Never Forget

by Robert W. Kirby

Jennifer wants her family to live happily ever after. Dream on.Twenty-five years ago, Jennifer’s grandfather, Ernest, was convicted for the murder of his daughter, Jennifer’s mother. He’s been in prison ever since, but has always maintained his innocence.Now he’s about to be released.Jennifer has childhood memories of the happy times she spent with her grandad, so she is willing to give him the benefit of the doubt – maybe he didn’t kill her mother.But it soon becomes clear that no-one else agrees. Ernest is targeted by someone in their small community – someone who wants him gone. And Jennifer comes under increasing pressure from her own family to abandon her grandfather.And yet, something tells her he is a good man. Jennifer knows she has to get to the truth.She begins to investigate her mother’s death, and soon realizes that someone is desperate to stop her, that she is putting her own life in grave danger as she draws ever closer to revealing a horrifying secret…Never Forget – the gripping psychological thriller perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst, Kiersten Modglin.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2024

About the author

I was born in 1979 and live in Kent with my wife and children. I ran a private investigation agency for over fifteen years, dealing in cases that involved breach of contract claims, commercial debt recovery, and process serving. My agency also specialised in people tracing, so much of my work revolved around tracking down debtors, dealing in adoption matters and locating missing persons. At times, I worked on some pretty bizarre cases and dealt with plenty of interesting and sometimes colourful individuals.
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I’ve had a huge passion for screenwriting for many years and started writing novels in 2021. My first novel, The Tests, was based on a spec screenplay that I originally wrote back in 2009. The Tests was then republished with Inkubator Books in 2022 under the new title, The Wrong Girl.
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If you enjoy dark crime fiction and intense psychological thrillers, don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter so you can find out about new releases, book deals, and giveaways. All subscribers receive a free copy of my novella, Survival Weekend. (eBook or Audio version) https://www.robertkirbybooks.com/subs...

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

Never Forget is another fantastic psychological thriller by Robert W. Kirby. I was drawn to this book from the creepiness of the cover alone and loved every second of it.
We follow Jennifer, whose mother was murdered twenty-five-years-go by her own father (Jennifer's grandfather) Ernest. Ernest has always sworn he never committed the murder and has been in prison since it occurred. As his release day from prison looms, Jennifer is plagued with happier memories of time spent with him before the murder and longs to give him not just the benefit of the doubt for not killing her but to become closer to him again. But nobody else agrees with her, and the rest of her family believes he did kill her mother. When Ernest is the targeted by someone who believes he is guilty, Jennifer vows to get to the bottom of the whole thing and find out the truth one way or another but then she herself is targeted by someone who doesn't want her digging into things, which means she's putting her own life on the line.
I honestly devoured this book. I was so captivated by the story and wanted to learn what had really happened to Jennifer's mum almost as much as she did! I really felt for Jennifer, too, and questioned what I would do in her situation. The twists were very cleverly done and left me changing my mind who to trust and what to believe.

[SVETLANA · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Flinch family has a secret.

After 25 years in prison for murdering his daughter, Jennifer’s grandfather Ernests is returning to his family home. He never admitted his guilt. Family and people in the town are unhappy and want to make him leave. Only Jennifer, 9 at the event, tries to understand what happened that night and believes her grandfather.

Memories come slowly back to Jennifer and with them comes the danger for her. Somebody tries to kill her. The family secrets hidden for so many years are starting to be unravelled.

The book is full of twists and unexpected events.

This is the first book by this author that I read. I liked the style and the story and hope to read more of his books.

[Donna Mallery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am fairly new to this author but I will read more of his books. I enjoyed this novel. It had a dysfunctional family that was both amusing and depressing at times! The grandfather just got released after spending 25 years for murdering his daughter! One of the granddaughters is interesting in reconnecting with him and is hellbent on determining whether he is innocent or not. The rest of the family wants her to stay away from him. We are slowly immersed into this mystery and all of the events that occur along the way.

