A review by phantomparagrapher7
The Soulmate by Rona Halsall

dark mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? No

3.0

Reaching my first reading goal milestone with The Soulmate by Rona Halsall felt fitting—this psychological thriller delivers a chilling and engrossing read that lingers in your mind long after the final page. If you’re a fan of UK thrillers with a slow to medium pace, this one is worth adding to your TBR list. 

At the heart of the novel is Holly, a woman desperate to escape her toxic relationship with Finn. When she encounters Mark—a mysterious yet charming pianist—their connection is instantaneous. It’s as if fate has brought them together. Mark is everything Holly has ever dreamed of: kind, understanding, and seemingly perfect. But as the layers of their relationship begin to peel away, Holly realizes that she may have just swapped one nightmare for another. Mark is hiding dark secrets, and as the truth unravels, she finds herself ensnared in something far more sinister than she could have imagined.

One of the most compelling aspects of The Soulmate is how Halsall captures the psychology of toxic relationships. Holly’s yearning for love and security makes her an easy target, and her gradual realization that she’s fallen into yet another trap is both heartbreaking and terrifying. Mark’s character is equally fascinating—charming on the surface but harboring a darkness that slowly seeps into the narrative. The subplot of elder abuse adds another disturbing layer, raising the stakes as Holly pieces together the horrifying truth. 

The ending delivers a satisfying yet haunting resolution, reinforcing the idea that sometimes, the greatest threats come in the most alluring disguises. If you’re looking for a thriller that makes you question the nature of love and trust, The Soulmate is a gripping, unsettling read that will leave you wary of love-at-first-sight stories forever.