Rock Paper Scissors
By Alice Feeny
☕︎☕︎☕︎
In Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney, readers are drawn into a story of self-absorbed characters and unreliable narrators, making it a psychological thriller you won’t want to put down.
The story centers around Adam and Amelia Wright, a married couple whose relationship is hanging by a thread. Adam is a narcissistic, workaholic screenwriter who is charming when it suits him but otherwise distant and self-absorbed. Adding to his complexities is his neurological condition, prosopagnosia, or face blindness, which makes it impossible for him to recognize distinguishing facial features—even his own. It’s a compelling narrative device, adding to the tension and unease as Adam’s perception of reality is inherently flawed.
Amelia, on the other hand, is exhausted by her husband’s indifference. He doesn’t seem interested in her life, her job, or any social connections she may have. After failed counseling sessions, a weekend getaway is proposed as a last-ditch effort to salvage their marriage. When Amelia wins a raffle for a trip to a remote chapel in the Scottish Highlands, it feels like fate—or perhaps something more sinister.
The old chapel they arrive at is foreboding and cold, both literally and emotionally. It’s isolated, drafty, and eerily decorated with their bedroom set up exactly as it is at home. There’s a freezer full of meals and a well-stocked wine cellar, but the storm outside is growing more menacing, and the chapel’s secrets are just as chilling.
The novel alternates between three narrators: Adam, Amelia, and a mysterious third voice, “Robin.” Feeney masterfully doles out clues through these perspectives, building layers of suspense and leaving readers to question everyone’s motives. Robin’s identity and her connection to the Wrights are revealed with a twist I didn’t see coming, even though I thought I had a strong guess.
Much of the novel is spent unraveling the characters' thoughts, making it more of a psychological exploration than an action-packed thriller. The stark, snowy landscape and the eerie chapel amplify the growing tension and sense of doom.
While none of the characters are particularly likable, that doesn’t detract from the story’s intrigue. In fact, the selfishness and flaws of Adam and Amelia make them feel more authentic, if not exactly sympathetic. And Bob, the dog, might just be the most endearing character of all—don’t worry, no harm comes to him!
It’s a slow start, but it has incredible build.