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was one insane ride
about a terrible family secret that will leave
you feeling from all the twists and turns!
This is my second book by Rob Kirby
and it won't be my last. He creates amazing
characters that you feel as if you've known
them your whole life. I highly recommend
this bingeable and nailbiting dastardly read.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a psychological thriller! Robert W. Kirby took took us on a ride with this one!
Twenty-five years ago, Ernest Moorby was accused of murdering his daughter and has been in prison since. He has now been released and is back at his home in North Sutton. Ernest knows things wouldn't be the same when he returns, however things get way out of hand. People are not happy he's back and start sending threats of all sorts, even the attempted murder of one of his granddaughters. Ernest has no idea who is targeting him, but he does know he is not leaving his home.
Ernest's return also brings out some dark secrets, secrets that have been kept for decades.
This psychological thriller was one that had me on the edge of my seat from the very start. The author got straight to business with this book, and incorporated several twists along the way. The twists involving Jennifer were shocking, but the ones involving her sisters and parents were mind-blowing! The plot was fantastic, but the ending seemed a little lackluster considering how great the suspenseful the core was. 4 star read for me!

Thank you NetGalley, Inkubator Books, and Robert W. Kirby for this gripping read!

[Zoe Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never trust a book by its cover? I never have done before but the cover of this one really attracted me so I went In blind based on that alone, and I’m definitely glad I did. This was a start and finish in one sitting for me so thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for my advanced copy.

Our protagonist Jennifer is the youngest of three girls, Ava the eldest and Stacey in the middle. Their mother was murdered by their grandfather Ernest 25 years ago and he has just been released from prison. Jennifer, her sisters and father are all coming to terms with his release but Jennifer has doubts about her grandfathers guilt and begins to investigate things for herself.

This is an explosive family drama, mystery thriller and I was addicted. I was convinced I had it all figured out multiple times for it to blow back up in my face, so many twists and turns. Will be adding more by this author to my TBR pile for sure.

[Augenette Botha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What really happened to Katherine Fincher 25 years ago at Barren's Lodge, her parents' property? Did Ernest Moorby killed his beloved daughter? As Ernest is released from prison after 25 years, Katherine's youngest daughter Jennifer still grapples to accept that her beloved grandfather could have committed the heinous crime of killing her mother. Her siblings and her father have no problem condemning Ernest and is urging Jennifer to do the same.

Jennifer decides to start investigate the murder that happened when she was only 9 years old - and it soon becomes apparent that someone does not want her to know the truth. Plagued by her childhood memories of time spent at Barren's Lodge, Jennifer is convinced that Ernest is innocent - and if he is, who was the real killer??

[Carly Rushforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was addicted to this story after the first chapter, I imagined what I’d feel like if I was Jennifer and my grandad had been sent to prison for murdering my mum (his daughter), would you believe your grandad or everyone else?.

I couldn’t put this down.

It was intense and foreboding, especially towards the end when it had not one by two HUGE twists that I really didn’t see coming at all.

I was right along side Jennifer as she tried to find out the truth, I thought I had some idea of who could have killed Jennifer’s mum but just like her I was wrong about 2 or 3 times.

I was engrossed in this story and I can’t wait to read more from this exciting author.

For those who have read the book and the author, I also scared by who framed roger rabbit and the dip!

[Shauntelle (myglamorousreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gripping story that was written in such an immersive fashion. The cover had me hesitant to try this one, but I'm glad I gave it a shot. I found myself engrossed early. It was more of a slow burn whodunit mystery plot that developed, but I truly enjoyed the ride to the end. I was playing detective trying to determine who was at fault. From the beginning, there was an air of mystery surrounding this story, and I was unsure how I felt. I'm glad I stuck it out, because this turned out to be a gripping thriller full of twists and turns.

Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all - this cover!!
I don't know what it is about dolls and thrillers, but I'm always super creeped out by this type of image - so was ready feeling on edge before I opened this one!

Also, this is not my first Kirby book!
This book will be my 6th read by this author and I am totally obsessed.
Without that creepy cover, I know that I'd have grabbed this one straight away as I've loved everything else that I've read so far!

Twenty five years ago, Jennifer's mother was murdered.
The man who went to prison for the murder has always maintained his innocence, but served his sentence well and is about to be released.
This man is Jennifer's Grandfather!
She wants to believe him and is determined to find out the truth of what happened, but someone is out to stop her....

I'm starting to know the signs to look out for in Kirby's books now and so went into this one thinking that I'd be able to work things out before the reveal.
Erm, nope!
I had so many theories going around my head, but every time I thought I had it, there'd be twist upon twist - which I loved!
I will also say, trust nothing and nobody until you've turned that final page as this ending was brilliant!

Kirby manages to always present characters that jump off the page for me.
I really felt for Jennifer. Being the youngest of the three sisters, her memories of the events are vague.
I really wanted her Dad (at least) to be more understanding and supportive of what she was trying to do - but the rest of the family were just horrible.
I honestly didn't know who to trust, right until the end!

