Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

A domestic thriller novel from queen of twists Alice Feeney.

Author

Diego Dunne
November 25, 2024

Hey, it’s Diego.

I finished reading Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney this week.

And I’m here to tell you all about it.

Let me give you my spoiler-free unbiased review.

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Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney Review

What happens when a couple struggling to save their marriage retreats to a remote Scottish chapel for a weekend getaway? In Rock Paper Scissors, what starts as an attempt at reconciliation spirals into a chilling game of secrets, lies, and survival.

Trigger Warnings: domestic abuse, bullying, animal cruelty.

This is a domestic thriller that thrives on its eerie setting—a desolate chapel in the Scottish Highlands, where the isolation adds layers of suspense.

Domestic thrillers: a subset of psychological thrillers that happen in a “domestic” location. This can be a family home or small town but can also be a hospital, prison, etc.

Told from multiple perspectives, including Adam (the husband), Amelia (the wife), and an enigmatic third voice, the story is laced with anniversary letters that contextualize their relationship. If you enjoy the progressive revelation of secrets, you’re in for a treat.

I found the writing atmospheric and suspenseful. The story has some small elements of horror as most of it happens in a remote setting which I think worked really well, especially at the start of the story. The tone is unsettling but the themes of the book are light so nothing too dark. Some readers might find the occasional nuggets of “fortune-cookie wisdom” in the dialogue a little clunky, but I didn’t mind them and thought that overall, the prose serves the story well.

Is it romantic? Not really. The dynamics of the marriage are more of an exploration of trust and betrayal than anything resembling romance. And if you’re worried about graphic violence or spicy scenes, there’s nothing explicit either in language, violence, or sexual content to worry about here.

So, what about the ending? (No spoilers obviously)

I love my stories to wrap up nicely, with a neat little bow at the end. I like to read a cathartic scene where everything our characters have been through finally pays off physically and emotionally. Then a denouement in another chapter (or chapters) following the characters decompress where things are resolved and I’m left delighted at how well things played out at the end, every plot thread resolved.

The plot leans heavily into secrets being revealed piece by piece, building toward a final twist that is sure to divide readers. For me, it landed. It tied up most loose ends and offered a resolution, though I wouldn’t call it a perfectly neat bow—it leaves just enough room for some ambiguity. And I had to Google the book to see what others felt of some details of the ending.

Overall, I enjoyed Rock Paper Scissors. It kept me guessing and entertained, even if it required a bit of patience during the diary entries. Its creepy atmosphere and layered bombshells make it a great pick for a chilly weekend read.

Similar Books to Rock Paper Scissors

  • Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

  • The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

  • His & Hers by Alice Feeney (if you enjoy the author’s style)

That’s all for this week.

See you next time.

— Diego Dunne

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