This was my first read by Kerry Wilkinson but it's definitely not going to be the last one. Such a gripping read! It’s like one of those stories where right from the beginning, you get that sinister feel in the air like there was something awful happening between the lines and you’re just anxiously waiting for it to reveal itself. The atmosphere is small-town-with-its-secrets kinda eerie, almost haunting, everyone’s a suspect at one point, and you just cannot tell where things were heading.

Things surely took their sweet time in revealing themselves, but everything was happening at a fast pace, and nowhere did it feel even a bit dragged, and the ending was a breathtaking shocker! I really like stories where it just keeps on going till the very last line, and you do not want to miss a single word for the fear of losing something significant. There were some sensitive issues discussed in this one, and the best part is that it showed both sides of the story. Recommended!

I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley, Bookouture, and author. All opinions are my own.

I really wanted to like this book and the plot was so promising, but sadly it wasn't my cup of tea. Harry, Richard, and Paige were childhood friends. Now adults, Harry has moved to another country but comes back home after getting a call from Paige that Richard has been accused of murder. Harry returns home to help Paige clear Richard's name and find the real murderer. This who-dun-it mystery had lots of potential, but unfortunately did not hook me as much as I had hoped. It was a pretty slow burn, I had a hard time connecting with the characters, and the characters felt one-dimensional. For other fans of thrillers, though, this may be a home run! Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of the book!

I love this author and have been reading his books for such a long time. This is a standalone story and focusses on three childhood friends – Harry, Richard and Paige. It’s told from Harry’s point of view and begins with him in Canada where he moved to many years before. Harry’s life is at a bit of standstill, having split from his wife, and when he receives a call from his old schoolfriend Paige, telling him that their other friend Richard has been arrested for murder, Harry doesn’t waste any time in jumping on a plane and heading back to England. I liked Harry’s character, but I did initially wonder why he went straight back as soon as Paige told him. Of course, there’s a lot more to it and as the book moves on, we are told a lot of more of what happened when they were all teenagers.

The story does begin slowly, with Harry and Paige wandering the streets of their home town talking about Richard and trying to work out what had happened. There was some interaction with other characters – Harry’s sister, Richard’s brother and parents and old school acquaintances who were now local drug dealers – and whilst it seemed like the storyline was revolving around the three friends, you just knew that some of these other characters had a part in something which was coming! As the plot built, more secrets and lies came tumbling out and before you knew it, the storyline had picked up pace! I usually have a guess at who I think was involved, but I honestly had no idea where it was all going!

I loved the suspense that was built throughout the book and the suspicions I had about everyone. It’s really difficult to say too much about the book without giving away any major spoilers, but the whole book felt dark and sinister with even the town feeling dreary and rundown, giving everything an eerie and frightening edge to it. On one hand I hated the fact that in the small town everyone knew each other and all their business, but on the other hand I loved it as I didn’t know who I could trust! I felt Harry’s storyline was quite sad as he had moved half way across the world to escape his demons, and now he was back there being drawn back into it all.

The author has, as usual, treated us to a story full of suspense and tension. There are lots of characters to be wary off and many red herrings and dead ends to throw us of the scent of what is actually happening. The climax of the book was unexpected and I didn’t see it coming until we were there! For me, by the time I’d turned the last page I not only felt a sad feeling of loss and grief, but also of justice, clean slates and new beginnings. This was definitely a nail-biter of a read, which I’d definitely recommend!

My first impression of this book was a great premise. The protagonist is not named right away or even if a woman or man. Paige calls "them" to say their mutual friend from childhood has been arrested for murder. Harry and Paige try to find the real culprit.
This book dragged for me and I didn't become really interested until almost 80% in. But don't let that stop you from reading this book...a lot of other readers loved it.

Thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for the arc.

This is my 3rd book by Kerry Wilkinson and it’s a “who dunnit” from the very first page. I really enjoyed this book and just when I thought I knew who the killer was, I was wrong. This author uses a lot of details and makes it believable throughout the story. Highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest opinion.

