‘A Gingerbread House’ by Catriona McPherson is a tense and twisty psychological thriller of the type where the tension slowly builds as the story unfolds. Do not be mistaken that just because you have to wait that it isn’t worth trying. Do you remember the saying ‘good things come to those who wait’? well let’s just say this, the reader reaps the rewards!

We meet Ivy, a lonely and quite vulnerable woman who aches to be a part of a family and be loved. In what seems to be a miracle to Ivy, she meets Kate, who claims to be her long lost sister. Ivy is overjoyed when Kate invites her to come and live in her cottage with her so they can catch up on lost time and get to know each other properly. The biggest issue is that Ivy never leaves the cottage she entered. It becomes clear that it is not just Ivy who has disappeared under odd circumstances when two other women go missing under similar circumstances. An investigation is started to attempt to find out who is behind these disappearances and to find the women.

With a cottage named The Gingerbread House you really would expect a cosy and cute house, when in actual fact it is anything but! The synopsis is one that already has your mind whirling with the possibilities of the mystery and even intrigue that it promises.

Catriona McPherson’s detailed and vivid characters really help to get the reader enthralled in this story. Ivy is such a relatable woman. She only wants what the majority of people want – to be loved and belong. This wish is what leads to her going missing. I felt for Ivy and my heart went out to her. Although it is a slow burner the pacing is perfect for the story. As the tension and suspense builds with mystery as the story unfolds it had me feeling like I was with the characters as part of the investigation.

A definite thrilling and chilling tale with a plot that is original layered with complexities throughout.

Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Severn House for the copy of the book.