I really enjoyed this book. Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy of this book Though it’s a serious crime, it’s much more than just a crime novel. I loved the authors style of writing, very well written and look forward to seeing what she writes next. The final twist I didn’t see coming at all.
Lots to think about in this book as well.

A brutal sexual assault. A loving family trying to hold things together. A retired police officer looking back on a case from three years ago that just doesn’t add up. Caitlin Wahrer does an excellent job with this story of a family bursting at the seams, ends becoming frayed due to the aftermath of a violet act. Wahrer provides a study on how different people are affected by the disruption, and how reactions can vary within a close-knit group of people. With lots of intrigue, Wahrer keeps the reader guessing from start to finish. A great debut novel.

I wasn’t sure at first if I even wanted to read this book because of the subject matter but I am so glad I took a chance on this one. It was handled very well. Hard to believe it’s a first novel for this author. This book was very well written. It grabbed my attention right from the start and surprisingly ended in a direction that I hadn’t seen coming which is always a bonus for me. Highly recommend this one.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger warning - rape.

This book got off to a good start, but it went downhill quickly. The book started with the attack on Nick, which is something that is not usually seen in books. The writing on how Nick and his family dealt with his feelings was well down. Breaking up the story by having different characters tell their side of everything as well as going between past and present was also well done.

But overall the story didn't work out for me. It slowed down and felt drawn out, and the ending was a little less than satisfying.

The characters and the plot were believable and my heart ached for Nick.

I would recommend this book, but not for everyone.

This book is easily in my top 3 of the year so far! The story jumps back and forth in time with a few different characters’ point of view and it's interesting to see how each story fits into the bigger picture. The author's writing style draws you in and doesn't let go. With a very evocative, compelling style, the topic of sexual assault and justice is explored in a way that is eye opening. I couldn't put this book down until I was done and even then, this story lingers with you! Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC!

Angela

4.5 stars! I want to thank NetGalley, Penguin Random House and Doubleday Canada for this propulsive psychological thriller in return for an honest review. I spent many frustrating hours over three days trying to download a readable pdf file. After many disappointing attempts, I was finally successful. Was the ARC worth my time and effort?. Most definitely, yes!

This was a powerful and thought-provoking debut by author Caitlin Wahrer. The characters were well-developed personalities explored in depth. They experienced many conflicting emotions, which were brilliantly conveyed to the reader. There were moral quandaries, dilemmas, and ambivalence in their thoughts and actions. What they believe is the right path to choose may not always be the good one.

In the beginning, Nick, a young gay man and university student, is lying in a hospital badly battered and injured. He was the victim of a sadistic rape after drinking in a bar and leaving with a handsome stranger. This is a difficult subject handled with sensitivity. His much older brother, Troy, was the early protector of young Nick from the rage of their drunken, verbally demeaning and physically abusive father, who took on the role of a loving father and protector of the boy. He now vows to take revenge for what happened to Nick. Nick blames himself for the attack, learning at an early age that a man never allows himself to be victimized. He feels the guilt and humiliation of what happened to him. Troy blames himself for not being able to protect Nick from the brutal attack.

Detective Rice is a dedicated police officer intent on following the rules. He and his team arrest the perpetrator, who is let out on bail pending trial. He is sympathetic with Nick and his family. The accused man goes public disputing Nick's version of events. Rumours and accusations run rampant on social media, and the identities of both Nick and his accused rapist are revealed.

Julia, Troy's wife, was a former lawyer who managed to get criminals acquitted or their sentences reduced.. She worries that Troy is losing control and may go too far in his quest for vengeance. She doesn't yet realize how far she will go to protect her family.

The story is fast-paced, with short chapters that heighten its intensity and suspense. It mainly took place in 2015, but its timeline shifts to 2019 when Julia and Detective Rice meet. The dying Rice carries guilt over something he failed to do in his role as a police officer.

This is a riveting, electrifying, and emotional story that I couldn't put down. It asks how far will someone go to protect others. I was in suspense in regards to the outcome. There are startling twists and revelations I never saw coming. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys character-driven thrillers.
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Just goes to show the lengths a family will go to when avenging their own. A rollercoaster ride of emotions and well fleshed out character making the whole dynamic of the novel charged and hard to put down. Very well written, full of suspense. And the ending...wow

Thank you NetGalley for this arc

I would like to preface by saying this book deals with rape and it could be a trigger to many people.

The author has done a magnificent job of showing how rape affects not only the victim but him their family. The book has well developed characters who I could easily picture in my mine. Nick is a well crafted character and while this story is about him Julia and Detective Rice are truly the main characters.

I really enjoyed how the author went from 2015/16 to 2019 with ease with each chapter flowing nicely back and forth. The story unfolds with a few red herrings and then a big twist which adds to the suspense of the book.

It is a troubling topic and I found myself extremely angry and upset through several parts but that is realistically a sign of a great author.

I thank Penguin Random House publishing and NetGalley for the invite to read this book. Awesome story.

A wicked roller coaster of a ride psychological thriller that will leave you turning pages all night long and crush you with a book hangover. A debut novel that is sure to make this author an auto buy. Legit the best lbgtqia thriller I’ve EVER!!! READ!!!

A wicked roller coaster of a ride psychological thriller that will leave you turning pages all night long and crush you with a book hangover. A debut novel that is sure to make this author an auto buy. Legit the best lbgtqia thriller I’ve EVER!!! READ!!!

Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley, Penguin Random House Canada and Doubleday Canada.

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

It is a thrilling story about a small town family who is willing to do anything to protect their own. A mesmerizing read that will make you think twice.

Things get quickly out of hand and complicated for a lawyer’s husband younger brother who ends up having drinks with a stranger. The brother would do anything for his brother as he lays in a hospital bed battered and bruised.

Soon he will be under investigation as well as his family when the attacker is freed on bail and sets to dispute his younger brother story. What really happened as the lawyer starts to be scared of her own husband behavior? Does she really know her own husband who seeks revenge for his younger sibling?

Will justice prevail and the truth be known? It is a fascinating read.

I as unable to download this version on any device and unfortunately am unable to give feedback at this time but look forward to reading this in the future.

I read this in one sitting. AND on the edge of my seat! An amazing book that has twists and turns. Each time a POV changes you are in the mind of that character. And your sympathies keep changing. You twist and turn with each chapter! Amazing boo. Will recommend to all my friends and family!

Unfortunately, after repeated attempts, I am unable to download this file. Very disappointed as the synopsis sounds intriguing. 4 stars for the cover and description.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an invitation to read this title.

With regret and apologies. I will not be able to provide a review of this novel. I have been unable to download a legible copy. The copy I was able to download from the Netgalley app is in script far too small for me to read. I have given the book one star because I cannot submit this with si doing.

This story is an emotional one. Heavy triggers as the plot is centered around a brutal sexual assault. I have read many books where the victim is female. This was such an interesting and well thought out premise with the victim being a gay male. I very different perspective.

The author does such a great job of giving the reader a feel for what the family is going through. I very much felt the characters emotions. Connected with them. Now that's strong writing in my opinion. So impressed by this debut!

Thank you to Doubleday Canada and Netgalley for my review copy!

Can’t read this title because it won’t send to my kindle unfortunately

Will try again if it’s able to be read on my kindle

I tried for 30 minutes to download this book, was very interested in the description.
After trying via downloadable pdf (not readable) and sending to kindle (not available) I give up.
Disappointed.