TL;DR
Rock Paper Scissors is a twisted and suspenseful novel that follows a troubled couple, Amelia and Adam Wright, on a seemingly idyllic anniversary trip to Scotland. As they settle into their isolated and eerie accommodations, long-buried secrets and resentments surface, leading to a shocking and unpredictable climax. The story unfolds through alternating perspectives and timelines, gradually revealing the dark truths that have haunted their relationship and culminating in a chilling and unforgettable twist.
Table of contents
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Author & Writing Background
Alice Feeney is a New York Times bestselling author known for her gripping psychological thrillers with intricate plots and unreliable narrators. Her background in journalism and television contributes to her sharp writing style and ability to craft compelling suspense. Feeney has gained international acclaim for her novels, including “Sometimes I Lie” and “His & Hers,” which have been translated into numerous languages and optioned for film and television adaptations.
Key Takeaways
A Marriage on the Rocks
Amelia and Adam’s marriage is plagued by communication issues, secrets, and a growing sense of unease. Their anniversary trip is intended as a last-ditch effort to salvage their relationship, but it quickly takes a dark turn.
Isolated Setting and Eerie Atmosphere
The couple’s remote and isolated accommodations in the Scottish Highlands create a sense of claustrophobia and unease, heightening the suspense and psychological tension of the story.
Unreliable Narrators
Both Amelia and Adam narrate the story from their own perspectives, each with their own biases and hidden agendas. This unreliable narration keeps the reader guessing and questioning the truth.
Secrets and Lies
The story gradually unravels a web of secrets and lies that have been poisoning Amelia and Adam’s relationship. Past traumas and betrayals come to light, leading to shocking revelations.
Games and Manipulation
The title “Rock Paper Scissors” is a recurring motif throughout the novel, symbolizing the power dynamics and manipulative games that the characters play with each other.
Psychological Suspense
Feeney masterfully builds suspense through the use of red herrings, plot twists, and a growing sense of paranoia. The reader is kept on edge, constantly questioning the characters’ motives and the true nature of their relationship.
Themes of Trust and Betrayal
The novel explores the themes of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships. It raises questions about the nature of truth, the impact of past trauma, and the lengths people will go to protect themselves.
Shocking Climax and Twist Ending
The story culminates in a shocking climax that reveals the true extent of the characters’ deceptions and the devastating consequences of their actions. The twist ending leaves the reader reeling and questioning everything they thought they knew.
FAQ about Rock Paper Scissors
Is Rock Paper Scissors a standalone novel or part of a series?
Rock Paper Scissors is a standalone novel.
What is the significance of the book’s title?
The title “Rock Paper Scissors” symbolizes the power dynamics and manipulative games that the characters play with each other throughout the story.
Rock Paper Scissors Quotes
- ”The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist. And like that… he’s gone."
- "But that’s the thing about truth: it can be hidden, but it can’t be changed."
- "Sometimes I think the difference between being alive and being dead is just the ability to feel pain.”