Alice Feeney delivers yet another clever psychological thriller with this novel, Daisy Darker, an exciting yet haunting locked-room mystery that combines family drama, gothic atmosphere, and wild, shocking twists. This novel was inspired by the classic mystery styles of Agatha Christie; this novel traps you in an estranged family on a secluded tidal island where they begin dying one by one.

Synopsis

Daisy Darker was born with a critical health condition, leaving her uncertain how she should live or what to do with her life. Her entire family gathers at the Grandmother’s house for her 80th birthday. There are many years of resentment, jealousy, and buried secrets that end up coming to the surface. But once the tide comes in, the island is cut off from the real world. Then, at the stroke of midnight, someone is dead. Soon after that, another one drops, and then it becomes clear no one is safe on the island anymore.

What I Loved

The atmosphere is the novel’s greatest strength. The isolated island, crashing waves, always a storm of some kind, and the eerie old house create a constant feeling of uneasiness. Feeney excels at building the suspense while slowly revealing each family member’s secret.

I loved how each character was flawed. This made every interaction feel extremely intense and unpredictable. Daisy is an emotionally compelling storyteller whose perspective keeps readers questioning everything they think they may know.

The pacing starts deliberately slow, but steadily builds up to the excitement toward the finale with unexpected revelations. Feeney’s traditional twist is both bold and memorable.

What didn’t work for me

Is the number of flashbacks that occasionally interrupt the momentum of the central mystery. For some of the readers, this may appear to be pacing that is too slow during the first half before the murders begin to escalate. I find that some of the opinions on the ending are divided, while others find it less convincing than the buildup.

My Final Thoughts

Daisy Darker is an exciting psychological thriller that blends gothic horror, family secrets, and an intricate murder mystery into a gripping story to read. If you’re the type who enjoys isolated settings, unreliable narratives, and stories that challenge your assumptions, this novel is definitely for you.

Recommended for fans of:

• Alice Feeney
• Agatha Christie
• Psychological Thrillers with unexpected twist
• Family drama filled with dark secrets

Would I recommend it? Yes, indeed. While the pacing may not work for every reader, the immersive atmosphere, emotional depth, and unforgettable ending make this one of Alice Feeney’s most talked about thrillers yet.