Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

Rock Paper Scissors is a psychological thriller novel by Alice Feeney, a New York Times bestselling author known for her dark, twisty plots. The story revolves around a deeply troubled couple, Adam and Amelia Wright, who take a weekend getaway to a secluded converted chapel in the Scottish Highlands in a last-ditch effort to save their marriage. 

The novel alternates between the present-day drama of the weekend trip and a series of letters written by Adam’s wife over the course of their 10-year marriage. 

The weekend getaway: Adam, a screenwriter with prosopagnosia (face blindness) who cannot recognize faces, including his wife’s, and Amelia arrive at the isolated Blackwater Chapel during a snowstorm. It quickly becomes apparent that their relationship is strained and filled with unspoken secrets. The seemingly romantic trip turns sinister as strange occurrences begin to happen, and they realize they are not alone. The isolated setting and creeping sense of dread amplify the suspense. 

The anniversary letters: Interspersed with the present-day narrative are letters written by Adam’s wife for every anniversary. These letters are a tradition for them, but Adam has never been allowed to read them. This year, however, is different, and the letters begin to reveal the decade of secrets and lies that have poisoned their relationship. 

The twists: As the weekend progresses and the letters expose long-buried betrayals, the truth about their marriage—and the nature of their getaway—is completely upended. Feeney masterfully uses misdirection and multiple perspectives to build an intricate web of suspense. Just when the reader thinks they have the story figured out, shocking revelations pull the rug out from under their feet, leaving them questioning who to trust.