Greenwich Park
By Katherine Faulkner
Greenwich Park starts out as the story of Helen, a lonely woman who had to stop working and rest for the remainder of her pregnancy in a house undergoing a major renovation. She meets an erratic young woman named Rachel at her first prenatal appointment who jumps into Helen’s life. Helen’s not sure if she wants someone like Rachel intruding in her life but isn’t as lonely as she had felt before.
Faulkner uses multiple narrators to show us the perspective of worrisome Helen, her headstrong pregnant sister-in-law Serena, and their journalist friend Katie. The high-profile rape case Katie was covering has ended, giving her the chance to reconnect. We also meet the three men who complete this tight group. Katie used to date Charlie, Helen’s partying druggie younger brother. Helen’s older brother Rory is married to Serena and runs the family architecture business. Rory is professionally partnered with Helen’s husband, Daniel.
Rachel’s intentions and actions are questioned as she further entwines herself into the group. Is she planning to harm Helen? Why does Rachel keep popping up in their social lives? What secrets are being protected, and what is going on in Helen’s house? These questions are answered in a series of wild twists and turns.
What makes Greenwich Park such a fascinating read is that it’s impossible to guess what’s happening next. By the end of the book, Faulkner unravels a complicated web of secrets that take the story in unexpected directions. The story is filled with uncomfortable nuggets that aren’t completely explained as the story is being told. As we find out more about the characters and their secrets are revealed, those nuggets fit. The book is loaded with ‘aha’ moments where actions and motivations are exposed. And just when it looks like the story’s been resolved, there are still more twists. Faulkner doesn’t use these twists as gimmicks but as finishing touches for a tight thriller.
What a wonderful debut novel! Faulkner’s plot and characterization combine for a delightfully twisted, jam-packed thriller.
@k_faulkner's plot and characterization combine for the delightfully twisted, jam-packed thriller #Greenwich Park. @GalleryBooks #NetGalley Share on XThanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me an Advance Review Copy of this wonderful book.
