the setup…
Brooks Anderson is a world famous writer, happily married to Cassie and father of two young children, Mark and Audra. He’s considerably older than his wife, only finding stability after years of self abuse with drugs and alcohol, seemingly caused by the trauma he experienced at eight years old when his mother and older brother were brutally murdered. But he’s also being plagued by nightmares after he decided to write about that period in his life to fend off another journalist’s attempt to craft an unauthorized biography. Seems that Brooks has suppressed memories that are battling to surface…and people who might pose a threat to the truth are dying off.
the heart of the story…
It’s pretty clear early on that Brooks’ memory of that horrible night has significant gaps and the circumstances of his mother’s and brother’s death are a bit murky. I settled in on who might be involved just as early but that wasn’t the point. It was all about Brooks figuring out truths and lies, who he could and couldn’t trust while managing to maintain his sobriety and keep his sanity. It’s a tricky path with lots of land mines, which I loved! There was a point where I found myself suspicious of everyone until the clues started aligning somewhat. I still missed some of the twists but nailed others.
the bottom line…
I had such a good time with this story! Brooks is an extremely wealthy man and that adds an interesting element as the consequences for him and others in his orbit weren’t necessarily the same as it would be for you or me. It’s one of the more intriguing stories I’ve read as I not only wanted the answers but soon became strongly invested in Brooks holding onto his sobriety. He’s one of the most imperfect fictional characters I’ve admired, his honesty and self awareness quite refreshing. There wasn’t much predictability in his path to the truth, the journey being everything. And, the title is perfect, something to question from the onset. Highly, highly recommend!
Book Info
- Release Date: August 18, 2023
- Page Numbers: 302
- Publisher: Bloodhound Books
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
(See the excerpt and more about the author on my Blog Tour post)
(Thanks to the author for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Blue Mood Café 
What a terrific review. Thank you so much!!!!
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Thank you💜 This was a great reading experience.
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I can’t thank you enough for this fantastic review. I’m humbled and delighted that you got it!!
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I’m grateful I was given the opportunity to read your book, PJ💜 Thanks for including me in the blog tour or I would have missed this!
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Sounds like a really good journey with Brooks. Wonderful review!
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 There are lots more interesting characters but it was hard to talk about them without spoiling that journey for others. This was a compelling reading experience.
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Although this book isn’t for me I appreciated reading your wonderful review! On a side note, I couldn’t send a comment from your website today for some reason. Sending this from wordpress reader.
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Thank you, Jodie💜 Thanks for letting me know. It’s showing the comment box kind of funny today.
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Good review!
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Thanks, Ezi💜
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Great review! Thanks for sharing. I’ll look for this one.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thanks, Anne💜 I hope you do.
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Fantastic review Jo it sounds really good!
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Thanks, Nicki💜 It really is!
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Excellent review, Jo. You have really piqued my interest and I found this one on KU, so it is on my wishlist now.
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Thank you, Carla💜 Her characterizations are outstanding. I couldn’t talk too much about anyone other than Brooks without danger of revealing too much. I hope you’ll give her book a shot.
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