The Tapes by Kerry Wilkinson (Bookouture)

Eve discovers aged tapes left behind by her late mother while cleaning out her father's house. The tapes reveal hidden truths and answer questions about her family's past, suggesting the presence of a possible active killer. The quest for answers becomes the story's central quest while navigating through doubt and uncertainty. 

From there, Eve's character develops from grief and confusion to an almost ferocious quest for the truth. Even the secondary characters complicate everything because their intentions are rather ambiguous, thus accentuating themes of trust and deception. Unreliable narrators show how memory and perspective can skew reality and provide psychological depth to Eve's investigation.

Family secrets, the pursuit of the truth, and, ultimately, their retentive effects on the present are themes of the novel. These are, of course, tied to contemporaneous situations dealing with people's mental health, their understanding of their loved ones, and the search for justice under heaps of secrets and lies.  

Wilkinson writes clearly and well; the tension is well balanced by empathy. The dual perspective narrative builds suspense without confusing the audience and reaches an interesting climax. Language is simple enough for readers to be kept in while barring the strands of mystery at the heart of the story. 

The novel passes strong messages about distrust and truth, hitting readers straight in the heart. There is tension, which mirrors the dark and troublesome revelations happening in Eve. Some male characters lack depth, but the robust portrayal of Eve and her relationships with other women compensates for this. 

The novel fits solidly within the psychological thriller genre and stands alongside Wilkinson’s other works, known for their clever plotting and well-drawn characters. It offers a fresh angle on family-based mysteries and the lasting impact of the past, rather than relying heavily on fast-paced action, making it thoughtful as well as suspenseful.

The book's unique combination of meticulous plotting and emotional insight makes it special. It prompts readers to question assumptions and confront uncomfortable truths about people's hidden lives. Minor issues such as pacing lulls and less nuanced secondary characters do not significantly impact the overall reading experience.

This makes The Tapes an engrossing, atmospheric read that begs reflection: trust, memory, and secrets that define us, all contained within a suspenseful thriller that precludes former notions yet allows one to think deeply about issues raised.

3/5