Heather’s Bookshelf: Hollow Voices
Author: M. Corbier
Released: 11/06/23
Genre: Psychological Thriller
“Anyone can kill if properly incentivized.”
“Hollow Voices” introduces Dr. Julia Toussaint a board certified pediatrician and chief of pediatrics. Julia’s world is shattered when her son is killed by a drunk driver. Having already lost her husband to cancer, she feels her life is shattered.
She seeks the help of a psychiatrist, but Julia doesn’t agree with her methods and hates how the meds make her feel. Instead, she changes everything in her life (including her home, city, and job) and seeks the support of her friends (new and old), newly adopted dog, and parents.
But when a police officer shows up and starts questioning her, things get complicated. First, he asks about the death of the woman who killed her son and then he accuses her of knowing what happened to the man that abused her adopted son, Thaddeus.
Mounting pressure from her new boss, a hostile work environment, her parents need for answers, the situation with Thaddeus’ mother, and a tragedy that hits a little too close to home add pressure to Julia who struggles with her emotions. Will she be able to control her darkest desires or will they win out in the end?
Trigger Warning: violence, murder, DWI, adult language, child abuse, reference to drug use, reference to sexual abuse
Overall, I enjoyed this movie with some rather dark threads. The tragedy in the very beginning of the book sets the tone for the rest of it. I truly felt Julia’s despair throughout the pages and couldn’t help but wonder what that had led her to imagine vs do. I loved how the author showed her love and support from her family and friends and how she wanted to identify with that but couldn’t quite manage. I also enjoyed seeing her evolution throughout the story including her disdain turned love for Lady. Julia’s character is complex: she’s an accomplished pediatrician but with a complex mental health. She clearly cares for her parents, husband, friends, and Thaddeus, and clearly loathes those that she deems as unfit. The dichotomy of emotions pushes the story forward and adds to the pacing. While a majority of the book sustains great pacing, the middle third draws on a bit with some repetitive conversations and events. There’s a bit of a twist near the end that reveals aspects of Julia’s choices and behaviors that I found interesting, unexpected, but fitting. The ending wraps everything up nicely and I felt satisfied at the completion while you could also see a possible sequel down the road.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A psychological thriller with a strong protagonist, emotional connection, and intrigue with rather dark themes.
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with M. Corbier
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