As usual, I was hooked from the first page and raced through this so quickly.
I had to take my son out, otherwise I'd have devoured this in just one sitting! I really struggled to put it down.

Another brilliant read to add to my favourites library - am excited to see what might be in store for us next....

[Abi Venu-Mahal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced, well written and thought out

[Vix · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit of a mind-flip (putting it politely) - it's dark and very shocking. So many nuggets of information spread throughout the story, made uncovering the truth a thrilling ride. Plus I loved that ending, it definitely made me smile - not sure what that says about me...

I loved all the interwoven stories and learning more about the family. I was fully behind Jennifer and it was interesting trying to figure out her dreams vs memories. I guessed one character's personality but did not see a twist coming.

I really struggled with Jennifer's attitude to Ava, she's so rude and horrible, I would have spoken out or cut her out of my life. I did feel there were a couple of bits left unaddressed.

Overall, a thrilling read with parts that left me horrified for a young Jennifer. If you like dark psychological thrillers - this is a must.

*I received a complementary copy of the e-book from Zooloo's Book Tours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Pauline Render · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beginning with the release of her grandfather Ernest after 25 years in prison for the murder of her mother, his daughter, out of all the family there’s only Jennifer who tries to reconnect with him. Her sisters are horrified by her betrayal and both them and the villagers’ want him gone by any means. I found Ernest to be a fabulous character, because although an old man now, he’s made of stern stuff with an almost indomitable spirit, but at times he showed his softer side so I really felt for him. I loved Jennifer, with the way she refused to bow down to her sisters, both of whom I think were really quite unpleasant. There were loads of twists and turns, definitely enough to make me constantly change my mind as to what the truth was. There was also plenty of tension on the pages which only ramped up as I got closer to the end.
Another great book by Robert, I’m looking forward to reading what he writes next.

[Claire Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot for this really drew me in and I was not disappointed! It felt quite tense throughout the whole story and I was constantly expecting something worse to happen which meant I trusted noone! There were some good twists and turns which I didn’t see coming. The characters were well written and I liked and disliked them in equal measure. Another brilliant book by this very talented author who I would recommend to all thriller lovers.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never forget by Robert W Kirby.
I did enjoy this book. I loved the cover. I do love this author. This is the 5th book of his I have read. I did like the writing style. I liked Jennifer. I did feel for her. I wasn't sure about Stacey or Ava. I really didn't like David. I did like Granddad. Twisty and gripping. I had no clue who the killer was. I was surprised with who it was as I never suspected them. Ooh, double twist. 5*.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that caught my eye.......and what a wonderful book cover Never Forget by Robert W Kirby was. It was a well-written thriller that just had me gripped from the cover till the very last page of this book.

All Jennifer wanted was, for her and her family to live happily ever after. But this never happened.............But she can dream.........Twenty-five years ago, Jennifer’s mum was murdered. This is when her family was torn apart. they all knew the person who murdered her it was Jennifer’s grandfather, Ernest and sent to prison for her murder. As the years passed nobody spoke about him until they hear about the day they have al been dreading! His release day. Jennifer, her father, and her siblings are all struggling with this news. But, deep down Jennifer has always had her doubts about what happened that night, when her mum was murdered. When her grandfather was released she starts to visit him, in his run down house and starts to ask question, about her mum death.
Jennifer has already has been warned by her family to stop seeing her grandad father, but something is not right! She needs to find out the truth!

As, she asks more questions, she becomes a target herself! Someone she knows in her small community doesn’t want her to find out what happened that very night! and she needs to stop asking questions! She is putting her own life in grave danger as she draws ever closer to revealing a horrifying secret from twenty five years ago.

WoW! This book is full of twists and turns and was an excellent book. I am so glad the cover caught my eye - it was perfect!

I highly recommend this book. A great holiday read.

Big Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Forget by Robert W. Kirby is a well-written, immersive thriller and I couldn’t get enough. Twenty-five years ago, Jennifer’s mother was murdered. The man who went to prison for her murder was Jennifer’s grandfather, Ernest, and now he is being released from prison. Jennifer, her father, and her siblings are struggling with this news. Jennifer has always had her doubts about what happened that night. She begins to visit Ernest and investigate her mother’s death. Then, she herself becomes a target. Someone doesn’t want her to remember what happened that night!

