Instinct and Betrayal: A Thrilling Descent in ‘The Crash'

Not merely a thriller, The Crash unfolds as a multi-layered narrative that delves into instinct, motherhood, and the often-underestimated strength within ourselves.

Reading The Crash drew me into a rare story that keeps your heart racing while prompting deep reflection. It begins with a car accident. Tegan, eight months pregnant, finds herself stranded in the snow. However, what follows is far more psychological than physical.

Tegan finds refuge with a seemingly kind-hearted couple, but their concern soon takes on a disturbing edge. Polly, the woman offering shelter, maintains an eerie composure—especially when it comes to Tegan’s pregnancy. Slowly, the truth unravels: Polly’s interest is not just in helping; she wants Tegan’s baby. As the lines between compassion and control dissolve, the sense of unease intensifies.

What resonated with me was the story’s deep dive into a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body. It captures how people can seem supportive while subtly pressuring or influencing those choices. The pills, the push to induce labour, and the concern that feels more controlling than caring whilst all of it reflects real-life moments when women’s instincts and autonomy are challenged. Tegan’s journey reminded me of how important it is to trust ourselves, even when others insist' they know what’s best

Tegan’s strength is the driving force of the narrative. Even amidst doubt, fear, or confusion, she listens to her instincts and questions about what feels wrong. She recalls her identity, and even as past traumas resurface, she refuses to succumb. She rises!

In this book, motherhood is depicted in its rawest form; fierce, protective, and deeply intuitive, stripped of any romanticised notions. This portrayal lingers because it reflects how often women are expected to second-guess themselves, even when their instincts are what ultimately safeguard them. Tegan’s journey reinforces the quiet but undeniable power of trusting oneself, especially when doubt creeps in from external voices

McFadden writes with a quiet intensity that brings every scene to life. Readers are placed right alongside Tegan, contemplating each choice she faces. Despite the fear and tension, a thread of quiet hope runs through the narrative, reminding us that we possess more power than we realise.

We can endure challenges meant to break us. That belief, especially in ourselves, serves as a formidable force.

The Crash is a compelling and layered read. If you appreciate psychological thrillers that centre on women’s voices, challenge societal assumptions and celebrate the power of quiet courage, this book is definitely worth your time.