The Birdcage by Eve Chase

THE BIRDCAGE by Eve Chase is somewhat reminiscent of We Were Liars, with a deep sense of foreboding and a dysfunctional family dealing with a tragic event as part of their history. Chase, who also wrote atmospheric mysteries like The Wildling Sisters and Black Rabbit Hall is in great form here. Her writing jumps around in time and offers perspective from multiple characters which adds to the puzzle. The story revolves around three half-sisters, now grown women but still unsure of their relationship with each other and their artist father. Twenty years ago, it was he who painted a famous picture (containing a birdcage) of the half-siblings as young girls and that is the time - the summer of 1999 - when something awful happened. It seems to be why the youngest, Lauren, is afraid of birds and why the older sisters, Kat who is extremely driven, and Flora, a young mother with low self-worth, carry a heavy secret and the resulting guilt. The house, Rock Point in Cornwall, is another character of sorts and contributes to a sense of fear and menace in this excellent psychological thriller.