This one was a struggle for me. It started brilliant and the plot was great in theory but the middle was so tedious and hard to read. I also found so many things about how the story was unfolding so ridiculous and hard to believe. Especially how Stefan's mother reacted to almost everything that happened to her son and her family after his release from prison.

Thank you for the opportunity NetGalley but it's a pass from me.

This was definitely a thought provoking book. Stefan has just been released from prison after serving his sentence for killing his girlfriend. At the time of the murder Stefan was only 17 so he still has his whole life ahead of him. Reentering society proves difficult for him and for his parents to navigate. There is also the issue of the guilt and horror of his crime that they all struggle with. Thea also wrestles with reconciling how well she knew her son and how well she knows him now. This book definitely brought up a lot of interesting issues. I was confused by the dialogue between the family at times. Sometimes their manner of speaking to each other was a bit off putting.and it wasn’t how they usually spoke. I saw the twists coming for the book but it was still interesting to see the plot points tied up.

I have been a fan of Jacquelyn’s writing for many years, and was so excited to see a long overdue book from her. The Good Son was worth the wait. Thea is a mom whose son was convicted of murdering his girlfriend. He only serves 3 years in prison, but outside life is still imprisoning them both. Heartbreaking, and a mystery to boot!

A bit drawn out and some parts were a bit tedious, but still a solid book, There is enough meat here to keep your interest.

<b> Thanks to NetGalley and HARLEQUIN Trade Publishing for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.</b>

As the book opens, Thea is at prison to pick up her son on the day of his release from prison. Once a talented student, Stefan was convicted and served time for killing his girlfriend. Thea hopes that her son can begin the rehabilitation process but there are many obstacles along the way. Things become even more complicated when a hooded figure and mysterious phone calls both begin to haunt Thea.

I felt my attention wavering quite often while reading this book. Maybe it was that the characters didn’t win me over. Or perhaps it was the ridiculous final confrontation. It might just be a case that I am not a Jacqualyn Mitchard fan.

Expected publication Date 18/01/22
Goodreads review 03/01/22

Family drama meets crime thriller in Jaquelyn Mitchard's newest novel. The Good Son is also a compelling look at life after violence - life on both sides of that violence. The news is so full of situations similar to the ones presented here, and as a mother, I've often wondered where I would stand while also being ever so grateful that I haven't had to find out. The story does slow down a bit in the middle, but by that point, I was completely invested in the characters and what would happen. We follow Thea as the mother of Stefan, and even though, thankfully, I can't really relate to her life, I can relate to that unconditional love of a mother for her child no matter the child's age. Mitchard certainly gives the reader plenty to ponder with this well-written, gripping story, and in my attempt to avoid spoilers, I'll just finish by saying that this emotional and poignant tale is one I won't soon forget.

The Good Son unfortunately was a miss for me. The notion of restorative justice was an interesting one but the execution of the plot was problematic. The story, in my view, was too long and drawn out and the beginning and middle dragged in many parts, Reading this novel was at times tedious and I never really engaged with the main character or the story.

2.5 stars.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Netgalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I appreciate the ARC from Netgalley. This was a great book. It made me question so many things about how i would handle this situation.

Stefan is being released from prison and his mother Thea is praying for a new start. Stefan was convicted of killing his girlfriend and best friend Belinda in a horrible drug induced stupor.

Stefan is targeted by Belinda's mom, Jill. She truly hates Stefan and his family and hold demonstrations in front of his house.

Things begin to take a scary turn when Thea and Stefan see a hooded figure following them. This person is causing all kinds of destruction and things are not what they seem.

I really enjoyed this book.

Stefan, only 20 years old, has just completed a three-year prison sentence for the murder his girlfriend. To redeem himself and find meaning in his life, Stefan starts a project based on doing good works for others. I really felt bad for Stefan. The book shines a light on the difficulties that convicted felons encounter when they try to transition back into mainstream life and why they often end up back in prison.

A powerful quote from the book: “Even if he never did anything wrong before this, and he never does another wrong thing after this, would Stefan’s life always be defined by his one brutal act? Would it always be the only thing people thought about him?”

This was a tedious read for me. Well written, but too drawn out. Even the mystery subplot that hints of something happening during the murder that Stefan is not aware of did not work for me. In my opinion, there was quite a bit in the book that could have been left out and it would not have impacted the story, except to perhaps move the story along at a faster pace.

A story of guilt, forgiveness, redemption, a mother’s love, and prisoner reformation. Best for readers who like a slow-paced family drama with a bit of mystery on the side.

