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The Lizzy Ballard Thrillers #1
Rock Paper Scissors
She was born with an extraordinary ability ...
... and while she tries to hide it, others seek to control it.
Who will win this deadly zero-sum game?
Rock breaks scissors. Scissors cut paper. Paper covers rock. The rules are simple--except when it's people's lives at stake.
When Lizzy's parents discover the damage she can do with her mind, they hide her away, trying to save her from life as a human lab rat ... and trying to save others from her power.
But they can't hide her forever.
Little do they know that professed friends are actually enemies who will eliminate anyone who gets in the way of their goal of turning Lizzy's power to their own ends.
As her protectors are picked off one by one, will Lizzy be able to escape from this deadly zero-sum game?
... and while she tries to hide it, others seek to control it.
Who will win this deadly zero-sum game?
Rock breaks scissors. Scissors cut paper. Paper covers rock. The rules are simple--except when it's people's lives at stake.
When Lizzy's parents discover the damage she can do with her mind, they hide her away, trying to save her from life as a human lab rat ... and trying to save others from her power.
But they can't hide her forever.
Little do they know that professed friends are actually enemies who will eliminate anyone who gets in the way of their goal of turning Lizzy's power to their own ends.
As her protectors are picked off one by one, will Lizzy be able to escape from this deadly zero-sum game?
548 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2017
161 people are currently reading
3298 people want to read
About the author
Matty Dalrymple
39 books141 followersMatty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers ROCK PAPER SCISSORS, SNAKES AND LADDERS, and THE IRON RING; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels THE SENSE OF DEATH, THE SENSE OF RECKONING, THE FALCON AND THE OWL, and A FURNACE FOR YOUR FOE; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts, including CLOSE THESE EYES and WRITE IN WATER. Matty lives with her husband and three dogs in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and enjoys vacationing on Mount Desert Island, Maine, and Sedona, Arizona, and these locations provide the settings for her work. Matty is a member of Sisters in Crime and the Brandywine Valley Writers Group.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 3, 2024
This was a quick thriller. I picked it up at a local book signing event and enjoyed the local setting. I'll check out the next in the series to see what happens to Lizzie!
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August 14, 2022I really think this story could have been more effective if the content was more direct instead of having so much exposition. I really like the plot and the story—girl gets angry, causes others brains to bleed (very Carrie-esq). However, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen a story like this so I wanted Rock, Paper, Scissors to be more exciting and original. I was pumped when they got to the explanation of why the book is called Rock, Paper, Scissors—it’s the mental game Lizzy was playing with Gerard, but then it fell flat when it ended up being a regular ole’ cat/mouse game—nothing new and exciting.
As for the narration, Victoria Matlock has this breathy quality to her voice that was slightly distracting. The production value was not 100%. I also don’t know if she loved the book as much as she should have, because I felt no emotion from her during the reading. However, I respected the choices she made for each voice.
As for the narration, Victoria Matlock has this breathy quality to her voice that was slightly distracting. The production value was not 100%. I also don’t know if she loved the book as much as she should have, because I felt no emotion from her during the reading. However, I respected the choices she made for each voice.
September 13, 2018
Patrick and Charlotte Ballard are a young suburban-Philadelphia couple who want a child but can’t conceive on their own. Desperate, they go to Vivantem, a fertility clinic run by a husband-and-wife team. She’s a physician, he’s a great salesman, and the Ballards are thrilled when Charlotte becomes pregnant shortly after starting treatment.
A seemingly modest start for a thriller, but there’s a good deal of suspense just in the mundane details of Charlotte and Patrick’s daughter Lizzy’s early life.The Ballards seem over-protective of their only child, but as we find out quickly, with good reason.
Then Charlotte begins having mini-strokes that no one can account for. They hire a live-in housekeeper, a taciturn older woman recommended by Gerard Bonnay, the head of Vivantem. They move to a house farther out in the country, where it’s quieter and Lizzy won’t be upset by teasing.
What’s going on here? I won’t tell, but getting Lizzy upset can be hazardous to your health. Even Lizzy doesn’t realize her lethal power until well into the story, and only after people around her start dying unexpectedly. With the help of her Uncle Charles, a physician and Patrick’s best friend, she begins to unravel the mystery of her lethal effect on certain people.
