12 July 2024

“Sharp Glass” is a gripping and unsettling psychological thriller that left me breathless and deeply moved. As someone who relishes the intricate dance between suspense and human psychology, I found this book to be an exceptional addition to the genre.

The narrative kicks off with an intense premise: a woman, whose job is her lifeline and obsession, finds herself trapped in the cellar of a remote house she was hired to pack up. The isolation and desperation of her situation are evident, creating a suffocating atmosphere that Hilary maintains throughout the novel. The claustrophobic setting amplifies the tension, making each page turn an exercise in controlled anxiety.

The protagonist, whose meticulous nature and dedication to her job are her defining traits, is compelling and relatable. Hilary crafts her with a precise touch, filling her with a complexity that reveals itself layer by layer. Her captor convinced that she holds the key to solving a young girl’s murder, is a chilling and enigmatic figure. The dynamic between them is loaded with psychological warfare, as each tries to outmanoeuvre the other in a deadly game of wits and secrets.

One of the best elements of “Sharp Glass” is Hilary’s style. Ann Cleeves rightly describes her as a master of her craft, making the words sing. Hilary’s writing is both lyrical and precise, painting vivid images and evoking strong emotions without ever becoming overwrought. The tension between the captor and the captive is skilfully rendered, with each confrontation peeling back new layers of their characters and the mystery at the heart of the story. The plot is intricately woven, with twists that are both surprising and inevitable in hindsight. Hilary doesn’t just rely on shocks to keep you engaged; she builds a narrative that is rich with psychological insight and emotional depth. The revelations about the young girl’s murder and the true nature of the captor’s motives are handled with finesse, leading to a climax that is as satisfying as it is heartbreaking.

“Sharp Glass” reflects Sarah Hilary’s ability to craft a thriller that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally rich. It’s a book that lingers long after the final page, its themes of entrapment, resilience, and the search for truth ringing deeply. For fans of psychological thrillers, this is a must-read that showcases the best of what the genre has to offer.