Rock Paper Scissors

A screenwriter and his wife head to a remote chapel in Scotland for what's meant to be a relationship-saving weekend away. Their marriage has been strained by his face blindness condition, which prevents him from recognizing people, including his own wife. The chapel proves to be an unsettling destination, with strange noises and an atmosphere of isolation amplified by a mounting snowstorm. Each year on their wedding anniversary, the couple has exchanged traditional gifts and played games of rock, paper, scissors - a ritual that takes on new significance during their stay. The narrative alternates between different perspectives and timelines, revealing the complexities of a marriage where neither partner may be exactly who they appear to be. Letters written over the years add another layer to the story's structure. This psychological thriller explores themes of truth versus deception in relationships, the nature of identity, and how well we can truly know another person - even someone we've married.

Readers describe this as a slow-burn psychological thriller with twists that either delight or frustrate. Many call it an atmospheric story perfect for winter reading. Readers appreciated: - The alternating perspectives that build tension - The isolated Scottish setting - The final act's revelations - The complex marriage dynamics - Strong character development Common criticisms: - First half moves too slowly - Some twists feel forced or unrealistic - Plot points require suspension of disbelief - Characters make implausible decisions Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (163,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (22,000+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "The ending made the slow start worth it" - Goodreads reviewer "Too many conveniences to be believable" - Amazon reviewer "Perfect atmospheric winter thriller despite some plot holes" - LibraryThing reviewer

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🎭 Face blindness (prosopagnosia), which affects the main character Adam, impacts about 2% of the population and can be either genetic or acquired through brain injury. 🏰 The Scottish Highlands, where the novel is set, boasts over 2,000 historic castles and is home to numerous converted chapels similar to the one featured in the story. ✍️ Before becoming a bestselling author, Alice Feeney worked for 16 years as a reporter and producer at the BBC, which influenced her storytelling style. 💌 The tradition of writing anniversary letters, as depicted in the book, has roots in the Victorian era when "love letters" were carefully preserved as family heirlooms. 🌨️ The isolation theme draws inspiration from the "locked room mystery" genre, pioneered by authors like Agatha Christie, where characters are confined to a single location during the story's events.