16 October 2023

After losing myself in The Nothing Man by Catherine Ryan Howard have been itching to read more of her work. As usual I did not read the synopsis before starting 56 Days. At first, I was a little disappointed that this was yet another Covid story. However, this book is turned out to be the best Covid book I have read.

This is a gripping thriller that unravels the intrigue of a murder amidst the backdrop of lockdown. The story follows Ciara and Oliver, whose chance encounter at a supermarket sets off a chain of events that lead to a chilling discovery.

The story is divided into three timeline which are skilfully interwoven to build suspense and providing insight into the characters’ motivations. You are introduced to Ciara and Oliver at the onset of the pandemic, a time of uncertainty and fear. As the lockdown looms, Oliver proposes that Ciara move in with him, an offer she accepts, believing it to be an opportunity to deepen their relationship away from prying eyes. However, the decision sets in motion a series of events that lead to an unforeseen and tragic conclusion.

The author digs deep into the psyche of the characters, especially Olivier, unravelling layers of his personality and unveiling his hidden motives. The portrayal of the relationship explores the nuance of trust, deception and the lengths to which someone might go to protect their secrets. The tension escalates when detectives arrive at Oliver’s apartment, finding a decomposing body, prompting a race against time to solve the mystery.

The author excelled in bring the sense of claustrophobia and paranoia we all felt during lockdown to life in this story. She brilliantly used the pandemic as backdrop to heighten the suspense and isolation of these characters. The uncertainty of the times was beautifully used to reflect the uncertainty of the investigation and intensify the story.

The story is well paced, maintaining a tempo that keeps you engaged and eager to uncover the truth. The writing is sharp and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the scenes and deepening the sense of dread and intrigue. The alternating timelines provide an excellent balance, keeping the story dynamic while providing into the characters evolution.

56 Days is a tense psychological thriller that brilliantly navigates the complexities of human relationships during lockdown. You can expect to be captivated by this well-woven plot, well-defined characters and an atmosphere filled with tension and suspense. This page-turner will leave you on the edge of your seat as you eagerly anticipate the resolution of this chilling tale.