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Cate Austin #3
Humber Boy B
FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER THE WOMAN BEFORE ME 'Superbly written... The plot twists and turns on the way to a nail-biting finale. A compelling read.' The Sun A blur in the sky, a brick no, a trainer, red falls to the water... There seems to be a scuffle... a hand grabbing at the dangling child. Then, with the awfulness of inevitability, the hanging child drops, gravity takes him. A child is killed after falling from the Humber Bridge. Despite fleeing the scene, two young brothers are found guilty and sent to prison. Upon their release they are granted one privilege only, their anonymity. Probation officer Cate Austin is responsible for Humber Boy B's reintegration into society. But the general public's anger is steadily growing, and those around her are wondering if the secret of his identity is one he actually deserves to keep. Cate's loyalty is challenged when she begins to discover the truth of the crime. She must ask herself if a child is capable of premeditated murder. Or is there a greater evil at play? A clever, sophisticated, psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, S.J. Watson, B A Paris and Sophie Hannah What Reviewers and Readers 'Twisty, profound and completely convincing, it grips the reader by the heart. Unputdownable .' Erin Kelly ' Sad, chilling and horrifying , Humber Boy B is extraordinary.' Elizabeth Forbes
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2015
41 people are currently reading
1815 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Dugdall
26 books293 followersRuth Dugdall was born in 1971. She holds a BA honours degree in English Literature (Warwick University) and an MA in Social Work (University of East Anglia). She qualified as a probation officer in 1996 and has worked in prison with offenders guilty of serious crimes, including stalking, rape and murder. This has informed her crime writing. Since she started writing, Ruth has won awards in several writing competitions, and has had short stories published in the Winchester Writers' Conference and the Eva Wiggins Award anthologies.
Ruth is also the news presenter on Felixstowe tv: "probably the smallest tv station in the world".
Ruth is also the news presenter on Felixstowe tv: "probably the smallest tv station in the world".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
July 6, 2024
One of my stand out reads by a long shot!
This book not only had me hooked in from page one but had my emotions in turmoil all the way through it. Such a powerful book with messages that are important if you take the time to look for them. This book made me think, feel and the range of emotions was huge from anger to grief.
A child is killed after falling from the Humber Bridge. Despite fleeing the scene, two young brothers are found guilty and sent to prison. Upon their release they are granted one privilege only, their anonymity.
Probation officer Cate Austin is responsible for Humber Boy B’s reintegration into society. But the general public’s anger is steadily growing, and those around her are wondering if the secret of his identity is one he actually deserves to keep.
Cate’s loyalty is challenged when she begins to discover the truth of the crime. She must ask herself if a child is capable of premeditated murder. Or is there a greater evil at play?
This book will make you feel so much.
With smoothness and a sense of no disconnection at all Ruth Dugdall cleverly has us see timeline slips between then (the event) and now (the aftermath), and it's important I think it's done that way as it's not clear what really happened to the boy who plunged to his death from the bridge. But the story unravels as we go along.
Cate Austin meets Humber Boy B as he has been named since being put in prison at age 10, now 18 he has been released under an intense police relocation and identity protection program. Cate really goes over and above her job as she quickly identifies this young man does not know anything about living in the world, and why would he?
You will develop theories and feelings about not only Humber Boy B, but his brother Humber Boy A, and for all those that the death of a young boy from a high bridge included. The author cleverly take the entire book to let the day of THAT even unfold as we then flick forward to "now" to see what is happening with characters involved today.
With a solid pace that holds you tight, enough psychological twists to keep you guessing and a huge desire to know the truth you won't be able to put this down. I had formed strong feelings for many characters, especially Humber Boy B, very strong feelings. Don't you love it when you think you have a plot all worked out and it smacks you upside the face now and then to remind you that you might not?
It's a book that tackles the impact on children who comes from homes where abuse, neglect, mental illness, alcoholism makes them become children of nowhere, missing out on all the nice things a child should have, it's a little bit of nature vs nurture if you look deeply into this book and into the WHY's of what a group of children got up to on a day when all the Teachers were on strike for better conditions. It was a day that changed the lives of too many.
I am struggling this review as it is so much better than my words can express and it stirred up so much in me, it's really a crime/psych thriller mix and it's done so well. I was immersed in this novel.
I challenge you not to be moved, disturbed even by this book. Extremely character driven, they tell the story and as I said my feelings on many of them changed and fluctuated as events unfolded.
