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Shrive

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Katie overcame an abusive past to become a successful journalist living her dream in New York with her handsome husband, a renowned psychiatrist. Work leads her on an expedition in Hawaii with a man who has his own irreconcilable past, after which she returns a changed, malicious person. When Katie puts her own son in danger, Jason and Ella intervene. Katie has either “snapped,” as her husband suggests, or has turned herself over to the demons which have haunted her spirit since the time she killed her father. Either way, she has to be stopped from hurting the people she loves or from hurting herself.

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2018

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Suse Wilcox

9 books23 followers

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5 stars
17 (68%)
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6 (24%)
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2 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,821 followers
December 10, 2018
‘They conversed about belief in a higher power - Katie was at a loss as to what she believed.’

Michigan author Suse Wilcox earned her MBA from the University of Michigan and successfully worked in the field of finance until the writing bug bit. She has written three books to date MY JOURNEY TO CRAZYLAND, RUBIKS: THE RABBIT MYSTERIES BOOK, BULLIES, COASTERS, HERMITS AND HEROES and now SHRIVE. Her goal is to motivate children and young adults to read books that are both fun and entertaining in addition to having thought-provoking messages regarding life, personal choices, and faith. The pen and ink illustrations are by Blueberry Illustrations.

Suse’s book STRIVE is directed toward a more mature reading audience. The title word may seem foreign to some reader – ‘shrive - to hear the confession of a penitent to impose a penance upon a penitent and grant him sacramental absolution: to confess one's sins to a priest in order to obtain sacramental forgiveness.’ A new direction for Suse and she handles it deftly. A taste of her writing style follows: ‘“We are all here for a reason. Some of us know that reason early on; we are attuned to our destiny. For others, it takes longer, but we eventually discover our purpose. And then there are people like me, who live with a strange sense that we are meant to be part of something important, a unique mission perhaps, but we readily cast aside any such inklings to focus on everyday life. We hide amidst everyday life. We hide until our options are diminished. But even then, there is no certainty we will choose the better of those options; there is no certainty we will choose good over evil.” Katie Katie’s subconscious was in a state of calm as she slept peacefully. Oftentimes, it was in a state of panic, filtering through disturbing images she had seen while conscious. It was easy for Katie to recall the countless images she believed to be real. At her childhood home in Rochester, New York, she once answered the door at the young age of ten to be greeted by two Jehovah Witnesses, an older man and a woman. Before she could dismiss them and close the door, she saw the man begin to breathe heavily as his tongue, covered in small warts, slithered back and forth from his mouth. During her college days, she once saw a male student get out of a car in the parking lot wearing a hoodie. His face changed to that of something sinister and vicious and faded to darkness before her eyes. Such occurrences were many, and they haunted her sleep. Even so, she had learned, over time, to ignore them and chose to classify them as unexplained phenomenon.’

The synopsis of this book covers the main line of the story – ‘Katie overcame an abusive past to become a successful journalist living her dream in New York with her handsome husband, a renowned psychiatrist. Work leads her on an expedition in Hawaii with a man who has his own irreconcilable past, after which she returns a changed, malicious person. When Katie puts her own son in danger, Jason and Ella intervene. Katie has either “snapped,” as her husband suggests, or has turned herself over to the demons which have haunted her spirit since the time she killed her father. Either way, she has to be stopped from hurting the people she loves or from hurting herself’

It is particularly rewarding to encounter a writer who is so adept at expression and incorporates sound living lessons into personal growth. Suse has that skill and she is a welcome addition to the literary world.


