Gaslit

When a migraine cancels Ella’s New Year’s Eve plans, she agrees to babysit for her younger cousin, Joey. Arriving at her aunt’s house, she is horrified to find the family unconscious and strives to save them. An investigation discovers that there had been a gas leak, leading to the death of her aunt, but Ella is convinced that there might be more to it than that. However, having recently been diagnosed with a brain tumour, she is worried that her paranoia must just be a side effect of her illness, leaving her unsure who to trust and what to believe…

Once started, must be finished, ‘Gaslit’ certainly is a compelling and absorbing read. Full of twists and turns, it is a story which takes you by surprise again and again!

Fiercely independent and fearing that others will treat her differently, Ella is determined to keep her diagnosis a secret from as many people as possible which has isolated her from most of her friends. As she and her older cousin, Chris, start to investigate, Ella finds herself questioning herself, her perceptions and her grasp on reality, leading the reader constantly unsettled as the story shifts and shifts again. It is a tense, disquieting read as Ella constantly doubts herself, re-evaluating her memories and experiences, but one which is very cleverly handled, offering a layered and satisfying read.

As ever with a story like this, it is impossible to offer a full review without ruining the plot for anyone who hasn’t read the book. All I can say is that it is a cracking read which keeps you guessing (clever use of title!) - and hoping- right to the last page.

Gaslit

Megan Davidhizar

Harper Fire ISBN: 978-0008617035