A Book A Week

Stacy Willingham's first book, A Flicker in the Dark, showcased the author's talent for crafting unique psychological thrillers, and her subsequent novel, All the Dangerous Things, reinforced this skill. Now, she returns with another thriller that maintains this trend while exploring new territory. Only If You're Lucky sees the author present her most personal and intricate novel to date. I received a copy of the book and its audiobook from Willingham's publisher and was excited to delve into it.

Margot, always preferring the sidelines of life, remains a reserved observer even as she enters a small liberal arts school in South Carolina. Her initial college year is marked by playing it safe—studying, earning good grades—hardly altering her introverted nature. Lucy Sharpe, her polar opposite, possesses a charismatic, attention-grabbing personality. Margot is taken aback when, at the end of the year, Lucy, with whom she has minimal interaction, proposes they room together in an off-campus house. Against her instincts, Margot agrees.

Now residing with three other girls—Lucy, the ringleader; Sloane, the sarcastic one; and Nicole, the kind one—Margot is thrust into a dynamic mix of contrasting personalities. As the year unfolds, Margot, who has long concealed herself since a tragic event following her high school graduation, gradually emerges from her protective shell. Margot and Lucy develop a close friendship, but by the midpoint of their sophomore year, a brutal murder of one of the fraternity boys from the neighboring house shakes their world, and Lucy Sharpe goes missing without a trace.

In Only If You're Lucky, Stacy Willingham crafts a psychological thriller delving into the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. The narrative hints at the women having committed something significant and concealing secrets, creating an enticing undertone that propels the plot. The story unfolds exclusively from Margot's perspective, intertwining flashback recollections with moments of grappling with the murder's aftermath, intensifying suspense. Karissa Vacker's narration in the audiobook vividly brings Margot's voice to life.

Despite the eagerness to unravel the story's secrets, my interest waned in the protagonist, Margot, compared to the compelling supporting characters. The mysterious allure of Lucy captivated me, but the narrative confined us to Margot's viewpoint. As the novel advanced, my engagement with the entire narrative dwindled, and even the thrilling twists towards the end couldn't compensate for my growing disinterest in the central character. While Willingham's adept plotting and keen character observations persist, Only If You're Lucky marks the first disappointment for me from this otherwise talented author.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 6)