Review: Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
Alice Feeney’s Rock Paper Scissors caught my attention for a number of reasons, but mostly due to its tantalizing exploration of the complexities of marriage—especially as I celebrated my own twentieth wedding anniversary while delving into this psychologically charged thriller. What better way to reflect on my own relationship’s ups and downs than through the lens of Adam and Amelia, a couple desperately trying to salvage their crumbling marriage during a weekend getaway to a remote Scottish chapel?
In Rock Paper Scissors, we find ourselves darkly intrigued by the Wrights, who are grappling with a chasm of unspoken issues. Adam’s face blindness, a neurological condition that leaves him unable to recognize people—including his wife—adds an unsettling layer to both their joint narrative and the plot itself. As a reader, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of their distance grow heavier with each revelation. Their weekend retreat—won through a work contest but under dire circumstances—becomes a haunting metaphor for attempting to reconnect. The couple’s mutual discomfort serves as a reality check, revealing that merely being together doesn’t equate to intimacy.
Feeney skillfully employs alternating perspectives that offer insight into the hearts of both Adam and Amelia. Their voices linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the pages. One particularly striking moment highlights Amelia’s internal struggle, where she acknowledges their appearances versus their reality: “We’re both pretty good at keeping up appearances and I find people see what they want to see.” It resonated with me, reflecting how couples sometimes hide struggles behind a polished facade.
The atmospheric setting also deserves a nod. Blackwater Chapel, with its cold stone walls and isolation, feels almost like a character itself, bringing an eerie charm that chills both the characters and the reader. Feather-light whispers of secrets and mysteries—like the crypt-turned-wine-cellar and the strange happenings around them—heighten the sense of psychological suspense. Feeney’s writing is deliciously evocative, painting vivid imagery that lingers in your mind, compelling readers to not only feel the story but to almost breathe in its cold, damp air.
As for the pacing, I was hooked from the very first page. The tension builds masterfully, with chapter-ending hooks that left me anxious to keep reading—even at the sacrifice of sleep (why did I think I could put this down?). The motif of the titular game plays out beautifully, echoing the strategies of Adam and Amelia as they navigate their twisted fate.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, I did find aspects of the marketing misleading. The tagline hinting at secrets felt like a bit more than just a clever play on words. Nevertheless, the story kept me engaged, leading to a finale full of twists that elicited plenty of “wait, what?” moments—a delightful hallmark of a good thriller.
In conclusion, Rock Paper Scissors is more than a mere escapade into the realm of marital dysfunction; it’s a haunting exploration of love, trust, and the strangling grip of secrets. Readers interested in psychological dramas, mysteries, or anyone who loves a good twisty thriller will find much to savor here. As for me, reading this book was a gripping reminder of the very real tensions that can exist behind closed doors—but also a beautiful celebration of the resilience it takes to build connections.
Grab a cozy blanket and prepare for a wild ride; this one might just leave you with a refreshing chill long after you’ve turned the last page!