This was ok. I thought there would be more twists in the story but not really. I just felt like it was a character development story for Cate.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC

When Alice Mariani is charged with assisted suicide she knows that she will not survive a term in gaol. It will kill her. She sets about trying to prove the facts of what she did and that is where this story really starts. Alice is a university academic who teaches English Literature. Her job is her life. She is immediately suspended from her position of trust. She has plenty of time to think and work out a strategy to her best advantage.
Probation Officer Cate Austin is a single mother who daily juggles her work with her family life. At the moment she is really busy but nonetheless her boss insists that she takes on the Alice Mariani case. When she first meets Alice to introduce herself, Alice is guarded, icy cool and manipulative. She is clearly used to getting her own way and will stop at nothing to succeed. The story she tells Cate is chilling. She explains that she first met the victim after following up an advert that is concise yet powerful. She was intrigued: ‘Man seeks beautiful woman for the journey of a lifetime. Will you help me to die?’ There it was; a plea for support. Alice met all the criteria and she agreed to be there for him, his partner in death.
They meet and got on really well. They give themselves aliases ‘Smith’ for him and ’Robin’ for her. They do the usual dating things and as the time drew nearer to the chosen date of death their relationship develops into love. Soon the plans are laid bare. The suicide would include mood enhancing drugs, intimacy for the first time, before going out on a high. The drugs would eventually lead to a slow but certain death. The date is set for June 16th. Alice insists she carried out his plans to the letter ‘T’. It was not so much assisted suicide as loyalty, love and compassion. It couldn’t be seen as euthanasia because he was fit and healthy. Alice is persuasive and adamant. But is she telling the truth? Cate must discover what really happened and write her recommendations for Alice’s sentencing for the Judge’s perusal. This novel catalogues her meticulous work to ensure Alice received the correct and fair sentence.
I really enjoyed this tantalising story. It oozed with menace, deception, action and intrigue. I was unable to predict the outcome of Cate’s investigation and loved the rollercoaster of a ride steeped with mystery, misunderstandings, red herrings and shocking revelations. The background story of Alice’s sad past was heart-rending. Then there was the secret story of Smith, both shocking and tragic. Both of the main characters were marked by their traumas and past histories. The story telling is full of flair and her characters are captivating. I loved the way that Cate made her final revelations the day before the sentencing was due, after ramping up the tension with a shocking plot twist. Her ability to sequence her stories is quite awe-inspiring and the content both current and relevant.
Ruth Dugdall, the author of this novel, has an MA in Social Work. She has worked in the Criminal Justice System as a social worker then as a probation officer. At this time she was seconded to a prison housing serious offenders. She still works for the CJS and her intimate knowledge in these areas make her novels authentic and credible. Ruth is quoted as saying “Probation officers have more face-to-face contact with criminals than any other profession”
I am a huge fan of Ruth Dugdall. I was so excited when I saw this new novel and requested it for review. I quickly received a complimentary copy from publisher Legend Press through my membership of NetGalley. Thank you so much for my copy sent in return for an honest and unbiased review. It’s a 4.5* review from me, and a recommendation that this is a very good read.

The Sacrificial Man by Ruth Dugdall
Thanks @netgalley @ruth_dugdall and @legendpress for my arc
Ebook Publication date 29th Nov
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The story of a woman charged with murder for her role in her partners’ suicide and the Probation Officer who is in charge of this woman’s fate. Investigating the loophole that that lies between murder and euthanasia, this is the perfect psychological thriller. Dark, edgy and thought provoking this is a must read.

This is the second book in the Cate Austin series by author Ruth Dugdall but works as a stand-alone novel.
I love the writing of Ruth Dugdall and I am yet to be disappointed. I first read her novel 'Humber Boy B'and was totally hooked and since then have eagerly awaited the next book. 'The Sacrificial Man' is another book featuring probation officer Cate Austin who is given the task of recommending a sentence for Alice Mariani, who is charged with assisted suicide. Investigating the loophole that lies between murder and euthanasia, Cate must meet the woman who agreed to her lover's dying wish.

A much under rated author who certainly deserves more plaudits.

I like revisiting Cate Austin, and I didn’t envy her the puzzle of figuring Alice out. I couldn’t decide on her, whether she deserved to be punished, was she genuinely evil (the way she thinks nasty things about people made her seem slightly psychotic)? However, was she just helping Smith out by being with him when he died?
The small twists and turns that unfold as the story develop are brilliant and shocking. I didn’t know what to expect from this book. From the blurb, I was expecting it to be similar to John Marrs’ ‘The Good Samaritan’ where it was going to have numerous aided suicides. However, this was completely different, and I didn’t see the end coming.
In true Dugdall style, the book ends in a very abrupt fashion. You are reading one page, turn over, and the book has ended. I always have to go back to read that last page to truly get the impact that it was the end of the book — trying to soak up as much as possible. She always leaves you wanting just a little bit more, and I forget this every time!
Overall, a really gripping and enjoyable book. I can’t wait to read more of Cate Austin, although I wish she’d cheer up a bit, as she’s just so solemn!