The ending is exciting, taking place largely in rural Pennsylvania, including Amish country, with plenty of action that Lizzy, 18 by now, takes a believable part in.
Both the main characters and the “walk-ons” are very likeable—except those who aren’t, but even the villains are well drawn and not exaggeratedly evil. Why they do what they do makes perfect sense in the context.
A seemingly modest start for a thriller, but there’s a good deal of suspense just in the mundane details of Charlotte and Patrick’s daughter Lizzy’s early life.The Ballards seem over-protective of their only child, but as we find out quickly, with good reason.
Then Charlotte begins having mini-strokes that no one can account for. They hire a live-in housekeeper, a taciturn older woman recommended by Gerard Bonnay, the head of Vivantem. They move to a house farther out in the country, where it’s quieter and Lizzy won’t be upset by teasing.
What’s going on here? I won’t tell, but getting Lizzy upset can be hazardous to your health. Even Lizzy doesn’t realize her lethal power until well into the story, and only after people around her start dying unexpectedly. With the help of her Uncle Charles, a physician and Patrick’s best friend, she begins to unravel the mystery of her lethal effect on certain people.
The ending is exciting, taking place largely in rural Pennsylvania, including Amish country, with plenty of action that Lizzy, 18 by now, takes a believable part in.
Both the main characters and the “walk-ons” are very likeable—except those who aren’t, but even the villains are well drawn and not exaggeratedly evil. Why they do what they do makes perfect sense in the context.
July 8, 2019
I listened to the audiobook version of this book.
The author takes us on a suspenseful and original story that had me totally captivated throughout. I was incredibly impressed by this story and all the twists throughout. Very well written and I really like Lizzy as a character, and her ability is interesting and she seems smart, which I like in a main character. I like that this story caught me off guard and that I wasn't able to predict where the author was taking us.
Fabulous narration that fit this story perfectly. I was equally impressed with the performance and look forward to more by this narrator.
The author takes us on a suspenseful and original story that had me totally captivated throughout. I was incredibly impressed by this story and all the twists throughout. Very well written and I really like Lizzy as a character, and her ability is interesting and she seems smart, which I like in a main character. I like that this story caught me off guard and that I wasn't able to predict where the author was taking us.
Fabulous narration that fit this story perfectly. I was equally impressed with the performance and look forward to more by this narrator.
November 3, 2017
Intriguing and thrilling
A very unique and original thriller with some deliciously sinister bad guys and an ending that will give you chills and leave you salivating for book 2! Excellent!
A very unique and original thriller with some deliciously sinister bad guys and an ending that will give you chills and leave you salivating for book 2! Excellent!
March 22, 2020
I just couldn’t get into this story. The little girl’s power was horrifying. The adults too ready to believe in her power, too ready to let her get by with evil- I felt annoyed with this book & couldn’t finish it.
October 21, 2018
A friend lent me this book, absolutely enthralled. Loved the concept as well as how the author weaved the story. Looking forward to more.
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July 25, 2019I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are mine.
This is the first book in the Lizzie Ballard Thriller series. It is a standalone story with no cliffhanger ending but it does have a setup for the next book in the series.
Here, Patrick and Charlotte Ballard are trying to start a family but experiencing fertility issues. Upon the recommendation of a friend, they visit a fertility clinic. Soon, the Ballards have a daughter, Lizzie. However, Charlotte begins to experience headaches every time Lizzie gets angry. The headaches get more and more intense until Charlotte is diagnosed with having had several mini-strokes. They hire a housekeeper, who unbeknownst to the Ballards is being paid by the fertility clinic to watch and report on Lizzie. Charlotte figures out that Lizzie has a gift which has caused Charlotte's health problems - so the Ballards determine they must keep Lizzie and society safe by isolating her and trying to teach her how to control her powers but it's not that simple as there are those who want to use Lizzie's powers and others who want to harm her.