I received an advance galley of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This was a fast-paced book with non-stop revelations about the characters and the events that entangled their lives. Thea is an English professor and a mom and her husband Jep is a coach at a local college. Their son Stefan, an only and much beloved child, is arrested and imprisoned for killing his girlfriend Belinda when he was under the influence of drugs. The book begins when Stefan is released from prison and the family has to deal with society’s outrage at his actions and at his release. The book focuses mostly on Thea and her coming to terms with Stefan’s felony, with snippets into Jep’s happy-go-lucky attitude as he basically continues his life unscathed by the scandal. Stefan has to re-invent his life and come up with a new plan for his future since he is not really accepted anywhere for employment. I thought the creativity of what he decides to do was amazing and fit right into the storyline. The plot flowed seamlessly between the characters, showing the heartbreak of Thea as well as that of Jill, Belinda’s mom. There are so many layers to this story that it is hard to touch on them all without spoilers, but I will say that it is one of the best family dramas that I have ever read. The characterization is as complex as the characters and totally fleshed out. The mystery of the character of Esme is a theme throughout the book that enticed me to continue to read late into the evening. Esme seems to know a secret about Belinda’s death and teases Thea with it, but she won’t share what she knows with anyone. The ending was somewhat of a surprise, although there were plenty of clues that led me to guess part of what would happen. The twists are numerous as well and kept me engaged in the saga of a young man trying to overcome insurmountable obstacles. Fans of the author and domestic suspense will devour this new book and cheer for the characters who become like family members that I personally knew as I read.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

I had such high hopes for this book. Which, if you can't tell, is code for "it was kind of disappointing."

Stefan's reentry into society after being in prison for manslaughter of his girlfriend was a rich topic for a book, but that's only a part of what we have here. At MPOW we've been discussing restorative justice and his proposed Healing Project certainly fits in with that conversation. The problem (for me) was the his behavior and personality continued to evolve to something akin to near-saintly, rather than the obsession/addiction prone man-boy he is. More could have been made of his struggle to make a place for himself as a felon or his struggle to not become obsessed with things (like his girlfriend or gardening or this project). More also could have been made of his parents learning to rebuild their bond with him in this "new normal" of him as a felon and recovering addict.

And then there was the secondary plot, with the Big Secret of What Really Happened and mysterious phone calls occasionally interrupting the story. It's unclear if this is supposed to be adding a frisson of thriller to the book, but it's incredibly predictable and frustrating to have it pop up every so often. For example, the drive home through the blizzard, where a car tries to run Stefan and Thea off the road feels very thrillerish, as do the phone calls that start as Thea readjusts to having him home. And then? Nothing for quite some time. Why? The author needed to make this either fiction or the thriller, because the blend doesn't work.

eARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publisher for the opportunity to read The Good Son by Jacquelyn Mitchard.

The story grabs the reader immediately with the release of Thea’s son, Stefan, from prison. Stefan was convicted at 17 for the murder of his girlfriend Belinda while under the influence of drugs. While waiting, Thea sees the mother of the murdered girl. Why is she there? On the way home from prison, in a blinding snowstorm, Thea is being followed and almost runs off the road. Who is the person following them? Thea is also getting warning phone calls from a mysterious woman warning them not to talk about the night Belinda was killed. So the mystery begins.

Stefan is trying hard to get a new life started, but many people in town do not want him to have a chance. Everyone hates what he did! But did he really do it? Stefan was so out of it on drugs that he doesn’t remember anything. He’s accused of being brutal to Belinda during their time together, but he knows this isn’t true. So what is the truth?

A great mystery but I found the book to drag on a little. I skimmed some of the book to get to the story. Very well written, but a little too many details for me. However, the end was great and not at all what I expected.

If you’re a fan of Jacquelyn Mitchard you will not be disappointed.

From my blog: Always With a Book:

This is the first book I’ve read by Jacqueline Mitchard and I’m not quite sure how that it possible when she has written so many books. And if they are all as powerful and thought-provoking as this one, I definitely need to add them to my list.

This book is quite the page-turner, and even if you are not a parent like me, it will still get you thinking and questioning so many different things throughout the book. What would you do if a loved one were in a similar position? How would you handle it? These are just some of the many questions that ran through my mind as I was reading this book.

I loved how this one was structured, only told through Thea’s point of view. We really get a deep-dive into her consciousness as she tries to process everything that is going on. She needs to figure out not only how she feels about her son but also needs to navigate this new normal, having a felon living at home with her.

I also loved that this is a hint of mystery throughout the book that really kept me engaged. Did what was reported to happen the night Belinda died really happen or did something else go on that has been covered up? Why is Thea getting text messages from an unknown person and who is stalking her? Are they out to hurt her and Stefan or protect them?

This book is one that, while at times does drag a bit, did keep me on guard and constantly thinking. There is so much to unpack here, making it a fantastic book club selection. A thought-provoking and heartbreaking story that deserves to be read.

REVIEW
This novel offered an interesting perspective on reintegration into society and restorative justice. Stephan who has just completed a sentence for murdering his girlfriend is being released from jail and moving back home with his parents. The transition is far from easy. Thea, his mother, begins receiving strange phone calls and text messages from a unknown girl. She is being followed by a mysterious hooded man. She has this odd foreboding that perhaps Stephan didn’t commit the crime so she embarks on a dangerous mission to get some answers. Is this just a mother’s natural protective instinct or or is she on to something?

