Paper Cut

 

Paper Cut by Rachel Taff
1/27/26; 304 pages
William Morrow

Paper Cut by Rachel Taff is a highly recommended debut psychological suspense novel, for the right reader, mixed with a domestic cult drama set in Los Angeles.

As a teen Lucy Golden committed a murder to escaped from a cult in the California desert twenty years ago and became notoriously famous. After being found not guilty in a trial, she wrote a best selling true crime novel about her experiences and has rode that success ever since. However, Lucy's success has always paled in comparison to her mother Diana, a famous photographer and narcissist, and her rock star sister Odette. When a  documentarian wants to make her experiences the subject of his next film, she is torn. It will mean renewed interest in the publication of new edition of her book, but it could also shatter the carefully cultivated story she has told over the years.

The narrative starts out slow paced and presents nothing to really intrigue readers or pull them into the plot right from the start- unless a famous, narcissistic mother and a true crime writer grabs your attention. It does get much better later in the novel, but the slow start may be off-putting for some readers. The narrative follows two timelines, the present day interviews, etc., for the true crime documentary and excerpts from Lucy's book, Rattlesnake. There is some examination of trauma, infamy, the true crime obsession, and family dynamics.

None of the characters are likable or relatable in any way. There are, however, plenty of secrets, things left unsaid, hidden motives, and all around despicable people behaving badly and selfishly. The dual narrative somewhat helped hold my attention, but really there have been better cult dramas written and this novel plays more into the true crime phenomenon. 3.5 rounded up when required. Thanks to William Morrow for providing me with an advance reader's copy via Edelweiss. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.