Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney is an enthralling psychological thriller that cleverly intertwines family secrets, twisted inheritances, and a chilling setting to create a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Alice Feeney, known for her knack for crafting dark, deeply layered plots, does not disappoint with this latest venture, which can be best described as Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Were None' meets modern family drama.

The story unfolds on the tiny, isolated island of Seaglass, off the Cornish coast, in a crumbling family home that is as secretive and enigmatic as the characters within it. The narrative is smartly built around the Darker family's dysfunctional reunion, a haunting setting, and the ticking clock of an incoming tide that cuts the island off from the mainland twice a day.

At the center of this tangled web is Daisy Darker, an endearing protagonist with a heart condition that has shaped her life and relationships. The novel starts on her eightieth birthday as she opens the doors of her beloved yet eerie home to her three daughters and their families. However, this is no ordinary birthday celebration; as midnight strikes, members of the Darker family begin to die. Each death is more sinister than the last, and every Darker family member becomes a suspect. Feeney's brilliant handling of suspense and timing draws the reader deeply into the whodunit mystery while masterfully peeling back layer upon layer of family secrets.

Framed by an intriguing narrative structure, each chapter of the book strikes midnight and another family member is found dead, mirroring the nursery rhyme "Ten Little Soldier Boys," which adds a deliciously macabre tone to the story. This steady, rhythmic pace not only maintains high tension but also methodically reveals the complex relationships and past traumas of the Darker family. Through inventive twists and compelling character dynamics, Feeney keeps the suspense alive, making it nearly impossible to guess the next turn or the ultimate culprit.

The characters of Daisy Darker are crafted with a complexity that matches the intricate plot. Each member of the Darker family, from the seemingly frail Daisy to her estranged daughters and their own broods, is meticulously developed. Their interactions are charged with history and emotion, painting a realistic picture of a family with deep-seated issues and unspoken pain. Feeney delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the skeletons that families hide, all while exploring the darker sides of human nature. The backdrop of a stormy, secluded island only heightens the underlying dread and the claustrophobic feel of the plot.

Feeney's prose is both sharp and evocative; she skillfully uses the setting of Seaglass with its creaking floors and shadowy corners almost as a character in its own right, reflecting the hidden depths and past crimes of the family. Her ability to conjure the atmosphere is unparalleled, making the reader feel the chill of the sea breeze and the weight of the family’s secrets. The overlay of a ticking time narrative device—the incoming tide—is a brilliant stroke that compounds the sense of urgency and inevitability that pervades the novel.

However, the real strength of Daisy Darker lies not just in its plot or setting, but in its capacity to keep readers guessing until the very end. With a narrative ripe with psychological depth and packed with unexpected revelations, the final twist in the tale is a bold move that may divide readers. Some may find it an incredible leap, brilliant in its audacity, while others might see it as a step too far, straining credulity. Despite this, Feeney's gamble largely pays off, cementing the book’s place as a memorable psychological thriller.

In conclusion, Daisy Darker is a masterfully written thriller that combines all the best elements of the genre: a claustrophobic and atmospheric setting, a twisting plot filled with big reveals, and a poignant exploration of family dynamics and human frailty. Alice Feeney has again proven her ability to craft narratives that are as deeply psychological as they are enthralling. This novel is a must-read for fans of tightly plotted thrillers with a strong emotional core and for those who enjoy novels that prompt reflection long after the last page is turned.