This is a well-written gripping thriller, which slowly unfolds and reveals Lizzie's true powers. The characters are well-developed and likeable. While Lizzie is incredibly bright, she is also very naive and innocent - which was a great dichotomy as Lizzie was trying to figure out her way in the world and who she could trust. Overall, an engaging and very entertaining story.
I listened to this book - the narrator did a very good job - she did voices for the various characters so you could easily differentiate them during conversations. I also liked as the suspense would increase in the story, the narrator's voice would rachet up the tension and pace of her narration.
This is the first book in the Lizzie Ballard Thriller series. It is a standalone story with no cliffhanger ending but it does have a setup for the next book in the series.
Here, Patrick and Charlotte Ballard are trying to start a family but experiencing fertility issues. Upon the recommendation of a friend, they visit a fertility clinic. Soon, the Ballards have a daughter, Lizzie. However, Charlotte begins to experience headaches every time Lizzie gets angry. The headaches get more and more intense until Charlotte is diagnosed with having had several mini-strokes. They hire a housekeeper, who unbeknownst to the Ballards is being paid by the fertility clinic to watch and report on Lizzie. Charlotte figures out that Lizzie has a gift which has caused Charlotte's health problems - so the Ballards determine they must keep Lizzie and society safe by isolating her and trying to teach her how to control her powers but it's not that simple as there are those who want to use Lizzie's powers and others who want to harm her.
This is a well-written gripping thriller, which slowly unfolds and reveals Lizzie's true powers. The characters are well-developed and likeable. While Lizzie is incredibly bright, she is also very naive and innocent - which was a great dichotomy as Lizzie was trying to figure out her way in the world and who she could trust. Overall, an engaging and very entertaining story.
I listened to this book - the narrator did a very good job - she did voices for the various characters so you could easily differentiate them during conversations. I also liked as the suspense would increase in the story, the narrator's voice would rachet up the tension and pace of her narration.
July 21, 2021
I listened to the audiobook version of this thriller while I was on a long drive, and every time I had to get out of the car I couldn't wait to get back to hear more of the story. It's gripping—if I had been reading the paperback or even the ebook version, I would have called it a page-turner.
There's something special about Lizzy Ballard, and that's not necessarily a good thing. Her special ability has been the proximate cause and the direct cause of the deaths of two loved ones, and she's afraid of her own reactions to the events and people around her--that is, once everyone starts to figure out exactly what's going on.
The threads connecting the characters in this story are both both believable and fascinating. There's something in the book for everyone who loves thrillers: there's blackmail, bookies, murder, scheming power brokers, questionable medical ethics, and innocence. There's wealth and want. There's a teenager with a desire for friends and a normal life, and there's the guardian who's willing to do anything to protect his young charge.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who reads thrillers and who is open to the idea that we haven't yet discovered everything there is to know about the human mind. An exceptional read.
There's something special about Lizzy Ballard, and that's not necessarily a good thing. Her special ability has been the proximate cause and the direct cause of the deaths of two loved ones, and she's afraid of her own reactions to the events and people around her--that is, once everyone starts to figure out exactly what's going on.
The threads connecting the characters in this story are both both believable and fascinating. There's something in the book for everyone who loves thrillers: there's blackmail, bookies, murder, scheming power brokers, questionable medical ethics, and innocence. There's wealth and want. There's a teenager with a desire for friends and a normal life, and there's the guardian who's willing to do anything to protect his young charge.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who reads thrillers and who is open to the idea that we haven't yet discovered everything there is to know about the human mind. An exceptional read.
April 11, 2019
Terrific writing. I’ll definitely read the rest of the series.
January 12, 2020
This exciting, fast paced, edge-of-your-seat story left me breathless and wanting more!
April 28, 2018
A paranormal themed book with touches of horror combined for a captivating thriller. The plot concerns a young girl who develops the psychic ability that causes a person to have a stroke when she gets angry and the fertility clinic that created her known as the Vivantem which seeks to control the genetically altered children.
The first half of the book is pretty fast tracked. We first met Patrick and Charlotte Ballard, a married couple who have had a hard time conceiving. Patrick goes to his best friend Owen McNally who is a Dr of Neurology at Penn University where Patrick also works in the IT department. Owen recommends Patrick to Gerald Bonnay who along with being a businessman with political aspirations also heads a fertility clinic with his wife Louise who runs the medical part of the clinic. Owen had no idea that Gerald and Louise were looking for test subjects to try and breed genetically altered children who in the future the could control for nefarious purposes.
