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The Rules of Burken: A Psychological Thriller Kindle Edition
"Intense and creepy. A look into the dark depths of psyche, trust, and family, with twists so jarring, you won't know right from wrong." --Tarryn Fisher, New York Times Bestselling Author
Twenty-four-year-old Charlotte Stahl would do anything for her older brother, Ian. After all, he’d done everything for her growing up.He played Burken with her—a hide-and-seek game they made up as kids.He comforted her when their mom deserted them. He raised her when their dad went to prison for murder. To Charlotte, Ian is the only reason she’s still alive—he’s her rock. So when Ian asks her to play Burken in the isolated woods of Cadillac, Michigan, Charlotte feels she could use the nostalgia and agrees. Burken—it’s the one thing that never changes…
...until Ian threatens to kill her in the middle of the game.
More than the rules have changed as Brother turns to Predator, Sister turns to Prey, and she’s navigating the forests of Northern Michigan on foot with nothing but the clothes—and a target—on her back.
If Charlotte wants to stay alive, she knows she has to untangle the web of her haunting past to find out where things went wrong, and at what point she lost sight of reality. With no other choice but to reopen old wounds—and with Ian hot on her trail—Charlotte learns that sometimes evil has to manifest in order for good to succeed. Which makes her wonder…
Is Ian really a monster? Or her savior?
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateApril 9, 2019
- File size2.2 MB
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Intense and creepy. A look into the dark depths of psyche, trust, and family, with twists so jarring, you won't know right from wrong." --Tarryn Fisher, New York TimesBestselling Author
"The Rules of Burken is a phenomenal debut that ticks all my thriller boxes. Is Ian Stahl a monster or a savior? You will probably find out in eight hours because you won't be able to put this book down." -- L.J. Shen, USA Todaybestselling author
"Buckle your seatbelts, dear readers, because Traci Finlay is going to take you on a chase that will have you running this way and that, sometimes looking over your shoulder and sometimes hiding from your worst fears." --Vox Libris
"For all you Thriller lovers out there, this is one you have to read." --CDBW
"Hide and seek on steroids, little red riding hood with an ax and a sick, sick wolf" --Christine Brae, Author
"It was a book that is going to stay with me for a long time." --Lindsey Domokur, Goodreads Reviewer
"You'll want the answers even more than Charlotte. And then you won't be able to quit thinking about what those answers mean..." --SP Drewry, Goodreads Reviewer
"A totally dark and twisted suspense that will keep you wondering until the very end." --Keri Loves Books
"This debut novel had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning of the storyand by the time I finished reading, it I felt like I just got off of a rollercoaster ride."--Goodreads
"Fast-paced with a tightly woven plotline, I just couldn't put this book down." -- Goodreads
"An adrenaline-pumping adventure with no need to go to the gym. Highly recommended!" --Kindle Friends Forever
"The Rules of Burken is a chilling tale of family secrets.It would appeal to readers who enjoy delving into the complexity of human psyche." --Warhawke's Vault Book Blog
About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : B07QKFM8PQ
- Accessibility : Learn more
- Publication date : April 9, 2019
- Language : English
- File size : 2.2 MB
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 324 pages
- Page Flip : Enabled
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,712,586 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #8,132 in Psychological Fiction (Kindle Store)
- #8,395 in Psychological Fiction (Books)
- #15,193 in Psychological Thrillers (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Traci Finlay grew up in the Midwest and transplanted to Florida for college. She received a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts with a minor in English, met and married the love of her life and moved to Miami, where they currently live with their two sons and two smart-mouthed dogs.
Growing up, she loved reading books, but had a particular passion for mysteries. Throughout her adulthood, she’s taken many writing courses, edited for many authors, and written three psychological thrillers. Her debut, The Rules of Burken, is available through Amazon.
Customer reviews
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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this book to be a wonderful psychological thriller with twists that keep them guessing until the end. Moreover, the debut novel receives praise for its great character development, with one customer noting how each character has befitting vocabulary. Additionally, customers appreciate the detailed writing style, with one review highlighting the vividly described locations.
