A review by carolpk
The Poison Tree by Erin Kelly

5.0

Erin Kelly's Poison Tree is publicized as a "tight psychological thriller". I'd drop the word thriller as this denotes to me a more fast paced tempo than is the case here. I'd read it alone for its in depth psychological character study. Erin Kelly gets this just right. Beginning at the end, the story flashes backwards and forwards in a space of ten years, rapidly and without warning, and yet it is easy to follow. I quickly became engrossed with the three main characters, Karen, Biba and Rex. I became a part of their lives, becoming a friend, even though I knew this was fiction. That's how powerful Kelly portrays each. You know these people, what makes them tick, and yet just as in real life, what they do might still surprise you.

If this is not enough, the story is believable and satisfyingly justifiable; well thought out. It left me with things to think about, yet again, in my life long quest to understand the relationships of life; family, friends, lovers.

I'm going to recommend this to all my Tana French, Sara Waters and Morag Joss reading friends.