After just three years, Daisy and Craig's marriage is fragile at best. As a final attempt to salvage what once was an exhilarating relationship, Daisy surprises Craig with a seven day cabin retreat in rural New York for their anniversary: the Eden Test. The test is simple; seven question over the course of seven days. Swayed by glittering promises of a restored marriage and renewed sense of connection, Daisy is entranced by the idea of the Eden Test and can hardly wait for Craig to arrive at their cabin.
What she also can't wait for is the real test that she's arranged for Craig.
With an intriguing--albeit a bit been-there-done-that--premise and a well-executed sense of tingling suspense throughout, "The Eden Test" is a domestic thriller that begs the question: how well do can you really hope to know someone, even your life partner? While I found Daisy and Craig's characters dimensional enough, I felt that the chapters toward the end of the story revealed too much too soon; I would've loved more of a chance to put the pieces together here and found the ultimate ending lacking the punch-packing twist I needed.
Overall a binge-worthy suspense story for readers in need of a light-ish palette cleanser, "The Eden Test" is a decent take on a couples-retreat gone wrong that certainly delivers an all-consuming sense of dread.
Rating: 3 Stars
Publication Details: Out 4/25/2023, Flatiron Books
*Huge thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for providing my review copy!*