Here is where the fast tracking comes in. For the first half of the book each chapter moves the story ahead a couple years. After Charlotte has one to many headaches and blackouts its determined she has had an extremely high volume of mini strokes. Charlotte is the first one to put together that it's her young daughter that is causing them each time she has a temper tantrum (when she was a toddler) or gets angry as an adolescent. Lizzy is to young to control her emotions and isn't quite aware yet of her abilities and the harm it causes..
By the middle of the book Lizzy is 16 and her life has been upended tragically multiple times. I will stop here as anything else would be to spoilerish. This is just the first book in the series and takes us through Lizzy's life from preconception to 18 years old. It does have a bit of a cliffy ending but it wont be long before the next book is out.
The first half of the book is pretty fast tracked. We first met Patrick and Charlotte Ballard, a married couple who have had a hard time conceiving. Patrick goes to his best friend Owen McNally who is a Dr of Neurology at Penn University where Patrick also works in the IT department. Owen recommends Patrick to Gerald Bonnay who along with being a businessman with political aspirations also heads a fertility clinic with his wife Louise who runs the medical part of the clinic. Owen had no idea that Gerald and Louise were looking for test subjects to try and breed genetically altered children who in the future the could control for nefarious purposes.
Here is where the fast tracking comes in. For the first half of the book each chapter moves the story ahead a couple years. After Charlotte has one to many headaches and blackouts its determined she has had an extremely high volume of mini strokes. Charlotte is the first one to put together that it's her young daughter that is causing them each time she has a temper tantrum (when she was a toddler) or gets angry as an adolescent. Lizzy is to young to control her emotions and isn't quite aware yet of her abilities and the harm it causes..
By the middle of the book Lizzy is 16 and her life has been upended tragically multiple times. I will stop here as anything else would be to spoilerish. This is just the first book in the series and takes us through Lizzy's life from preconception to 18 years old. It does have a bit of a cliffy ending but it wont be long before the next book is out.
December 29, 2020
If you like slow burn reads, this is a good book. After a brief present day opening, it does a pop back in time to lead the reader through the various events that bring Lizzy to that particular moment in her life.
Interestingly enough, we don't get a lot of straight-forward character development here, which would seem necessary to the story, but it really isn't. There is enough, and it is sprinkled throughout, which prevents the exposition from being a list of who is who. Since I find it annoying when an author feels the need to have a forward with all the characters listed along with who they are and how they relate to each other, this works for me. The characters should either be important enough and distinctive enough for me to care to remember who they are or so minor that it doesn't matter. The characters here all serve a particular function and are dealt with in a manner that makes them memorable because of who they are without the overload on exposition.
Lizzy's personality is uncovered slowly, and while she is certainly far from "normal" in many respects because of her upbringing, she also seems to be quite empathetic and sensitive in spite of that. She gives the impression of being much older than she is, which makes sense based on who she primarily interacts with and what has happened to her. The reader will come to care about her and what happens to her and her family/friends. Throughout much of the story, it's unclear how much she actually knows and understands about what she can do. As a character, she is equal parts of the archetypes for damsel in distress and heroine.
There are varying levels of betrayal that take place throughout, which makes the characters more multi-dimensional. They are trying to do what they think is best, and as the saying goes, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." Those good intentions don't always work out for the better, and someone often pays the price along the way.
The "villains" here are an interesting pair, albeit a bit stereotypical in relation to the science versus humanity thing. They definitely have the typical "fatal flaw" that all villains have, and it will be interesting to see how that plays out in future books.
While the book does have a bit of a cliffhanger ending, it could be read as a stand-alone. It wasn't the sort of ending that would make the reader angry that it ended in the middle of things, and they now have to pay for another book to see what happens. It's far from a wrap up ending, but it isn't a frustrating one.
