Dr Tamsin Shaw, renowned criminal psychiatrist, is a resident, not a clinician, in Rushmore. A beautiful, small exclusive facility, for patients needing 24 hour nursing care. Tamsin is in a permanent vegetative state, following a devastating car accident 3 years ago. Many have written her off, making assumptions that none of her sharp intellect remains. Only Tamsin knows that she hears, understands and considers every single word, but is unable to respond, even in the smallest of ways.
The story is told in two timelines, before and now. Mostly from Tamsin’s perspective, but also from those closest to her. As I read, I had a sense that we were building quietly towards something, the explanation for the accident, but so much more too. There was a lot of tension bubbling away beneath the surface of all the characters, and their intricate relationships.
It’s unusual to find a protagonist in such a frustrating, isolated situation, but conversely, at no point did I feel her to be helpless. Her strength and intelligence shone through, which I admired and appreciated very much. Elise is such a wonderful character too.
Sometimes an intriguing synopsis doesn’t translate into a fabulous book, but The Voices definitely delivered an interesting and engaging read. This chilling 5⭐️ psychological thriller had me gripped, from the first page to the last. Natalie Chandler is a new author to me, but I will certainly look out for her writing in the future.