'Magpie' - Sophie Draper (Book Review)

Magpie marks author Sophie Draper's second novel. Her first novel (Cuckoo) being a critical success and a worthy addition to any psychological thriller genre fan. Following on in those footsteps, Magpie marks a return to the psychological genre, but with a focus on suspense rather than being a thriller. This marks a nice distinction between the two books (as both being named after birds with a similar font and cover, I wouldn't blame you if you thought they were part of a series).

The synopsis for Magpie is as follows:

"She’s married to him. But does she know him at all?

Claire lives with her family in a beautiful house overlooking the water. But she feels as if she’s married to a stranger – one who is leading a double life. As soon as she can get their son Joe away from him, she’s determined to leave Duncan.

But finding out the truth about Duncan’s secret life leads to consequences Claire never planned for. Now Joe is missing, and she’s struggling to piece together the events of the night that tore them all apart.

Alone in an isolated cottage, hiding from Duncan, Claire tries to unravel the lies they’ve told each other, and themselves. Something happened to her family … But can she face the truth?"

Magpie, follows the perspective of the married couple (Duncan and Claire) as the secrets they have been hiding from each other begin to unfurl. Claire, a mother who is the main voice of the novel. Duncan, the unfaithful husband who runs a Veterinary clinic in a small town. Caught in the middle of this is their son, Joe, who has a fascination for metal detecting.

The character development instantly leads to a dislike for Duncan, a somewhat neutrality of Claire and you are left feeling sorry for Joe being caught between parents that have long gone past the stage of loving each other. The switches between Claire's and Duncan's perspective adds a depth to the book and the plot, seeing things from both sides, as well as before and after Duncan's unfaithfulness has been uncovered.

The back and forth allows for a story to develop whilst both sides being explored. Some people have said this can get confusing with the constant back and forth. I disagree. If you keep a mind as to what happened before the voices of the characters become distinct. Duncan being clinical and stern, and Claire being quite haphazard and sometimes clumsy.

The plot provides plenty of ups and downs in the characters lives and a real sense of suspense and dread, wondering if things are going to be found out, and what secrets are being hidden. The use of the Magpie rhymes at first makes little sense until the story unveils itself. The more chapters that pass, the more references to Magpies until you understand what it all means. This suspense is well achieved and well written.

At time the plot does seem a little slow, possibly lingering on one aspect of Claire or Duncan's life a little too much, but the twists and turns along the way, especially the end make it all the more worthwhile. If the twists weren't as detailed or shocking this would have been a three star read. Enjoyable, but sometimes lacking. But the twists at the end really elevate the entire experience.

A well written, suspense filled novel which keeps you hooked from page to page, the mystery unfolding before your very eyes, and with an ending that still manages to shock. I thoroughly recommend Magpie. I look forward to what Sophie is able to produce next.

Rating: 4/5 stars (****)

Buy Magpie:

AmazonUK

Waterstones

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