Reviewing The In-Laws by James Caine

A psychological thriller with a nerve shredding ending

2022-07-10 - David Redl

The In-Laws is the first book I’ve read by author James Caine. Just a short time ago it generated a bit of a buzz on the internet, including on “book tok” and Amazon, and I was more than just a little bit curious so I ordered a paperback copy as soon as I could. To say I’m glad I did would be an understatement.

James Caine sets the scene for The In-Laws with subtle genius. As a reader I was immediately wrapped up in the mysterious implications of the first chapter before the second chapter jumped to the perspective the author would stick with for most of the story. There I found what seemed like an idyllic relationship between two people who couldn’t love each other more or be a better fit for each other. But right from page one, and throughout the story, James Caine was masterfully dropping hints for what would become an epic climax.

The main character, Chelsea, was fun and charming right from her introduction. I found her initial struggles with the not-at-all-as-expected visit to her new in-laws’ cabin to be wholesome and relatable, until the sinister edges of the world started closing in.

The story captivated me from the start and I ended up reading the entire book in one sitting, with my heart pounding for at least the latter half of it. By deftly switching perspectives between Chelsea and one of the titular In-Laws at key points throughout the story, the author slowly revealed how far down the rabbit hole the characters had fallen before I even had a moment to catch my breath. The dark side of love and family was explored to its most shocking conclusion.

I thoroughly enjoyed The In-Laws and would recommend it to anybody who likes the thriller, suspense, or horror genres. The In-Laws is the first book I’ve read by author James Caine. It won’t be the last.

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