The List by Carys Jones was a brilliantly dark and captivating novel by an author who certainly knows how to write a chilling story which gets beneath your skin and rattles your bones. I was intrigued by this novel from the moment I first saw it and really couldn’t wait to dive in. It sounded like just the type of novel I tend to enjoy, with a cover that captured my attention instantly and had me asking all sorts of questions. Although labelled a psychological thriller, The List had a certain ‘horror’ vibe to it, I felt, which tempted me even more.
In The List by Carys Jones, readers follow Beth Belmont as she struggles to come to terms with a terrifying and tragic past. Tormented by sweat-induced nightmares and terrifying memories, Beth is a troubled character who the author does a fantastic job of emotionally developing throughout the progression of this story. I was captivated by Beth, and so intrigued about the things she dreamt about. I was desperate to find out what exactly Beth was so troubled by, and I felt that Carys Jones captured this anxiety perfectly.
Beth’s story, and the tension surrounding it, really begins to pick up pace and rocket forward after the discovery of the list in the woods near her home where Beth takes her daily run. A list which is seemingly innocent at first, it’s only after Beth takes note of the list of names written on the piece of paper and spots her own name included that she begins to panic and wonder how she came to find it, after all. Now, not appearing so accidental, it’s a struggle for Beth not to lose her mind altogether in the mass of emotions and anxiety that swells, and for her to instead take the advice of her partner, Josh, and push it aside. After all, why would the list have anything at all to do with Beth? Her life is perfect and hides no secrets. Right?
The remainder of The List by Carys Jones proceeds to follow Beth as she sets out to discover the truth behind the creation of the list. In doing so, this means that Beth must face the truth of who she is and what happened all those years before. This element of mystery, of hidden identities, throughout the book certainly heightens the intrigue and ensures readers stick around, encouraged to see the big reveal. I really enjoyed the authors pacing of this book, much in keeping with many sharp and punchy thrillers of the same genre. I found myself flying through the pages because it was so easy to read and keep up with. The author ensured that there was always something to keep the reader on their toes, to keep their mind ticking over, and I certainly feel that my experience of reading this book was a positive and thoroughly enjoyable one. The author managed to successfully weave an insane amount of mystery and intrigue throughout this story and always kept me second-guessing any assumptions I may have made.
Another aspect of this story that I must mention is the structure. As the author tells Beth Belmont’s story, we’re also introduced to two more characters whose narrative we’re given an insight to, both of whom with identities we are not told of. This really heightened the suspense for me, and I loved the switching of narratives as the plot continued to unravel. I enjoyed being able to watch Beth’s movements from another angle and found the mystery surrounding who the other narratives belonged to absolutely and utterly compelling. It was such a clever and effective way to tell this story, allowing the reader such a wide angle of view. Carys Jones certainly maintained the suspense throughout and I couldn’t get through the pages quick enough. I loved the switching back and forth of time also, and being able to see what happened in the past gave the characters in the present such a colourful and believable background, bringing them even more to life. There were certain scenes within this story that felt a little brutal to me, and kudos to the author for writing them so brilliantly. It was so tense and cut like a knife, and I became obsessed with the list of names presented to Beth Belmont, almost as much as she herself was.
All in all, The List by Carys Jones was a terrifyingly twisted and devious story, with a sadistic game of cat and mouse at its core. Jones has written such an enjoyable yet dark and disturbing novel with a plethora of complex characters that drew me into the pages and refused to let me go. With such a compelling and addictive and, at times brutal, storyline, this was certainly a roller-coaster read with plenty to keep the readers’ mind ticking over and I loved every moment spent alongside Beth Belmont as she set out to discover the list and its creator.
With thanks to the publisher for the advanced reading copy of this book, that of which has no reflection on me giving a fair and honest review.
Read on to find out more about The List by Carys Jones.
Five names on a list. The first two are dead. The third is yours.
Beth Belmont runs every day, hard and fast on the trail near home. She knows every turn, every bump in the road. So when she spots something out of place – a slip of white paper at the base of a tree – she’s drawn to it.
On the paper are five names. The third is her own.
Beth can’t shake off the unease the list brings. Why is she on it? And what ties her to the other four strangers? Then she discovers that the first two names are both dead.
Is she next?
Delving into the past of the two dead strangers, the truth Beth finds will lead her headlong into her darkest, deadliest and most dangerous nightmares…
You can pre-order/purchase your copy of The List by Carys Jones here.
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