Panic

Panic by Catherine Jinks
1/7/25; 343 pages
Text Publishing

Panic by Catherine Jinks is a very highly recommended psychological thriller set in Australia.

Bronte posted a rant on social media that went viral for all the wrong reasons. Now she's a social pariah whom strangers recognize and taunt. To escape the attention and lie low for awhile she volunteers as a carer on an isolated rural property near Bathurst. For room and board Bronte will be watching Nell, a dementia sufferer, at Gwendelynne, the families isolated homestead where her Nell's daughter, Veda, runs spiritual rebirthing retreats. 

Unknown until she already arrived, Veda is also involved with the sovereign citizen movement and rejects the authority of the state. This makes Bronte's arrival a rocky introduction and events go downhill from here as Bronte begins to question her safety and the sanity of Veda and the others at Gwendelynne.

The writing is very good and credibly captures the unwanted notoriety Bronte receives over the bad choice of posting her regrettably scandalous video. Even though readers may shake their heads at her poor choices, especially in the beginning of the narrative, these details help depict her as a complex, fully realized, and sympathetic character. Since Bronte is also the narrator, this helps hold your attention as the plot unfolds. Other characters in the novel are also all portrayed as unique individuals

The start of the narrative is a little slow, but will hold your attention as you learn why Bronte wants to escape to an isolated area and are introduced to the cast of characters. Quickly you will realize that these people are odd and the tension begins to rise. Bronte's situation is tenuous and it becomes clear that she is in a problematic position. Once the action takes off it is a riveting, tension-filled, action-packed, twisty thriller.

Panic starts out as an okay novel but becomes notably better, faster, and more compelling with every page. 4.5 rounded up. Thanks to Text Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.