29 May Review: The Secretary by Renee Knight

Alright, diving into “The Secretary” by Renée Knight was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I decided to pick it up after being intrigued by the idea of a psychological thriller revolving around a seemingly mundane profession. I mean, who doesn’t love a good twist on the everyday, right? Plus, I had read Knight’s previous book, “Disclaimer,” which had its moments but left me wanting more. So, I figured this would be a chance for redemption.

What’s it about?

“The Secretary” centers around Christine Butcher, a woman whose life is defined by her job. She’s the perfect, loyal secretary to Mina Appleton, a powerful businesswoman. Christine’s dedication to Mina is absolute, bordering on obsession. She knows every detail of Mina’s life, from her business secrets to personal dramas. But this loyalty comes at a cost, as Christine becomes more enmeshed in Mina’s world, losing sight of her own identity and ethics.

The story unravels through Christine’s perspective, revealing how her blind loyalty leads to manipulation and betrayal. It’s a slow burn, building tension as Christine’s world starts to crumble under the weight of secrets she’s kept and the actions she’s taken on Mina’s behalf. It’s clear from the get-go that there’s more to Christine’s story than meets the eye, and as we delve deeper, the lines between victim and villain blur intriguingly.

What This Chick Thinks

I’d give this one a solid 7 out of 10. There’s a lot to like about “The Secretary,” but it also has its drawbacks.

First off, the character-driven plot is right up my alley. Christine is a fascinating study in devotion and denial. She’s not exactly likable, but you can’t help but feel a bit sorry for her as she’s caught in Mina’s web. The dynamic between Christine and Mina is complex and dark, with a lot of psychological depth. It reminded me a bit of the twisted relationships in “Gone Girl” or “The Girl on the Train.”

However, the pacing felt off at times. There were moments when I was completely engrossed, turning pages like mad to see what would happen next. Then there were parts that dragged, making me wish Knight had tightened up the narrative. The middle section, in particular, felt like wading through molasses – slow and sticky, with not enough happening to propel the story forward.

Knight’s writing is sharp and descriptive, which I appreciate. She has a knack for creating atmosphere and tension. But sometimes, the prose bordered on overly detailed, slowing down the momentum. I found myself skimming parts to get back to the meat of the story.

The ending… well, without giving too much away, it was both satisfying and frustrating. Satisfying because it tied up the loose ends and gave a sense of closure. Frustrating because it felt a bit rushed, almost like Knight was eager to wrap things up quickly after the slow build.

Final thoughts

“The Secretary” is a gripping psychological thriller with well-developed characters and a dark, twisty plot. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely worth a read if you enjoy stories about obsession, loyalty, and the dark side of human nature. I’d give it a 7 out of 10. It’s a solid read, but with a bit more polish, it could have been great.

Try it if you like:

• “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn – If you enjoy psychological thrillers with complex, morally ambiguous characters and twisty plots, this one’s for you.
• “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins – Similar vibes with unreliable narrators and a gripping, suspenseful storyline.
• “Behind Closed Doors” by B.A. Paris – For those who love domestic thrillers with a dark, disturbing edge.

So, that’s my take on “The Secretary” by Renée Knight. If you’re into psychological thrillers that dig deep into the human psyche, give it a shot!