VBT# Let's Play Dead - Elena Frost

VBT# Let's Play Dead - Elena Frost - 2025

Elena Frost delivers a gripping psychological thriller that left me checking my own door locks twice before bed. "Let's Play Dead" is the kind of book that makes you question every charming person you've ever met – and as someone who's always been a sucker for a good love story gone wrong, this one hit particularly close to home.

Lisa's journey from hopeful newlywed to desperate survivor unfolds with the kind of slow-burn tension that made me physically uncomfortable in the best possible way. Elena Frost masterfully crafts Alex as the quintessential wolf in sheep's clothing – charming enough to sweep Lisa off her feet, yet sinister enough to make your skin crawl. The revelation about his first wife Polly feels both shocking and inevitable, a testament to Frost's skillful foreshadowing.

What struck me most was Lisa's internal struggle between love and survival instinct. Having witnessed similar patterns in my own life (thankfully from a much safer distance), I found myself simultaneously frustrated with and deeply sympathetic to her initial denial. The psychological manipulation Elena Frost depicts is painfully realistic – the way Alex's possessiveness gradually escalates, disguised as devotion, mirrors real-world abuse patterns with unsettling accuracy.

The friendship between Lisa and Willow provides a crucial lifeline, both for the protagonist and the reader. Their plan to fake Lisa and Bella's deaths is audacious and thoroughly engaging, though I found myself wishing for more detail in the execution. As someone who loves a good heist story, I craved more of the nitty-gritty logistics.

Bella's presence adds emotional weight without falling into the trap of using a child merely as a plot device. Her relationship with Lisa feels authentic, and the stakes feel genuinely high because we care about both characters. The parallel between Lisa's situation and Polly's fate creates a haunting sense of history repeating itself.

Elena Frost's pacing is generally excellent, though the middle section occasionally feels rushed. The transition from Lisa's growing suspicions to full-blown terror could have been drawn out more effectively. Additionally, while Alex is sufficiently menacing, I would have appreciated more insight into his psychology beyond the standard possessive-husband archetype.

The climax delivers the tension the setup promises, with Alex's relentless pursuit creating genuine fear for Lisa and Bella's safety. Without spoiling anything, I'll say that Elena Frost doesn't take the easy way out – the resolution feels earned rather than convenient.

"Let's Play Dead" succeeds as both a thriller and a meditation on the courage required to break free from toxic relationships. It's a reminder that sometimes the most dangerous person in your life is the one who claims to love you most. For anyone who enjoys psychological suspense with emotional depth, this book delivers on both fronts.

While not quite a masterpiece, it's a solid addition to the domestic thriller genre that will keep you turning pages well past your intended bedtime.

Storygraph Link - https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4780fd8c-c217-4e7d-b70f-51199c976797