I make no secret of the fact that I am a big fan of this author. His two series - Jessica Daniel and Andrew Hunter - and his stand alone books. Every one a winner for me. This book was not about to buck that trend either as, once I dove in, I didn't surface until it was done. Luckily I have no life at the moment so that's quite easy to achieve!
So... Paige calls Harry out of the blue to say that mutual friend Richard has been arrested for murder and that this has dragged up events around Richard and Harry finding the body of a classmate when they were kids, and the secret surrounding that event.
Harry's life in Canada, where he now lives, is a bit off the boil so he drops everything, literally, and flies home straight away, returning to the small town he managed to escape from years since. And so begins a race against time to prove Richard's innocence and also to put to bed what happened years ago. But Paige is acting strange and then they find something in Richard's flat. What is really going on in the present? And how exactly does it link to the past?
I always clear my decks before starting a book by this author as I know it will suck me in and hold me captive throughout, spitting me out at the end wholly satisfied. And I am happy to say that this book did not disappoint.
One of the things I love about this author is his observational skills and attention to detail. Here he describes the degeneration of a small town perfectly. Drugs especially, and also with what is going on for Richard, small town mentality and finger pointing. Harry has been away for a while and, although he grew up there and has (or thought he had) strong roots, he feels cut off. Like even the people who want him back to help, also don't really...
As with every book I have read by this author it's fast paced, contains no waffle or padding and so the story gets on with itself very well. It's also gripping and compelling and contains enough twists and turns to satisfy, but also keeping enough back to hold my attention nicely throughout. There are also some quite funny moments to be found - I'm always impressed by this author's often tongue in cheek sense of humour.
All in all, a cracking addition to an already impressive back catalogue. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Thanks NetGalley, Bookouture and Kerry Wilkinson for an ARC to review.
Harry heads back to his hometown after moving to Canada years ago. He was in the middle of a line to order brunch when he received a phone call from a childhood friend informing him that their third friend was arrested for murder.
I don't why but I thought at first that Harry is a woman!
Harry and Paige tries to solve the case and discover who is the real murderer to clear their friend's name, unknowingly dragging their past back to focus.
A simple whodunit mystery with couple of twists and melancholy.
I liked the writing style and the book's setting.

4.5 stars, actually.

If I could pick an overarching theme for this intriguing book, it's a line that's repeated a few times throughout: "People change, and then they change again." It's certainly true in real life, and it's manifested in several of the characters herein. The story is narrated by Harry Curtis, who left his small hometown of Mackleberry, England, to live and work in Canada a couple of decades ago. It's his first time back, and he's more than a little reluctant to return. But an old school chum - Richard - has been arrested for the murder of one of their teachers; another friend, Paige, called to beg Harry to help her find out what really happened and help Richard's case. Since Harry and his wife are separated, he decides to head across the Pond and give it a go.

Harry soon finds he's surprised at the changes in the still-insular community he once loved - some of them for the better, others not. Paige herself certainly isn't her former self; among other things, she's in the midst of a divorce from Richard's elder brother, Oliver. Harry's sister, Evie, lives in their old family home; while she's not enthused to see her younger brother, she allows him to stay with her for the duration of his stay.

Early on, readers learn of a long-ago incident involving another of their school friends, Graham. Almost as quickly, it appears the local police are trying to tie that incident to the current murder. That, both Harry and Paige agree, simply isn't the case. But then again, Harry's memory of how things happened back then aren't exactly clear; and as their investigation - and that of the police - gets more serious, some of the relationships Harry once thought were rock solid begin to crumble.

The ending brings everything - well, almost everything - to closure, though not necessarily with a "God's in his heaven, all's right with the world" feel. A well done, insightful and thought-provoking read that I definitely recommend. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.

This is an interesting premise however the first ten chapters feel a ramble. At first it was unclear who the main protagonist was and whether they were male or female.

The beginning doesn't trip you or captivate you and it's certainly not like the high standards of the jessica Daniels series.

The story is simple - a friend returns following another friend who has been arrested for murder. So unfolds the unwinding of what happen and how it links with the past.

In parts it's so amateur and mind numbingly stupid with the decisions that the characters make you feel like screaming at the main character to just go home.

The ending lacks tension and suddenly just stops. It feels like the build up is missing and Wilkinson ran out of steam and just tied everything together.

Chapters varying in length but they don't end with you wanting to read on. The style of writing is chatty and intriguing but it doesnt fully feel realistic just plain dumb.

It was an ok read but one that doesn't leave you fulfilled. I would stick to the Jessica series.

