Book: “The Heatwave” by Kate Riordan
Genre: Thriller
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Blogger’s Note: Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Let me start this review by saying, I am not completely sure that my review will be able to truly express how much this book has shaken me. However, I will do my best.
“The Heatwave” by Kate Riordan is a thriller set in France about a mother with two young daughters. One of the daughters struggles with an unknown condition that is suggested might be a sort of mental disorder. The book is set in 1993 when the girls are older but features flashbacks to times through out their early childhood. The novel features a first person point of view from the mother. It reads like a slow unraveling of a mystery/horror where the reader knows something terrible is going to happen but is forced to helplessly watch it all unfold.
This book hit me in such a powerful way. The theme of gaslighting is woven throughout the novel and it had me feeling anxious and stressed while reading. The expert writing trapped me and had me furiously turning pages, praying for a respite for the main character.
Early on, the main character (the mother) starts seeing signs of her eldest child’s altered and dark mental state. The book follows as Elodie’s character falls deeper and deeper into wickedness. Like tentacles, slowly Elodie begins to spread this hostile behavior all around her.
The book themes include motherhood, good and evil and psychosis. It is unnerving, tense, and a downright stressful read.
While reading, I wanted to put it down but I just couldn’t. This thriller is well written and featured descriptive writing that placed me right in the middle of each scene. Author Kate Riordan has created an emotionally charged thriller that although it begins slowly will quickly capture the reader’s attention and stubbornly refuse to let go.
Recommendation: This one is perfect for anyone that enjoys thrillers! Highly Recommend!
Literature & Lattes 