A Good Winter by Gigi Fenster is one of the most tense books I’ve ever read. I would categorise it as a psychological thriller, even though it’s different from any other book in this genre that I’ve read. The suspense is a slow burn, building constantly through the story as the reader sees the world through the dark and twisted mind of Olga.

Fiercely defensive and protective of her new friend Lara, Olga increasingly appears to lose touch with reality, consistently misreading situations and people. She believes the world is out to get her, and responds in kind.

A Good Winter is difficult to read at times - it is seriously intense and very uncomfortable. It’s darker than the synopsis would have you believe, but the writing is exquisite and perfectly structured. I flew through reading because it was so difficult to put down.

I’d recommend this book for fans of The Push by Ashley Audrain. The unreliable narration and unusual perspective reminded me of The Push, and I felt a similar feeling of unease while reading both. A disturbing and masterfully written story.

4 ⭐️