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Customers find the book suspenseful and thrilling, praising its wonderful twists and intense culmination. One customer describes it as a captivating page-turner.
"...It's subtle in clues and glaring in consequences but you have to read each word carefully "..." Read more
"...The mystery and the suspense was captivating coming from this debut book...." Read more
"...The way the game played into the plot and what was really going on was brilliant, and I have to say I was basically biting off all my nails..." Read more
"...Overall: This was a unique and unusual story. I pondered so many different scenarios in my mind...." Read more
Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a great debut novel, with one customer noting it's truly unputdownable and another mentioning it's the best read of 2020.
"Wow. This was an amazing book and hard to believe it was the author’s debut...." Read more
"Great book ! You really can’t predict what’s going on … and if you think you know.. you’re wrong . Suspense up until the very very end !!!..." Read more
"This book is truly unputdownable. The characters are well explained and detailed, you truly feel as though you're in the story...." Read more
"This was a good book but only the first part and the end had my heart pounding...." Read more
Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting how the author gives each character befitting vocabulary.
"...language with full use of idioms and ironies, she gives each character befitting vocabulary...." Read more
"...climax wasn't exactly what I would imagine, it still worked for the story and the characters...." Read more
"...The. story line was well developed. The characters were plotted well. I would have given five stars but the abrupt ending ruined it f me...." Read more
"...a wonderful book full of twists, turns, and characters that were flawed in the most unexpected ways...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's detailed and well-written narrative, with one customer noting the vividly described locations and another mentioning the finely detailed scene settings.
"...Her extensive and meticulous research shows in her finely detailed scene settings. All the towns, cities and locations are vividly described...." Read more
"...Suspense up until the very very end !!! Great writing by a great author !!! Again another winner !" Read more
"...The characters are well explained and detailed, you truly feel as though you're in the story...." Read more
"...And that is the best kind of writing, where you feel one with the character. Best read of 2020 & 2019" Read more
Customers praise the book's concept, with one describing it as a true masterpiece and another finding it absolutely mind-blowing.
"...I loved the characters, I loved the twists and the entire idea behind it was just so interesting." Read more
"...A true masterpiece especially for those readers who are intrigued by the most inner workings of the mind. Bravo!" Read more
"Absolutely MIND-BLOWING!..." Read more
"Great Read! Couldn’t put it down. Great job Traci Finley ❤️..." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2019Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI cannot explain the feeling of heavenly bliss I feel when my Dark Loving heart stumbles upon an author who isn't shy of staining her fingers Black with writing a story so dark, it should be cateogarised as "50 shades of Black". Having peeked into her dark, psycho brain, I seriously wanna camp inside it! This being her first book, I can already see her career graph on the up and up from now on!! Her extensive and meticulous research shows in her finely detailed scene settings. All the towns, cities and locations are vividly described. Very smart language with full use of idioms and ironies, she gives each character befitting vocabulary. Sarcasm is used as a coping mechanism with Stahls and sharp scathing language is given to Swarings. Very aptly decorated, it was such a joy to read the embellished words
On the other hand, the plot left me completely speechless. At loss for words to describe the helplessness and vindication that I felt for myself as a reader when running with Charlotte's life throughout the book.
The mood is full of dread and thumping danger. I could feel the claw after me, almost touching my clothes, it's fingers brushing my hair, waiting to tackle me.
“I see you, Little Spider.”
5 words......set my pulse racing full speed like a drumbeat at a sacrificial fire. It's eerie enough to give you goosebumps and your feet will itch to run.
“The Rules of Burken.
Don’t let me catch you. Because if I catch you, I will kill you.”
That's the game Ian Stahl traps his little sister- Charlotte Stahl in.
He's the predator, she's the prey.
He's the manipulator, she's the victim
Traci truly and utterly redefines the term
“Stockholm Syndrome
Alternating between abusive rage and loving gestures?
