Distorted Perception

Altered Views #1

by Trish Arrowsmith

At twenty-six years of age, Kathleen has almost everything she a fulfilling teaching career, a new car, and a recently purchased home. She dedicates her free time to her students, supporting them in a manner she never had growing up. Her days are filled with love and hope, but her nights are empty without a family to call her own. While spectating the first home baseball game of the season, she meets a man that she believes will change her evenings in the best possible way. With no children of his own, he committed his free time to bringing his young nephew to watch the game, hoping to encourage him to play. Kathleen is immediately drawn to him and sees him as a true family man.
Maxwell is handsome, successful, and charming. When he proposes marriage shortly after they begin dating, Kathleen is eager to accept as the desire to start her own family consumes her. Within months of their marriage, Maxwell’s sweet, doting personality gives way to a more sinister, controlling side. Kathleen quickly realizes that while she was looking for a partner, Maxwell was looking for someone who existed solely to fulfill his needs.
When he suggests a move to the country, Kathleen is hesitant to leave her job but believes the change of atmosphere will be an opportunity to bring them closer together. She soon realizes the isolation of the countryside only serves to enhance his power over her. It doesn’t take long for her to learn the devastating truth of who her husband really is, and she finds herself left with two She can try to escape and hope he doesn’t find her, or she can stay and fight the battle in which all odds are against her.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2022

About the author

Trish recently moved across the country where she found her forever home, enjoying the desert sunshine and wildlife all year long. She was born and raised in a small town in northern Connecticut. Growing up, she was always fascinated by unsolved mysteries and true crimes as well as the psychological elements behind them. As an avid reader, her go to books are thrillers, suspense, and true crime. Nursery’s Rhyme is Trish’s debut novel.
Be sure to follow Trish on BookBub for the latest sales: https://tinyurl.com/46z4ju3r

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a novel packed with emotional depth and bursting with trigger situations. It explores the character changes often described as the Stockholm Syndrome. It is when individuals develop positive feelings toward their captors or abusers over time and that is what happens here.

This book may be difficult for some to read, as it was for me. It explores many abusive and controlling actions in depth, something hard to read without being affected. The novel also has infant death, marital infidelity, physical abuse, betrayal, and much more. And the end. Well, just be prepared to be jolted.

This book is a well written exploration of how a person may be captivated by sweet words yet end up in a situation of physical and emotional terror.

I received a complimentary digital copy through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all: what is perceived is not necessarily true, and distortion can alter what is seen. Kathleen thinks she has met her perfect mate in Maxwell. Handsome, thoughtful, kind, caring. But there are red flags even before the “I do’s” are said. Kathleen turns a blind eye to things she sees and hears, dismissing them. But then, within days, everything she thought her marriage was turns to ashes. This tale of spousal abuse is a horror story. Author Trish Arrowsmith does a masterful job of introducing little by little first the warning signs, and then the actual abuse, and then the absolute horror. Hard to read, but even harder to stop reading, this book is like a train wreck. Somebody is, or more likely, somebodies are going to die. And there is nothing to be done about it. Gripping.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Distorted Perception, author Trish Arrowsmith weaves a riveting domestic suspense thriller that will captivate the reader's attention from beginning to end.

The reader follows the story of Kathleen, a twenty-six year old teacher who met Maxwell Lewis, a lawyer at a local youth baseball game. She was so taken in by his charm and blinded by love, that she didn't realize that the short whirlwind romance would lead to a marriage to a man who would completely manipulate and take control of her life.

Distorted Perception is a slow-building, multi-layered, gripping, and complex story that has a great mixture of intrigue, secrets, deceit, manipulation, dark pasts, suspenseful twists and turns, and enough tension and drama that will keep the reader thoroughly engaged and riveted until the surprising conclusion.

You can't help but feel the full gamut of emotions as you follow Kathleen's heartwrenching story of domestic violence. As you turn the pages of this very harrowing and dark story, the intensity of the story grows until the unexpected surprise ending that will simply leave you stunned and at a loss for words.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.

