Title: Never Turn Back by Christopher Swann
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Genre: Contemporary, Domestic Mystery, Suspense
Length: 323 pages
Book Rating: B
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
Linwood Barclay meets Michael Farris Smith in this Southern-set domestic thriller about family, vengeance, and atonement from critically acclaimed Southern mystery novelist Christopher Swann.
The bonds of family never truly let go.
In fact, its grip only tightens the further you try to run: crushing and crippling.
Ethan Faulkner is a precocious child with a brilliant but troublesome sister, a war vet for a father, and a weary mother trying to manage their family. One night a young woman rings their doorbell, desperate to hide from two men who are pursuing her, when one of the two barges in after her. The struggle leaves both of Ethan’s parents dead.
Years later, Ethan has a successful teaching career and a budding relationship with a coworker. But he hasn’t quite followed through on his promise to his dying father–to take care of his sister. Susannah is not an easy person to keep tabs on, is a handful even when the tabs are kept, and quite frankly, Ethan wants her to suffer for preventing him from getting to his dad before he died all those years ago.
It was a long time ago and Ethan tries to put all of it behind him. But that’s easier said than done. When news of a brutal murder breaks with evidence pointing to Ethan as the prime suspect, all the painful memories of his past come rushing to meet him. Lyrically conveyed with emotion and nuance, Never Turn Back is a powerful story about family, vengeance, and how some actions echo through the years with irreparable consequences.
Review:
Never Turn Back by Christopher Swann is a clever domestic mystery that is quite engrossing.
Ethan Faulkner and his sister Susannah’s childhood was ripped away by witnessing their parents’ murders. Now both are adults and Ethan has his life mostly together. He is a teacher and he is well-liked by his students and co-workers. But following a one-night stand at a conference, Ethan is shocked by what happens to his life as trouble arises. Much to his dismay, Ethan is forced to request help from someone he would rather not see again.
Susannah has not fared as well as her brother. She is a bit of a drifter and she is still struggling to come to terms with what happened the night of her parents’ deaths. Susannah has not seen her brother in quite some time so she shocks Ethan by her sudden reappearance. She soon follows through with her plans as she finds a job and moves into her own place. How will Susannah handle the events that about to rock both her and Ethan’s worlds?
Never Turn Back is a fast-paced mystery with a multi-layered storyline. The characters are multi-faceted and despite their imperfections, most are likable and sympathetic. The plot is well-developed with plenty of tension. Christopher Swann brings this suspenseful domestic mystery to a twist-filled conclusion that is jaw-dropping.
