Dementia is a diagnosis that rocks not just the world of the individual diagnosed, but their family as well. In “A Man in Winter” author Katie Marie explores the pain, the heartbreak, and the horrors that one man experiences as he relives a nightmare fueled by his dementia.
Arthur recently lost his wife to a tragic home invasion. He wasn’t home, but he dreams of that night. Survivor’s guilt plagues him. But honestly, what can he do? There isn’t much that he can do, because what’s done is done. There is no going back and getting a second chance to reschedule the surgery that he needed. He doesn’t get an opportunity to be there when she needed him the most. The police say that the culprit was caught. Justice has been served. But has it? What if there were two men there that night? According to the ghost of his wife, there were. So now what?
Author Marie makes an impact the minute you begin reading this book. From the beginning, you are engaged in this novel as the author shows you where it all began. The main character is saying goodbye to the cottage that he has called home for most of his life. The place that he shared with his wife until she was taken from him. It’s understandable that his family would decide that continuing to live in that cottage would not be beneficial to his mental health. Honestly, how many people would want to live in a “murder house”?
His diagnosis of dementia has already taken place, and while he’s not ready to let go of his independence, other accommodations have been made for him. A nice retirement community. When you read the description of this place, you’ll believe that it sounds absolutely lovely. He has his privacy, and his own space, and can come and go as he pleases. He even has a friendly neighbor. Prepare for a brow-raising moment though when you find out a connection that this new neighbor has.
A Man in Winter is written in the first person. So you’ll be experiencing this story through the eyes of Arthur. The author allows you to share and feel the things that Arthur feels. The impulse of revelation and excitement when you believe that you have found the other person responsible. Expertly the author will tease out reactions from you in connection to certain situations. Be careful. Some scenes will have you thinking “A-ha!” but is the truth something else? Remember, Arthur has dementia. Is what he’s seeing and hearing actually real? Or is his mind influencing him to believe something that…unfortunately just isn’t true?
Arthur will do anything for the woman he loves. Her ghost is pleading with him to help her so that she can move on. She doesn’t want to be tied to this world and be stuck. Arthur wants her to be happy. He’s seeking redemption for his perceived failure. Meanwhile, his daughter’s heart is breaking.
This novel is riveting from beginning to end. What is real? What is just in his head? Has justice actually been served? Or is there another killer out there waiting for justice to be served? Is his neighbor in cahoots with the other killer? Or is she just a friendly older woman looking to be there for him as new to the facility?
The horror aspect of this novel comes in two different forms. The potential of that justice may not have been totally served. That there is still potentially a killer out there. Then there is the fear that what he’s seeing isn’t really there. The author will subtly pull you into this book with the introduction of the ghost. Arthur’s desire for her to be there will infect you and have you right there along with him. Let’s be honest, it’s not unheard of. There is documentation of people seeing those of the dearly departed. Yet, due to Arthur’s condition – few believe him. They believe that it is dementia accelerating.
Watch for certain scenes that the author Katie Marie plants in this book. They will absolutely shock you and have your jaw on the floor. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself questioning what you believe as you read this book. There will be elements that will have you backtracking, but the questioning… won’t end.
While this book focuses on Arthur and his struggles to deal with his illness, and the loss of his wife, it’s not all dark and troubled. The author takes time to write in more lighthearted moments as well. Family outings with his daughter, Sophie, and her two kids. Arthur remembers happier times and moments before the loss of his wife. Humor is sprinkled in to help lighten the mood and bring a smile to your face.
The realism of the characters is well done and expertly highlights the struggle of one man as he does battle with what is real and what is not. As you read this book and take in the details, you will be inclined to think – this could be someone’s actual life playing out on these pages.
When you come to the end of this book you will be left with questions that will have this book sticking with you long after you’ve turned the final page. You get a twisted ending with your jaw slack with shock and horror, and questions battering your mind. They will go unanswered by the author, but that may be so that we the readers can draw our own conclusions.
Not every book is going to have a “happy ending,” but in this case the ending being more of “it’s complicated” fits it beautifully and perfectly. Dementia brings no happiness, but at the very end…there will be what’s most important for all. Peace.
Pros:
- Gripping storyline
- Pageturner
- Realistic
- Suspenseful
Cons:
- Left with questions
Lesson of the story: When combined with a degenerative disease of the mind, regret can be one of the most dangerous things one can imagine.
Cover Score: 9.0/10
Book score: 9.0/10
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Review by Bunny, her services available here.
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