Twists, Tension, and Secrets: A Review of Rock Paper Scissors

I just finished Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney, and wow—what a wild ride. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers with twisty plots and unreliable narrators, this one might just be for you.

The story centers on a married couple, Amelia and Adam, who are clearly struggling in their relationship. They decide to take a weekend trip to a remote estate in Scotland, hoping to reconnect and fix their issues. But of course, things go sideways. Instead of a peaceful getaway, they’re thrust into a weekend full of creepy and unsettling events. As the strange occurrences pile up, it becomes clear that something is seriously wrong. The weekend quickly morphs into a nightmare, forcing them to face some of their darkest secrets.

What really stood out to me was the complexity of the characters. Amelia, in particular, is a masterfully unreliable narrator. She’s dealing with insecurities, fears, and a distorted view of reality, which makes it hard to trust her version of events. Adam’s no better, and their strained relationship adds so much tension from the get-go. You can almost feel the cracks in their marriage, and it leaves you wondering if it’s a result of their own actions—or if there's something darker at play. The more you learn about their pasts, the more you realize just how deep their issues run.

Feeney’s writing excels in building atmosphere. The setting—this isolated, snow-covered estate in Scotland—is almost a character in itself. The descriptions are so vivid, you can almost feel the cold creeping in. The isolation of the estate perfectly mirrors the couple’s fractured relationship, making the whole experience feel claustrophobic and unsettling. The pacing is slow at first, but it gradually builds tension, unraveling into a shocking conclusion you won’t see coming.

And then there’s the twist. Honestly, it blindsided me. Without giving anything away, let’s just say it’s one of those twists that makes you question everything you thought you knew about the story. Feeney ties everything together in such a clever way that you’ll be left rethinking the entire book once it’s over. It’s one of those “wait, what?” moments that makes you want to flip back through the pages to catch all the subtle clues you missed.

The atmosphere in Rock Paper Scissors is what really sets it apart. Feeney does an incredible job of using the setting to amplify the tension. Picture this: a huge, old house surrounded by nothing but snow and wilderness. It’s isolated and cold, like it’s cut off from the rest of the world. The constant storm outside adds to the sense of unease, reflecting the emotional turmoil of the characters. The house itself feels like it’s hiding something, with strange noises and eerie occurrences that make you question whether it’s all in their heads—or if something more sinister is going on.

As the tension between Amelia and Adam grows, you can’t help but feel the weight of their unspoken resentment. Every interaction is laced with passive-aggressive comments, silences that speak volumes, and moments of doubt that make you question everything. It’s suffocating, and it’s easy to get caught up in their slow unraveling.

Feeney perfectly mirrors the disintegration of their marriage with the growing sense of dread and isolation in the setting. By the time the twist hits, you’re so invested in the story that it feels like the ground has been pulled out from under you. The atmosphere isn't just a backdrop; it’s an integral part of what makes the story so gripping.

If you’re into psychological thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat and throw in a twist you don’t see coming, Rock Paper Scissors is definitely worth checking out. Some parts may be a little hard to believe, but Feeney's skillful writing makes it easy to get lost in the tension and suspense. Highly recommend it if you're in the mood for a page-turner that’ll keep you guessing until the very last page.

Rating 4/5