The Escape

The Escape by Ruth Kelly is an electrifying thriller set around a crumbling French chateau, where a dream renovation hides dark secrets. When struggling influencer couple Adele and Jack post a crowdfunding video online, a mysterious benefactor offers to buy them the chateau, a lifeline that lets them leave their troubles behind.

The Plot

Adele posts videos of the renovation for thousands of online subscribers, but the chateau is not all it seems, and the locals are far from welcoming. Then her videos suddenly stop. When her sister Erin visits to check on her, the couple have vanished, and between Adele's obsessive fans and the secretive nearby town, Erin must uncover the shocking truth. Each character is meticulously crafted, with their own motivations and vulnerabilities, making the reader question who can truly be trusted.

Themes

• Life Online: The story turns on a couple whose dream renovation is followed by thousands of online subscribers.
• Secrecy: An unwelcoming local community and the claustrophobic secrecy of the nearby town deepen the mystery.
• Consequences of Fame: It explores the dark side of social media influence, from a crowdfunding plea to the obsession of Adele's fans.

Writing Style

Kelly's prose is both sharp and evocative, drawing readers into a chilling atmosphere filled with suspense. Her ability to weave intricate plots with a keen eye for detail keeps the pages turning, making The Escape a compelling read for fans of psychological thrillers.