From the very first page, The Wasp Trap oozes with tension. I feel Mark Edwards has a signature writing style, sharp, unsettling, and endlessly gripping, and in this, his latest psychological thriller, he kept me firmly on my toes and reading over the top of the cushion. With his usual flair for suspense, Edwards drew me into a cleverly woven tale of secrets, guilt, and old friendships that had not turned out as they had thought they would. The novel unfolds across two timelines: 1999 and 2024. This dual structure works brilliantly, revealing crucial pieces of the past that feed into the increasingly claustrophobic events of the present. The catalyst? A seemingly innocent dinner party that brings six old friends back together after many years apart. What could possibly go wrong? As it turns out, plenty. Though the present-day action takes place over a single evening, it never feels restricted. In fact, it’s in these tense hours that Edwards excels. The dialogue ripples with a subtext, every glance or pause hinting at something darker beneath the surface. Told from the perspective of Will, the story slowly unravels layers of unease, suspicion, and buried truths. The psychological tension builds steadily, with twists and reveals that feel both surprising and earned. One of the standout strengths of The Wasp Trap is its believability. Despite the escalating drama, the characters’ reactions and dynamics remain grounded and authentic. Edwards has a knack for capturing the intricacies of human behaviour, especially when it comes to friendships built on shaky foundations. Conclusion: The Wasp Trap is a compulsive read that lingers long after the final page. It’s the kind of thriller that grips you tightly and doesn’t let go, playing on your nerves and your curiosity in equal measure. Fans of slow-burning psychological suspense will find plenty to love here. Another chilling, expertly crafted tale from Mark Edwards.

The first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed it. Read in a day it followed a current trend of telling a story across two timelines. Looking forward to reading Mark Edwards next book later this year.

Oh Lordy Egan an excellent read. A locked in thriller, literally! And I do love a locked-in read. Told over two timelines, the reunion dinner and the first meeting back in 1999, the author takes you on a rollercoaster ride. Amoral characters, differing points of view and some brilliant twists, all combine to deliver a very clever and very unusual read.

One of the best psychological thrillers that I’ve read in a long while. I literally couldn’t put it down. Great characters, great plot and great twists make this a must read book.

This masterpiece of a closed door thriller will take you on a journey filled with tension and suspense leading to a jaw dropping climax. Told from Will’s perspective with flashbacks to 1999 and over 2 equally gripping parts. The secrets held by the characters are all equally as shocking, leading you to wonder what the real secret could be. The short chapters leave you yearning for more, the flashbacks to 1999 creating a lull in the dramatics to heighten the impact of the present day with this intense slow burn delivering everything a thriller should. Immaculately written, no wonder Edwards is such a praised writer. If this isn’t on your radar for a summer thriller, it should be.