Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
I picked up Pines knowing it had inspired the Wayward Pines TV series and was often compared to Twin Peaks. From the opening chapter, it had that eerie, slightly off-kilter vibe I love in thrillers. It throws you right into the action with a sense of confusion and unease that doesn’t let up, exactly what I hoped for.

✅ What I Liked:
This book is relentless in the best way. Every chapter ends with a hook, every clue leads to more questions, and the tension just keeps tightening. Blake Crouch excels at making you feel trapped right alongside Ethan Burke. The town of Wayward Pines is creepy and claustrophobic, and the mystery builds with every strange interaction and dead end.

I also loved the genre blend, there’s psychological thriller, dystopia, sci-fi, and a touch of horror all woven together seamlessly. The final twist genuinely shocked me, and I had to sit for a moment after finishing it to process everything. It’s a book that messes with your head in all the right ways.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
If I had to nitpick, I’d say a couple of the side characters could have been fleshed out more, but I flew through this book so fast that it hardly mattered. The pace, the stakes, and the atmosphere more than made up for it.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a sci-fi edge and love feeling like you’re unraveling a big secret, Pines is for you. It’s perfect for fans of Black Mirror, The X-Files, or anything with a surreal, slightly dystopian vibe. The twists are clever, the mood is intense, and the concept will linger with you long after you finish.

💭 Final Thoughts:
Pines is the kind of book that gets under your skin. It’s gripping, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling, in the best possible way. I loved every moment of it and immediately added the rest of the trilogy to my TBR. Blake Crouch has crafted a masterclass in slow-burning suspense with a killer payoff.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE

Final Rating ★★★★★ – An intense, mind-bending thriller that delivers mystery, atmosphere, and unforgettable twists. Absolutely loved it.