Initially, I was only going to sample this book thinking I would give up in the first chapter. However, when I began reading I was immediately drawn into the story. I finished the book in less than a day. The pace was superb and kept the reader guessing from chapter to chapter. The characters were well developed, although most of them were unlikable. The author threw just the right amount of suspense at the reader. He kept my interest and he was very descriptive. I really like his writing style.

I gave this book five out of five stars. This is one of the best thrillers I have read recently. It had intrigue, suspense, thrills, family conflict and dysfunction, and twists. I loved the ending. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves psychological thrillers. Personally, I can’t wait to read something else by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the opening scenes, I wasn't sure where this was going to go. The opening was mysterious and I wasn't sure if I'd want to continue. The plot quickly got more immersive. Ernest's backstory was shocking. I felt the house was atmospheric. I was with Jennifer in wanting to find out the truth and was surprised when none of her siblings wanted to help. I was concerned for her though because of Ernest's past.

I understood the sense of unease in the community at him being released from prison. What a terrible crime he committed. I did feel sadness and revulsion, but I still wanted to continue. I wanted justice and wanted to know the truth as much as Jennifer did.

I was uneasy through the whole book. The twists and turns are excellent. Who can be trusted? Will Jennifer really be OK? Will her siblings be right in the end to have not wanted to get involved with anything to do with their grandfather's return, or will Jennifer end up needing them more than she thinks? All these were questions in my mind throughout the book.

Never Forget is suspenseful, gripping and tense. Robert W. Kirby creates family relationships well

Never Forget is the first book by Robert W. Kirby that I have reviewed. It's quick-paced and twisty.

Thanks to Robert W. Kirby.

4 stars

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlotte Baddeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so dark it is almost black. There is a bit of everything – violent death, scary old houses, noises in the woods and boy does it keep you reading.

Jennifer has not had the easiest life. The youngest of three sisters, they gave her a really hard time when she was growing up. Not just big sister hard time, they practically abused her. Add to that her mother being murdered by Jennifer’s grandfather when she was five and it is hardly surprising Jennifer has mental health issues and self esteem problems now she is an adult. However, Jennifer’s real problems begin when her grandfather is finally released from prison having served a twenty five year sentence. Why are her family so against Jennifer going to visit the old man? Who are the people who are threatening to run him out of town? Jennifer starts having hazy flashbacks to the day her mother died. Will she finally remember what happened and most importantly who hates her so much they want her dead?

The end came as a huge shock to me. It was violent. I was expecting that but nothing prepared me for what happened so be prepared for a twist to end all twists.

[Sylvia Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never Forget by Robert W Kirby
#neverforget
#robertwkirby



Rating 3 stars 🌟 🌟 🌟
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My review
Ernest has been released from prison after 25 yrs. He was in prison for killing his daughter. His granddaughters want nothing to do with him. Even the townspeople do not want him to reside in his former residence.
The townspeople have resorted to dumping trash on his property to force him out of the community
Everyone hates Ernest, except Jennifer, the youngest granddaughter. She feels Ernest is now a helpless old man and needs company and help.
But it seems everyone is hiding something. Jennifer's sisters and her father seem to all have secrets and do not want Jennifer to bring up the past.
The more time Jennifer spends on her grandfather's property, the more she seems to remember
Does Jennifer know more than she thinks she does, or was she just too young to remember. The closer Jennifer seems to be getting to the truth of who really killed her mother seems the closer she is to someone coming after her to stop the truth from coming out

[Siobhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book I have read by Kirby and I have to say it is probably my second favourite to date. As usual we get a tightly woven and twisting plot were you never quite know whose side to be on or if you can trust anyone. I was practically on the edge of my seat while reading.
The characters are all interesting and well rounded although I only really liked Ernest and Jennifer as ‘people/characters’. However I always see this being a positive because it means the characters are so realistic and well developed that you can have strong opinions on them.
Because of the nature of Never Forget I’m not going to go too deeply into what happens but can safely say this is a brilliant psychological thriller which will keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing till the end. Speaking of, I loved the ending and didn’t see some of the twists coming. I think the thing that I enjoy most of Kirby’s writing is his characters. Now don’t get me wrong the plots and twists and general writing are top notch but the characters are what keeps me gripped. You become attached, for better or worse, to them. They are human, flaws and all and it makes the tension that much higher.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ernest Moorby was convicted, by a jury, of killing his own daughter. 25 years later he is released and his remaining family and the town are not happy about this. Except Jennifer Fincher, his granddaughter. The youngest of Katherine who was supposedly killed by Ernest. Reader be prepared for Stacy and Ava. They are Jennifer’s two older sisters. Family conflict at its best. Jennifer is the only person in the family and the town that does not believe that her grandfather is guilty of murder.
This psychological thriller will intrigue by the cover and pull you in from the first page. People lie and they hide the truth, even when the truth can save someone. Even the people closest to you hide things, but why? Jennifer wants the answers, but someone is trying to keep her from getting those answers. Full of twists and turns, Never Forget will not disappoint the reader. (Now excuse me while I try and find more books by Richard Kirby – I must get busy reading!)

