CBR Bingo: New
Leave Well Alone by AJ Campbell features Eva Barnes, the protagonist of what seems to be the first in a series. Campbell is a new suspense writer I came across in looking for thrillers that don’t involve eyeballs in nether regions. The book follows the story of Eva, a law student who marries and has a child with Jim, who is ten years older and was one of the children Eva’s mother served as a caretaker for growing up. An intensely happy relationship despite Jim’s workaholic tendencies, things rip apart when family secrets come to the surface.
I don’t have a huge amount to say about the book. Leave Well Alone is described as a psychological thriller, but it isn’t really. It’s more a quiet story with some unexpected and dramatic revelations. The twists weren’t gimmicky or obviously inserted just for shock value; they stemmed organically from the story and had emotional heft. The character Eva, on whom the series is based, is a strong lead character. She struggles fiercely with her dysfunctional family upbringing, which contributes solid drama to the proceedings. The relationship between her and Jim is quite moving, particularly when tragedy strikes. The ending was very satisfying; the last line was perfection and made me tear up.
I’m hoping to find more psychological suspense books like this one, which have a bit more complexity and dark corners that feel real. If anyone has recommendations, I’d love to hear them.