The Blame by Kerry Wilkinson is a murder mystery with twists to the plot. I have read many books by Kerry Wilkinson and always look forward to the new releases. The Blame is a bit different than the books I have previously read by this author. The pace is slow, and I felt as a reader, I needed to look beyond the sad and miserable conditions to discover the emotions of renewing friendships and relationships with friends and family. Every character in this story is unhappy and that never changes at any time throughout the book.
One morning Harry receives an unexpected call from the UK. Paige is calling from his childhood hometown Macklebury. It has been twenty years since he left home and there have been very few calls or cards between them through the years. Paige tells Harry that Richard, their best friend from their youth has been arrested for murder. This shocks Harry into leaving his home in Toronto and going to meet with Paige. When Harry arrives in Macklebury, he is in for a disappointment as he realizes Paige has serious troubles of her own.
There are two mysteries that present dire consequences for Harry and Paige's best friend Richard. A drunken altercation between Richard and Mr. Wilson on a Saturday night is witnessed by people in a bar. Later that night Mr. Wilson is found stabbed to death close to where Richard had last been seen. Once Richard has been arrested the old questions arise of "Did Richard kill Graham"? The death of a teenager who had been murdered more than twenty years ago when they were all classmates.
I wanted to feel a sympathetic connection to at least one of the characters in this story. Richard and his sister Evie do not have a close relationship, it is just barely friendly. Evie is very aloof, even though she is living in a house that is partly owned by Richard. Paige does not live with her mother, even though her mom has dementia and needs a caretaker. Paige is an addict and clearly does not want to change, she tells Richard several times that she does not want to be helped or saved. I wondered at the ending, was Paige's overdose intentional or an accident??
This book left me feeling sad and disappointed for the main characters.
Publication Date: February 19, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Kerry Wilkinson for the opportunity to read and review this book.

NO WAY! I DID NOT EXPECT THAT ENDING! UTTERLY SHOCKING AND COMPLETELY UNPUTDOWNABLE!.
I have just finished reading one of my favourite author's latest book and I can't stress hard enough how much I loved it. It's a typical KW suspense/mystery/thriller and it's outstanding. KW slowly draws you in like a snail race and he ups the suspense and mystery until the deadly conclusion. I loved the characters especially Harry and Paige, they have such a tight bond and a really close friendship. I really did not want it to end the way it did, it was so sad. The plot was consistent and it just got better and better with every page I read. This will be another bestseller for the brilliant Kerry Wilkinson, he's an awesome author and he knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails until the last twist has revealed itself. I loved every single page. Thank you Netgally and Bookouture for the ARC. I will definitely be posting reviews and recommending this book and the rest of KW's.

This novel was a slow build but the unexpected ending was well worth the adventure. A solid 3.5 stars!

Enjoyed the book. I wouldn't call it fast paced. Pretty much once Harry arrives back home in Macklebury (after being away for twenty years) most of the book is Paige and Harry walking around the small town not dressed properly for the winter season. That's all they did for most of the book. I don't know why he never bought a hat or gloves, since he constantly talked about being frozen. Paige was adamant that she didn't need any help, but is was plan as day she needed the most help. Harry immediately jumps on a plane when he gets Paige's call. How did he think he was going to help Richard? The police seem to have a very weak case against Richard. There isn't any evidence that he killed Mr. Wilson. He was charged almost immediately. On all the crime shows (Dateline and 20/20) it seems to take longer and they usually have evidence to back up the crime. Aren't there any video cameras on the hotel? I didn't love any of the characters. Honestly, none of them seemed to actually like each other. What job did Harry have in Canada? Maybe I missed it. He leaves right away, never mentions his job and time off. The book got more interesting toward the end when Harry starts figuring out what's going on with Richard and Paige. I couldn't wait to find out the truth about Graham's death. There were some twists and turns and so many secrets.

Definitely recommend the book. I did enjoy the story. Look forward to reading more books by the author. I hope there's a new Andrew Hunter book soon.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

People change. Then, they change again.
2 stars.

The Blame was a book that was, at first, very slow paced to the point of plodding.
There seemed to be a lot of needless filler and more than once I felt like giving up because I felt as though the plot was getting bogged down in all the little details that didn't really need to be there.
However around the chapter 30 mark, things began picking up the pace and I found myself more interested in what had happened to Graham and Mr Wilson; even forming my own theories (I'm happy to say, I was partially right, too) about who the killer was and why.

I did find that I didn't care for the characters all that much - for me, there didn't seem to be anything I could connect to or resonate with, which didn't help me connect with the story itself.

The ending was both expected and unexpected. I had an idea who the killer was, although I hadn't expected the reason(s) behind it and one particular moment at the end did take me by surprise; although looking back, I feel it shouldn't have.

All in all, the idea behind The Blame was a good one, however it suffered from being slowed down by unnecessary details and characters that to me, felt as though they had no depth.