Profile Image for Angeli Fitch.
Author 10 books11 followers
August 4, 2025
This book really caught me off guard—in a good way. It dives deep into questions about faith, trauma, and personal transformation, all through the story of a woman trying to make sense of her past and her beliefs. Katie’s journey from a successful life to facing some serious internal darkness felt raw and honest. I loved how the book explored the power of the subconscious and how our past can shape us in ways we don’t even realize. It’s not your typical thriller—it’s smarter, more emotional, and lingers with you after the last page. Highly recommend if you want something with depth and soul.
Profile Image for Karen Stegman-Bourgeois.
3 reviews
October 5, 2025
Shrive
Plot: This novel started out strong. It captured my interest right away with the adventure and fearlessness of Katie. I liked her son James and her friend Ella. I liked Katie at the beginning, but at only a quarter way through, she became someone else.
Enter Isaac. He was the eccentric millionaire who liked adventure too. Katie’s job was to do extraordinary things and then write an article about her experience. She met Isaac in Hawaii for an adventure.
Hawaii was described exactly as I remember it – from the dangerous beach, the spinner dolphins, the zodiac boats, and even entering the caves backwards on the Nepali coast. When the hike took place, I really wanted more to happen in the cave. This was crucial to the plot, but it was lost and should have been presented more effectively.
Katie’s crisis of hallucinations was blamed on one thing appropriately. Then, when she got back to civilization, it was blamed on something else. She became catatonic and distant. After a lot of unnecessary plot turns and a few weird happenings, Katie became herself again, but the visions didn’t go away. All that stuff had been added was for naught.
Here are things that made me give it three stars:
James was going into first grade in a couple of weeks, but he had school the next few days. Short summer vacation, I guess. James acted more like a teenager. He spoke in long sentences and was allowed to walk throughout the building unaccompanied. Katie’s Hawaiian itinerary left Wednesday open for unforeseen weather, but when something came up, she said she’d have to stay an extra day. The wind was a threat only one day. Isaac mentioned that his dad mailed him superheroes. Why mail? Was the dad in Africa and Isaac in the USA? If true, wasn’t the dad already dead?
The formatting should have been edited better. There were extreme indents on many paragraphs. Africa is a continent, not a country. Zachary was a psychiatrist, but in his log, he said ‘she learned me…’
Finally, the word ‘incidences’ didn’t get caught by the spell checker because it is a word, but it’s misused here and should have been ‘incidents.’
Profile Image for Alefiyah Ghadiali.
Author 2 books15 followers
November 26, 2025
Shrive by Suse Wilcox is a dark, emotionally raw thriller that tackles what happens when trauma isn’t buried but unleashed—and how fragile recovery can be when the past catches up. Katie, the protagonist, begins with a promising fresh start: a successful career in New York, a loving psychiatrist husband, and even hope. But one trip to Hawaii changes everything: by the time she returns, the woman she was is gone.

What struck me first was how visceral and disturbing the transformation feels. Katie’s descent doesn’t happen with a single snap. It’s gradual, unpredictable, and deeply unnerving—which makes it all the more believable and terrifying. Wilcox doesn’t treat Katie’s collapse like plot-driven chaos. Instead, she shows it as a psychological unraveling, one that leaves scars on relationships, sanity, and trust.

The most powerful moments aren’t the dramatic confrontations, but the quiet ones: small gestures, lingering glances, and growing dread that someone you love is slipping away. As Katie starts threatening those closest to her—even her own son—you realize the story isn’t just about violence or betrayal. It’s about the horror of losing control over yourself, of internal pain turning outward.

That emotional realism anchors the book. Even when events get extreme, you never feel like it’s overblown. Instead, you feel fear for what’s human inside Katie—and sorrow for what’s being erased. The supporting characters, especially Katie’s husband and son, are drawn with humanity; they aren’t mere victims, but people trying to hold on to hope and protect what they love.

Still, the book isn’t perfect. A few plot turns rely on coincidence, and some resolutions feel rushed toward the end. For readers who look for a neat wrap-up, the ambiguity might feel unsatisfying. But for those who appreciate psychological complexity and raw realism, the unresolved threads deepen the impact.
Author 1 book1 follower
September 26, 2025
I rarely feel compelled to leave reviews, but Shrive by Suse Wilcox deserves every bit of praise. From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The storytelling is elegant, immersive, and emotional.

Katie is beautifully written. She is flawed, strong, vulnerable, and always evolving. I found myself rooting for her every step of the way, and I carried her struggles with me even after closing the book. The author handles themes of trauma, resilience, and healing with great sensitivity and nuance. You feel each moment, from the pain and uncertainty to the hard-won triumphs.

The pacing and structure are excellent. There are enough moments of tension and reflection to keep the pages turning, yet it never feels rushed.

If I had one small critique, it would be that a few sections felt so heavy with emotion that I needed to pause before continuing. For me, that was not truly a drawback, but it may not be a book you fly through in one sitting. It asks you to slow down and really feel, which in many ways is its greatest strength.

Most of all, I appreciated that the resolution was not overly neat or perfect. It felt earned, authentic, and deeply satisfying.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers that explores transformation, identity, faith, and healing, Shrive is a gem. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Mae Camp.
Author 5 books16 followers
September 26, 2025
Shrive begins by introducing Katie, a journalist in New York City with a busy, successful career. Early on, we know that Katie wrestles with guilt because she has not given much thought to her belief in a higher power. She claims to be a doer, not a believer. Having her first child makes her confront how she will teach them about faith.

