The Cage Within

by Paige Brooks

Some memories should stay buried. Some secrets refuse to die.


Dr. Jillian Marks thought she’d escaped the darkness. But when cryptic messages begin appearing—urging her to remember—and her neighbors start to vanish, the cracks in her carefully rebuilt life begin to widen. Haunted by memory loss and chilling visions she can’t explain, Jillian doesn’t know who to trust… least of all herself.
In the seemingly quiet suburb of Maplewood, someone is watching. Her neighbor Owen is too perfect, too present. Detective Ryan Stone follows the trail, but it’s Jillian’s own buried past that holds the key. Unearthed photos. Handwritten notes she didn’t write. And a face in the shadows that never left.
As paranoia grips the neighborhood, Jillian and a fellow survivor must face the they were part of something far more sinister than they imagined. But the real puppet master isn’t who they think.
And he’s not done with her yet.

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2025

About the author

Hi, I’m Paige Brooks—and I write psychological thrillers that dig deep into memory, fear, and the secrets we bury.

Thrillers have always been my favorite kind of story—the kind that leave you unsettled, second-guessing reality, and flipping pages late into the night. The Cage Within is the first in a growing collection of twisty, emotionally layered suspense stories that I can’t wait to share with readers who love that slow-burn tension and eerie atmosphere.

I’ve been married to my husband for over 30 years, and we have one incredible son and two slightly spoiled dogs. We recently moved from the West Coast to the East Coast—a change that definitely inspired the quiet unease and creeping tension in my writing.

If you enjoy thrillers with sharp turns, emotional depth, and that feeling that something’s just out of reach… then I think we’re going to get along just fine.

Reviews

[Tina Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

What memories are hidden within your mind...
Dr. Jillian Marks starts getting weird messages telling her to 'remember'... what is she supposed to remember? Is it something about a patient, her past, her childhood... or just someone having a good laugh at her expense?
This story goes all-in with a lot more than just trying to remember one little thing. Including the local detectives, as well as memories with cages and chains...
Thank you, Paige Brooks, for a great story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creepy, twisty, and completely addictive! The Cage Within pulls you into Jillian’s unraveling world, where nothing—and no one—is as it seems. With eerie messages, vanishing neighbors, and buried secrets clawing their way to the surface, this psychological thriller keeps you questioning reality until the very last page. A haunting and suspenseful read that’s perfect for fans of dark, mind-bending mysteries.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read Paige Brooks " The Cage Within".
it is a really deep dark thriller. That is the best way I can think of to say think of to describe it.
I very seldom give 5 star reviews but this is definitely one.
It has you in its grip from page 1. The characters are flawless. It is the best thriller I have read in ages. James Patterson eat your heart out.
I'm really looking forward to her next book.
Cheers
Lynn 🇨🇦

[Myra McCulloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just could not leave this psychological thriller once I started.

A dark and twisted plot of manipulation, murder and control.

Would they ever find what happened to their friend? Would they ever resolve why they were being watched, couldn't remember or why their fear was growing?

Dive into this and find out.

Thank you for the opportunity to read your book

[Regina Taymor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping psychological thriller!
The Cage Within pulls you into a world of buried memories, vanishing neighbors, and creeping paranoia. Dr. Jillian Marks is a hauntingly complex heroine, and the twists keep coming until the very end. Perfect for fans of suspenseful, character-driven mysteries.

[Autumn Littlebrant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, had me hooked from the beginning. It was easy to follow. The character building was done beautifully!

[Donna Fitzpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked right from the beginning. Fairly well written. my digital copy had some spelling mistakes but other than that, I enjoyed the book. I wonder if there is a sequel?

[Miss_curly_tots · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creepy, addictive book,
Strange scary texts, the feeling of being watched. Characters being manipulated, missing memories and Neighbours going missing. 5 star psychological thriller

[Melba · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thrilling read, with mind bending suspense. This would make a good movie.

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well written psychological thriller that kept me engaged from the first to last page. The mystery is gripping and I couldn’t stop reading. Great story.

[Naznin Azeez · Rating 2 out of 5]

It dragged on and on and on.... I didnt want to DNF but even in the end there is no clarity.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Cage Within" might be short but it packs a lot in those pages! This gripping psychological thriller has creepy vibes and twists that kept me guessing til the end. I loved this book!

I got this book for free by joining the author's readers list. Thank you, Paige Brooks, for this great book!