Interestingly enough, we don't get a lot of straight-forward character development here, which would seem necessary to the story, but it really isn't. There is enough, and it is sprinkled throughout, which prevents the exposition from being a list of who is who. Since I find it annoying when an author feels the need to have a forward with all the characters listed along with who they are and how they relate to each other, this works for me. The characters should either be important enough and distinctive enough for me to care to remember who they are or so minor that it doesn't matter. The characters here all serve a particular function and are dealt with in a manner that makes them memorable because of who they are without the overload on exposition.
Lizzy's personality is uncovered slowly, and while she is certainly far from "normal" in many respects because of her upbringing, she also seems to be quite empathetic and sensitive in spite of that. She gives the impression of being much older than she is, which makes sense based on who she primarily interacts with and what has happened to her. The reader will come to care about her and what happens to her and her family/friends. Throughout much of the story, it's unclear how much she actually knows and understands about what she can do. As a character, she is equal parts of the archetypes for damsel in distress and heroine.
There are varying levels of betrayal that take place throughout, which makes the characters more multi-dimensional. They are trying to do what they think is best, and as the saying goes, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." Those good intentions don't always work out for the better, and someone often pays the price along the way.
The "villains" here are an interesting pair, albeit a bit stereotypical in relation to the science versus humanity thing. They definitely have the typical "fatal flaw" that all villains have, and it will be interesting to see how that plays out in future books.
While the book does have a bit of a cliffhanger ending, it could be read as a stand-alone. It wasn't the sort of ending that would make the reader angry that it ended in the middle of things, and they now have to pay for another book to see what happens. It's far from a wrap up ending, but it isn't a frustrating one.
November 25, 2025
3.5 stars.
I found the premise of the story to be interesting, and the first chapter really pulled me in. The psychic aspects of the story feel like a mix of Carrie or Firestarter meets Stranger Things and were what drew me to the story.
Once into the story I found the pacing to be uneven—there are places where the story moves quickly and others where it’s slowed by stretches of exposition. The details certainly paint a more vivid picture, but they also dilute the tension. In those places it felt more like pushing through than being pulled along.
The first chapters are a year-by-year accounting of Libby’s childhood where there was quite a lot going on. Then there is a nearly ten year gap. There were no incidents on note in that whole time?
I found the main characters to be pretty well developed and interesting—I especially like Uncle Owen, though I found the character of Louise rather flat as a main villain. Perhaps she will flesh out in future books.
The ending was cliffhanger-ish, but I did know going in that it was book one of a series, and this book ends with a clear setup for the next. I’m curious where Dalrymple will take Lizzy in future books as she grows and learns to harness her abilities.
Thrillers aren’t my usual genre, but I’ve been so impressed with Ms. Dalrymple’s collection of nonfiction books, that I wanted to give this one a try. Not a disappointment by any stretch, but not a favorite, either. I still expect I will pick up more books in the series to see what Lizzy’s up to.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I found the premise of the story to be interesting, and the first chapter really pulled me in. The psychic aspects of the story feel like a mix of Carrie or Firestarter meets Stranger Things and were what drew me to the story.
Once into the story I found the pacing to be uneven—there are places where the story moves quickly and others where it’s slowed by stretches of exposition. The details certainly paint a more vivid picture, but they also dilute the tension. In those places it felt more like pushing through than being pulled along.
The first chapters are a year-by-year accounting of Libby’s childhood where there was quite a lot going on. Then there is a nearly ten year gap. There were no incidents on note in that whole time?
I found the main characters to be pretty well developed and interesting—I especially like Uncle Owen, though I found the character of Louise rather flat as a main villain. Perhaps she will flesh out in future books.
The ending was cliffhanger-ish, but I did know going in that it was book one of a series, and this book ends with a clear setup for the next. I’m curious where Dalrymple will take Lizzy in future books as she grows and learns to harness her abilities.
Thrillers aren’t my usual genre, but I’ve been so impressed with Ms. Dalrymple’s collection of nonfiction books, that I wanted to give this one a try. Not a disappointment by any stretch, but not a favorite, either. I still expect I will pick up more books in the series to see what Lizzy’s up to.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2025
Matty Dalyrmple does it again with her new series introducing readers to Lizzy Ballard, a young woman with a devastating secret: when she becomes angry she can cause debilitating harm or worse with her mind.
