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Review

Yesteryear is Bella Mackie's latest psychological thriller, and it's earned its Sunday Times number one spot legitimately. The premise centres on a woman investigating a mysterious disappearance connected to her family's past, weaving together present-day mystery with darker historical threads. What strikes me most is how Mackie builds tension gradually rather than relying on shock value—the atmospheric writing draws you in, and you become genuinely invested in uncovering the truth alongside the protagonist.

The pacing is excellent for a thriller. It's the kind of book that keeps you reading past your intended bedtime, partly because the chapters end on compelling notes, but mostly because you're hooked by the central mystery. Mackie's character work is solid; the protagonist feels real and flawed rather than a generic detective archetype.

Worth noting: this isn't a fast-paced action thriller. It's more psychological and literary, so if you prefer breakneck plotting, you might find it slower than expected. The historical elements, whilst atmospheric, occasionally divert from the main narrative in ways that feel slightly tangential, though they do ultimately serve the story.

At £8.49, you're paying genuine paperback prices for what's normally a full-price hardcover release. That's exceptional value for a acclaimed bestseller from the last year. Even if thrillers aren't always your genre, Mackie's writing quality justifies the investment. If you've been curious about the hype, this price point removes any hesitation. Recommended for psychological thriller enthusiasts and anyone after genuinely engaging literary fiction.