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A review by ianrosales08
Blood Sugar by Sascha Rothchild
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Blood Sugar is a darkly witty psychological thriller that keeps readers on edge as it delves into the life of a complex and morally ambiguous protagonist. The novel is narrated by Ruby Simon, a therapist with a penchant for killing those she believes deserve it. Ruby’s story is one of self-justification, as she tries to convince the reader that she’s not a bad person, despite the bodies that seem to pile up around her.
**Spoilers Ahead:**
The novel opens with Ruby being interrogated by the police in connection with her husband Jason’s death. Although the reader initially believes this to be the crime she’s being accused of, the novel takes us on a journey through Ruby’s past, revealing the other murders she has committed—murders that she sees as acts of justice.
Ruby’s first kill occurs when she is just a child, drowning a school bully who tormented her sister. This act is presented almost as an accident, but it sets the tone for Ruby’s future moral decisions. As she grows older, Ruby becomes more calculating, killing an abusive boyfriend in her twenties and later, a rapist who attacked her friend.
Rothchild masterfully builds Ruby's character, making her both charming and chilling. Ruby is self-aware, knowing she’s different, yet she rationalizes her actions as being in the service of a greater good. This narrative device keeps the reader conflicted—on one hand, Ruby’s victims are undeniably vile people, but on the other, she is still a murderer.
The novel’s tension escalates as Ruby tries to navigate the investigation into Jason’s death. Unlike her previous kills, Jason’s death was not intentional—he succumbed to natural causes due to his diabetes. However, Ruby's history and the fact that she was the last person to see him alive make her the prime suspect. The police are convinced that she’s responsible, and Ruby must use all her cunning to avoid being caught for a crime she didn’t commit, while also trying to keep her past murders hidden.
The ending is a masterstroke of irony and suspense. Ruby manages to evade justice for her past crimes, successfully framing another suspect for Jason’s death. However, as she walks free, the reader is left with the chilling realisation that Ruby is not just a victim of circumstance, but a cold-blooded killer who has outsmarted everyone around her.
"Blood Sugar" is a gripping exploration of morality, guilt, and the lengths one will go to protect themselves. Rothchild’s ability to create a protagonist who is both sympathetic and terrifying is commendable, making this novel a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. The book’s final twist—Ruby getting away with it all—leaves a lasting impression, making one question their own sense of right and wrong.
**Spoilers Ahead:**
The novel opens with Ruby being interrogated by the police in connection with her husband Jason’s death. Although the reader initially believes this to be the crime she’s being accused of, the novel takes us on a journey through Ruby’s past, revealing the other murders she has committed—murders that she sees as acts of justice.
Ruby’s first kill occurs when she is just a child, drowning a school bully who tormented her sister. This act is presented almost as an accident, but it sets the tone for Ruby’s future moral decisions. As she grows older, Ruby becomes more calculating, killing an abusive boyfriend in her twenties and later, a rapist who attacked her friend.
Rothchild masterfully builds Ruby's character, making her both charming and chilling. Ruby is self-aware, knowing she’s different, yet she rationalizes her actions as being in the service of a greater good. This narrative device keeps the reader conflicted—on one hand, Ruby’s victims are undeniably vile people, but on the other, she is still a murderer.
The novel’s tension escalates as Ruby tries to navigate the investigation into Jason’s death. Unlike her previous kills, Jason’s death was not intentional—he succumbed to natural causes due to his diabetes. However, Ruby's history and the fact that she was the last person to see him alive make her the prime suspect. The police are convinced that she’s responsible, and Ruby must use all her cunning to avoid being caught for a crime she didn’t commit, while also trying to keep her past murders hidden.
The ending is a masterstroke of irony and suspense. Ruby manages to evade justice for her past crimes, successfully framing another suspect for Jason’s death. However, as she walks free, the reader is left with the chilling realisation that Ruby is not just a victim of circumstance, but a cold-blooded killer who has outsmarted everyone around her.
"Blood Sugar" is a gripping exploration of morality, guilt, and the lengths one will go to protect themselves. Rothchild’s ability to create a protagonist who is both sympathetic and terrifying is commendable, making this novel a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. The book’s final twist—Ruby getting away with it all—leaves a lasting impression, making one question their own sense of right and wrong.