Who To Believe

Author: Edwin Hill
Genre: Psychological Thriller
320 pages
Publisher: Kensington, 2024

Synopsis
In this twisting domestic suspense thriller from the acclaimed author of The Secrets We Share , the aftermath of a murder in a quiet New England coastal town reveals a web of dark secrets . . .

Monreith, Massachusetts, was once a small community of whalers and farmers. These days it’s a well-to-do town filled with commuters drawn to its rugged coastline and country roads. A peaceful, predictable place—until popular restaurateur Laurel Thibodeau is found brutally murdered in her own home. Suspicion naturally falls on Laurel’s husband, Simon, who had gambling debts that only her life insurance policy could fix. But there are other rumors too . . .

Among the group of six friends gathered for Alice Stone’s fortieth birthday, theories abound concerning Laurel’s death. Max Barbosa, police chief, has heard plenty of them, as has his longtime friend, Unitarian minister Georgia Fitzhugh. Local psychiatrist Farley Drake is privy to even more, gleaning snippets of gossip and information from his patients while closely guarding his own past.

But maybe everyone in Monreith has something to hide. Because before this late-summer evening has come to a close, one of these six will be dead.  And as jealousy, revenge, adultery, and greed converge, the question becomes not who among these friends might be capable of such a thing, but—who isn’t?

My review
Who To Believe is an entertaining and fun psychological thriller. At just 320 pages, it’s a quick and engrossing read that’s easy to finish in one sitting. The story unfolds through multiple points of view, including a unique perspective from a dog in the final chapter. But who among them is trustworthy? That’s the question at the heart of this twist-filled narrative. While there were a few eye-rolling moments, Hill packs the story with enough secrets, deception, infidelity, and greed that kept me fully engaged until the end.

When the same short time frame is revisited through multiple perspectives, some repetition is inevitable, and this story is no exception. However, Hill skillfully mitigates boredom by incorporating short chapters and introducing enough variation to maintain a steady and engaging plot.

Who To Believe is an enjoyable psychological thriller. If you’re in the mood for a straightforward, easy-to-follow story that’s not overly intense or graphic, this is a great choice. While it’s not a nail-biting, high-stakes thriller or a deeply intricate puzzle, it’s a fun and entertaining way to spend an afternoon.

My recommendation: read it if you’re looking for a lighter psychological thriller!