24 Jun Book Review – “The Breakdown” by B.A. Paris

Alright, so let’s dive into “The Breakdown” by B.A. Paris. First off, I picked this book because I was in the mood for a twisty psychological thriller, something to keep me up way past my bedtime. Plus, a friend had raved about it, saying it was a page-turner I wouldn’t be able to put down. I read it mostly curled up on my couch with a cup of tea, fully prepared to be swept away by the suspense.

What’s it about?:

“The Breakdown” starts with Cass, our main character, who’s driving home on a stormy night. She takes a shortcut through the woods and sees a woman sitting in her car, seemingly stranded. Cass contemplates stopping but ultimately drives on, worried about the weather and thinking help might already be on the way. The next day, she learns that the woman, who turns out to be her new friend Jane, was murdered. This incident spirals Cass into a whirlpool of guilt, regret, and fear, exacerbated by her growing forgetfulness and her terror of inheriting her mother’s early-onset dementia.

As days go by, Cass’s memory issues worsen. She forgets things like setting the house alarm, making appointments, and even conversations she’s had. Her husband, Paul, and best friend, Rachel, seem supportive but also increasingly frustrated with her lapses. Cass starts receiving silent phone calls, which she believes are from the murderer, further pushing her to the brink.

Cass’s life continues to unravel. She doubts her sanity as she finds herself unable to remember basic things and is convinced that someone is trying to drive her mad. The silent calls, mysterious notes, and her deteriorating memory make her question everything and everyone around her.

The tension ramps up when Cass discovers evidence suggesting Paul and Rachel might be gaslighting her to get her inheritance. As Cass digs deeper, she unearths a web of deceit and betrayal that threatens her sanity and her life. The climax is a whirlwind of revelations and danger, culminating in a satisfying but abrupt conclusion.

What This Chick Thinks:

Okay, let’s talk about the good, the bad, and the twisty. I gave this book a solid 7/10. It’s definitely a page-turner, no doubt about that. B.A. Paris knows how to keep you hooked with short, punchy chapters and cliffhangers that make you say, “Just one more chapter.” I found myself constantly guessing who to trust and what was real.

Cass’s paranoia and fear are palpable, and Paris does a great job of putting you in her frazzled, anxious mind. The psychological tension is intense, and you can’t help but feel for Cass as she struggles with her memory and the creeping suspicion that her closest allies might be her worst enemies.

However, there are some hiccups. The plot, while gripping, sometimes feels a bit far-fetched. The whole gaslighting scheme by Paul and Rachel seemed overly elaborate and, at times, a tad unbelievable. I mean, who has that much time and energy to devote to ruining someone’s life? Also, some of the twists felt more like convenient plot devices than organic developments.

And let’s talk about the ending. It’s satisfying in the sense that you get answers, but it wraps up a bit too quickly for my taste. I wanted more of a fallout, more of Cass reclaiming her life and strength after the ordeal. An epilogue would have been perfect to give us a glimpse into her life post-chaos.

Final thoughts:

“The Breakdown” is a wild ride. If you’re into psychological thrillers with a strong sense of suspense and don’t mind a bit of implausibility, you’ll probably enjoy this. It’s a fun, fast read that keeps you guessing, even if it leaves you wanting a bit more in the end. I’m giving it a 7/10 for keeping me hooked and providing plenty of thrills, despite its flaws.

Try it if you like:

1. “Behind Closed Doors” by B.A. Paris – If you enjoyed the tension and psychological drama in “The Breakdown,” you’ll probably like this one too. Paris has a knack for creating gripping, claustrophobic thrillers.
2. “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins – Another psychological thriller that messes with your mind and keeps you guessing about what’s real and what’s not. It’s got a similar vibe of paranoia and unreliable narration.
3. “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn – If you’re into twisted relationships and dark, psychological twists, “Gone Girl” is a must-read. It’s more intense and complex but hits that same nerve of suspense and intrigue.