An addictive cycle?
A hopelessness in the victim?
What does that sound like to you?”
she's legit Einstein of Mind twistery. She changes the face of danger in every chapter. Charlotte runs from her brother, then her father, then her mother, then Jack, then herself & then the truth.
"the truth will set you free, but sometimes … you have to set yourself free from the truth.”
Very unusual, complex story of siblings who are tied up in debilitating co-dependency to an extent that it mutates their personalities.
I use the term siblings in plural cause there's two sets and they are dangerously similar and different from each other in power play
While Ian has - almighty Complex, Jack has Moses Complex.
That's the best analogy I can come up with
“I guess that’s what happens when brothers have to raise little sisters when they’re still children themselves? If you think about it, that’s a lot of stress for them."
This book NEEDS to be read acutely, you cannot rush through it at all. Every Chapter is steeped in sinister energy, there's no redemption anywhere.
Evil is jet black, all characters are stained grey, you'll have to hunt for pure goodness.
If somebody asked me how was the story, what is it about, I wouldn't even know how to explain it to them. It's a maze of convoluted relationships and it will require your unwavering attention to understand it. It's subtle in clues and glaring in consequences but you have to read each word carefully
"It’s amazing what the human body is capable of when it’s faced with death."
I guess Good and Evil are like two dogs Fighting for supremacy in your soul, It all depends on who you feed the most!!
I'm as stumped as I was at the beginning of the story. I couldn't afford to put this book down for more than a few minutes, the Whodunits and Howdunits and Whydunits kept pulling me towards this book like a magnet. It's heinous at most places, sickening at few and an absolute pulse pounder at all times. Completely absorbing and engaging..a virtual feast for Dark Lovers.
Tbh at one point the choppy flow had me deducting half a star but the end...Omg THE END JUST pushed my heart over the edge of the cliff..
5 Spider Stars
- Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2019Format: KindleVerified PurchaseFrom the very first sentence, Traci Finlay had me hooked. ...... "A monster was gonna get me if I didn't run now."
Little did I know that that monster would run the story. The monster represented more things than I could ever imagine. And I was just at the beginning. I couldn't even fathom where this book would take me. The mystery and the suspense was captivating coming from this debut book.
The Rules of Burken was a hide and seek sort of game played by Ian and Charlotte. Two siblings that loved and worshipped one another more than what might be perceived as healthy. But all families have their dynamics. It was just a bit more confusing and debilitating with the Stahl's. They were a family that, one by one all fell away and left.
"I should feel indifferent. Every milestone in my life has been haunted in some form of loss and betrayal."
This story is told in Charlotte's POV throughout, but I felt it might have been a little more powerful if alternating with Ian's. It starts in the heart-pounding present and then we go back and forth in time. We need the past to understand the family dynamic as well as the game of Burken being built for these two. It gives us a history and understanding of what is currently happening. Or rather a foundation to get to the present.
I felt my heart pounding and in my throat while Charlotte is literally racing for her life. Then it calmed down again. And soon would pick up. My heart and my mind were going a mile a minute but would always be able to calm down a bit and catch my breath before the action started again. It was like I was getting a breather, a straightaway, in anticipation for the all the action, the hills, to come. That's when I knew this was a book that was built like a marathon. It was just going to go and go, build and build to get to the ultimate climax. And while that climax wasn't exactly what I would imagine, it still worked for the story and the characters.
I cannot wait to see what else Traci Finlay will come up with in the future. A very solid debut. A thriller worth recommending.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2019Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThe Rules of Burken was such an intense ride! It starts right off in a crazy situation, and each chapter from the past added to the tension for what was going on in the present. You saw a progression of what was happening to Charlotte and what she went through. I feel as though Charlotte’s maturity for a lot of it was much younger than her age, but when you put into consideration that her growth was being stunted and manipulated from an early age, that makes sense. The way the game played into the plot and what was really going on was brilliant, and I have to say I was basically biting off all my nails throughout this entire read. And that ending! Part of me wishes for a more resolute ending and I want to know what happened AFTER what happened, but then I understand that it was a great idea to leave that up to the readers mind.
