The Son by Elena Wilkes

*** Review ***

In Elena Wilkes’ psychological thriller, The Son, readers are thrust into a world where trust is a scarce commodity, and the line between reality and deception blurs. The story revolves around Beth, a newlywed, and her 17-year-old son, Joe. What begins as a seemingly ordinary family dynamic soon unravels into a dark and twisted tale of secrets, lies, and a mother’s desperate search for the truth.

The novel opens with a gripping premise: Beth, the protagonist, is proud of her son and her new husband, Drew. However, beneath the surface, a storm is brewing. Joe’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and his once-strong bond with his mother weakens. Drew, a police officer, dismisses Beth’s concerns, attributing Joe’s actions to the typical struggles of adolescence. As Beth grapples with the changing dynamics of her family, she becomes a Samaritan worker in a prison, counseling suicidal inmates, showcasing her naivety.

The story takes a sinister turn when Beth receives an anonymous phone call, revealing unsettling information about Drew’s true identity. Faced with the possibility that her husband and son are hiding unimaginable secrets, Beth is thrust into a world of doubt and suspicion. As she investigates, she must confront her own gullibility and face the harsh realities of her situation.

Wilkes explores dark themes throughout the narrative, delving into child abuse, sex trafficking, abduction, violence, and deception. The author doesn’t shy away from portraying the harsh realities of these issues, creating an atmosphere of tension and unease. Beth’s struggle to accept the truth about her loved ones is both relatable and heart-wrenching, as many readers can empathize with the desire to protect their family, even when faced with disturbing revelations.

One of the strengths of The Son lies in its ability to keep readers guessing. Wilkes weaves a complex web of misleading clues and red herrings that constantly challenge our understanding of the characters and their motivations. As a result, the novel maintains a level of suspense that keeps readers engaged, even when the plot takes unexpected turns.

However, despite the intriguing premise and suspenseful elements, the book has its drawbacks. The pacing is inconsistent, with a slow start that may test the patience of some readers. While the second half of the novel picks up the pace, the initial chapters require perseverance. Additionally, the characters, particularly Beth, may be polarizing for readers. Beth’s naivety and tendency to make questionable decisions may frustrate some, while others may find her relatable in her desperation to hold onto her family.

Furthermore, the plot occasionally feels disjointed, as if there are too many threads to follow without a clear central focus. This complexity may leave some readers feeling confused and struggling to discern the overarching theme of the story.

In conclusion, Elena Wilkes’ The Son is a thriller that promises a gripping exploration of secrets and deception but falls short of its potential. While the novel offers moments of suspense and intrigue, it suffers from pacing issues and a somewhat disjointed plot. Beth’s character may be divisive among readers, and the book’s heavy themes may be unsettling for some. Nevertheless, for those who appreciate psychological thrillers with a focus on family dynamics and the unraveling of dark secrets, The Son is a book worth exploring with an open mind. Despite its flaws, it offers a thought-provoking look at the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her family, even when faced with the darkest of truths.