The Soulmate

 

The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth was a Buzz Pick on Good Morning America back in April and the subject of my next blog post.

This story grabbed my attention from the very start. Gabe and Pippa live in a cottage on a cliff where people come to commit suicide. Gabe has been able to talk people out of taking that fatal leap until that one person, Amanda, came along who he couldn’t save. Pippa sees the interaction between Gabe and Amanda on the cliff before she falls. It seemed unusual – maybe even suspicious – but Pippa doesn’t tell the police about it.

Early in the story, Pippa describes Gabe as being “fixed”. What a curious depiction. I wonder what she means by it. Apparently, Gabe and Pippa have had some difficulties in the fairly recent past, but they are in the process of starting over when he encounters Amanda.

As part of the narrative, we hear Amanda’s voice before and after she dies. We know her thoughts, understand her feelings, learn about Amanda's life and that she didn’t come to the cliff to die. Additionally, we find out about the aftermath and the impact of her falling on her husband, Max.

The book continues by telling Gabe and Pippa’s relationship history. Gabe seems absolutely too good to be true. I’ve read too many mysteries not too wonder what Gabe’s real deal is. It is discovered that Gabe has a much darker side to him as well. Pippa, too, has had her challenges and missteps along the way. I am intrigued.

Less than halfway through the book, I get an inkling about a connection between Gabe and Amanda. I'm eager to keep reading to see if I'm right. My suspicions are quickly dashed, or are they? The more I read, the more I believe my first inclination was correct. This is why I love mysteries so much; they keep you thinking and wondering.

Nope. My instincts were wrong. I can see now that all the clues are there. While not a perfect novel – very few books are – The Soulmate kept me guessing until the very end, which is what a psychological thriller should do.

I'm thinking about reading Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano for my next blog post. It was a New York Times bestseller and the 100th Oprah Book Club selection. Not to mention, it comes highly recommended by some of my family members. If you have read this book, let me know what you thought about it.

If you would like to be placed on Maria's Book Banter’s e-mailing list, please e-mail me at mariabookbanter@gmail.com. If you would like to be removed from the list, let me know that too. Questions and comments can also be sent to the above e-mail address.