The Rich - Rachel Lynch

 

New standalone novel by thriller writer Rachel Lynch

For fans of Doctor Foster and The Only Way is Essex; this new contemporary work by Cumbrian set author Rachel Lynch, who has previously given us the series of  DI Kelly Porter novels by Canelo Crime, is a standalone novel set in the rich and luxurious lifestyles of the well to do of Cambridge, East Anglia.

A plot revolving around the rich and wealthy who seemingly have all the same hang-ups as normal people but the unfortunate problem of money and big houses to hide behind.

Set amidst the warm summer that England is experiencing more frequently, the central thrust of the narrative is based around the disappearance and then discovery of the missing Monica, trophy wife to Tony Thorpe whose slovenly nature is unbecoming to all who encounter him. 

This is a story with quite an involving plot of details and characters, a lot of people to be introduced to in a short book length of 322 pages which is both a gift and problem for the reader. So begins this quick cutting narrative as with the use of short chapters written from the that character's viewpoint we get glimpses to the multitude of characters; for me this is where I had difficulty with the book in that there was perhaps too many people to invest in at once. 

There is Dr Alex the main female protagonist, a psychologist who is keeper of the elite's dirty secrets. Carrie lives a pristine life but is unhappy. Henry likes to sleep with wives of men he works for. Grace, perhaps the most interesting character, a fitness trainer/influencer whose perfect image hides dark secrets of her own.  As the body of Monica is revealed, Dr Alex knows that anybody is capable of murder if pushed too much. 

This is not a total criticism, as said previously the Grace part of the novel is the most delicately handled of the story, the influencer struggling with the influence she pervades and the pressure of self-image and self-esteem is so prevalent to our culture of today.

This reader could see the influence of such works as The Slap, that cross-cultural dissection of modern Australian society based around the conduct of one person and the branches of impact that causes. As here, when one person's passing can have an impact on many and the different levels of trauma and anguish each experiences.

A thrilling trashy getaway vacation read by a talented author who has written something different from the comfort of their detective serial reads. Yet, all in all, it is a shot that just misses the bullseye.

The Rich is out from Canelo in all formats from Thursday 9th November.

My thanks to Canelo for the review copy.