A Missed Opportunity.
I had high hopes for Stacy Willingham's thriller, "A Flicker in the Dark." I really wanted to like it.
The premise promised a unique twist on the psychological thriller genre, with the daughter of a notorious serial killer facing her past as a psychologist and stumbling upon another mystery that echoes the nightmares of her childhood. But alas, the execution left much to be desired.
The protagonist, Chloe Davis, should have been a character we could empathize with, given her traumatic past and the challenges she faces as an adult. However, she comes off as unlikable, bordering on irredeemably annoying. It's challenging to root for a heroine when you find yourself wishing for the story to shift focus away from her.
Despite its promising foundation, the storyline is plagued by inconsistencies and sizable logical holes that make it difficult to immerse oneself in the narrative fully. The novel's constant descent into romantical fluff further blurs the lines between thriller and romance, leaving readers searching for the gripping suspense they anticipated.
One of the significant flaws lies in using the "I can't go to the police yet" trope, a narrative tool that can be effective when executed convincingly. In this case, however, the reasons for Chloe's hesitation lack the necessary depth and believability. With multiple pieces of compelling evidence, the reluctance to involve law enforcement feels forced, becoming a glaring issue for those desperately trying to suspend disbelief.
Ultimately, "A Flicker in the Dark" falls far short of its potential. While Stacy Willingham's writing style shows promise, the novel's shortcomings, from an unlikable protagonist to an inconsistent plot, result in a lackluster thriller that struggles to deliver on its initial premise. What could have been a heart-pounding thriller earns a modest 2.5 stars.