Review: His Happy Place - Zakiya Dalilia Harris

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Review: His Happy Place - Book #2 Getaway Collection - Zakiya Dalila Harris - August 2022

When life feels overwhelming or a reading slump creeps in, I find solace in the bite-sized brilliance of an Amazon Original Story. Their brevity is perfect for scratching that literary itch without committing to a full-length novel. His Happy Place by Zakiya Dalila Harris delivered just that—a suspenseful, quick read—but left me grappling with the open-ended conclusion that these stories are infamous for. While I enjoy a bit of ambiguity, I also crave closure, and the ending of His Happy Place left me with a lingering, maddening what if. Did I figure it out, or am I just telling myself a story? The premise is captivating: a romantic getaway to a remote cabin in upstate New York. Ama’s boyfriend, Nathan, promises her a weekend of intimacy and escape, far from the chaos of city life. On paper, it sounds idyllic. But the serenity of the wilderness quickly turns unsettling as Ama starts to question whether she truly knows the man she’s with. The tension builds masterfully, and Harris keeps you teetering on the edge of certainty and suspicion. It’s a subtle yet chilling exploration of love, trust, and the secrets that can unravel even the most perfect facade. One of the standout moments for me was the unexpected nod to New Zealand. As a Kiwi, it’s always a thrill to see my homeland pop up in international fiction, but please, can we get some recognition beyond Lord of the Rings? We’re so much more than hobbits and mountains! Part of the Getaway collection—a series of six standalone short stories centered on dream escapes turned sinister—His Happy Place is a solid addition for readers who love a dose of psychological suspense. It’s tightly written, with just enough character development to draw you in and a plot that keeps you guessing. While I enjoyed the story, the open ending left me slightly dissatisfied. I found myself flipping back, hoping I’d missed some critical clue that tied everything together. Still, the lingering sense of unease is a testament to Harris’s skill in crafting suspense. If you’re a fan of quick, unsettling reads, His Happy Place is well worth a spot on your TBR. Perfect for: readers in a slump, fans of psychological suspense, and anyone who loves a story that leaves you pondering long after you’ve finished.


Amazon: https://amzn.to/4eSx7PN




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