Thank you @netgalley and @harpercollinsca for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#bookstagram #canadianbookstagram #booksofhcc #thegoodson #bookadoration #mirapublishing #mirabooks #harlequinbooks #netgalley #jacquelynmitchard

This book had me from the first few pages. Even though it seemed that the story was about loving your child through unthinkable trials - you feel there is something more!

I totally enjoyed this book. Would make a great book club book - so many ideas and questions!

Thea's son Stefan was imprisoned for three years after killing his girlfriend Belinda. Belinda's mother and formerly Thea's friend galvanizes the neighborhood to protest him in her daughter's memory. Stefan is wracked with guilt and the trauma of prison, making him hard for Thea to understand. His attempts to make amends are met with increasing resistance. Was there more to the night Belinda died?

From the start, Thea was getting calls and texts from someone claiming to know what really happened the night Belinda died, and that Stefan should stay silent. People are only too willing to beat him and nearly kill him from the moment he was released; his parents and extended family are also in the crossfire and try to keep his spirits up when he talks about how thoughts of suicide are always present. Building a future takes time and effort, but slowly Stefan finds a way to earn forgiveness in his own mind.

I'm not sure how I feel about Thea, to be honest. In the beginning, I couldn't connect with her, though that could be the sensitivity of the subject and the complex emotions of the situation. It isn't because she's an unlikable person or because she makes choices I wouldn't; I don't think I would react differently from the way she did. She's an ordinary person in an extraordinary position, stalked and menaced, with little to no support once her son was released from prison. Once she takes a more proactive position, she comes across as much stronger. The ending was a surprise yet not at the same time; it made perfect sense in a twisted kind of way and explained the bursts of tension and erratic behavior sprinkled throughout the novel. The emotions here are deep and nuanced so that this book no doubt will be the subject of many book clubs.

A deep, moving look into shattered lives trying to pick up the pieces, but what if some of the pieces are missing?

On a cold wintry day in Wisconsin, Thea picks up her son Stefan as he is released from prison. Stefan was accused of killing his girlfriend, Belinda, at just seventeen. Stefan, at the time, was in a drug-infused stupor and did not recall anything, but he said he must have done it. So he spent three years in prison.

Protestors and the media have been descending upon their home, and Thea has been receiving threats, but one recurring phone call has her especially on edge. A female caller keeps asking if Stefan remembers anything yet, and if he does, he shouldn’t say anything.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐧 is not just a poignant look into how people try to restore their broken lives; it also makes you ponder some tough moral questions.
Although Stefan’s reintegration into society is tough, should we have sympathy with a convicted murderer? Belinda’s mother, Jill, has started a campaign against violence. But, her group sends protesters to the family home, even resorting to vandalism, all towards Stefan’s family; is this the way to stop violence with harassment and anger?

There is still a mystery to be solved here, and yes, it is drawn out as Stefan and his family look for redemption and healing, but the ending is so worth it. It shines a glaring spotlight on the many horrible one-time acts of violence that occur due to rage, jealousy, or drugs. It is very thought-provoking and heartbreaking.

Thank you to @_MIRA_books_ for a spot on tour and a gifted digital copy.

When I first saw the cover it did not capture my attention as it is not my normal type of book. Once I read the back over I wanted to give it a try. The book is told by Thea and it focuses on after Stefan is released from prison. I imagine it would be difficult as a convicted felon to return to life. Stefan wants to make a positive impact and Thea is determined to help him. I enjoyed the book and how it dig into different issues. This book taught me once again to not judge a book by its cover.

Stefan's future completely fell off track when he was sent to prison for the murder of his girlfriend, Belinda. Stefan was high on more than one drug and cannot even remember her devastating death. He has now been released, and at the age of 20, must decide on how to start over again. As if he doesn't have enough on his plate, especially since his heart breaks everyday for Belinda, he is never allowed to forget his crime.

His mother is his truest champion, his father a close second. But, things are definitely strained between the three of them. Then, everyone in town won't let him forget, not even for a moment. Will Thea, Stefan's mother, be able to wash away the past by the love she has for him? Will it be enough?

Meanwhile, Thea begins to receive strange calls and notes. Someone has something meant to be kept secret. Will this secret further impact Stefan. In fact, what happened on the night Belinda died?

From the very beginning, it was impossible not to feel for both Thea and Stefan. As a mother, just trying to place myself in her shoes was heartbreaking. For Stefan, it was clear to see that he was a remarkable young man who got caught up in a haze of drugs at the time when Belinda died. His actions after his release prove his character, even if no one seems to be able to forget what happened.

With a lot of drama, a lot of emotion, Stefan and Thea's journey was played out in this book. It was more than clear that Stefan wanted to do right even if his challenges seemed insurmountable. Then for Thea, she was forced to learn that a mother's love was not as powerful as she would have imagined it to be. Considering also the intrigue with the happenings involving secrets increased the drama and tension in this riveting story. Lastly, as things came to a close shocking twists were truly stunning.

Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

For the most part I enjoyed this book. There were parts that I thought were too drawn out and overly boring. I’m surprised that Stefan’s father seemed so disinterested in what was going on around him. I was a little surprised by the ending but in hind site I shouldn’t have been.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy