The various angles explored are compelling, and once I realized the direction the story was headed, a strong feeling of foreboding took over. I had no idea how it would all play out, but it got pretty intense there for a minute. The characterizations, unfortunately, were flat, especially Jep, in my opinion, and the dialogue is often stilted, which kept the emotional intensity from having the desired impact. This book is thought-provoking on several levels. The mystery angle is most definitely a slow, slow burn with the drama taking up much of the book. Overall, though, I did find the story absorbing.

I loved this book! It's well-written, enjoyable, and a great read. Jacquelyn Mitchard did a great job of writing in a way that captures the readers attention, and makes you not want to put it down until you're finished! I would highly recommend it!

Title: "The Good Son" by Jacquelyn Mitchard - A Bittersweet Family Drama

Rating: ★★★☆☆

I had the privilege of reading an advanced reader copy of "The Good Son" by Jacquelyn Mitchard, a poignant family drama that left me with mixed emotions. While the novel explored some important themes, it didn't entirely live up to my expectations.

The story revolves around the Tierney family, who are facing a tragedy that shakes the very foundation of their lives. Jacquelyn Mitchard does a commendable job in portraying the complex dynamics and emotions within the family, as they grapple with grief, loss, and the choices that led them to this point. The characters are well-drawn, and their individual struggles are relatable. However, the pacing of the story felt uneven at times, which made it challenging to fully engage with the narrative. While "The Good Son" touches on themes of redemption and forgiveness, it didn't leave a lasting impact on me. Overall, it's a bittersweet exploration of family bonds, deserving of a solid 3-star rating. If you're a fan of family dramas with a touch of redemption, this book may still be worth your time.

Love this author, but this book was not one of her best. A bit disjointed,. Throughout the book there were many highs and lows. Some parts were very predictable. The ending was not very satisfying for this reader.

I really liked the concept of this book but it wasn't quite what I was expecting. I don't think that I would pass it on to my friends and or book club members as I'm not sure they would enjoy it.

I really wanted to like this book but unfortunately it was a DNF for me. I've tried multiple times to get into it but its just not for me. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review it however,

For years I read Jacquelyn Mitchard's then popular Sunday column in the Wisconsin State Journal and enjoyed her fiction. But when she left Wisconsin, I somehow lost connection with her writing. As she recently spoke at a nearby library, I was prompted to check out her more recent writings and decided to listen to the audio of THE GOOD SON. The novel, set in a fictional area near Madison, follows the troubles of a mother, father, and son Stefan after the son's release from prison for the violent death of his long-time girl friend. Only 17 when sentenced, Stefan is really just on the cusp of adulthood when he is released. While he wants to put the past behind him and so do his parents who have never accepted that their son was capable of violence, the community is not ready to forget. Picketers gather outside their home and property is vandalized. The protests are mainly attributed to an anti-violence against women group started by the girlfriend's mother, Stefan and his parents focus on a new future, that is, until Stefan's mother begins getting texts and phone calls from a mysterious girl called Esme. I received a copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions are mine.

I just finished reading "The Good Son" by Jacquelyn Mitchard. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This story follows the journey of a mother trying to reconect with her son who was sent to prison at a very young age for killing his young friend. The story is about the journey of the mother and the son and especially the mother's struggle to accept her son's past actions with the boy that she loves. At times it can be tormenting and the author does a good job of bringing the emotions of the mother into the heart of the reader.
The mother's struggles continue as they arrive home and she feels the pull between the need to help and support her son, and the challenges faced with the way thay the people in the community continue to harrass and intimidate the son. There is no solution to reconciling both sides. This is a story of love and retribution and forgiveness and moving on.
At times it seemed that the story dragged a bit and I found myself hoping for a resolution, but I did appreciate the authors effort to bring an element of humanity not just to the characters but also to the seemingly awful situation that could be real and scary.
Happy Reading.

