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Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent was exactly what I was looking for – a grim, dual-timeline mystery that held my attention and felt borderline sad. I know, I know… what is wrong with me lol. But hear me out! I read so many thrillers and they can get so over-the-top and unrealistic for the sake of a twist. The ones that are realistic hold my attention more these days, even though they are typically awful scenarios.
In this story, we meet Sally as an adult who is living with her adoptive father. It’s clear Sally has trouble connecting to others with neurotypical societal responses, but it’s not clear why. Over the course of the book, we see her childhood and her adulthood and it all becomes clear, through a methodical reveal. It’s not some big mystery to solve or a twist to keep you on your toes, it’s like a grim explanation with a few unexpected moments along the way.
This was one of my favorite reads in July, and exactly what I look for in a psychological thriller. It’s twisted and kind of grisly, but I still found ways to empathize and connect with characters. I’d recommend this for anyone who enjoys a medium-paced unraveling of a messed-up story, with full resolution and carefully woven together timelines.
Content warnings: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, Racism, Self-harm
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Kidnapping
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Suicide
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Violence, Kidnapping, Murder, Pregnancy
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A dark and twisted thriller that—despite the awful (and I mean truly despicable) people we meet amongst its pages—brings to life such a remarkable (if misunderstood) woman in that couldn’t help but root for every step of the way!
With no memory of the traumatic past that led to her adoption aged 7, Sally has always behaved differently to others—especially when it comes to understanding emotions and social cues.
So when a misunderstanding leads Sally into disposing of her dad’s body illegally, (by following his wishes and putting him out with the rubbish) she finds herself having to deal with the consequences and media storm that ensues.
But the media aren’t the only ones interested in Sally, as messages start arriving that hint at knowing far more about the horrors of Sally’s past than even she knows herself, and which threaten to once again throw Sally’s life and routine into utter chaos…
This was a pacy and thoroughly addictive read that I genuinely couldn’t put down though I do suggest that given the subject material, it’s best to check TWs before reading.
Being new to Liz Nugent’s work I didn’t know what to expect when I first picked this up—the premise sounded phenomenal but, it really didn’t do justice to the vividly detailed and emotionally visceral story that we see unfold.
It’s quite a dark and emotionally devastating read, but the depth we explore through Sally’s character as she tries to come to terms with the traumatic past she can’t remember and the new life she’s trying to build, was absolutely fantastic! I genuinely loved Sally, even in her darkest and most challenging moments and adored the small glimpses of hope (and humour) that are embedded within the story.
Told from the POVs of both Sally and her biological brother, Peter we get a deeply detailed and evocative picture of the tragedy and horror that Sally and her mother experienced as well as the lives forged in the aftermath of their rescue (including a surprisingly detailed glimpse into the life of their captor, abuser and father, Conor.)
I can’t go into to anymore details without spoiling the entire plot but, if you enjoy emotionally devastating and completely immersive stories which delve into the intricacies of the human condition—then you simply don’t want to miss the Masterpiece that is Strange Sally Diamond.
And a massive thank you to Penguin Random House/ Sandycove for the proof copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, Gaslighting
Moderate: Car accident
Minor: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Racism, Lesbophobia
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Violence, Medical trauma
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Violence, Xenophobia, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment
Minor: Racial slurs, Racism, Car accident