I have to say this - the ending left me speechless, I felt ill, I was truly shocked at the ending of this book, it was so well done, so very cleverly last to the very end to have it all come together, but by golly readers, it moved me in a million ways.
I loved this book, it's got everything a good read should have and I can't recommend it more. Five top stars for one of my most memorable reads ever.
::~~~~~~:::::~~~~~:::::~~~~~:::::~~~~~~::
Thanks so much for reading my review!
I hope you enjoyed it, if you did I’d be delighted if you leave me a “like” and I love to read your comments. If you’d like to connect you can follow me or please send me a friend request.
You can also find me on Twitter (X) @bookishcats and on Amazon U.K. where I am a Top 500 Reviewer as Booklover Catlady.
If you are an Author or Publisher and you’d like me to consider reading and reviewing your book(s) please just message me.
This book not only had me hooked in from page one but had my emotions in turmoil all the way through it. Such a powerful book with messages that are important if you take the time to look for them. This book made me think, feel and the range of emotions was huge from anger to grief.
A child is killed after falling from the Humber Bridge. Despite fleeing the scene, two young brothers are found guilty and sent to prison. Upon their release they are granted one privilege only, their anonymity.
Probation officer Cate Austin is responsible for Humber Boy B’s reintegration into society. But the general public’s anger is steadily growing, and those around her are wondering if the secret of his identity is one he actually deserves to keep.
Cate’s loyalty is challenged when she begins to discover the truth of the crime. She must ask herself if a child is capable of premeditated murder. Or is there a greater evil at play?
This book will make you feel so much.
With smoothness and a sense of no disconnection at all Ruth Dugdall cleverly has us see timeline slips between then (the event) and now (the aftermath), and it's important I think it's done that way as it's not clear what really happened to the boy who plunged to his death from the bridge. But the story unravels as we go along.
Cate Austin meets Humber Boy B as he has been named since being put in prison at age 10, now 18 he has been released under an intense police relocation and identity protection program. Cate really goes over and above her job as she quickly identifies this young man does not know anything about living in the world, and why would he?
You will develop theories and feelings about not only Humber Boy B, but his brother Humber Boy A, and for all those that the death of a young boy from a high bridge included. The author cleverly take the entire book to let the day of THAT even unfold as we then flick forward to "now" to see what is happening with characters involved today.
With a solid pace that holds you tight, enough psychological twists to keep you guessing and a huge desire to know the truth you won't be able to put this down. I had formed strong feelings for many characters, especially Humber Boy B, very strong feelings. Don't you love it when you think you have a plot all worked out and it smacks you upside the face now and then to remind you that you might not?
It's a book that tackles the impact on children who comes from homes where abuse, neglect, mental illness, alcoholism makes them become children of nowhere, missing out on all the nice things a child should have, it's a little bit of nature vs nurture if you look deeply into this book and into the WHY's of what a group of children got up to on a day when all the Teachers were on strike for better conditions. It was a day that changed the lives of too many.
I am struggling this review as it is so much better than my words can express and it stirred up so much in me, it's really a crime/psych thriller mix and it's done so well. I was immersed in this novel.
I challenge you not to be moved, disturbed even by this book. Extremely character driven, they tell the story and as I said my feelings on many of them changed and fluctuated as events unfolded.
I have to say this - the ending left me speechless, I felt ill, I was truly shocked at the ending of this book, it was so well done, so very cleverly last to the very end to have it all come together, but by golly readers, it moved me in a million ways.
I loved this book, it's got everything a good read should have and I can't recommend it more. Five top stars for one of my most memorable reads ever.
::~~~~~~:::::~~~~~:::::~~~~~:::::~~~~~~::
Thanks so much for reading my review!
I hope you enjoyed it, if you did I’d be delighted if you leave me a “like” and I love to read your comments. If you’d like to connect you can follow me or please send me a friend request.
You can also find me on Twitter (X) @bookishcats and on Amazon U.K. where I am a Top 500 Reviewer as Booklover Catlady.
If you are an Author or Publisher and you’d like me to consider reading and reviewing your book(s) please just message me.
August 18, 2017
4.5 stars!!
Whoa....
This book was incredible.
I was hooked right from the start of this book. I really just wanted to sit and read it straight through. Real life got in the way but, I was reading it every moment I could. Gripping and extremely emotional...
The day starts with three boys running around town misbehaving but having fun. The day ends tragically with the death of 10-year-old, Noah. Two brothers are charged with his murder. Fourteen-year-old Adam gets a sentence of four years. However, his younger brother ten-year-old "Ben" is ultimately blamed and charged with Noah's murder. He serves an eight year sentence.