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer's Grandfather, Ernest has been released from prison after serving 25 years for the murder of his daughter. He has always maintained his innocence.
Jennifer visits him, against the wishes of her two sisters, and gets close to him. She hopes to get her memory back from the night her mother died.
The community wants Ernest to move away, and someone is trying to kill Jennifer.

What an absolute gem this book is! Full of mystery and suspense and I had suspicions, but was led in other directions until the end of the book!

This book has a dark and twisty story line, and I felt compelled to keep reading 'just one more chapter'!!

This is a definite 'must read', it absolutely kept me rapt until the very end.

5/5 stars from me.

Thanks to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for the opportunity to read this book.

[BooksandBacon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer hopes for her family to have a lifetime of happiness. Ernest, Jennifer’s grandfather, was found guilty of killing his daughter, Jennifer’s mother, twenty-five years ago. Despite being in prison all this time, he has never wavered in proclaiming his innocence. His release is imminent. Jennifer has fond childhood memories of her grandad and is willing to consider the possibility that he didn’t kill her mother. Nevertheless, it becomes obvious that nobody else is in agreement. Someone in their small community is targeting Ernest, with the intention of getting rid of him.

This book was packed with events, but what I loved most was how it kept me guessing and engaged throughout. I was constantly on edge due to the multiple plot twists and easily immersed in the suspense and action. Looking for a thrilling, action-packed mystery with a dark side that you won’t be able to put down? This is the one for you! Decades of bottled-up emotions lead to deceit, resentment, revenge planning, and surfacing emotions. The book had such dark content that it repeatedly left me stunned and wide-eyed. The constant sense of anticipation is what made this book stand out for me.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher/author for providing me with an E-Arc of this book. The following is my honest opinion *

3.8⭐ out 5

A family has to deal with the emotions and the toll of their grandpa coming back home after serving time for a murder he denies committing. Like any other family, the secrets that the Fincher family has threatens everything that they have built..

Having read Frieda McFadden, and pitched as a book readers of her would enjoy, this caught my attention. I really enjoyed it once the pieces started coming along. It does start off slow and there is much information to take in and keep track off, but the moment it all clicks, I couldn't stop reading.

Definitely recommend!

[Michelle Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the cover of this book as that was what drew me to it in the first place. This is a new author for me so I decided to take a chance based on the cover and I am so glad that I did. This was a great book. It drew me in immediately. Jennifer is the youngest of three girls including Ava and Stacey. The girls have had a hard life since their grandfather murdered their mother 25 years ago. Now their grandfather is getting released from prison. Jennifer has always doubted whether her grandfather did it and decides to investigate on her own. Jennifer drags up family secrets and explosive drama that could tear the family apart.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer’s grandfather is being released on licence, 25 years after being sentenced for the murder of his daughter, Jennifer’s mother; a crime he has always denied.
Feeling the need to understand what happened she decides to visit him, returning to the place where the murder happened.
The rest of her family want her to stay away and him to go away.
Little does she know what she is going to uncover.
Really good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crystal Lobetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ernest went to jail 25 years ago for killing his daughter but he has claimed his innocence from the first day. Now that he is getting out someone is very upset and they start making trouble for him and his granddaughter Jennifer who has struggled with what happened all those years ago so she invited her grandfather to get to know him and to see what really happened. Such a good book. So suspenseful. Definitely read this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters and a dark, mysterious storyline. The author does a great job developing the story and pulled me in with the action and suspense as well as revenge, deceit and emotions. He brings his story to life with his descriptive scenes and delivers a fantastic, intense filled thriller. Loved and recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Isabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I sincerely wonder what was going on inside the author's mind that he was inspired to write something so dark and diabolical as this.

I love the inconsistent attitudes and points of view. At first, I thought it was and editing issue but I later realized it was actually clever and suited the story quite well.

On another note, this one hit close to home. Neglectful adults. Mean-spirited children.