The story quickly introduces the demons, which Katie isn’t sure are real or not. When Katie gets a trip to Hawaii, there’s foreshadowing when her son warns her not to go. When she returns, Katie is a danger to her child.

The author’s descriptive writing is effective, especially in Hawaii. The idea of where the demons originate from and how they look for a forever home inside someone was chilling, particularly set against a remote Pacific island.

The tension is intense when Katie puts her son in jeopardy upon her return. There is a significant amount of spiritual reflection by the main character. The story revolves around releasing hate and embracing forgiveness, with many unexpected twists. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with Christian and moral themes, you'll enjoy Shrive.
Profile Image for Nicole McCombs.
60 reviews4 followers
November 17, 2024
Wow! Suse Wilcox has done it once again! “Shrive” is the riveting story of the fearless and successful Katie as she battles with her past traumas, inner demons, faith, family, and so much more in between. The many trials that continue to happen throughout her life produce new confusion and events that will test her faith over and over again. Luckily with the support of her family and closest friends, Katie is able to heal and work to find God’s purpose for her in life.

With multiple perspectives from the complex characters, readers are able to follow the development of the story through the years and see the well-rounded tale! Wilcox weaves scripture and incredible lessons in and out of all aspects of this book – from loyalty and perseverance, forgiveness, and the proof that family doesn’t have to be blood. This book can reach readers of all ages and from all levels of faith. I highly recommend this thought-provoking and influential book!
Profile Image for Taz Lake.
Author 3 books1 follower
July 22, 2025
Shrive tells the story of a journalist named Katie, whose life changes significantly following a trip to Hawaii. The book explores issues like religion, forgiveness, and dealing with a difficult history while balancing suspense and genuine emotional weight. The characters are believable, particularly Katie, whose hardships are shown to be genuine and raw. The story's contemplative religious tone is very forward in the novel without coming across as preachy. The author strikes a balance between the thriller and spiritual aspects, and there are enough surprises to keep one interested. However, at the more introspective, religious periods, the tempo slows down. Additionally, I thought the author's writing style occasionally kept you somewhat apart from the characters rather than allowing you to truly enter their minds. If you’re into thrillers with a straightforward redemption story tied to faith, this one’s definitely worth a look.
Profile Image for Valery.
1,500 reviews57 followers
December 13, 2018
Shrive by Suse Wilcox is a compelling book that deals with various Christian concepts, but mostly forgiveness. Katie has everything in the world she could possibly want, a great husband, interesting job, and a baby on the way. She and her husband live in a beautiful apartment in New York, and seemingly have the world on a string. Suddenly though the universe seems to conspire against Katie, and her disturbing past comes back with a vengeance. Shrive itself actually means reconciliation, and that truly is what this book is all about. You will find the story intriguing, taut, with deep meaning, and full of well drawn characters. The author imbues her writing with value and hope, wanting to impart life lessons that focus on positive outcomes, and the struggle that it often takes to get to a place of faith. Highly recommend for an interesting and emotional story.
Profile Image for CMarie.
169 reviews7 followers
May 28, 2025
What an intense, thoughtful read! I loved the themes of healing wounds and having faith and hope tested. Life is not easy in our modern world and it is so refreshing to see a character who seemingly has a perfect life do the hard work to deal with struggles and keep putting one foot in front of the other.

The story has a supernatural and mysterious feel. The writing is clear and strong. So many lovely quotes, especially in the early pages in narration and throughout the book in various snippets of dialogue like this:

"You don't have to be good," James cried. "None of us are good. You just need to be my mom."

Get ready for a thought-provoking work and a story that takes us through many stages of life.
1 review
August 7, 2025
A quick read.

Outstanding in Every Way – A True Professional

Susie Wilcox Shrive is truly exceptional. From the moment we connected, it was clear she brings not only deep knowledge and skill to her work, but also genuine care and integrity. She is thoughtful, thorough, and consistently goes above and beyond expectations. Whether you’re working with her professionally or engaging with her in a creative or community setting, Susie brings clarity, insight, and a calm confidence that makes a lasting impact.