Ben is now 18 years old and is being released. This causes an uproar in the community. Because of worries of retaliation, Ben is put into hiding. But there are people who want to know where he is and who knows what will happen if they find him. His probation officer ,Cate Austin and other team members are put in charge of keeping Ben safe.
It seemed as though Humber boy B or "Ben" had little chance for a decent life right from the start. His mother was a selfish drunk who cared little for Ben or his older brother Adam. To his stepfather Stuart, he was just a bad reminder. Food was scarce and what little money they did have was usually spent on more booze. Ben was a boy who never once had someone read him a bedtime story.
10-year-old Noah had a life very different from Ben and Adam. He had a mother and father that loved him. He never had to worry about where his next meal was coming from and his mom likely read him a bedtime story every night.
I was a bit confused as to why Noah's mother Jessica, would allow Ben and Adam's mother Yvette to watch Noah for the day, as Yvette was obviously an inattentive mother. It just seemed odd that she wouldn't check on things, and drop Noah off herself. However, Yvette's drinking problem could've been very well hidden and Jessica may not have been aware of the dysfunction in that home.
Jessica's anger was understandable as well as how it was primarily focused on Ben. Although I was curious as to why she wasn't a bit angrier at some of the other people involved. You could feel how devastated Jessica was. The author really showed how hard it would be for a mother to cope with such a tragedy. No matter how many years go by a mother will always mourn the loss of her child. It consumed Jessica. Understandably she could not accept the fact that Ben could be free while her son was gone forever.
Jessica's use of social media and especially Facebook was interesting. I thought of how things would have been different if Facebook was not available, if she wasn't able to share her thoughts would others have become involved? She indicated that she was not condoning violence, but we can see how differently people can interpret things posted on social media. I had my opinions on who "Silent Friend" was but in the end I was quite surprised.
My feelings for Ben fluctuated. I felt compassion for him but there were also times I was enraged. Feeling that he paid his debt to society with the eight years he spent locked up, but at the same time is there any amount of time that could make up for what he had done? These emotions were strong. So if I, as a reader was feeling this way I can only imagine what a mother would feel if this had happened to her son.
I really liked Ben's probation officer, Cate and I liked the additional story-line about her life which gave better insight to why she was so good at her job. I didn't care very much for Oliver at first but he grew on me. This is the third book in the series with Cate, although but all books can be easily read as stand-alones.
The story was very well-written and held my interest throughout the entire book. The plot flowed easily back-and-forth between "The day of" and "Now". There were quite a few characters but for the most part, I was able to keep them all straight. The story was compelling and thought-provoking. I read quickly as I was anxious to know what exactly happened that day. "Humber Boy B" is the kind of book that could easily be read in one or two sittings. A powerful story that will likely stay with me for a long time.
Highly recommended!!!
Whoa....
This book was incredible.
I was hooked right from the start of this book. I really just wanted to sit and read it straight through. Real life got in the way but, I was reading it every moment I could. Gripping and extremely emotional...
The day starts with three boys running around town misbehaving but having fun. The day ends tragically with the death of 10-year-old, Noah. Two brothers are charged with his murder. Fourteen-year-old Adam gets a sentence of four years. However, his younger brother ten-year-old "Ben" is ultimately blamed and charged with Noah's murder. He serves an eight year sentence.
Ben is now 18 years old and is being released. This causes an uproar in the community. Because of worries of retaliation, Ben is put into hiding. But there are people who want to know where he is and who knows what will happen if they find him. His probation officer ,Cate Austin and other team members are put in charge of keeping Ben safe.
It seemed as though Humber boy B or "Ben" had little chance for a decent life right from the start. His mother was a selfish drunk who cared little for Ben or his older brother Adam. To his stepfather Stuart, he was just a bad reminder. Food was scarce and what little money they did have was usually spent on more booze. Ben was a boy who never once had someone read him a bedtime story.
10-year-old Noah had a life very different from Ben and Adam. He had a mother and father that loved him. He never had to worry about where his next meal was coming from and his mom likely read him a bedtime story every night.
I was a bit confused as to why Noah's mother Jessica, would allow Ben and Adam's mother Yvette to watch Noah for the day, as Yvette was obviously an inattentive mother. It just seemed odd that she wouldn't check on things, and drop Noah off herself. However, Yvette's drinking problem could've been very well hidden and Jessica may not have been aware of the dysfunction in that home.