Okay, so I’d absolutely recommend this if you are after something that’s going to mess with your mind. I love how Finlay set the mood for this entire book, and I think it might take some time to shake it off now.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2019Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThere is no time to get to know the characters or take in the setting when you begin to read this book. Instead, you quickly realize that this thriller is going to have you sitting on the edge of your seat, with your heart beating out of your chest, as you turn every page. Traci Findlay uses the term "psychological thriller" in her title and this book truly is. From the very beginning, Findlay's uses her words
to lure you into a town called Cadillac and get you lost in the unimaginable lives of Charlotte and Ian. And those very same words hold you captive until the very end! If you enjoy reading a book that makes the hair of your arms stand straight up or causes your sixth sense to go into overdrive... Findlay's psychological thriller is for you. Well done, Traci! (Insert golf clap) Well done!
Top reviews from other countries
- LeilaReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 15, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating from the very first page
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseI know I've hit the jackpot when a book captivates me from the very first page. A twisted game of, Hide and Seek, if ever there was one.
Traci Finlay managed to pull me into the story so well it was almost as though I was watching it play out on the big screen.
Not only did I not want to put it down, but I also found myself grateful for train delays, if it meant I had more time to read this book.
To anyone about to read this, make sure you have some free time, believe me when I say you will want to devour it in one sitting.
I can't wait to see what Traci has in store for us next, sign me up.
LeilaCaptivating from the very first page
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 15, 2019
Traci Finlay managed to pull me into the story so well it was almost as though I was watching it play out on the big screen.
Not only did I not want to put it down, but I also found myself grateful for train delays, if it meant I had more time to read this book.
To anyone about to read this, make sure you have some free time, believe me when I say you will want to devour it in one sitting.
I can't wait to see what Traci has in store for us next, sign me up.
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One person found this helpfulReport - Angela HayesReviewed in Australia on August 4, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Can't wait for more from Ms. Finlay!
Format: KindleVerified Purchase5 Stars
It’s not very often I discover a new author who makes such an impact right off the bat. But that’s exactly what happened when I embarked on The Rules of Burken by Traci Finlay.
This book looked quite intriguing when it showed up on my feed- so I snapped up a copy to explore. While I knew I would probably enjoy the story from what I’d read from the blurb, what I didn’t expect was to discover a ‘gem’ amongst the rubble. I took so many notes while reading this book, to incorporate in my review, but now I’m writing it I have put them aside as I’ve realised that anything I say really isn’t going to do this book the justice it deserves.
The Rules of Burken was such a great surprise- a true Thriller in every sense of the word! It has suspense out the wazoo!! I was glued to the pages to discover how things would transpire. This is also a dark, twisted mystery with a sociopathic villain, manipulation, action, drama, fear, pain, torment, trauma, emotion, mind games, secrets, lies, discoveries, danger, and plenty of chills.
I highly suggest going into the book blind- let the story shake you up- because, like me, you are going to love every single second!!
Highly recommended!!
Thank you, Ms. Finlay!
- ShrimantReviewed in Australia on January 29, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars A real pageturner
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThis book is a real page-turner. Well researched and mindblowing suspense throughout. I read some reviewers commenting why Charlotte didn't approach police if her own brother is after her life. Please read to the end and you will be clear how the mind of a psycho and the victim works, the Stockholm Syndrome and Folie à deux. I will each book by Traci Finlay.
- nota beneReviewed in Australia on May 14, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Page turner!
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI really enjoyed this very well written thriller, and heart pounding too! I would definitely recommend and look forward to more by this author.
- MReviewed in Australia on May 26, 2019
3.0 out of 5 stars Unique plot
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseGood one. I loved how unique it felt. I wanted more of the romantic part though.