This was a twisty book and I loved it.  It did start a bit slow in the beginning but it picked up pretty fast after that.  The plot twist was great and unexpected for me.   I liked the writing and character development.  This was the first book I've read by Kerry and I will for sure pick up more by her.

“There’s something about a childhood best friend that never leaves a person...those connections we make when we’re kids feel fixed and permanent.”
So, when Paige calls Harry to say Richard is being investigated as a murder suspect Harry jumps on a plane to return home. He has no idea what he’s going to do, but he needs to be there. The book reminds me of Thomas Wolfe’s famous saying, you can’t go home again. On top of the current event, Richard and Harry had found a dead boy back when they were in high school. A murder that was never solved and has achieved legendary status.
Wilkerson totally gets the small town feel, how everyone knows each other and is in each other’s business. This is a town down on its luck, lots of homeless, lots of drugs, the only thriving businesses being the illegal ones.
Harry is well drawn and I was immediately drawn into his world - the confusion, the lack of trust, that feeling of being played, of no longer being part of his old town.
This is a quick, entertaining read that had me constantly engaged. Wilkerson gives us lots of red herrings to shake us off the main scent.
My thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book.

This was a good novel but a warning it does start rather slow introducing us to the background of Harry, Richard and Paige. Harry who had moved to Canada after a childhood tragedy comes back to support his best friend Richard after he is charged suddenly with a crime. The novel unfolds giving us pieces of the past to discover what really happened 18 years ago and how it links to the current murder.. All and all an interesting read that I couldn’t put down by the end.


Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an early release of this book in exchange for an honest review !

The Blame by Sherry Wilkinson was a slow burn mystery novel that just barely managed to keep me reading.

On hearing that his childhood bestie Richard, has been arrested for the murder of their school teacher, Harry returns home to Macklebury, UK, from Canada where he has been living for the past many years. To add to it, Richard is also being accused for the death of their schoolmate Graham, whose body was discovered by Harry and Richard over fifteen years ago.. Realizing that the police and the rest of the town have already made up their minds about Richard, Harry and his other childhood friend Paige begin their own private investigation to help Richard and find the real killer.

For a suspense thriller, this story was extremely slow-paced to the point that it dragged. The author has captured the essence and mindset of small town life pretty well though the main characters weren't all that memorable - Harry, for the most part is shown to be following Paige around, while Paige herself seems to be going down a self-destructive path. Mere curiosity kept me reading, but the end reveal was worth it.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for providing a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Once you are accused of one thing, it can be pretty easy for friends, enemies and the public to cast blame for other things. Richard is arrested for the murder of a former teacher and a dead body that he and a friend discovered comes back up and becomes a part of the current narrative. Told from the point of view of Harry, said friend who found the body of a classmate with Richard and who had left this small town in England for Canada a long time ago. He is summoned back by their mutual friend Paige, so they can get to the truth and free Richard as she is convinced that he is innocent.

This was a great mystery/thriller that had such great ups and downs and the clues were dropped at just the right spot. Following Harry and Paige as they investigated in hopes of freeing Richard and finding the killer, I love it when the investigation is led by amateurs. Without spoiling a thing, I can say I was so happy with the who of the who dun it and although it definitely came together real quickly at the end, if I read it again, maybe I could have found a clue or two a little faster!

I read a variety of books that are set across the pond as it will and sometimes the books read as though they could be set anywhere and the specific "english" terms aren't distracting, but they were so in this one. Every once in awhile as I was reading, I had to almost decipher the word and figure out what they were really talking about and it took me out of the plot a time or two. I say this in case you are a reader that avoids books that aren't set in the United States.

I liked this one. It was good, but not sure if it would be one that I would hope to continue to follow as I feel as though the book was completely self contained and maybe wouldn't work in a series form.

A standalone thriller from author Kerry Wilkinson. This is a typical Kerry Wilkinson novel, fast paced, gripping, good characters and a good helping of twists and turns.

Harry, Paige and Richard were childhood friends and thought they would always be in each others lives. All that changed the day they took a short cut home from school along the old railway line and discovered the dead body of a school mate in the undergrowth. Twenty years on Harry who now lives in Canada receives a phone call from Paige telling him that Richard has been accused of murdering a teacher from their old school. People start to link the murder to the other murder of their school friend twenty years earlier. Harry returns home to help Paige clear Richard’s name, but this could mean telling the truth about what really happened twenty years ago.

There are better written books than this one but it is full of suspense and a page turner.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.