The Spider and the Web


Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 10/19/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Spider and the Web by S. Sebastian is a slow-burning psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. Rachel has suffered enough in her life, but will things be any better when she swaps the dangers of London for the peace of a tiny Cotswold village? But who is she, and what is her story? Eileen and Michael own The Whistling Kettle cafe, and they welcome her to the village, even giving her a job. But things are never quite as they seem, and Rachel is on edge – something doesn’t feel right. Eileen and Michael are just a little bit too perfect, and when Rachel starts to dig, she uncovers things that turn her entire life upside down. When someone goes missing, the lies and secrets that bound everyone together burst open with devastating consequences.

The Spider and the Web by S. Sebastian offers a tantalizing glimpse into a life filled with secrets. This dark story starts slowly with some superb scene-setting, drawing you deeper into a tale that, once it gets its claws into you, won’t let go. You are 100% invested in the main characters’ stories, and as you read, you’ll find yourself needing to know what’s going on. The characters are developed in a way that you can’t help but relate to them, and the tension is cleverly built up to keep you reading right to a shocking ending. It’s a thrilling book that well and truly hooks you, and draws you like a spider to its web – the perfect title for this story. Highly recommended reading for anyone who loves a good psychological thriller to get their teeth into.

Doreen Chombu

The Spider and the Web is a crime thriller drama by S. Sebastian. It follows Rachel, a young woman who moves to the countryside in search of a quiet life. There, she meets Michael and Eileen, a charming couple who run a café. Aware that they are getting older, the couple hires Rachel to help with their business. Life seems perfect as everything runs smoothly, and Rachel gradually integrates into the community while developing an interest in the local police officer, Patrick. However, not everything is as it appears. Rachel begins to notice some unusual aspects of Eileen and Michael's lives. Despite running a small café, they lead a lavish lifestyle, live in a luxurious home, and Michael travels to Dubai to invest in property. When Michael suddenly goes missing, Rachel teams up with Eileen on a mission to find him, and the truth about this seemingly innocent countryside couple starts to unravel.

S. Sebastian’s The Spider and the Web will leave you in awe. The plot twists are shocking and well-executed, with subtle clues woven throughout the narrative that come together brilliantly in the end. The author uses vivid descriptions and internal dialogue to build suspense. The story explores themes of deception, guilt, and the secrets that lie beneath a facade of normalcy. Topics such as betrayal and the way past sins can haunt present lives are also touched upon. I appreciated the pacing of the story and the satisfying conclusion that ties everything together. It’s rewarding when a narrative reveals its secrets gradually, without feeling rushed. This approach builds intrigue and leaves readers fulfilled as they gain insight into what was hidden behind closed doors. The book has a blend of action, romance, and mystery, making it multifaceted and appealing to a diverse audience. However, it does contain violent scenes and sexual content that may be disturbing to sensitive readers. It is a thrilling and memorable tale with a compelling plot.