Emily Bleeker | THE WAITING ROOM

Plot (via Goodreads):

Ever since her husband’s death collided with the birth of her daughter, postpartum depression has taken hold of Veronica Shelton. She can’t sleep, can’t work, and can’t bear to touch her beautiful baby girl. Her emotional state is whispering lies in Veronica’s ear: You’re a bad mother. Your baby would be better off without you. But not everything can be reasoned away by Veronica’s despair. Can it?

After all, the break-in at her house happened. The disturbing sketches she found in her studio are real. So is the fear for her daughter’s safety—especially when Veronica comes home to a cold, silent nursery and a missing baby.

As she turns from victim into primary suspect, Veronica realizes that only she can find her daughter. Authorities aren’t helping. They’re only watching. Veronica’s concerned mother has suddenly vanished from her life. And a new friend seems to be keeping secrets from her too. Now, reality is waiting for Veronica in a dark place—because someone’s mind games have only just begun.

Review:

THE WAITING ROOM by Emily Bleeker is an enjoyable domestic suspense novel that features psychological aspects, a great protagonist, and an accurate portrayal of postpartum depression. Bleacher blends all of these together in a novel that is not only haunting, but surreal, and psychologically intriguing. 

While this one starts off a little slower, it is a masterful first 100 pages of slowly paced psychological and domestic mystery. I love how Bleeker was able to really set the stage for what is to come by allowing me to fully get to know the story of our protagonist and what her life has been like following a disastrous and mysterious event. This is definitely a quick read, so the first 100 pages really went by rather quickly for me. I loved the honesty Bleeker used with Veronica and her struggle with postpartum depression and how real this character was. It was enticing and emotional to read her thoughts as she struggled with something that many women in America face. Combining it with a thriller like this added not only heart, but was a brilliant example of a character-driven novel.

Right around page 100, a scene takes place that just turns Veronica's life upside down and the reader is taken on a thrilling adventure that is fast-paced and exciting. While this part is a little far-fetched, it's entertaining and builds up to a rather emotional and mind-boggling twist that even I didn't see coming. Bleeker gave me all of the answers I was looking for in extreme detail and a beautiful prose.  The last chapter featured a revelation an a moment that was so unexpected, so tragic, and so beautiful that it not only made me gasp, but tugged at my heartstrings. That's when it went from enjoyment to a book that will stay with me for a long time. 

Special thanks to JKS Communications and Lake Union Publishing for this copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: 3.5/5