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[Pat Fayo Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that made you hurt inside for the character Kathleen but at the same time you could not put it down because you had to find out more. Arrowsmith did a fantastic job capturing the feeling and emotions of readers and help them to understand how somehow can fine themselves themselves into a domestic violence situation. The book shows how a person can be captivated and charmed by their abuser who they think can complete their lives. This is a story well written with details right on point and was not repetitive, had a great storyline flow and easy to follow. For anyone that has ever been in a domestic violence situation or has had a family member who was, this book is very candid and could be a difficult read but at the same time maybe help them understand “why” a little bit more. The author writes with care and compassion and pulls you in from page one. There were times in the story that I found myself feeling so much emotion for Kathleen and I found myself in tears. Domestic violence is about much more than hitting. It is about betrayal, lies, and control. As I was reading, I was asking myself why and how. Would I be able to tell if I was in that situation? At what point would I realize it and walk away… or would I? The ending was definitely not want I expected. You will read and then at the end say “WOW” Thumbs up to the author. The author has another book called “Nursery Rhymes” that I am definitely going to be reading.
Many thanks to #partnersincrimevbt and the author, #trisharrowsmithauthor for an ARC copy of this psychological drama. I have read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[J Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Distorted Perception by Trish Arrowsmith is the type of book that even though you like the book you know you probably won't be able to read it again (for those of us who regularly rereads some books).

My statement above is not a criticism, it is a compliment. When an author makes the interactions between the characters realistic yet disturbing, it makes for a great read. But because it stirs strong emotions in the reader (for me, mostly anger, compassion, and frustration) it might not lend itself to a second reading. An example from a completely different medium is the film Schindler's List. Powerful movie, glad I saw it, don't think I can sit through that rollercoaster again.

I think (hope) this novel is also a bit eye-opening for people. While most people won't experience anyone quite as extreme as Maxwell, we do regularly meet and get to know people who manipulate others for their own ends and/or enjoyment. Maxwell used many of the techniques these people use, and Arrowsmith gives us a glimpse into how Kathleen did, and by extension the reader can, misread what is happening until it is too late. One doesn't have to run and hide from interpersonal contact, just pay close attention to anything that might be unusual ("too good to be true," making big decisions too quickly, etc).

While I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dark suspense or life stories, I would perhaps warn them about the extent of the manipulation and violence (physical, mental, emotional) so they can decide whether a dark but realistic book is what they want.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via LibraryThing.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrifying - in exactly every way I want my suspense reads to be! Trish Arrowsmith captures every aspect of how easily a man can charm and then deceive. Kathleen's journey is all too common, but this unique story spin is riveting, spine-tingling, and heart-wrenching.


Kathleen is trusting and wants to do right by Maxwell, but when his dark side is revealed, it is far worse than I could have ever imagined. The images are vivid, pulling all five senses into the equation and the characters are realistic, making the emotions settle into your bones. Although parts are a bit painful to read, they were crucial to prepare you for the shock of an ending.


I physically sat with my copy of the book between my hands, not speaking, processing every word I had just read. How can you describe an incredible piece of writing that left you speechless? I would love to see this turned into a movie that depicts every moment from cover to cover. It is a phenomenal piece of work that earned a forever spot on my bookshelf!


I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

[Lisa Wetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Distorted Perception by Trish Arrowsmith is a very well written emotional story that kept me wanting more. I could not turn the pages fast enough! This is a very intense story that covers some difficult subjects. This maybe a hard book to read for some but I found I had to know what was going happen next!! This is a psychological drama that deals with domestic abuse, controlling people, lies, betrayal, infidelity, infant death and controlling situations that will make you wonder why!?!?! The issues are difficult but Arrowsmith writes candidly with care. I could not fathom what these characters were thinking and why they did what they did!!! I highly recommend reading this book!!! The ending was shocking and unbelievable!!!!

Thank you Partners In Crimes Tours and Trish Arrowsmith for a copy of this fascinating book in exchange for my honest review.
#partnersincrimetours #distortedperception
#trisharrowhead

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Distorted Perception was a emotional read that for some may be triggering. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading the book, but certainly not the twists that came my way. There are all types of feeling found in this book, death, abuse, betrayal and how easy it is to be manipulated into a situation that you can't get out of. Although the ending was not what I would have wanted to see as the outcome, it didn't detract from the storyline. Once I started the book it was hard to put down, as I was wanting to see what would happen next. I would recommend this book to others.

I received an ARC from the author Trish Arrowsmith and Partners in Crime Book Tours, this is my honest review which I am under no obligation to do.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful, terrifying but you can’t stop reading . Kathleen meets Maxwell who seems to be a successful and charming man. He is everything she dreamed about and wants to marry and have a family with him. Little does she know that he is grooming her and after their marriage he becomes controlling. He isolates her from her friends , manipulates her,encouraged her to quit her job, sells her home and moves her to the country. While in the country, she sees Maxwell as he really is.
Definitely a novel about Stockholm syndrome . The author did a fantastic job with the characters.
I received this book in exchange for a review. The book arrived nicely packaged.
I would encourage everyone to read this novel.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow. Coming from someone who has dealt with mental abuse first hand, and has seen family members deal with all types of abuse, this book was amazing. The way Trish captured all the feelings that come along with it was just hands down amazing. It was very hard for me to put down this book. I would absolutely recommend this book to everyone and anyone just as long you don't get serious triggers from the events I mentioned above.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Creepy. This book makes me wonder how on earth someone can let themselves be talked into living a life so far from the mainstream. Is it desperation? A distorted desire to pretend all is well?

