All in Her Head is an excellent debut novel. I am sure we will hear much more of Nikki Smith. It is difficult to say a great deal about this book, any detail will be a spoiler. All I can say is read it.
The narrative begins with an intriguing prologue which makes the reader want to know the who, what, when, where, and how. The story is split into three parts and is told in first person by the two main protagonists, Allison and Jack with ‘then and now’ headings of the chapters.
Alison works in a library. She is insecure and feels that her boss wants to get rid of her. Ex-husband, Jack, is stalking Alison who is obviously extremely ill, mentally and physically. She does know that she was once married to Jack. But Alison appears to have closed off her past and she is very afraid of her ex-husband. Alison is further unsettled when meets a woman in the works canteen, this woman is obviously trying to make friends with her, but Alison thinks she has seen her before. She cannot remember where or when.
The second part of the book shows the reader Alison and Jack’s marriage, they live in Bristol. They have a new baby after some years of IVF which put their marriage under a certain amount of tension. Jack is worried, Alison won’t let him help with the baby. Alison doesn’t sleep. Alison begins to talk to herself.
In the third part, the truth makes its impact with and everything unravels. There are hidden secrets to be revealed.
The plot unsettles, twists and turns, suspense and tension keep us reading.
Alison and Jack are authentic and believable. Nikki Smith is a virtuoso of characterization.
If you like your thrillers with lots of action and violence this book is not one of those. It is a slow burn, reflecting the promises of the novel, you won’t be able to put it down.
I look forward to reading the next book from Nikki Smith.
