From the Publisher: “For the first eighteen years of her life, Rose Gold Watts believed she was seriously ill. She was allergic to everything, used a wheelchair and practically lived at the hospital. Neighbors did all they could, holding fundraisers and offering shoulders to cry on, but no matter how many doctors, tests, or surgeries, no one could figure out what was wrong with Rose Gold.
Turns out her mom, Patty Watts, was just a really good liar.
After serving five years in prison, Patty gets out with nowhere to go and begs her daughter to take her in. The entire community is shocked when Rose Gold says yes.
Patty insists all she wants is to reconcile their differences. She says she’s forgiven Rose Gold for turning her in and testifying against her. But Rose Gold knows her mother. Patty Watts always settles a score…”
My thoughts: Psychological thrillers are not my usual genre of books, but I was intrigued to read this book because of one of the main character’s history of Munchausen syndrome by proxy. Once I started reading the book, I was captivated to see how the story would unfold.
The story is told in a dual narrative – Rose Gold and her mother, Pattty. Rose Gold’s story begins while her mother is imprisoned for the abuse of Rose Gold. The history of the abuse unfolds as Rose Gold tells her story and the implications of the abuse on her life. She then sets out to inflict revenge against Mommy dearest.
Patty’s illness comes out in full force once she finishes her imprisonment and begins living with Rose Gold. It soon becomes obvious that any psychological therapy Patty may have received in prison has not been helpful.
I felt the storyline was well developed and kept me engaged. I was always wanting to read more in order to see what would happen next. I love good character development and this book did not disappoint. I appreciated the obvious psychological damage inflicted upon Rose Gold and her attempts at trying to socialize. This book has made me want to increase my “to be read” book shelf with more psychological thrillers.
I recommend this book to those that enjoy psychological thrillers or general fiction.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.