Filled with twists and turns this book will make you think twice before accepting a coffee date from a handsome stranger.

Thank you to LibraryThing for a copy for my review.

[Legacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Distorted Perceptions" by Trish Arrowsmith, captivated me with its psychological thriller elements. The storyline follows a teacher who takes a quick plunge into marriage, only to discover a stark difference in her husband's behavior. The setting in the countryside adds an unexpected twist, involving intriguing characters that bring a mind-blowing dimension to the plot. Despite trigger warnings for themes like grooming and Stockholm Syndrome, the protagonist's complex relationship with her surroundings makes the narrative compelling. I'd rate it a solid four to four and a half stars, reserving a perfect score due to minor grammatical errors. The deliberately cliffhanger ending, while possibly divisive, aligns with the theme of distorted perceptions. The characters are well-crafted, and the author skillfully navigates relationship dynamics without leaving significant plot holes. Overall, a thought-provoking and intense read that lingered in my thoughts for weeks after finishing it.

[Rhonda Bobbitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a very intriguing story. A great page turner, leaving you wanting more... lots more. There are lots of heart-pounding moments in the story. Be warned there is a huge cliffhanger.. but no worries, book 2 is out ❤️.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced, enjoyable domestic thriller. While some readers were frustrated with the main character's decisions, I think that with fiction - think horror movies and romcoms - we depend on characters to make bad decisions - otherwise the book would either be really boring or really short. This book reminded me of the Freida McFadden thrillers - bad men dressed up as good men doing bad things to good women. People always ask why do women stay in abusive relationships? They should be asking why do men abuse women. Yes, Kathleen made me want to smack her around a few, but again, if she did what we readers knew she should, we wouldn't have had much of a book. And this was very entertaining - which is why I read books in the first place.

[W. A. Ford]

BIG CATS WILL EAT YOU...

...but not unless you walk into their cage. Distorted Perception by @trisharrowsmith details how the big cat, Maxwell, lures his prey, Kathleen, into a gilded cage  and closes the gate.  The first third of the book exposes the methods Maxwell uses to steer the path of their fairytale romance from happily ever after to isolation and fear.
Things take a turn for the worse in the middle portion of the book as his massive gaslight gains support from seemingly trustworthy sources. Like many modern women, Kathleen attempts to be a good partner and takes many of the odd/terrifying occurrences in stride. Often accommodating Maxwell as he systematically ruins what should be the best part of her life.
The final third of the book is as terrifying as any horror book I've ever read. The pace picks up significantly and once the détente breaks, the reader set for an exiting conclusion.  The payoff is well worth the build up.
The author has a unique voice and uses pleasing descriptions to hem the reader into shocking reveals. I recommend you read this book before you go on your next date or consider a perfect couple to be goals.

[Janae O'Shields · Rating 3 out of 5]

My feelings about this book are nearly as conflicted as the characters’ feelings about their situation.

On one hand, the story was disturbing on many levels, and the text itself was in need of a good technical editor. The grammar nerd in me, at one point, wanted to contact the author and offer my proofreading services. However, I don’t think I could emotionally and mentally handle reading a lot of this type of story. I realized about 75% through that this is really not my preferred genre. Then the end—I kept turning pages back and forth because I felt sure I missed something.

On the other hand, the plot was creative, I could envision the setting despite not having a whole lot of imagery in the writing, I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next (terrified though I may have been of the outcome), and the story is one that will stick with me for quite some time. So… in that way, there is some merit. I could see myself coming back and adding a star after further reflection. (Edit: I did.)

Thanks to Trish Arrowsmith and LibraryThing for sending a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Nan Adel · Rating 1 out of 5]

This makes me SO mad

I was enjoying this deeply emotional and frightening story and wondered throughout how it could possibly end. I never found out. I reached the last page of the book and nothing. No ending. Authors who do this infuriate me. I certainly won't buy the next book. I'll never read this author again. She ruined an interesting story by trying to get readers to buy her next book. I’m sorry I wasted my time with this book that has no ending.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Held my interest

Distorted Perception kept me turning page after page wanting to know more. I held my breath at times and even cried.

[H. Pearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic read. Thoroughly enjoyed.