Tuckers Fyke

Title: Tuckers Fyke

Author: Bruno Beaches

Genre: Thriller

Publisher: Austin MaCauley

Published Date: 2024

Book Length: 176

Format Read: Paperback

Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend

About Book: Gabriela, a product of the care system, is an independent and feisty young lady. She has a brief and innocent encounter with a complete stranger, during which she intuitively forms the opinion that this odd man is dangerous. She has absolutely no evidence, but she feels driven by her gut feeling to discover proof to substantiate her suspicions. This only serves to get her into trouble with the police for stalking, harassment, and theft. They treat her as a nuisance who suffers from delusions and, as far as possible, she is to be ignored and discouraged. However, her doggedness and determination drive her to persevere with her quest despite the opposition, only to succeed in putting her own life on the line. Can she be rescued? Or will she, in fact, become just one more hidden victim?

My Thoughts: Tuckers Fyke was a taut, gripping thriller that kept me engaged from the very first page. The story cleverly alternated between the present-day narrative and flashbacks to Tucker’s formative years, creating a rich, layered insight into both characters. These time shifts were handled seamlessly, adding depth and building suspense as I slowly pieced together Tucker’s troubled past and how it influenced his present.

The short chapters were a smart stylistic choice—they gave the story a punchy pace and heightened the sense of tension and urgency. Bruno Beaches had a wonderfully accessible writing style that still managed to get deep under the characters’ skins. His portrayal of Tucker was particularly powerful—disturbing yet utterly compelling. Beaches had a real gift for showing the darker edges of human nature without over-explaining or romanticising them.

Gabriela, meanwhile, was easy to root for. Her determination, even in the face of disbelief and danger, was admirable. She was far from a traditional heroine, and that’s what made her so refreshing. Her instincts, drive, and refusal to back down made her a standout protagonist.

If you were looking for a psychological thriller with sharp character insight, rising tension, and a lead you could truly get behind, Tuckers Fyke delivered. It was chilling in all the right ways, with a plot that kept me second-guessing and characters who lingered long after the final page. Bruno Beaches crafted a haunting, atmospheric read that I thoroughly enjoyed—and I’d definitely be looking out for more of his work.