Title: In the Blood
Author: Lisa Unger
Published: Simon and Schuster January 2014
Status: Read from January 22 to 23, 2014 — I own a copy {Courtesy the publisher}
My Thoughts:
Lisa Unger’s latest psychological thriller has the reader questioning if sociopaths and psychopaths made or born? Can they be helped, can they live normal lives, or will they always pose a threat to others?
The narrative alternates between the first person of college student Lana Granger and the diary entries of an unnamed woman. Lana is an enigmatic protagonist. Unger gives us glimpses of her tragic past, and its effects on the person she has become while hinting there is something more we don’t know about her, a secret even more shocking than the murder of her mother by her father.
None of the characters can be trusted and almost all of the readers assumptions about them will prove wrong. The novel is populated with broken people who don’t behave or react in ordinary ways, who lie without affect and who lack the basic traits, such as empathy, that define our humanity.
The plot is undeniably clever with twists and turns to surprise and shock but I have to admit overall I think it was all too neat somehow and while the suspense was there, I think a sense of urgency was lacking somewhat. I’m reluctant to reveal too much as it is essential the story unfolds without any foreshadowing.
In The Blood is a gripping read, well crafted and chilling. This psychological thriller will grab you from the first page and not let go til the very last.
Available to Purchase From
Simon and Schuster I 
I Booktopia I Amazon AU I via Booko
Book’d Out 
Oh dear that is just the sort of question that makes me want to read this book. I’m fascinated about the nature of ‘evil’ so now I somehow need to make some room/time to read this one. Thanks for the great review 😉
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I often ponder those same questions about the nature of mental illness (or evil); and I love this author, so I’m sure going to read it at some point. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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I guess I should proceed with caution! Love your thoughts!
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I’ve only read one of Lisa Unger’s novels, Sliver of Truth, a few years ago now. I recall feeling, although it was multi-layered and gritty (all things I really liked) it lacked a sense of urgency also.
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