A review by karlakayjenniges
Portrait of a Nuclear Family by J.P. Behrens

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

Wanda has the perfect life. A hard working husband and two beautiful boys. A home that sparkles, shines,  and reflects a well maintained home. Everything in its place and a place for everything. Supper on the table every night, dishes done and put away, another successful day for Wanda. 

Until that day, that one day when Wanda discovers a hidden secret and her entire world spins out of control. 

"Every moment of her life now felt like the eternal, clicking ascent of a ride, building anticipation as the horizon crests over that final dip and the world holds its breath. Everyone screams. Everyone laughs. The ride ends."

From start to finish, Wanda's illusive character develops eventually showing us who she truly is. So many secrets are revealed and each one becomes more shocking as time passes. Honestly, the things she did and does are nothing less than crackers. Her mind decends into very dark and visceral places. She creates what she desires and perfection of this revealing is the only option. 

This is a very dark and disturbing creation of a psychopathic character that will have you see her as a vile, unstable, and broken person. But one must question the reasoning behind her dysfunctional mind. There is so much to this dark story revealed throughout. It is edgy, chilling, and disconcerting. 

Extremely macabre!

A very well written debut!