Given the content warning I had initially thought that the narrative might play coy about the assault. It did not. I appreciated that it didn’t shy from Desiree’s experience or the trauma that it caused. Both for her individually, and for them as a couple. There’s a domestic aspect which I really enjoyed for its discomforting atmosphere as their relationship strains under the circumstance. 

The Axe is a very contained story. In the claustrophobia of an apartment too small for the questions and trauma mounting between its characters. In Eric’s desire to trust her, and uncertainty in her innocence. The tension is great and I appreciate that Desiree is allowed to be complicated and difficult. There are an unfortunate amount of stories that reach for this kind of subject matter but fall into the simplicity of a perfect victim. 

Even with all of this in mind, the book maintains a quick pace while still managing to hold back its secrets until the end. It’s just a shame that the emotions falter as Priessman’s narration has a flatter affect. 

Thanks to iRead Book Tours and Linda Griffin for this review copy. I leave this review voluntarily.