted from the forward motion of the story. I think the author knew this and kept the chapters very short.The story evolves without a hard and fast setting of the conflict (other than the relationship issue, on a dark and stormy night), and because of the Jim Thompson / Get away motivation, I didn’t like the wife so much. I didn’t know who to like.The book is a quick read, it held my attention, I’m giving it 3.5 stars rounding up to a four. I would recommend this book.David Putnam author of The Bruno Johnson series.