Red Gate By The Bridge by Desi Stowe
Red Gate by the Bridge by Desi Stowe is a psychological thriller with compelling characters and a setting that practically breathes alongside the story. Maple, a nurse at the local hospital, finds herself swept off her feet by Parker Von Prince, a man who raises more red flags than a parade. Despite warnings from her friend and colleague Kevin, Maple dives into what she believes could be a dream that quickly spirals into something far more sinister.
The first 30% started a bit slow for me, but once things picked up, they really picked up! I was fully locked in for the rest of the book. Desi Stowe did a fantastic job developing the characters, I especially loved getting multiple POVs. For the characters we didn’t get to hear from directly, I was constantly wondering who could be trusted, which added to the tension. Maple frustrated me at times for missing the very obvious warning signs, but that only made her feel more real.
The outdoor setting is incredibly vivid, Stowe’s descriptions of the scenery added a nice depth to the story, especially since so much of it takes place outside. While this is labeled as a thriller, I wouldn’t say there were any major twists that shocked me, but the pacing and tension in the final stretch definitely kept me engaged.
If you’re in the mood for a character-driven, slow-burn suspense read with a vividly drawn setting and a satisfying payoff, this one’s worth checking out.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blurb:
What happens when the dream of a small-town romance turns into a nightmare?
Maple stands on the brink of a fairy-tale romance, even if it is decorated with a few red flags. When she finds out that Parker’s sweet words and beautiful promises mask a penchant for violence, she knows she has to run. Maple’s afraid that anyone she turns to for help will become collateral damage of Parker’s wrath. Fearful for her life, she seeks refuge in the woods while he searches desperately to find her.
As hope fades, her survival instincts kick in. Will it be enough to save her?
XOXO,
Jessica 💋
Red Gate By The Bridge by Desi Stowe
To Be Published: June 28, 2025
Genres: Psychological Thriller, Suspense
Pages: 260
Rating: 4 Stars
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