This book was confusing story. Parts of it were so good but then most dragged and lost the train of thought. I think editing would have helped but overall this was not my cup of tea.

Ashley Tate debuts with unpredictable mystery in "Twenty-Seven Minutes." While a bit of a slow-burn, mystery fans will likely enjoy it.

Twists and turns? Small town vibes? Check and check. I am more fast paced than slow burn so this was a bit of a struggle for me, but I recommend picking it up!

Ashley Tate’s Twenty-Seven Minutes is a haunting story about grief, guilt, and the weight of past mistakes. The novel follows Grant Dean, who waited twenty-seven minutes before calling for help after a car crash that killed his sister, Phoebe. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, exploring how the tragedy shaped the lives of those involved. While the book builds an eerie, suspenseful atmosphere, the slow pacing and emotionally distant characters might make it a tough read for some. That said, the tension ramps up toward the end, delivering a satisfying, if somewhat uneven, conclusion.

I signed up for the ARC of this because the cover looked really cool and the synopsis sounded like something i would thoroughly enjoy. I was disappointed with it though unfortunately. There was a lot of drama which, although distracting, i could handle. I was not expecting the supernatural aspect of the book. at all. i found it to be out of place and a bit strange. There were a lot of characters, POVs, and timeline hopping which made it difficult to follow the plot as well. all in all it was a bit disheveled and confusing for me.

I felt like West Wilmer resembled the town of Brigadoon, only emerging every 10 years. While I understand the town was approaching the 10-year anniversary of Phoebe’s death, it seemed strange that no one talked (or gossiped) about the tragedy at all until that milestone. It felt as though the small-town gossip waited a decade to question the events surrounding the accident, which didn’t quite feel realistic. I also felt that two of the main characters appeared to be struggling with mental illness, yet it wasn’t properly addressed. Also, the accident happened while they were in high school, but we’re meant to believe they’re in their late 20s now—yet they still acted like immature teenagers. The whole story would have been much more believable if it had been set on the 1-year anniversary instead.

Unfortunately this book fell flat for me. I feel like nothing really happened up until the end and there were too many POVs in my opinion.

This was such a great book and a fast read. Though the main characters are teenagers, it is not considered to be part of the YA genre, it is a psychological thriller with heavy themes. I was gripped throughout the entire book and was anxious to find out what truly happened. My heart ached for the teens, and as a mom my heart ached more when trying to imagine what it would be like if one of my kids experienced this themselves, and also how I would feel as a mom of one of them. I was absorbed in every aspect of this book, from the background of each family, the characters, the storylines, and especially the suspense and twists. This would be perfect on film.

Everything that happened in this book just seemed so incredibly unrealistic it was difficult to stay reading.

This book really just took me for a ride. I loved the build up, the character development, and the writing. I would definitely read more from this author!

I enjoyed the idea of this book but it was way too slow for my personal taste. I don't feel like the present day timeline really mattered at all other than to set up the twist. We didn't learn much information in it because we were given everything in the past storylines so I felt very disconnected during the past timelines. I think this would have been better for me if it were in one timeline or shorter. I had no issues with the writing itself and would consider reading from this author in the future though!

I felt like every chapter in this book was trying so very hard to be suspenseful that the overall plot just got lost. The concept wasn’t overly original, and the characters were nothing special. Everything about this book was just fine, but that’s it.

Twenty-Seven Minutes by Ashley Tate is a fast-paced thriller that had me hooked from the very first page. This gripping novel masterfully blends suspense with deep emotional resonance, exploring themes of grief, loss, and the complexity of human emotions in the face of tragedy.

The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, giving readers a well-rounded view of the events as they unravel. The shifting viewpoints are expertly woven together, offering a nuanced look at how each character processes their pain, while keeping the tension high. It’s a clever narrative choice that allows for a deeper connection with the story and its characters.

What truly stands out in this book is the emotional depth. Tate doesn’t shy away from the rawness of grief, and this emotional exploration enriches the thriller aspect, making it not only a page-turner but also a reflection on how people cope with devastating loss.

