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Separated by a tragic fire.
Reunited by a brutal murder.

A fire deals the final blow to Paul Fremont’s unstable childhood. His mother—arrested. His siblings--lost to foster care. His face--terribly disfigured.

Twenty years later, he’s worked hard to build a normal life from the ashes. A future of true happiness with the love of a good woman is just within his grasp. Suddenly, the past shows up at his door in the form of his long-lost brother, Gordon.

Paul and Gordon—one a therapist, one a cop—must collaborate to protect a young woman who has witnessed a brutal murder. But the evidence they uncover leads them closer to their own fractured family.

Now Paul faces a desperate choice: protect his fragile happiness or save the remnants of his traumatized family before they do more harm.

Because hurt people hurt people.

396 pages, Paperback

Published August 14, 2023

93 people are currently reading
3026 people want to read

About the author

S.W. Hubbard

32 books453 followers
S.W. Hubbard writes the kinds of books she loves to read: twisty, believable, full of complex characters, and highlighted with sly humor. She is the author of the Palmyrton Estate Sale Mystery Series and the Frank Bennett Adirondack Mountain Mystery Series, as well as the Life in Palmyrton Women's Friendship Fiction Series. Her short stories have appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and the anthologiesDead Drift, Crimes by Moonlight, The Mystery Box, andAdirondack Mysteries. When not writing, she hikes with her rescue dog, Libby, and her husband. She lives in Morristown, NJ.

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5 stars
88 (56%)
4 stars
52 (33%)
3 stars
15 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa Shower.
664 reviews5 followers
August 31, 2023
Wow!

Unbelievably suspense filled, action packed, great characters, the list could go on and on! I read this in two sittings, just could not put it down.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,310 reviews
August 15, 2023
I love the characters in this new book! They are nuanced and compelling. They aren't what they might seem to be on the surface. It's a complex story with complex characters. I'm really looking forward to the next stage in the story.
Profile Image for Mary Rowe.
2,620 reviews8 followers
August 16, 2023
S. W. Hubbard disturbs my sleep once again

This book - the start of a trilogy! - is much darker than her prior works, but just as fascinating and gripping; no, more so because of the converging lives, only the tip of a complicated iceberg being revealed here.

Wonderful world-building and fully realized people, with very vulnerable hearts and deep hurts on many, many levels.

Ms. Hubbard, best wishes for your continuing health!

Looking forward to the next installment for these fraught folks.
Profile Image for S.W. Hubbard.
Author 32 books453 followers
Currently reading
August 14, 2023
Today is release day for Hurt People, my new family saga thriller. If you enjoy found family and scarred hero tropes, you'll want to check out the story of Paul Fremont, who carries the scars of a chaotic childhood. He finds happiness with a career as a psychotherapist and a new, surprising love...until his efforts to help a traumatized young woman upend his life. Now he faces a stark choice: protect his own fragile happiness or save the remnants of his unstable family before they hurt others. Available on Amazon in Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, or paperback.
Profile Image for Donna.
52 reviews
October 25, 2023
I can't wait until the next book is released. I would advise anyone to read this book.
Profile Image for Victoria.
1,658 reviews5 followers
May 16, 2024
Backstory:
One family living in poverty faces an accident that leads them to get broken up, the siblings all divided into different government agencies to be adopted out potentially.

One of the children was severely burned from the house fire he used his experience to help others who move forward from their extreme tragedy. He is recommended to take on a special case that involves a witness to a murder. This witness doesnt communicate and is to be kept a secret to the world as she can hold the key to uncovering who did it.

The story takes many folds as it deals with this murder and the witnesses lack of information, while bring up the past of the fire that destroyed everything. It connects the main detective to the psychologist and leads them on a journey to find the rest of their siblings. They uncover more then they bargain for as they learn what happened to their mother and learn about new siblings and fidn out how they are all related to this current murder case.
Profile Image for ReneE.
429 reviews6 followers
October 2, 2023
For the most part I thought this was a great story. The premise was interesting and overall it was very well written. I read all of her Palmyrtan books and think she took things to a new level with this book. I do think, however, that it fell a little short at the end, got a little overly dramatic, forced and rushed. Specifically, I remember a discussion about Simon right at the end that was related to how he controlled the foster kids, and the whole Gus thing. And then the (italicized) conversation between (assuming here) the sisters that I guess was the 'hook' to get the next book. I really liked most of the book and wish her luck with the series, but I think I'll pass on the next one.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,866 reviews69 followers
January 16, 2024
Hurt People - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

A dysfunctional family undergoes a major trauma when their home catches fire, leaving all occupants changed in its wake, whether mentally, emotionally, physically or all three.
In dramatic scenes, the siblings are separated, before two are reunited twenty years later seemingly by chance, when a murder witness needs protection and debriefing.
What does this person say?
The brothers must work in tandem to ensure their mutual safety and that of another sibling, while unravelling a web of secrets and lies that puts loved ones - and themselves - in danger.

