Review of Drawn From Life

Author – Sarah P. Blanchard

Drawn from Life, by Sarah P. Blanchard, is a thriller set in North Carolina. Sensible, kind Emma and her narcissistic cousin Lucy have been raised together due to Lucy’s mother’s frequent absences. While in university, they become roommates in a remote cabin in the woods.

During this time, Emma is in a car accident which leaves the passengers of the other vehicle dead. Emma’s injuries include partial amnesia, PTSD, and brain damage. She cannot recall everything that transpired that day clearly, but readers are privy to just enough of what Emma does not remember to awaken their inner detective.

After the accident, Lucy disappears. Nearly a decade later, Emma discovers her life’s purpose. She has set up and is managing a center for artists in her area. Just as all is going well, of course, Lucy shows up. Havoc begins.

This psychological thriller is impeccably written and a joy to read. Although written in the third person, the characters’ thoughts, conversations, and actions propel the plot. This offers the reader a front-row seat, making visualizing effortless. Emma, her father, and her colleagues are easy to like. Lucy is a pleasure to despise. Caring about the characters adds to the readers’ sense of urgency. I was eager to discover what or who had brought about the chaos and destruction. The plot includes enough twists, turns, and red herrings to keep readers guessing.

I enthusiastically recommend this book. Unquestionably, it is suitable for lovers of the mystery and thriller genres. But it is worth a more expansive readership than that. Although this novel is well-plotted and includes many common thriller tropes, it is also a character-driven story. Emma’s struggles and the inner strength she calls upon to overcome them provide an equally engaging story.

I found nothing to criticize; Sarah P. Blanchard has painted a rich, beautifully detailed, and highly suspenseful story that should hold readers’ interest easily. Consequently, I rate Drawn from Life 5 out of 5 stars.

This review was originally posted on Online Bookclub. Check out this review and others from OLBC’s volunteer review team.

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