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A review by thestucumminsreads
The Pact by Sharon Bolton
5.0
Dark, morally thought-provoking thriller with gut-wrenching suspense!
This was my first Sharon Bolton novel and I can confidently say that it won’t be my last! I was completely absorbed in this thriller and it’s breakneck pace, exciting mystery and continually building tension. Split into two parts - when the characters are teenagers and the accident happens and then 20 years later, after Megan is released from prison - the novel is a masterclass in layering atmosphere and suspense. As the narrative unfolds, the plot builds to a devastating crescendo and a closing sequence that genuinely had my heart in my throat and my breath held.
What I also found refreshing in The Pact was the fact that the lead characters are rather morally corrupt and not entirely likeable. The friends - Felix, Talitha, Xav, Amber, Dan and Meg - are not always likeable. They are vivid symbols of privilege, entitlement and a general sense of their own importance. Their immature decision making and reckless driving has far-reaching consequences. The different reactions to what they have done explores the full spectrum of self-entitlement and grandiose ego, creating a moral conundrum for the reader that is really interesting to explore. Despite the questionable principles and self-importance, I still found myself invested in these characters and as events unfolded, I found I cared about what happened to them. This is testament to Bolton’s skill as a writer, as despite finding various actions the group takes to be reprehensible, I still rooted for them. This was mainly down to the emotional crisis each character endured and the varying degrees of guilt and remorse they felt. Mixed with the lengths they would go to to retain their lifestyle, family and social standing, made this a grippingly taut read.
I highly recommend this fast-paced and highly enjoyable thriller, which will keep you on the edge of your seat and wondering how you’d react in this situation!
This was my first Sharon Bolton novel and I can confidently say that it won’t be my last! I was completely absorbed in this thriller and it’s breakneck pace, exciting mystery and continually building tension. Split into two parts - when the characters are teenagers and the accident happens and then 20 years later, after Megan is released from prison - the novel is a masterclass in layering atmosphere and suspense. As the narrative unfolds, the plot builds to a devastating crescendo and a closing sequence that genuinely had my heart in my throat and my breath held.
What I also found refreshing in The Pact was the fact that the lead characters are rather morally corrupt and not entirely likeable. The friends - Felix, Talitha, Xav, Amber, Dan and Meg - are not always likeable. They are vivid symbols of privilege, entitlement and a general sense of their own importance. Their immature decision making and reckless driving has far-reaching consequences. The different reactions to what they have done explores the full spectrum of self-entitlement and grandiose ego, creating a moral conundrum for the reader that is really interesting to explore. Despite the questionable principles and self-importance, I still found myself invested in these characters and as events unfolded, I found I cared about what happened to them. This is testament to Bolton’s skill as a writer, as despite finding various actions the group takes to be reprehensible, I still rooted for them. This was mainly down to the emotional crisis each character endured and the varying degrees of guilt and remorse they felt. Mixed with the lengths they would go to to retain their lifestyle, family and social standing, made this a grippingly taut read.
I highly recommend this fast-paced and highly enjoyable thriller, which will keep you on the edge of your seat and wondering how you’d react in this situation!