Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Release Date: January 30th, 2024
Pages: 384
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Publisher’s Synopsis:
“The question For the last ten years, the small, claustrophobic town of West Wilmer has been struggling to understand one Why did it take young Grant Dean twenty-seven minutes to call for help on the fateful night of the car accident that took the life of his beloved sister, Phoebe? If he’d called sooner, she might still be alive. The secret As the anniversary of Phoebe’s death approaches, Grant is consumed by memories of that night on the bridge and everything he his future, his reputation, his little sister. And the secret he’s been keeping all these years is suffocating him. But he and Phoebe weren’t the only ones in the car that night. Becca was there. She knows what happened―and she will do anything to help Grant keep his secret. The truth Everyone in West Wilmer remembers Phoebe, but only June remembers that another person was lost that night. Her brother Wyatt has been missing for ten years and now June is alone―no family, no friends. Until someone appears at her door. Someone who may know where Wyatt went all those years ago. Someone who knows what really happened on the bridge that night. Someone who is ready to tell the truth. Taking place over three days and culminating in a shocking twist that will leave you breathless, Twenty-Seven Minutes is a gripping story about what happens when grief becomes unbearable, dark secrets are unearthed, and the horrifying truth is revealed.”
My Review:
The epic and visceral prologue immediately hooked me. From cover to cover, this story is so gripping. It had a hold of me and never let go. This is the example I’m going to give for how I want every mystery/thriller to be like. The writing is perfection. Like, I cannot even believe that this is a debut, honestly. This is an author to watch for! This is going to be the biggest and best new thriller writer of 2024.
The pacing is impeccable. Not only do I love the short chapters (always gives me that quick-win hype) but the hints and clues and cliffhangers that get dropped in each one kept me incessantly turning the pages. The sequencing of events and reveals build up the perfect avalanche of suspense. It’s a dark, ominous, super compelling read. Every chapter gives meaning and nuance to the overall story arc – thankfully no fluff here.
There are so many sides to this story, with unreliable narrators that will have you questioning everything you think you know. Everyone has their own truths. The multiple POVs give us breadcrumbs of the pieces that let us slowly piece things together.
It’s a very character-driven story. The author is incredible at showing and detailing them through their actions and interactions. All of their voices are so unique. Everything felt so real; the storytelling is unbelievably good. The way the author gets into the minds and psyches of the characters is disturbingly chilling. The story is full of grief, trauma, tragedy, and secrets, and the shockwave of repercussions that all of it has over a lifetime and within the community.
There was a point at which I was just ready for the twist to come, and I wish a little more time had been spent in the conclusion of events. But that’s just because I was so invested in the story and outcome for the characters.
I’ve truly never read anything quite like this before! Which is such an accomplishment in this genre that seems to rewash tropes. It’s a profound and emotional story that you won’t want to miss. I cannot recommend it highly enough – you have to read it!
Disclaimers:
Huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me an early copy of this amazing story! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Have you read this book? Planning to add it to your TBR?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
I love a good book discussion. 🙂
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