A review by stabilesero
Sundial by Catriona Ward

dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Now this is finally a type of Thriller I can get behind. The perfect mix of shocking, horrifying plot with little bits of intrigue and suspense. 
I can't say I was a huge fan of the main character, Rob, but I loved Callie. I maybe empathised a bit too much with the sullen, I-hate-everyone-but-I'm-entirely-misunderstood trope but I love it. I found Callie to be really endearing and thoroughly looked forward to getting to her next perspective to see what the other spin was to her side of what was going on. 
I found Sundial as a location vastly interesting, as well as Rob & Jack's childhood with the dogs and scientific experiments.
It all very much plays into the psychology of "Are you born evil/bad, and can that be scientifically changed or environmentally/nurtured to change". 
I usually really struggle to connect with US settings/locations because I'm from the UK; whether it be lack of description or the same overused descriptions, but Ward really pulled off the Californian desert setting. It was done beautifully and gave it every justice it deserved. 
I think Ward is going to be one of my top Thriller authors, and I am very keen to pick up more of her work.
Also, just f**k Rob's husband.
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