Title: The Primitives: A Gripping Thriller
Author: Ken Varnold
Publisher: Independently published
ISBN: 978-1984521736
Pages: 404
Genre: Thriller
Reviewer: Liz Konkel
Hollywood Book Reviews
Everything turns upside down for three couples in Bonnets Landing when seven lives intersect. What seems like happy marriages on the surface soon reveal cracks as these couples face upheavals that could change everything. But when the first body is found, relationship drama takes a backseat, and as more begins turning up, everyone is shaken to their core. Reverend Mathis and his wife rally spirits as they work to calm a fearful community, which proves to be too much as the emotional turmoil begins weighing on them. A detective rises to the occasion, but even Savile Beauteau isn’t prepared for the shocking revelations that come to light.
The story weaves between different characters, primarily focusing on three married couples and their dynamics. The tone maintains a nice balance as it goes between Michael and Helen, Reverend Mathis and Esther, and Lenore and Peter. Each couple is facing different circumstances, struggles, and personal demons that slowly get revealed as the facade gets peeled back. The interactions between them are unexpected and take surprising twists by the story’s end. The beginning takes you into an ordinary day for the characters, and at first glance, these relationships seem happy and simple. But as events unfold and more gets uncovered, you see the strain, temptation, and imperfection behind each, at varying degrees. Though surprising, none of the twists come out of left field, as you begin to see hints early on would make for a fun re-read of the mystery. The more suspense that is driven into the plot, the more cracks show in the foundation of these relationships, which are used to touch upon various themes.
Author Ken Varnold explores multiple themes by focusing on the different characters amidst a backdrop of murder and suspense. The most prominent is that of sin, which everything seems to revolve around, from the religious representation of the Reverend to the damaged relationships to temptation. The story takes these elements further with the murder backdrop, which incorporates suspense, mystery, and the darker aspects of mankind. Trauma is also a significant theme explored with each couple, though in very different ways and with different outcomes. It is important to note there are elements of abuse, murder, and assault that are seen and addressed throughout the story. The details are not overly graphic; however, they could still be too much for some readers. The story reads as an exploration of human nature, seen through relationships and what unfolds when horrific things (such as murder) happen in a small town.
The murder is located within this small town, which creates notes of fear and apprehension in the tone which helps push the suspense. The characters are introduced as ordinary people who could easily be your neighbor, which helps make the reveals more shocking. The conclusion does a successful job of tying up each thread and bringing everything together, with truths that may be uncomfortable or surprising. A detective investigates the mystery, though the various characters are directly impacted by what is happening, and their choices steer the direction events unfold. Plenty of twists and turns are found along the way, making it the perfect choice for those who love thrillers. The Primitives is a gripping and unsuspecting thriller that weaves together threads of relationships, murder, and secrets as the darkest parts of human nature are revealed. This gripping psychological thriller plunges readers into a world where logic gives way to fear and where the monsters may not be the ones outside.