SW Hubbard's riveting cliff-hanger ending will grab you firmly by the imagination (before teasing book 2), so get Hurt People today to see how it all ends!
1 review1 follower
December 3, 2023
I could not put this book down !

I have read several of SW Hubbard's other novel series in their entirety and was thrilled when I discovered she had a new trilogy planned. Hurt People is an engrossing thriller. I found the main character, Paul, particularly sympathetic as a man with a facial deformity who has had to manage the callous perceptions of strangers most of his life. The murder plot with its continuing surprises kept me turning pages until I reached the end, I am ,oozing forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Cat.
76 reviews
August 15, 2023
Great writing and unique premise makes a winner!

First, I was reluctant to buy this new series because I was thinking it would be more of a thriller. Over the years, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of S.W. Hubbard’s series - read every one so far. But her writing in this book drew me in right away. My only negative, a personal preference, was the unanswered threads at the end. Highly recommend. (And also read the other series as well)
Profile Image for Diana L. Wells.
395 reviews
August 28, 2023
Wonderful New Characters To Love

I anxiously awaited this book, pre-ordering on the day of availability. Ms Hubbard made the first chapter available and I knew it was gonna be a Great Read. The story line tugs at the heart, drug addiction, single mother homes and poverty. This deals with the strength we all possess if we are encouraged and are given positive directions and also the darker side of manipulation and narcissism. Waiting anxiously for the next story.
Profile Image for Dalene W..
323 reviews13 followers
August 31, 2023
This was an interesting start to a new series. I have loved S. W. Hubbard's other series and this has the makings of another good one. I really enjoyed the characters and the story line. I will await the next book to see where this family goes on their search for their other siblings. I highly recommend her books.
Profile Image for Sheila.
90 reviews2 followers
August 21, 2023
Great mystery!

So many twists and turns in this one! I have 3 authors who I buy all of their books as soon as they come out. S.W. Hubbard is one of them. This one did not disappoint! I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I inhaled this one in a day!
Profile Image for Rachel Butler Matera.
5 reviews
August 22, 2023
BEST Book Ever by S.W. Hubbard!

So much more than I expected! I believe I’ve read every book by S.W. Hubbard and this was the absolute best! Could not put it down, could not get the events out of my mind. So glad I preordered Hurt People Book 2!
3 reviews
August 27, 2023
This looks to be the start of new series that I thoroughly enjoyed. No surprise, the author has lots of twists and turns that really keep you guessing. I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next book!
67 reviews
October 6, 2023
Twists and unpredictable suspense

I don't usually read thrillers or suspense but SW Hubbard has me hooked. The relationships and twists and turns I ever saw coming. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Totally enjoyed the characters and the storyline.
Profile Image for Patty Guerard.
208 reviews3 followers
January 11, 2024
Wow!! A new thriller of a series by S.W. Hubbard! This one really got to me. Top- notch mystery with edge of the seat suspense around every corner. Looking forward to the continuation of this series.
2 reviews
January 20, 2024
Stay up all night to read thriller!
Gripping set of circumstances and believable characters that want you to follow their story to the next book. Very well written. Looking forward to the next installation
22 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2024
Great Twisty Plot

Looking forward to reading more about these severely messed up siblings. Excellent character building, nicely convoluted plotline and great sense of place. The best book I've read in a long time.
Profile Image for Kay Bratt.
Author 55 books2,077 followers
August 1, 2023
Another smash hit by S.W. Hubbard!
Profile Image for Pamela Hutchins.
Author 99 books878 followers
August 14, 2023
Another top notch thriller in a brand new series from SW Hubbard, and her readers are sure to love this one. What a treat! I love the family and scarred hero elements.
3 reviews
January 6, 2024
Great new series

Just finished reading this book and am anxiously awaiting the next one! It's a great read! Love the characters and storyline.
Profile Image for Cvneeley.
795 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2024
This book was great. The characters are well developed and likable despite their flaws. The story fully resolved with a slight tease of the continuation. Looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Arline Amaducci.
68 reviews
August 21, 2023
This book was really good! S.w. Hubbard has done it again. The plot twists and turns are what captivate the reader. The open ended conclusion sets your mind wondering…….was Jolie somehow involved in the murder…….who was the final text to? This is by far the best of S.w Hubbard!
Profile Image for Carol.
47 reviews6 followers
April 4, 2024
4 1/2 rounded up.
Great story with well-drawn out believable characters. The mystery kept me guessing though out the story. Not happy that I have to wait for the for the next in the series because I'm thoroughly invested in this family.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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