Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead

by Eleanor Kelley

Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

ISBN: 9781639887972

Print Length: 240 pages

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Did karma finally catch up to Kate O’Brien’s gaslighting ex-husband or did someone lend a helping hand?

Disturbing and disorientating in equal measures, Eleanor Kelley’s “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead” takes readers on a twisted psychological thriller ride. The story revolves around flawed main character Kate O’Brien, whose fragile reality is threatened by fractured family relationships and deep-rooted personal demons.

As the confusions, lies, and double-crosses pile up, the elusive truth behind Kate’s situation becomes as enigmatic as in Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl” and Paula Hawkins’ “The Girl on the Train.” This action-packed and unsettling read will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Almost three years after her mother Betty’s death, Kate O’Brien embarks on a journey to Ireland with her best friend Molly to scatter some of her mother’s ashes off the Dingle coast. Their trip is a mix of melancholy and hilarity as they visit familiar places and pubs, capturing “Betty-in-a-box pictures” of the temporary urn in different locations. However, odd occurrences during their journey contribute to an underlying sense of unease.

Adding to the intrigue, a series of unfortunate events lead to the misplacement of Betty’s ashes. This forces Kate to rely on an unknown priest to scatter them on the River Liffey, deviating from the intended resting place. These events solidify the growing perception that Kate may not be the most reliable of characters, a struggle she has faced since her divorce from Harry Johnson. Kate begins to doubt her own sanity, suspecting that Harry manipulated her through strange events and peculiar happenings.

In a web of strange events, uncertain memories, and disputed circumstances, the truth becomes a constant question mark in Kate’s mind. It remains unclear whether she is truly seeing and telling the truth, even to herself. Yet, it becomes evident that her former husband, Harry, has had a significant impact on her life, alienating her from her children and former friends. Kate’s animosity towards Harry is palpable, as she expresses her desire for revenge and her hatred towards him.

The situation takes a problematic turn when Kate and Molly return from Ireland and hear rumors of Harry’s sudden death while in rehab recovering from a stroke. Kate’s children continue to distance themselves from her, and Harry’s friends and family seem strangely reluctant to discuss his demise. This raises suspicions in Kate’s mind, as Harry was known for his flamboyant nature, making his discreet passing hard to fathom. A series of sightings of her supposedly deceased ex-husband adds further intrigue. Why would Harry fake his death? What motivates those around him to cover for him? And how does Ettie, Kate’s strange and strangely familiar new acquaintance, fit into the puzzle?

“Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead” is an enthralling thriller with complex characters who aren’t always forthcoming or trustworthy. Kate herself is a polarizing figure, remaining sympathetic throughout, yet not necessarily likable. Her volatile personality, quick temper, and tendency to drink excessively hint at hidden secrets, preventing her from being fully transparent about her relationship with Harry, both during their marriage and after their divorce.

However, it becomes apparent that people are withholding information from Kate and actively obstructing her investigation into Harry’s supposed death. From their children to Harry’s brother, sister-in-law, best friend, and even the police, those in the know seem determined to bury the truth beneath a veil of mystery. While this sets Kate apart from her own life and garners some sympathy for her, the motivations behind everyone’s collective efforts to make things difficult for her remain unclear.

Furthermore, Kate’s few allies, including her sister Sue and best friend Molly, also exhibit curious behavior regarding Harry’s death and Kate’s suspicions. Sue is the one who initially informs Kate about his passing, having heard it from an old neighbor. However, she fails to provide any details or take Kate’s concerns about gaslighting and conspiracies seriously.

In a fashion reminiscent of “The Lady Vanishes,” several characters, such as Kate’s neighbor Elsa and certain staff members at the Holy Trinity assisted living facility, possess information that could aid Kate’s cause but choose to remain silent for obscure reasons. Kate’s personality clashes with others and doesn’t inspire them to lend a helping hand. However, additional background information explaining the underlying reasons for this mass reticence could have been beneficial.

Nevertheless, this gripping psychological thriller will keep readers guessing and leave them wanting more. Fans of Gillian Flynn’s works will undoubtedly find “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead” a captivating addition to their reading list.