Saving Grace by D.M Barr

 

Hack walked in just as Grace was standing over the lifeless body of his sister. Grace is 100% certain she did not do it. Having spent most of her life on psychotropic meds and being in and out of psychiatric hospitals, Grace knows that something is wrong. And it’s not her mind. When the constant berating from her father and talking down to by her husband finally drive her to find out what’s going on in her life, Grace uncovers a secret so big that it seems preposterous. Who would even believe her if she told them? The world sees her as a certified nut, after all. Grace’s only lifeline is to write a book of fiction, with just enough info that if anything happens to her, that the trail leads back to the right person. But with her editor and co-writer now dead, and her pc having been hijacked, Grace must call on the few people she regards as friends to help her out. But will the book make it out in time?

 

This psychological thriller started off with a bang. I was getting more and more irate each time her psychiatrist or husband pushed meds at her and tried to convince her that her behaviour was not normal. You could feel her frustration at their refusal to listen to her and the threat constantly hanging over her that she would be turfed off to another hospital and put in a special room for her own safety. Each time Grace scored a tiny win I rejoiced, and as we drew closer and closer to unlocking the reasons for her treatment, I was shocked at the level of coverup. But also, perhaps, a bit sceptical. The story seemed to tie up too neatly, with everyone working together nicely and putting their lives on the line for a stranger. Don’t get me wrong. Grace could not have done it herself, but it was a little bit, I’ve watched Grey’s Anatomy so I can perform surgery. The years that the coverup spanned and the level to which people would betray family was appalling, and it made me shudder the depths someone would go to to convince a person and those around them of their insanity.
The writing had a very comfortable flow and style, and even when I wanted to stop reading for the day, I was drawn into continuing with the next chapter. Apart from the tiny misgiving I had about the ending (after all, reviewing is subjective), I would definitely recommend this book.

Thanks to Reedsy Discovery and the author for an opportunity to review the book. The book will launch on September 14, 2020.