Lucinda Berry’s latest psychological thriller, One in Four, is a masterclass in tension and moral ambiguity. Drawing on her background as a former psychologist and specialist in childhood trauma, Berry crafts a narrative that’s as psychologically astute as it is utterly chilling. The title references the sobering statistic that one in four women will experience sexual assault by the time they’re twenty-four—a statistic that haunts the pages of this dark, twisting tale.
The Twisted Plot That Keeps You Guessing
One in Four by Lucinda Berry follows Dr. Laurel Harlow, a chemical dependency counselor who reluctantly agrees to work on a reality TV show called “Comeback Kids,” which chronicles the recovery journey of seven former child stars battling addiction. Set in a treatment center called Crystal Meadows, the show promises viewers an unfiltered look at addiction and recovery, streaming 24/7 and hosted by the ambitious director Gia.
When Maddie, the youngest and most promising participant, is found dead of an apparent allergic reaction, what begins as a tragedy quickly spirals into something far more sinister. As police investigate, they discover disturbing entries in Maddie’s journal suggesting she feared for her life. Even more shocking, evidence points to an inappropriate relationship between Maddie and Laurel—something Laurel vehemently denies.
The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Laurel, convinced that Gia is framing her, is kidnapped by her own wife Noelle and Gia, who reveals her true identity and motive: revenge for Laurel’s past involvement in the bullying and sexual assault of her sister Paris during their college years. What follows is a harrowing tale of imprisonment, torture, and a devastating betrayal.
Berry’s Masterful Storytelling Techniques
Lucinda Berry employs several effective storytelling techniques that elevate One in Four beyond a standard psychological thriller:
- Alternating timelines: The narrative shifts between present-day events and flashbacks labeled “HER: (THEN)” that gradually reveal the traumatic experiences of Paris, creating a compelling mystery that unfolds alongside the main plot.
- Unreliable narration: As Laurel’s situation becomes increasingly dire, her perception grows less trustworthy, leaving readers to question what’s real and what might be hallucination or manipulation.
- Multiple perspectives: While primarily told from Laurel’s viewpoint, the epilogue shifts to Noelle’s perspective, offering a devastating twist that reframes everything that came before.
- Thematic depth: Berry doesn’t shy away from exploring difficult themes such as sexual assault, bullying, suicide, revenge, and the long-lasting effects of trauma.
Characters Who Linger in Your Mind
What makes Lucinda Berry’s One In Four particularly compelling is her ability to create morally complex characters:
- Dr. Laurel Harlow: A former addict herself, Laurel is dedicated to helping others overcome addiction, but harbors dark secrets from her past that come back to haunt her.
- Gia/Georgia Matthews: The seemingly charismatic TV director whose pleasant facade masks a decade-long plot for revenge.
- Noelle: Laurel’s wife, whose betrayal is perhaps the most heartbreaking element of the story, as she falls under Gia’s influence.
- Maddie: The young star whose death sets everything in motion, a victim caught in a web not of her own making.
Berry excels at making readers question their allegiances. As Laurel’s past actions are revealed, we’re forced to confront uncomfortable questions: Does Laurel deserve what’s happening to her? Is Gia’s revenge justified? These moral gray areas elevate the thriller from mere entertainment to a thought-provoking examination of guilt, justice, and forgiveness.
Strengths That Make This a Standout Thriller
One in Four showcases Lucinda Berry’s considerable talents as a psychological thriller writer:
- Authentic psychological insights: Berry’s background as a clinical psychologist shines through in her nuanced portrayal of addiction, trauma responses, and the complex psychological dynamics between characters.
- Relentless pacing: The story moves at a breakneck speed, particularly in the latter half when Laurel is held captive, creating an almost unbearable tension.
- Unflinching examination of difficult topics: Berry doesn’t sanitize or sensationalize trauma but portrays it with clinical precision and emotional honesty.
- Unexpected twists: Just when you think you understand where the story is heading, Berry upends your expectations with revelations that recontextualize earlier events.
Areas That Could Have Been Stronger
While One in Four by Lucinda Berry is undeniably gripping, there are a few elements that might not work for all readers:
- The reality TV show premise, while interesting, sometimes feels like a backdrop rather than an integral part of the story once the kidnapping plot takes center stage.
- Some readers might find the explicit descriptions of torture and psychological abuse difficult to stomach, though these elements are never gratuitous.
- The epilogue, while providing a devastating twist, feels somewhat rushed compared to the meticulous pacing of the rest of the novel.
- Certain secondary characters from the reality show, like Tripp and Javon, are introduced with interesting backstories but aren’t fully developed.
How One in Four Compares to Berry’s Previous Works
Fans of Lucinda Berry’s previous psychological thrillers like The Perfect Child, Under Her Care, and The Best of Friends will recognize her signature blend of psychological insight and page-turning suspense in One in Four. However, this novel feels more personal and raw than some of her earlier works, diving deeper into the psychological aftermath of trauma.
Like The Perfect Child, which explored the horrors that can lurk beneath seemingly perfect family dynamics, One in Four examines how past actions can resurface with devastating consequences. And similar to The Best of Friends, which began with a shocking tragedy that unraveled long-held secrets, this novel uses Maddie’s death as a catalyst to expose the hidden truths in Laurel’s life.
Who Should Read This Book?
One in Four by Lucinda Berry is perfect for readers who:
- Enjoy psychologically complex thrillers that don’t shy away from difficult subject matter
- Appreciate morally ambiguous characters whose actions defy easy categorization
- Are fans of authors like Gillian Flynn (Sharp Objects), Tana French (The Hunter), or Karin Slaughter (This Is Why We Lied)
- Have enjoyed Berry’s previous psychological thrillers
- Are interested in stories that explore the long-term impacts of trauma and addiction
However, given the graphic descriptions of psychological torture and discussions of sexual assault, suicide, and self-harm, readers sensitive to these topics should approach with caution.
Final Verdict: A Haunting Psychological Thriller That Will Leave You Thinking
One in Four by Lucinda Berry is not an easy read, but it is an important and compelling one. Berry has crafted a thriller that functions on multiple levels: as a gripping page-turner, as an examination of how past traumas shape our present, and as a meditation on whether revenge can ever truly heal our wounds.
The novel’s strength lies in its refusal to provide easy answers. By the final page, readers will likely feel both emotionally drained and intellectually stimulated, pondering questions about guilt, forgiveness, and the possibility of redemption long after they’ve finished reading.
While there are moments where the plot stretches credibility and some secondary characters could have been more fully developed, these minor flaws don’t detract from what is ultimately a powerful, disturbing, and thought-provoking thriller.