Review — THE BREAK by Katie Sise

Can she trust the people she loves? Can she trust herself? A new mother is pushed to the edge in a provocative thriller by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Open House.

After the traumatic birth of her daughter at a New York City hospital, Rowan O’Sullivan returns home to her apartment with her perfect newborn, Lila. At her side are her husband, Gabe, and June, a part-time babysitter hired to help Rowan in any way she can.

But in this time of joy, Rowan can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right. She feels dread. She’s breaking.

Rowan’s growing instability leads her to accuse June of unspeakable things. And when June disappears just days later, Rowan becomes a suspect. The neighbors heard the screaming. But only Rowan knows what really happened. If her mind can be trusted. Since Lila’s birth, her memory has been both unreliable and frightening.

To uncover what happened to June and protect her new baby, Rowan must try to untangle the deep recesses of her mind and face the dark things she’s so desperate to keep buried. When she does, no one is prepared for where the truth leads.

Published: November 2022

Goodreads | Amazon

My Thoughts

Domestic suspense and I don’t seem to get along well.

First, let’s be clear. Once again, this is a book marketed as a thriller that is absolutely not one. It’s a dark domestic drama with an undercurrent of suspense. Pacing is slow. Action is minimal. So, not a thriller.

I couldn’t connect with most of the characters, who veered heavily into the unlikable and untrustworthy zones.

The plot splintered in many directions, often for minor points that were never resolved or were simply unnecessary to the story. A lot of aspects didn’t make sense, but I can’t list which ones because referencing them would be spoilers.

The final quarter of the book is where everything happens. And I mean everything. We meandered through the first three-quarters, then raced to the finish line.

Clearly, the story didn’t work for me. But once again, I’m in the minority, so please ignore me and read this one if it intrigues you.

I alternated between reading and listening to this one. The audio narration is well done.

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