The Gallucci Gallery

K.B. Richards’ The Gallucci Gallery is an expertly woven psychological thriller that intricately weaves trauma, identity, and morality. The story follows a mother struggling with her tumultuous past—specifically with her abusive father—which has manifested as a dissociative identity disorder, introducing the formidable persona of Elizabeth. She is accused of murder, but she isn’t even sure whether she committed it or not. Things become more complicated for Bianca when a mysterious character enters her life. She can’t believe that Vincenzo Gallucci, also known as Pascal, is her father’s brother.  When she is confronted and asked to return a stolen painting, The Sea of Galilee, she denies any knowledge of it, and plans to take her children away. Pascal is manipulative and coerces her to get involved in the murder of a police officer. With her children kidnapped and her other personality taking control, she must navigate a web of deceit and lies to uncover the truth and save her children. 

The Gallucci Gallery introduces an achingly believable heroine with a personality disorder and takes readers on an electrifying ride of emotions. The characterization of Bianca is particularly intriguing; she embodies the struggle between wanting to protect her children and contending with the darkness of her past. The plot pivots around Bianca's desperate attempts to protect her children from the sinister forces of her past, namely her father, represented by his enigmatic brother, Pascal. The narrative's pacing is intense, with pivotal moments of revelation, such as Bianca's transformation into Elizabeth during high-stakes situations. This duality within her character propels the plot and challenges readers’ perceptions of morality: is Elizabeth a protector or a harbinger of violence? Richards skillfully uses flashbacks to unravel the complex nature of Bianca's upbringing while juxtaposing it with her present circumstance—a gripping endeavor that keeps the tension high. 

The threats posed by Pascal and law enforcement are phenomenal plot points. But Bianca is a character torn between two identities, and every violent encounter and every attempt to reclaim her children pushes her deeper into the abyss of her identity. This psychological turmoil is heightened by the presence of Kate Clarke, an FBI agent with her history interwoven with Pascal’s crimes. The instability of Bianca’s situation raises the stakes, further complicating the parent-child relationship as Bianca is forced to make morally ambiguous decisions. K.B. Richards’ storytelling is stellar, and the author offers a finely drawn portrait of the heroine's psyche. This novel is a page-turner — haunting and utterly immersive.