A mother’s death replaces old loyalties with new, turns brother against brother, makes friends of enemies and enemies of friends. The chilling new psychological thriller by Ben McPherson, author of A LINE OF BLOOD. Perfect for fans of I LET YOU GO and THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN. It didn’t feel much like murder at the time. Their stepfather was a cruel man, prone to unpredictable rages. No child should have to live with that. Ten years ago, Lucas’s sister stepped off the pavement into the path of a truck. It seems she couldn’t live with what she’d done. Now his mother is dead too, and old secrets are rising to the surface. Everything his mother had she’s left to Lucas – and turns out it’s a lot. Shocked and confused, Lucas begins to wonder what really happened to his mother. Why would she cut out his brother – her only other living child? And why does their uncle seem to be covering his tracks? Enter Farah – beautiful, clever, American – and the only person Lucas can turn to for help. She claims to see what Lucas can’t: that his uncle despises him, that his new stepfather is a bully, and that his own brother hates him. But in revealing the truth, will Farah be saving Lucas or leading him down a dangerous path? Soon enough, the situation escalates. Three deaths; two possible murders, and an attempt on Lucas’s life are enough to drive anyone over the edge. He finds himself growing increasingly obsessed – both with Farah and with the elegant power of his brother’s gun. It seems only a matter of time before three deaths become four…
Dive into the chilling depths of family secrets and hidden betrayals with Ben McPherson's gripping psychological thriller, "The Island." Perfect for fans of twisty narratives like "I Let You Go" and "The Girl on the Train," this suspenseful novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Ten years ago, a family was shattered by tragedy. Lucas's sister, haunted by a terrible act, stepped into the path of a truck, leaving behind a legacy of unspoken guilt and buried pain. Now, a decade later, Lucas finds himself reeling from another devastating loss: the death of his mother. But her death isn't peaceful; it's shrouded in suspicion and unsettling revelations. Upon her passing, Lucas inherits everything, a decision that deeply wounds his brother and raises disturbing questions. Why would his mother, in her final act, sever the bond between her sons? And what is their uncle so desperately trying to conceal? Enter Farah, a captivating and astute American woman, who becomes Lucas's confidante and guide through this treacherous landscape. She sees the venomous undercurrents that Lucas is blind to his uncle's barely concealed contempt, his stepfather's menacing presence, and his own brother's simmering resentment. Farah promises to unveil the truth, but her motives remain ambiguous. Is she a savior, leading Lucas towards enlightenment, or is she manipulating him, steering him down a path of irreversible destruction? As Lucas delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding his mother's death, the situation spirals out of control. A web of deceit, fueled by old grudges and long-held secrets, tightens around him. With three deaths already casting a dark shadow, and a failed attempt on his own life, Lucas teeters on the brink of madness. He becomes consumed by Farah's alluring presence and dangerously fascinated by the deadly power his brother wields. "The Island" is more than just a thriller; it's an exploration of the complex and often destructive nature of family dynamics. McPherson masterfully crafts a narrative that unravels with each chapter, revealing the hidden resentments and unspoken truths that can fester beneath the surface of even the closest relationships. Prepare to be captivated by the intricate plot, the compelling characters, and the relentless suspense that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew. McPherson's prose is sharp and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a family torn apart by secrets and lies, where loyalty is a fragile commodity and trust is a dangerous game. This book will leave you breathless and contemplating the dark side of human nature long after you've turned the final page.