Part thriller and part family drama, this latest entry from Jacquelyn Mitchard lacks the focus and emotional punch of her previous works. Narrated from the perspective of Thea, whose son Stephan has just been released from prison, we get a glimpse of what it would be like to rejoin a community that overwhelmingly believes him to be a monster. The first half of the novel focuses on Stephan's reentry and his desire to turn a terrible mistake from his past into an opportunity for redemption. The second half is more of a thriller, where it's clear someone has it out for Thea's family. While the novel can't quite decide if it's about redemption or outrunning the bad guy, it does explore what redemption looks like, and what can be forgiven. There's a lot to discuss here, even if the book won't long be remembered.

This book speaks completely about a mother's love for her child no matter the circumstances. We meet the family, friends and acquaintances in their response to Stefan's release from prison where he served a sentence for the killing of his girlfriend, Belinda. Overall it was a good read, my only comments would be that as expected Thea is determined to prove her son's innocence when everything points to the opposite or how much of an overachiever Stefan becomes in spite of the fact that he goes to prison at the age of 17 and is released at the age of 20. Throw in there a mystery caller who offers warnings to Thea and insists she "know the truth". Well written but slightly predictable.

I've been reading Jacquelyn Mitchard books since The Deep End of the Ocean and have always enjoyed her work - family drama at its best. The Good Son was an enjoyable read that offered exactly what I expected - Mitchard will always be an auto-read for me!

I did not finish this book. It was so boring to me and significantly longer than it needed to be. There were times where I was simply bored and put it down. I was so excited to read this because of the author and the topic. But it just didn't keep my attention.

Thank you Harper Collins Canada for an advanced readers copy of The Son in exchange for an honest review.
This book was not what I expected but I’m a great way. This was a very fun thriller and I had no idea where the story was going to take me.

This was such a well done thriller/mystery, I was guessing the entire time. The relationship between mother and son- was just beyond relatable as a new mom. It kept me connected.

I really enjoyed this story of a mother who stands by her son after he returns from prison for a crime that he can't remember committing. I though Ms. Mitchard did an excellent job in portraying the feelings of the characters, at the same time as plotting a solid mystery story.
Thank you for my copy!

Great writing, but VERY slow. Reader has to be patient. The average reader would probably give it 2-3 stars so we are unlikely to purchase for our little libraries, but the reader who loves slow burn and amazing use of language would be an easy 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC.

Thank you to @harpercollinsca for the complimentary digital review copy of The Good Son by Jacquelyn Mitchard. The Good Son came out on January 18, 2022 - available now!

Stefan wasn't even eighteen years old when we went to prison for the murder of his long time girlfriend, Belinda. Now, more than two years later, he's been released on parole and has to figure out how to go on with his life while surrounded by protestors and people who think the worst of him.

I enjoyed reading Stefan's story through the eyes of his mother Thea. She is struggling to understand the changes in Stefan while he was in prison while also wrestling with figuring out what really happened the night that she died.

I also really enjoyed reading about the family dynamic in their family. They were all so close and supported each other through the whole ordeal which was great to see.

Some of the mystery elements of this book were a little long and repetitive, and I don't really buy the big twist at the end, but overall I enjoyed the story.

Pick this one up if your looking for a domestic suspense that focuses heavily on the journey returning to life following time in prison.

The Good Son is a perfect thought provoking book club book! Although there were parts that dragged, overall I enjoyed the story.

This book centered on a crime in a small town. It was compelling and thought-provoking. It was a stark reminder of things not always being as they seem. This was my first Jacquelyn Mitchard book and it won’t be my last.

Release, Renewal, Redemption
Stefan [17yr old] is released from prison for killing Belinda. He does not remember the event. Now he must return to 'normal' living. He feels he doesn't deserve to be free. He does begin a 'The Healing Project' which is a platform for people to do something for their victims or theri families.
Stefan's mother, Thea, has questions about the incident. When she and Stefan left the prison, they were run off the road by a hooded man. Who is this? There are many other incidents over the next months. Thea realizes she hadn't ever read the police documents so she receives these and learns more about the event.
Well written, tense, dramatic--read!