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3.5 stars: I understand the mixed review ratings after listening to the audio of Alice Feeney’s “Daisy Darker��. It’s a brooding story narrated by Daisy herself; at times, Daisy seems to be an unreliable narrator. Feeney’s ability to create a dark and stormy atmosphere gave the story a sinister feel and a creepy narrative.

Poor Daisy was born broken. She has a congenital heart issue that has required Daisy undergo series of operations and medical care. She is attending her grandmother’s birthday celebration with the rest of the Darker family at her mansion off the Cornish Coast. The mansion can only be accessed during low tide, so once the group gathers, the story is told on a timeline based on how many hours until low tide.

Given Nana’s failing health, she feels this will be her last birthday. Hence, she reads her will so all will understand her wishes before she officially dies. As expected, few are pleased with Nana’s estate intentions.

The hours left until low tide become harrowing once Nana is found dead in her kitchen; additionally, there’s a strange poem written in chalk with stanzas about each family member. As the hours tick by, another family member is found dead, along with mysterious family VHS tapes that provide pivotable moments exposing each person’s ugliness.

Given that it’s impossible to leave the island or anyone coming on the island, the killer must be one of them. Daisy provides the history of the family and suggests that she did something unforgiveable which Feeney uses to add suspense.

The Darker family is one dysfunctional family. The cruelty between members is astounding. Feeney knows how to write diabolical characters. Her pacing is enhanced by the winding down clock.

There are interesting plots twists, one I didn’t foresee. I thought Feeney did a great job keeping the reader guessing who is behind the killings. With all thrillers, there are unbelievable moments. Feeney requires the reader to suspend all disbelieve to make this a great read. I’m conflicted, as it’s an interesting story yet it has a lot of unbelievable and contrived moments.

Narrator Stephanie Racine does a superb job, adding suspense with her voice. I believe she added to my experience. This is a solid Feeney story, although not one of her bests. I do recommend the audio because Stephanie Racine reads it with artistic mastery.