Under Her Care
"Under Her Care" by Lucinda Berry is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of family dynamics, maternal love, and the dark secrets that can unravel even the most seemingly perfect households. Published in 2022, this novel showcases Berry’s signature ability to weave unsettling narratives with her background as a former clinical psychologist specializing in childhood trauma, bringing authenticity and depth to her characters and their psychological struggles.
The story unfolds in a small Alabama town on a humid summer day when the mayor’s wife, Annabelle Chapman, is found brutally murdered under a railroad bridge. Discovered at the scene is fourteen-year-old Mason Hill, a boy with autism, standing beside the body, covered in blood. Mason is the son of Genevieve Hill, a former Miss USA and a wealthy, well-connected figure known for her public devotion to her son. The townspeople quickly point fingers at Mason, assuming his presence and condition make him the culprit. However, the truth is far more complicated than it appears.
Enter Casey Walker, a pediatric psychologist and autism expert, who is brought in by the town detective to consult on the case. Casey, a single mother to her own autistic daughter, Harper, approaches the situation with an open mind, determined to uncover the facts rather than jump to conclusions. As she spends time with Genevieve and Mason, Casey begins to sense that something is deeply wrong beneath Genevieve’s polished exterior. Her unease grows when she meets Savannah, Genevieve’s nineteen-year-old daughter, whose revelations hint at disturbing family secrets. Casey’s investigation takes her deeper into the Hill family’s world, leading to shocking discoveries and another murder that challenges her understanding of human behavior.
Berry crafts a narrative that is both character-driven and suspenseful, focusing less on the murder itself and more on the psychological interplay between the characters. Genevieve is a standout figure—a narcissistic, manipulative mother whose obsession with maintaining her public image drives much of the tension. Mason, portrayed with the body of a teenager but the mind of a much younger child, adds a layer of vulnerability and mystery, while Casey’s personal connection to autism gives her a unique lens through which to navigate the case. The alternating perspectives, including glimpses into Mason’s thoughts, enrich the story, though some readers have noted that his point of view feels underdeveloped compared to the others.
The pacing is steady, with twists and revelations unfolding gradually, keeping readers hooked until the explosive final chapters. Berry’s writing is smooth and engrossing, though the ending has sparked mixed reactions—some praise its jaw-dropping twists, while others find it abrupt, leaving loose threads that feel like an unresolved cliffhanger. The lack of closure for certain characters, particularly Casey, has been a point of contention, yet it also underscores the messy, unpredictable nature of the human psyche that Berry so expertly explores.
"Under Her Care" is a dark, riveting read that examines themes of motherhood, manipulation, and the lengths one will go to protect a carefully curated reputation. It’s a testament to Berry’s skill at blending psychological insight with thriller elements, making it a compelling choice for fans of unsettling, twist-filled stories. While not her most fast-paced work, it’s often hailed as one of her strongest, offering a chilling look at the shadows lurking within family bonds. Whether you’re drawn to its emotional depth or its gasp-worthy surprises, this novel is sure to linger in your mind long after the last page.
You can buy Under Her Care by Lucinda Berry with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4cvB0KT
The story unfolds in a small Alabama town on a humid summer day when the mayor’s wife, Annabelle Chapman, is found brutally murdered under a railroad bridge. Discovered at the scene is fourteen-year-old Mason Hill, a boy with autism, standing beside the body, covered in blood. Mason is the son of Genevieve Hill, a former Miss USA and a wealthy, well-connected figure known for her public devotion to her son. The townspeople quickly point fingers at Mason, assuming his presence and condition make him the culprit. However, the truth is far more complicated than it appears.
Enter Casey Walker, a pediatric psychologist and autism expert, who is brought in by the town detective to consult on the case. Casey, a single mother to her own autistic daughter, Harper, approaches the situation with an open mind, determined to uncover the facts rather than jump to conclusions. As she spends time with Genevieve and Mason, Casey begins to sense that something is deeply wrong beneath Genevieve’s polished exterior. Her unease grows when she meets Savannah, Genevieve’s nineteen-year-old daughter, whose revelations hint at disturbing family secrets. Casey’s investigation takes her deeper into the Hill family’s world, leading to shocking discoveries and another murder that challenges her understanding of human behavior.
Berry crafts a narrative that is both character-driven and suspenseful, focusing less on the murder itself and more on the psychological interplay between the characters. Genevieve is a standout figure—a narcissistic, manipulative mother whose obsession with maintaining her public image drives much of the tension. Mason, portrayed with the body of a teenager but the mind of a much younger child, adds a layer of vulnerability and mystery, while Casey’s personal connection to autism gives her a unique lens through which to navigate the case. The alternating perspectives, including glimpses into Mason’s thoughts, enrich the story, though some readers have noted that his point of view feels underdeveloped compared to the others.
The pacing is steady, with twists and revelations unfolding gradually, keeping readers hooked until the explosive final chapters. Berry’s writing is smooth and engrossing, though the ending has sparked mixed reactions—some praise its jaw-dropping twists, while others find it abrupt, leaving loose threads that feel like an unresolved cliffhanger. The lack of closure for certain characters, particularly Casey, has been a point of contention, yet it also underscores the messy, unpredictable nature of the human psyche that Berry so expertly explores.
"Under Her Care" is a dark, riveting read that examines themes of motherhood, manipulation, and the lengths one will go to protect a carefully curated reputation. It’s a testament to Berry’s skill at blending psychological insight with thriller elements, making it a compelling choice for fans of unsettling, twist-filled stories. While not her most fast-paced work, it’s often hailed as one of her strongest, offering a chilling look at the shadows lurking within family bonds. Whether you’re drawn to its emotional depth or its gasp-worthy surprises, this novel is sure to linger in your mind long after the last page.
You can buy Under Her Care by Lucinda Berry with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4cvB0KT
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