by Callie Kazumi
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia, 2025
Review
by Robyn Pryor
Cuckoo is a riveting psychological thriller. I was hooked from the first paragraph, itching to know what had happened to Noah and why he hadn’t contacted Claire.
The novel switches between the main narrative, snippets of Claire’s horror childhood and diary entries of Claire meeting Noah, and their subsequent relationship. The diary is a clever way to include the loving, romantic backstory, a record of the perfect relationship. It’s a crucial feature of the novel, highlighting the bliss of Claire’s engagement, contrasted with the cruelty she suffers.
The book is set in two parts. Part one shows the events that led to the murder and reveals the identity of the victim. Every page left me panting to know what would happen next. Part two is a fabulous narrative of consequence.
The more I read, the more I was drawn into a vortex of curiosity. I flicked through the pages as quickly as I could, desperate to know what was going on, but wanting to savour each word. And it was worth the wait. The twist at the end is spectacular. I dare any reader to guess what happens.
The cycle of abuse from both Claire’s mother and her fiancée is ugly. Not only was their behaviour disturbing, equally alarming was the ease with which Claire reinvented herself on Facebook to find the truth.
Claire’s character development is excellent. The relationship between her and her mother endeared me to her. She’d had a rough time, yet she was so brave. My empathy antennae were glowing for this woman who lived with such intense pain in her heart. One true friend, Sukhi, softened the blow.
Even though I am a psychologist and have had some personal experience with abusive relationships, one question was burnt into my brain throughout the entire novel.
But why?
Anyone who, like me, enjoys a good psychological thriller, will love this book.
Publisher’s blurb
A story of obsession, love and murder – and not the one you’re expecting. . . Discover a gripping new thriller with a killer twist at its core.
When Claire surprises her fiancé, Noah, at work for their anniversary, she’s the one who ends up being shocked to her core …
Because Noah left the company nine months ago, and she had no idea. How can she not have known?
Now he isn’t answering her calls. He won’t respond to her messages. He’s disappeared.
As Claire desperately tries to find her fiancé, her world begins to shatter as the truth about who Noah really is starts to emerge.
And things are about to spiral dangerously out of control . . .