Jessica's anger was understandable as well as how it was primarily focused on Ben. Although I was curious as to why she wasn't a bit angrier at some of the other people involved. You could feel how devastated Jessica was. The author really showed how hard it would be for a mother to cope with such a tragedy. No matter how many years go by a mother will always mourn the loss of her child. It consumed Jessica. Understandably she could not accept the fact that Ben could be free while her son was gone forever.
Jessica's use of social media and especially Facebook was interesting. I thought of how things would have been different if Facebook was not available, if she wasn't able to share her thoughts would others have become involved? She indicated that she was not condoning violence, but we can see how differently people can interpret things posted on social media. I had my opinions on who "Silent Friend" was but in the end I was quite surprised.
My feelings for Ben fluctuated. I felt compassion for him but there were also times I was enraged. Feeling that he paid his debt to society with the eight years he spent locked up, but at the same time is there any amount of time that could make up for what he had done? These emotions were strong. So if I, as a reader was feeling this way I can only imagine what a mother would feel if this had happened to her son.
I really liked Ben's probation officer, Cate and I liked the additional story-line about her life which gave better insight to why she was so good at her job. I didn't care very much for Oliver at first but he grew on me. This is the third book in the series with Cate, although but all books can be easily read as stand-alones.
The story was very well-written and held my interest throughout the entire book. The plot flowed easily back-and-forth between "The day of" and "Now". There were quite a few characters but for the most part, I was able to keep them all straight. The story was compelling and thought-provoking. I read quickly as I was anxious to know what exactly happened that day. "Humber Boy B" is the kind of book that could easily be read in one or two sittings. A powerful story that will likely stay with me for a long time.
Highly recommended!!!
May 17, 2015
What an outstanding, authentic, realistic, compulsive book this was!
When I first requested to read this from Legend Press via Net Galley, I just wasn't prepared for the emotional, thought provoking ride this would take me on. What a journey.
Imagine a young child of 10 years old being convicted of murder. Pushing another child over the bridge and falling to their death.
Would this be an accident? Premeditated? Is this child full of 'Evil'
Uproar surrounds this tragic event with domino effects on a lot of different peoples lives.
One man sitting fishing with his young daughter underneath the Humber bridge who happens to be a teacher.
His daughter who happens to know the boys.
One of the boys being Noah, the child of her Fathers ex girlfriend who he still loves.
The two brothers who are friends of Noah's there on the bridge with him at the time.
And lastly but not least, the Mother of the child who fell to his death.
The younger of the brothers was taken to prison.
He is known by the media as Humber Boy B.
Its time for his release, he is now 18 years old.
What does he know, how well adjusted is he for the outside world now that he is a teenager?
Cate has been assigned as his probation officer. She has sympathy for him as he was ONLY 10 when this tragic event took place.
Now out of prison and free, he has to be protected, so he is set up in a totally different part of town to where he came from. He has to have nothing to do with his past. His name is now BEN. That's the name he needs to by.
This is not a straight forward story. It has many underlining issues in its pages, many shocks, many surprises and many adjustments you need to make as the story progresses.
I was like "What?"
Then
"Hey, that's not right"
Then we learn how a Facebook page was set up by the parents of the murdered child. HE is released, THEY have no release from their pain. They want to know WHY.
I was so enthralled by this book, its easily UP THERE among my top books so far this year. I see that this author has another book out soon so I am going to get it! Oh yes, because this has had to have one of my TIGHT FISTED 5 full mark stars!!
I loved Cate. She was having problems herself, lots of issues in her life which we learn about along the way.
This book is PACKED with wonderfulness.
It made me think, it made me ponder on things, it made me wonder about the media, it made me wonder about the times when I have read stories of children committing crimes.
The ending of this book left my jaw dropping to the floor, it really did. As I closed my kindle, I had to reflect on the ending.
I am satisfied with the ending, I can see why what happened.......happened.
My hat goes off to this author for am AMAZING read.
Thank you.
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November 18, 2015
4.5 Stars
Well. Well. Well........not the ending I expected.
"Ben" has just been released from prison where he has spent the last eight years of his young life for murdering his 10 year old friend Noah, and Cate Austin, Probation Officer has been assigned his case.
As Cate sets out to help HUMBER BOY B ("Ben") adjust to life on the outside and keep his identity anonymous, the sad and disastrous story of one crazy mixed-up bad day unfolds with a multitude of players and clues to unravel what really happened.
