Review – Nearest Thing To Crazy by Elizabeth Forbes

By | September 12, 2013

I love a good psychological thriller. Tina Seskis’ One Step Too Far, Into The Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes, Before I Go To Sleep by SJ Watson, Lottie Moggach’s Kiss Me First… and now I have a new favourite, a quite wonderful read that I found thoroughly gripping and so wonderfully written that you really have no idea at all where the story is going. 

Ex-journalist Ellie turns up at a gathering in her open topped sports car – but with the roof in place in case the wind spoils her perfect appearance – having recently moved into a house in the village to write her novel. Cassie – married to Dan, daughter Laura away at university, passionate about her garden and her comfortable life – doesn’t take to her as quickly as everyone else, but despite her discomfort makes every effort to befriend her, even sharing some of her secrets. Through it all, we see the story from Ellie’s point of view too – leaving you unable to decide who to believe. 

This is such a cleverly written book – Cassie is a very likeable character, easy to identify with, but you can’t help doubting her view of the world at times. The story twists and turns, unbearably tense at times, and keeps you turning the pages: and I have to say that I never saw the ending coming, although it was totally appropriate and satisfying. Difficult to believe that this is a first novel, it’s so very accomplished – very highly recommended. 

My thanks to Anne at Random Things Through My Letterbox for drawing this one to my attention. Published by Cutting Edge Press in June 2013, I read my copy on Kindle. Elizabeth Forbes is on Twitter, and this book has its own Facebook page.