Overall, I would give Twenty-Seven Minutes a solid 4-star rating. The pacing is tight, the plot engaging, and the characters compelling. I’m thankful to NetGalley for providing the ARC, which allowed me to experience this thrilling read early. Highly recommend to fans of psychological thrillers and those who appreciate a deeper emotional journey within the genre!

Twenty-Seven Minutes by Ashley Tate didn’t quite hit the mark for me. While the premise has potential, the book’s slow pacing and predictable plot made it difficult to stay fully engaged. The story revolves around a traumatic event that takes place in just 27 minutes, but instead of the intense, fast-paced narrative I expected, the plot feels drawn out and repetitive at times. There are also far too many characters introduced, which not only muddles the narrative but also makes it hard to form a strong connection with any of them. The shifting perspectives added to the confusion, rather than enhancing the story. Ultimately, the book feels overstuffed and lacking in emotional depth, which was disappointing given the interesting premise. It’s not a book I’d recommend for those looking for a tightly-woven, fast-moving thriller.

This was a bit of a slow burn, though it did pick up after awhile. Quite a good first novel I did enjoy in the end!

Thank you so much @poisonpenpress and @netgalley for the copy of this eARC!

This book is a captivating slow-burn literary mystery set in a small American town, steeped in secrets surrounding the death of a young girl. The central question revolves around the tragic night of Phoebe's accident—specifically, why her brother, Grant, waited twenty-seven minutes to call for help after the crash, even though Phoebe was still alive. Could those precious minutes have saved her life?

The story is told from multiple POVs characters spanning both past and present timelines, the story unfolds over a period of ten years, leading up to Phoebe’s memorial. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping me hooked until the very last page. The final plot twist is masterfully executed, leaving me in utter shock and awe.

This gripping tale would make an excellent movie adaptation and I highly recommend it to fans of thrilling, suspenseful mysteries!


“But the truth, it will come out. Nothing can keep the truth buried; it will always unfurl itself, lay itself bare. It is unstoppable—like the tide, or a storm, or a ghost.

It will hunt you down.”

I just finished reading Twenty-Seven Minutes: A Novel by Ashley Tate, and I'm so excited to share my thoughts with you!

This book is an emotional rollercoaster that dives deep into the lives of its characters, exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience. Ashley Tate's writing is incredibly poignant and beautifully crafted, making it impossible to put down.

One of my favorite moments in the book is when the protagonist, Olivia, faces a crucial turning point in her life. There's a powerful scene where she finds herself at the edge of a cliff, both literally and metaphorically. Tate’s vivid descriptions and the raw emotions of the moment are so gripping. Olivia's internal struggle and ultimate decision to step back from the brink is portrayed with such depth and sensitivity, it left a lasting impact on me.

What I love most about Twenty-Seven Minutes is its honest portrayal of human emotions and the complexity of relationships. The characters are richly developed, and their journeys are both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Tate has a unique ability to capture the nuances of life's most challenging moments, making this book a compelling and thought-provoking read.

If you're looking for a novel that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you reflecting on the beauty and fragility of life, Twenty-Seven Minutes is a must-read. Grab your copy and immerse yourself in this unforgettable story!

This book had an interesting premise but was a bit slow paced for me and more emotional drama than thriller as the aftermath of a fatal accident is explored through the impacts in various characters in the story.

This one had me gripped from the very first chapter! I couldn’t wait to keep reading and find out what happened next

A tragic accident takes the life of the beautiful, smart and well loved Phoebe. But a question looms WHY did it take her brother 27 minutes to call for help? Ten years later as the day of the memorial approaches the truth of what happened that night slowly begins to unravel.

I absolutely loved this format of the narrative and multiple POVs and the artful execution of blurring the lines between reality and wishful thinking,

Really beautifully written, with intriguing and well portrayed characters with intertwined storylines to keep you guessing until the end. Lovers of Liane Moriarty will enjoy this book too!

5 stars as I truly couldn’t fault this one.

This book really wasn't it for me. It's described as a thriller but not much happens, so it's hard for me to consider it a thriller... the surprise at the end was kind of lackluster, and I was left disappointed.