The premise hooked me from the start. Charlotte and Patrick Ballard used a fertiltiy clinic to conceive, never imaging the consequences this decision would have. When Lizzy turns school age, they discover that her temper tantrums are casing her mother to have debilitating headaches, which eventually lead to a stroke. They are faced with an impossible decision: save the world from Lizzy, or protect Lizzy from becoming a science experiment.
Taking this ride with Lizzy and all it's twists and turns, I discovered and felt the emotions of the characters, which makes them more believable and the story more compelling. Dalyrmple has the extraordinary ability to create this emotional depth and pair it perfectly with suspense, mystery and thrills.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The premise hooked me from the start. Charlotte and Patrick Ballard used a fertiltiy clinic to conceive, never imaging the consequences this decision would have. When Lizzy turns school age, they discover that her temper tantrums are casing her mother to have debilitating headaches, which eventually lead to a stroke. They are faced with an impossible decision: save the world from Lizzy, or protect Lizzy from becoming a science experiment.
Taking this ride with Lizzy and all it's twists and turns, I discovered and felt the emotions of the characters, which makes them more believable and the story more compelling. Dalyrmple has the extraordinary ability to create this emotional depth and pair it perfectly with suspense, mystery and thrills.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2019
Audible:I absolutely loved this book!I listened straight through! Lizzys parents needed help concieving Lizzy so they went to a fertility center.Unbeknownst to them,the owner of the center is looking for more than to just help women concieve.He and his wife are looking for psychic powers that can be used as a weapon.You don't want to make Lizzy mad. This was a great book set in the area of the world I grew up in.I found the research into towns names past and present,plus most pronunciations to be dead on.I know Mauch Chunk is a hard one.lol Victoria Matlock was a wonderful narrator. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
June 1, 2024
Charlotte and Patrick Ballard are unable to conceive a child, which they want to complete their family. Their friend, Owen, tells them about Vivantem and Gerard Bonnay and how they have been successful in helping other couples conceive. The Ballard's are accepted into the program and have Lizzy.
Everything is going well for the family of three until they learn of Lizzy's special skill. The Ballard's and Uncle Owen are desperate to protect Lizzy from her skill and the people responsible for it.
I love Lizzy. You will be routing the whole time for her, her parents, and Uncle Owen. I can't wait to continue with Lizzy's story.
Everything is going well for the family of three until they learn of Lizzy's special skill. The Ballard's and Uncle Owen are desperate to protect Lizzy from her skill and the people responsible for it.
I love Lizzy. You will be routing the whole time for her, her parents, and Uncle Owen. I can't wait to continue with Lizzy's story.
November 12, 2024
Rock Paper Scissors is book one in The Lizzy Ballard Thrillers series. This is a well written and gripping thriller. The Ballard's are trying to start a family but when things don't go to plan, they are referred to a fertility clinic, but a family friend and Lizzy is born. Here Lizzy was genetically altered. She causes mini strokes in people she gets angry at, all with her mind. When her parents discover her power, they try to protect her by hiding her from the world. But the ones who made her won't let her go that easily. Read along as Lizzy attempts to deal with her power and keep the people of Vivantem from using her for evil. So excited to see where book two takes us.
November 21, 2024
Lizzy Ballard is the daughter of Patrick and Charlotte Ballard. She was born after her parents went to a fertility clinic. Her parents are overjoyed when her mother becomes pregnant and delivers a baby girl. Unfortunately, it seems that Lizzy has special powers if she gets upset or angry. Charlotte starts having severe headaches after Lizzy has been angry. These episodes continue to escalate and the family hires a nanny to help care for Lizzy. Unbeknownst to the family, the nanny is also paid by the fertility clinic to report on Lizzy and her actions.
Why is the fertility clinic following Lizzy’s actions? Can Lizzy have a normal life? Lots of intrigue to follow.
Why is the fertility clinic following Lizzy’s actions? Can Lizzy have a normal life? Lots of intrigue to follow.
December 4, 2025
Lizzy has a dangerous gift, she can literally damage someone else’s brain. While she has to learn to control her abilities, there are a lot of people who want to “use” her for their own purposes.
