And So It Begins: A completely unputdownable psychological thriller with a gripping twist (A Stephanie King Thriller)

 

And So It Begins by Rachel Abbott is a masterfully plotted psychological thriller that marks the debut of DS Stephanie King. If you’re a fan of "locked-room" mysteries or stories where the line between victim and villain is hopelessly blurred, this book is a mandatory addition to your TBR pile. It’s dark, clever, and possesses a structure that will make you question your own judgment with every flip of the page.

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The Plot: A Crime of Passion or a Cold-Blooded Trap?

The story opens on a grisly scene in a cliffside home in Cornwall. Mark North is dead, and his much younger mistress, Evie, is found at the scene, traumatized and seemingly the survivor of a brutal attack.

• The Defense: Evie claims self-defense. She paints a picture of Mark as a controlling, abusive man who finally snapped, forcing her to kill him to save herself.

• The Suspicion: Mark’s sister, Cleo, doesn't buy it. She knows her brother was no saint, but she believes Evie is a calculated "black widow" who has been planning this since the moment they met.

• The Investigation: Enter DS Stephanie King. As she peels back the layers of Mark and Evie's relationship, she finds a web of obsession and manipulation that goes back years. But just as Stephanie thinks she has the truth, Abbott introduces a courtroom drama element that flips the narrative entirely.

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Why This Thriller is "Unputdownable"

• The "He Said, She Said" Tension: The book expertly balances Evie’s perspective with the police investigation and Cleo’s desperate search for the truth. You are constantly toggling between believing Evie and fearing her.

• DS Stephanie King: Unlike many "troubled" fictional detectives, Stephanie feels grounded and sharp. Her burgeoning relationship with a fellow officer adds a layer of human warmth to an otherwise chilling story.

• The Cornwall Setting: The isolated, rugged coastline of Cornwall serves as the perfect backdrop for a story about isolation and hidden secrets. The house on the cliff feels like both a sanctuary and a prison.

• The Twist: Rachel Abbott is known as the "Queen of the Twist" for a reason. The ending of And So It Begins isn't just a shock for shock's sake; it is a meticulously earned reveal that changes the context of every previous chapter.

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Final Verdict

This is a sophisticated, high-stakes thriller that moves with the precision of a Swiss watch. It’s a brilliant start to a series that promises to be a staple for fans of procedural and psychological suspense alike.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