It’s rare to find someone who balances expertise with such a personable, approachable nature. I would recommend Susie without hesitation – five stars all the way!
Profile Image for Jagdish Arora.
Author 61 books1 follower
October 16, 2025
a dark, emotionally intense novel that delves into the lasting scars of childhood trauma. Katie, a thriving journalist with a seemingly perfect life, begins to unravel after a work trip to Hawaii exposes deep, unresolved pain. Her transformation from a loving mother to a dangerously unstable woman forces her husband and friend to take desperate action. The story is a chilling exploration of mental illness, memory, and the weight of guilt. Wilcox's writing is both compelling and unsettling, drawing the reader into Katie’s fragile world. Shrive is a powerful, thought-provoking read that confronts the demons we try to bury.
63 reviews5 followers
October 20, 2025
I didn’t know what Shrive meant at first, I had to Google it. I got seduced by the cover and the summary. The title fits the book well. It’s full of layers and hidden meanings. The story started simple but the plot got fast from the beginning. It kept me invested with its darkness, its faith, and all the unexpected turns. We are here for a reason — that line really stayed with me. I loved the Hawaii parts, I felt I was there. Guilt and forgiveness were woven together. The editing needs more attention to stay consistent, but the story’s heart is strong. Many twists, deep emotion, and a message that stays.
Profile Image for Bruce Hutchison.
Author 6 books12 followers
November 10, 2025
Katie, a woman who seems to have grown from her abusive past, ends up a renowned New York City journalist. She marries a well-respected psychiatrist, and things are humming right along until she starts working on a project in Hawaii with a coworker who brings along her own set of past psychological trauma. When Katie’s life begins to whirl out of control, her psychiatrist husband intervenes to save her from the monsters that seem to be overwhelming her. The book goes into depth into how previous traumas affect present behavior and what can be done to get beyond that. A well-written story woven around treatable psychological issues.
26 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2025
Shrive by Suse Wilcox is a striking and beautifully written novel that dives straight into the heart of human emotion. The author’s voice is bold and honest, exploring grief, healing, and redemption with a depth that feels both intimate and universal. The storytelling is rich with atmosphere, and every scene carries a kind of quiet intensity that pulls you deeper into the characters’ inner worlds.

What I loved most is how authentically Wilcox captures the complexity of pain and the slow, courageous journey toward wholeness. It’s lyrical, haunting, and ultimately hopeful — the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve set it down.
Profile Image for Mehmet Çalışkan.
Author 8 books114 followers
December 13, 2025
Suse Wilcox – Shrive is a dark-toned psychological thriller. The story centers on the profound psychological and spiritual unraveling experienced by Katie, a journalist who was abused in the past, following a trip to Hawaii. Wilcox transforms hallucinations, feelings of guilt, and conflicts related to faith into a moral and spiritual reckoning by addressing them through themes of forgiveness, belief, and salvation. I believe that this novel, which deepens psychological suspense along the axis of trauma, faith, and forgiveness, will more than meet the expectations of readers who enjoy intellectually strong and thought-provoking stories.
Profile Image for Richard Ferguson.
Author 11 books80 followers
August 13, 2025
Shrive by Suse Wilcox is an odd book that chronicles the journey of a journalist named Katie who is plagued by demons after taking a trip to Hawaii. The worldview is fine, and the characters are well drawn, but the religious sections drag the momentum of the book into the irritating realm of proselytizing. The crux of the book deals with Katie and those around her dealing with these demons. Nonetheless, if you like a supernatural thriller with a Christian message, you will enjoy this book.
Profile Image for P. Portraits.
Author 4 books25 followers
August 16, 2025
When your mind sees all sorts of things, it takes courage and faith to determine their source. Katie is a visual thinker or seer. She understands this ability to be a gift. But is it? The story takes the reader on Katie’s adventure, a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, she confronts various explanations for her ability and is forced to deal with the consequences of her actions that stem from her visions.
Profile Image for Benjamin Raunegger.
23 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2025
Shrive follows Katie, a journalist whose buried past resurfaces after a life-altering trip to Hawaii. Wilcox combines psychological tension with spiritual undertones, exploring guilt, healing, and identity. The introspective tone is powerful, even if a few plot points feel predictable.

A reflective, emotionally charged read that lingers after the final page.
Profile Image for Petros.
Author 2 books10 followers
September 2, 2025
This book is tense, atmospheric, and full of psychological twists. Jasmine’s journey pulls you into a world of power, manipulation, and hidden motives, where nothing feels safe. A gripping read that keeps you questioning who can be trusted until the end.
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