Blog Archives
Happy, if Bittersweet, Ending
In Imprinted, a young woman battles the psychological trauma of losing her boyfriend in an accidental shooting. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
When I was a teen, our home was burglarized on a Friday afternoon and then again on the following Monday. The burglar went through my personal items and stole some of my jewelry. A year later, I received threatening phone calls from a man my parents and I believed was the burglar (this was before Caller ID and *69). Those experiences stayed with me for many decades and became the jumping-off point for Imprinted.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
Certainly, the events described above, as well as my own experiences with OCD and related disorders, impacted my writing of Imprinted. But I also write romances and cozy mysteries under my real name. These works are much more lighthearted than Imprinted and don’t stem from any particular experience other than my own recognition of how reading can be a pleasurable distraction from the harsh realities of life.
What is one thing you hope readers are able to take away from Tessa’s experiences?
It was important for me that Tessa have a happy, if bittersweet, ending. At the end of the book, she still struggles with OCD, but she feels more in control than she ever has before. She’s stronger for what she’s been through, and she is optimistic about her future.
Can we look forward to seeing more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I don’t know yet if I will be publishing more books under my pen name. I’m currently working on the second book in my most recent cozy mystery series under my real name.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Dealing with intense grief and issues with her narcissistic mother, Tessa is vulnerable to the advances of her parents’ college friend, David. She can’t help but be drawn in by his humor and kindness so much like Chris’s. They begin a rocky relationship.
When Tessa eventually uncovers the unimaginable secrets David’s been keeping, she’ll have to dig deep to survive his hidden agenda. Then, one final surprise will change her relationship with her family forever.
Imprinted, a psychological thriller, is told through the eyes of three generations of women and explores the cyclical nature of trauma, mental illness, and abuse. Not recommended for readers under 18. See content warnings below.
Content Warnings:
Grief over loss of a loved one, infidelity, underage drinking, underage sex, crude language, murder, shoplifting, mental health issues, burglary, stalking, home invasion, shooting, sexual assault (involving a minor), rape, attempted rape, abuse, child abuse, gaslighting, self-harm, thoughts of suicide, suicide, fat phobia, violence, death, thoughts of having an abortion, blood, ableism, misogyny, sexual situations, freak accident resulting in injury, drowning.
Imprinted
Imprinted, by Elizabeth Charles, is a riveting psychological thriller that delves into the intricate connection between mental illness and a dysfunctional family upbringing. The story begins with a traumatic event at Tessa Schroeder’s 18th birthday party, where an intruder accidentally kills her boyfriend. Overwhelmed by guilt for not saving him, Tessa’s OCD intensifies, and she develops PTSD and paranoia. Living with her narcissistic mother and the looming threat of a potential stalker, Tessa finds herself increasingly vulnerable and spiraling into darkness. Amidst this turmoil, she discovers solace and affection in the arms of David, a close friend of her parents. This relationship, however, raises concerns from her father and stepfather and leads her to uncover dangerous family secrets and deceptions.
Elizabeth Charles masterfully crafts a narrative that offers readers a profound insight into the challenges faced by those with mental illnesses such as OCD, PTSD, and agoraphobia. The novel presents a compelling exploration of how these disorders impact daily life, making it both an educational and emotionally charged read. As the plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, Charles keeps readers on the edge of their seats, consistently exceeding expectations.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its portrayal of psychological trauma as a shared experience, intricately woven into the fabric of family dynamics. Charles’s characters are richly developed and relatable, reflecting her deep understanding of the subject matter. This authenticity likely stems from the author’s personal connection to these themes, lending her writing an added layer of depth and credibility.
While Imprinted does come with several trigger warnings, its merits far outweigh any potential discomfort. Elizabeth Charles has gifted readers a well-written novel with formidable characters and a gripping, unpredictable storyline. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of mental illness and family complexities.
Pages: 291 | ASIN : B0CVR77XDX
LITERARY TITAN 