Title: The Serpent Mind
Author: Richard Dibble
Publisher: Xlibris US
ISBN: 978-1-6698-3607-0
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 201
Reviewed by: Arthur Thares
Pacific Book Review
The Serpent Mind may be the scariest, non-horror book you ever read. This work of fiction hits way too close to home for many people looking to find love online. Don’t let the idea spook you, though; this is a can’t- miss story which most readers will love. The drama will pull you in and won’t let you go until the final emotional page.
What starts as an innocent connection on a dating app becomes a nightmare for Rick. When he connects with Monica, he doesn’t think anything will ever come from it because the two live six hours apart, but they decide to give it a chance. After a whirlwind romance, the two decide they aren’t compatible as a couple, but they still want to be friends and business partners. As Rick moves on to new relationships, his working relationship with Monica continuously threatens his home life. Rick doesn’t want to leave a struggling Monica to her own devices, but the drama she brings may be too much to bear. As a tangled web of lies and attempted murder unfolds, Rick has to choose between helping Monica or walking away.
The Serpent Mind isn’t exactly a fast-paced book, but it moves along at a steady clip. The story has plenty of conflicts, but it never seems like a core plot point, which is perhaps the author’s goal – when everything is a big deal, nothing is. What is unsettling about this story is that everything that happens is entirely plausible in real life, which gives you an uneasy feeling, especially in the third act. The story is compelling, and even if you have an idea about what’s going on, multiple curve balls throughout the book will keep you on your toes.
When you read The Serpent Mind, keep an open mind as some aspects of this story, like harsh language and self-harm, may be challenging to read for some people. If you can get past that, this story is surprisingly captivating. The Serpent Mind is what every fiction book should strive to be, it creates an emotional response, even as a work of fiction. There aren’t many books on the market like this one, so enjoy this unique reading experience.
