Summary reviewed by:
Terrence Timmons
Terrence Timmons
Analyst
Bachelor of Arts (BA), University Of California, Santa Barbara 2019
With over 4 years of experience as an analyst. Terrence Timmons is committed to analyzing summaries without compromising on quality.
Rock Paper Scissors will make you question everything you thought you knew about your own relationships. In the remote Scottish Highlands, Adam and Amelia Wright are on the brink of a marital breakdown. A weekend away in an isolated chapel-turned-cabin is supposed to be their last chance to save their marriage—or at least that’s what Amelia hopes. Adam, a workaholic screenwriter with face blindness, has never been able to recognize his wife’s face, adding a layer of tension to their already fractured relationship.
As the snow traps them inside, secrets begin to unravel through letters that Amelia has been writing to Adam each year on their anniversary, letters he’s never seen until now. But nothing is as it seems in this isolated cabin, where every shadow seems to harbor a lie. The story is a twisted exploration of love, deceit, and the lengths people will go to in order to get what they want. Feeney masterfully layers the narrative with suspense, making you second-guess every detail until the shocking truth comes to light. This standalone novel by Alice Feeney is a psychological thriller that will leave you guessing until the very end, making it a must-read for fans of dark, twisted tales of domestic suspense.
Date Published: August 19, 2021
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Adult Fiction
Domestic Thriller
Psychological Thriller
Mystery Thriller
Suspense
Adam Wright: A successful screenwriter who suffers from prosopagnosia, or face blindness, which prevents him from recognizing faces, including his wife’s. His work consumes him, leaving little room for emotional connection. Adam values control and structure, as shown by his meticulous routines, but his inability to see beyond the surface of his own life becomes his downfall.
Amelia Wright (Robin): Initially presented as Adam’s wife, Amelia is later revealed to be Robin, a woman driven by revenge. Robin values loyalty and justice, although her sense of justice is twisted by her past. She meticulously orchestrates a plan to replace Amelia, demonstrating her patience and cunning, ultimately prioritizing her vendetta over morality.
Amelia (Deceased): The real Amelia is a tragic figure who was once Robin’s best friend. She valued friendship and trust, but her naivety and poor choices led to her untimely death. Amelia’s memory haunts the narrative, as the consequences of her actions reverberate throughout the story.
Deception: The novel explores the layers of deceit that exist in relationships, both personal and professional. Characters hide their true selves, leading to misunderstandings and tragic outcomes. Adam’s face blindness is a metaphor for the emotional and psychological blindness that affects all the characters.
Revenge: The central plot revolves around Robin’s elaborate revenge plan against Amelia, driven by a deep sense of betrayal. This theme highlights the destructive power of vengeance and how it can consume a person’s life, leading them to commit unthinkable acts.
Identity and Perception: The novel questions the reliability of identity and how it is perceived by others. Adam’s inability to recognize faces symbolizes the broader theme of how we perceive those we love, often failing to see them for who they truly are. The story challenges the idea of fixed identity, showing how it can be manipulated and changed over time.
Isolation: The setting in the remote Scottish Highlands amplifies the sense of isolation experienced by the characters. This physical isolation mirrors the emotional and psychological distance between them, leading to a breakdown in communication and trust.
Rock Paper Scissors unfolds in the chilling isolation of the Scottish Highlands, where Adam and Amelia Wright head to a secluded chapel-turned-cabin for a weekend getaway. The intention is to repair their failing marriage, but as the story progresses, it becomes clear that this trip is not what it seems.
Adam, who suffers from face blindness, has never been able to recognize his wife’s face. This condition becomes a crucial element in the unfolding of the plot, as it symbolizes the deeper emotional and psychological disconnect in their marriage. The story is interspersed with anniversary letters that Amelia has written to Adam over the years, each revealing more about their fractured relationship and hidden secrets.
As the snow traps them in the cabin, the couple’s tensions rise. It’s revealed through the letters that Amelia has been aware of Adam’s condition all along and has used it to manipulate situations to her advantage. The letters also hint at a darker secret—Amelia’s growing fear and suspicion of Adam.
However, the most shocking revelation comes when it’s disclosed that the woman Adam believes to be his wife, Amelia, is actually Robin, Amelia’s childhood friend. Robin has been plotting revenge against Amelia for years, blaming her for a tragedy in their shared past. The real Amelia died years ago, and Robin, driven by a twisted sense of justice, has assumed her identity, meticulously planning to destroy Adam.
Robin’s plan culminates in her murdering Adam, leaving behind a narrative that paints her as the victim of his abusive behavior. The final scenes reveal Robin escaping into the night, free of the burdens of her past, having achieved her revenge.
The novel ends on a chilling note, with the realization that Robin’s carefully crafted lies have not only destroyed Adam but also allowed her to walk away unscathed, her true identity and motives buried alongside the past she’s so ruthlessly erased. The story leaves readers questioning the nature of identity, the dangers of deception, and the devastating impact of revenge.
Our summary of Rock Paper Scissors was meticulously designed to resonate with readers who seek thrilling, psychological depth. By focusing on key themes like deception, revenge, and isolation, we ensure that the essence of the novel is captured in a way that’s both engaging and informative. Our approach emphasizes accuracy and clarity, distilling complex narratives into concise, impactful overviews. This method allows us to deliver content that’s not only insightful but also directly applicable to the reader’s understanding of the story’s deeper messages and twists.
