A review by beanjoles
The Binding Room by Nadine Matheson

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

All in all, an incredible follow-up to The Jigsaw Man! Nadine Matheson is a supremely talented author who has a remarkable knack for writing clear, descriptive prose that’s gripping from start to finish. Greatly looking forward to more Henley novels. My only regret is that I found her book series so soon, because I don’t have a backlog I can work through now that I’m done her two current novels! :’)

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness, Torture, Murder, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis

Moderate: Racism and Sexual assault

Minor: Suicide

Schizophrenia, psychosis, borderline personality disorder, and bipolar disorder are all mentioned by name in this book. Symptoms of psychosis, mania, and depression are discussed in detail at various points. In my opinion as a person with bipolar who’s frequently frustrated by how we’re portrayed in media—the descriptions of mental illness are factual, not overplayed for drama, and are respectful to the folks who are ill. They are not demonized for their illnesses by any of the key protagonists. Mild plot spoilers:

The victims of the serial murders have the above-named mental illnesses, so if you’re sensitive to violence against people who are mentally unwell, be aware going in.

Heavy plot spoilers for ending:

One of the perpetrators is also revealed to have bipolar disorder. The book does not go out of its way to describe them as evil or wrong *because* of their illness.