Who can she trust?
The characters are perfectly drawn, it also makes sense what their actions are and the whole timeline is also logical. The villains are of course not that “cute” but you can follow why they act the way they do.
The whole story is interesting and there was a good suspene. The end of this book is great!
Looking forward to continue this series! ☺️.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Who can she trust?
The characters are perfectly drawn, it also makes sense what their actions are and the whole timeline is also logical. The villains are of course not that “cute” but you can follow why they act the way they do.
The whole story is interesting and there was a good suspene. The end of this book is great!
Looking forward to continue this series! ☺️.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2019
This is an edge-of-your-seat thriller with some very well developed characters, made all the more believable by the superb narration of Victoria Matlock. There's no explanation of how Lizzy got her ability, but it's easy enough to suspend disbelief and just accept it.
Thankfully, this story does not end in a cliffhanger, although it's obviously set up for the next book in the series. I hope to eventually have the opportunity to review that one -- the series seems that promising.
Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Thankfully, this story does not end in a cliffhanger, although it's obviously set up for the next book in the series. I hope to eventually have the opportunity to review that one -- the series seems that promising.
Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 20, 2020
Truly a very different suspense. You have an in vitro Doctors playing god with unsuspecting parents who are desperate to have a child. Lucy has a frightening talent which caused her to accidentally kill her mother. As she grows older she works at controlling her "gift" and understand it. While the people who did this to her are trying to capture her to run tests and experiments on her. Who can she trust? This book is a real rollercoaster ride from beginning to end.
December 20, 2024
Dannnnnngggg...what an ending. What a book. I have a feeling the continuation of this story is going to be intense. It's been on heck of a roller coaster already. I saw the blurb for the next book and I'm really curious who this mentor is going to be because right now, people to trust in this story are very scarce. It's one heck of a story though!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 20, 2025
Lizzy Ballard was born with extraordinary abilities . Her parents Patrick and Charlotte Ballard from Philadelphia who went a child but can't conceive on their own. They go to Vivantem, a fertility clinic who is run by husband and wife. The Ballard's are so excited when Charolette becomes pregnant . The Ballard's are over protective of their daughter Lizzy with good reason. They discover the damage Lizzy can do with her mind. Excellent read .
July 11, 2025
Rock paper Scissors by Matty Dalrymple is a fast paced, thrilling page turner. Like a certain green super hero, you shouldn’t anger Lizzy Ballard; the consequences are grim to deadly! Anyone who enjoys a thriller with a cat and mouse element to the plot, should pick this one up. Thanks to the author/publisher for this GoodReads Giveaway. I enjoyed the opportunity to read and review. I have given my honest opinions.
December 25, 2017
3.5 Very interesting and some good suspense, unique characters. The beginning part seemed to jump ahead a little bit (trying to avoid any spoilers), they all seemed to accept Lizzie's unique ability so quickly. It almost felt like I had missed book 1 where some of it was more fully explained. Will definitely read the next in this series
April 12, 2018
I raced through this thriller because of its interesting premise focused on a young girl with an unusual ability. Stiff dialogue and implausibility issues slowed me down at times, but overall I wanted to see what happened and to find out what whether the girl would face the guys responsible for her difficult life. Fun and intriguing.
June 27, 2018
Dalrymple's writing is fast-paced and compelling and her characters are human and easy to relate to. The main character, Lizzy, is both mature beyond her years but also sheltered and naive about much of life, which makes her even more interesting as she attempts to deal with the ability she has. I found her compelling, engaging, smart, and fascinating and can't wait to read more of her story.
February 1, 2020
Worth the read!
Though this book was slow to start, it was worth staying with. The reason I was slow to finish it was that I had very little time over Xmas as I was busy making cards and putting up with a painful leg complaint. But I'm itching to start reading Snakes & Ladders (Lizzy Ballard Thriller, Book 2)
Though this book was slow to start, it was worth staying with. The reason I was slow to finish it was that I had very little time over Xmas as I was busy making cards and putting up with a painful leg complaint. But I'm itching to start reading Snakes & Ladders (Lizzy Ballard Thriller, Book 2)
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