"Dying to Stay Young" by Glynis Drew - REVIEW

From the moment I opened "Dying to Stay Young," I knew I was in for something special. Glynis Drew's latest offering doesn't just tell a story—it grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. This isn't your typical crime thriller—Drew has crafted something that transcends genre boundaries to become something far more profound.

The book pulses with the kind of intensity that kept me reading well past midnight, my heart racing as I turned each page. Drew has crafted something that feels like watching a deeply personal thriller unfold—raw, immediate, and utterly compelling.

What strikes me most about Drew's writing is her ability to create characters who feel genuinely human. Caron Dell, the protagonist who evolves from traumatised young woman to determined Detective Chief Inspector, embodies this perfectly. She's not your typical flawless heroine—she's scarred, complex, and real in ways that reminded me of the best psychological thrillers by Gillian Flynn and Caroline Kepnes.

Drew understands that trauma doesn't simply disappear; it transforms. Caron's journey becomes a powerful meditation on resilience, showing us how someone can rise above their past without pretending it never happened. This isn't just character development—it's character archaeology, carefully excavating layers of pain and strength with the precision of a skilled surgeon.

The supporting characters operate on multiple levels, functioning as both individuals and archetypal figures. This symbolic depth invites readers to dig deeper, to see beyond the surface mystery into broader themes of transformation and redemption. It's sophisticated storytelling that doesn't feel forced or academic.

Drew's narrative structure deserves particular praise. Like Laura Lippman at her finest, she builds tension gradually, allowing each revelation to land with maximum impact. The pacing never falters—neither rushed nor sluggish, but carefully calibrated to keep readers completely absorbed.

This isn't just about plot mechanics, though. Drew excels at weaving together the intricate emotional threads that drive her characters. The story becomes a complex tapestry of relationships, each thread strengthening the whole. Fans of authors like Molly Green and Pam Jenoff will recognise this talent for creating rich, layered narratives that resonate on both personal and universal levels.

One of the most impressive aspects of Drew's work is her treatment of trauma. Too often, writers either sensationalise these experiences or handle them with such delicacy that they lose their power. Drew strikes the perfect balance—respectful yet unflinching, honest without being exploitative.

Having spent years working with trauma survivors, I can attest to the authenticity of Drew's portrayal. Her characters' struggles felt deeply personal, offering insights that will stay with me long after closing the book. This isn't trauma as plot device; it's trauma as lived experience, complete with all its messy, complicated aftermath. The novel's exploration of this territory is particularly striking—Drew doesn't shy away from the messy reality of healing, the setbacks, the small victories, the ongoing struggle to rebuild trust and hope.

The setting becomes another character entirely under Drew's skilled hand. The icy waters of the North Sea, sleet covered streets and windy coastal cliffs don't just provide backdrop—they actively contribute to the story's emotional landscape. Her descriptive power rivals that of Karen Swan, creating environments so vivid you can feel the cold spray and hear the gavel's echo.

This attention to atmosphere serves the larger narrative beautifully. The external world mirrors the internal struggles of the characters, creating a seamless blend of psychological and physical tension.
What ultimately sets "Dying to Stay Young" apart is its commitment to authenticity. Drew presents characters who are flawed, situations that are genuinely complex, and emotions that feel raw and sometimes contradictory. This honesty makes the story resonate on a deeper level than typical genre fiction.

By the final pages, I felt both satisfied and changed. Drew has created something that transcends entertainment to become genuinely transformative. Rather than just a mystery to be solved—this is an immersive journey through the complexities of human resilience, a testament to our capacity to endure and ultimately triumph over adversity.

The book challenges readers to examine their own assumptions about trauma, healing, and justice. It asks difficult questions without providing simple answers, trusting readers to grapple with the complexity of real human experience.

"Dying to Stay Young" represents psychological thriller writing at its finest. Glynis Drew has crafted a work that is simultaneously gripping entertainment and profound exploration of the human condition. Her evocative prose, complex characterisations, and deep understanding of trauma create a reading experience that lingers.

In a genre often dominated by formulaic plots and cardboard characters, "Dying to Stay Young" stands as a reminder of what crime fiction can achieve when it's willing to dig deeper into the human heart.

This book is essential mind food for anyone interested in stories that challenge, inspire, and illuminate the darker corners of human experience. Drew has established herself as a masterful storyteller, and I eagerly anticipate her next work.

Read more about the author here.