Told from two perspectives and a Facebook Page with a scary and revengeful "silent friend" adding to the intrigue, this unique mystery-thriller kept my attention from beginning to end.....despite the significant clues revealed!
Really Great Read!
June 22, 2015
Wow, did I luck out when I was approved to read and review, “Humber Boy B” by Ruth Dugdall, through the publisher, Legend Press via Netgalley. Ruth Dugdall is an award-winning British crime writer, a CWA Dagger-winning author presenting another chilling psychological thriller. This was a very emotional and powerful read. I was totally involved in this novel from page one…I couldn’t put it down! I am now a new fan of this talented author.
“A kid murdered a kid.”
“All I want to know is why… I’ve been living a nightmare for eight years, said Jessica, whose ten-year-old son, Noah, was thrown from the Humber Bridge to his death. A group of children were on the bridge, and two brothers received convictions. Humber Boy B, (Ben) who was ten when he went on his murderous rampage, served an eight year sentence for Noah’s murder.”
Cate Austin is a probation officer and is responsible for Ben’s anonymity, his release at age eighteen and reintegration back into society. But the general public are outraged and Jessica wants help to find her son’s killer-Humber Boy B. How could he be set free, while she will suffer an eternity of pain? Jessica set up a Facebook face, and posted childhood pictures of Ben, when Noah and Ben had been friends, in order to find her son’s killer.
Richard Palmer, a primary school teacher was fishing on the Humber River, and had brought his teenage daughter Cheryl along for the day. They were witnesses to the attack, and tried to rescue Noah. Cheryl recognized the two boys from school on the bridge. Humber Boy A (Adam), fourteen years old and his half-brother Humber Boy B (Ben), ten years old were arrested.
This book will haunt you and surprise you, and force you to reflect on how children are treated in the criminal justice system. Can they ever recover? But most of all…Why would a ten year old boy commit murder, while his older brother avoids conviction? In this book we get a glimpse of what makes Ben tick as well as the other characters. I can only sympathize with all the characters, but mostly Ben. As the novel progresses, we understand why more and more.
The story is told from the perspectives of Ben and Cate, as well as Jessica (on Facebook). This allows the tension and suspense to steadily grow, until the day of the crime is revealed in full detail. This is a character-driven novel, fast-paced and one that will stay with you for a long time to come.
I found myself continuously building different scenarios, trying to work out the clues, guessing the outcome, but when the ending came it was a real surprise, but acceptable.
This novel is about damaged people, (dysfunctional families, mental and physical abuse, alcoholics), and their actions. Is this boy just messed up or is he “Evil”.
All I can say is READ THIS BOOK…You will not be disappointed. Be prepared to hold up a “Do Not Disturb Sign” or “On Strike” while you enjoy this novel. I loved it so much I will read her other novels including her new novel, “Nowhere Girl”.
“A kid murdered a kid.”
“All I want to know is why… I’ve been living a nightmare for eight years, said Jessica, whose ten-year-old son, Noah, was thrown from the Humber Bridge to his death. A group of children were on the bridge, and two brothers received convictions. Humber Boy B, (Ben) who was ten when he went on his murderous rampage, served an eight year sentence for Noah’s murder.”
Cate Austin is a probation officer and is responsible for Ben’s anonymity, his release at age eighteen and reintegration back into society. But the general public are outraged and Jessica wants help to find her son’s killer-Humber Boy B. How could he be set free, while she will suffer an eternity of pain? Jessica set up a Facebook face, and posted childhood pictures of Ben, when Noah and Ben had been friends, in order to find her son’s killer.
Richard Palmer, a primary school teacher was fishing on the Humber River, and had brought his teenage daughter Cheryl along for the day. They were witnesses to the attack, and tried to rescue Noah. Cheryl recognized the two boys from school on the bridge. Humber Boy A (Adam), fourteen years old and his half-brother Humber Boy B (Ben), ten years old were arrested.
This book will haunt you and surprise you, and force you to reflect on how children are treated in the criminal justice system. Can they ever recover? But most of all…Why would a ten year old boy commit murder, while his older brother avoids conviction? In this book we get a glimpse of what makes Ben tick as well as the other characters. I can only sympathize with all the characters, but mostly Ben. As the novel progresses, we understand why more and more.
The story is told from the perspectives of Ben and Cate, as well as Jessica (on Facebook). This allows the tension and suspense to steadily grow, until the day of the crime is revealed in full detail. This is a character-driven novel, fast-paced and one that will stay with you for a long time to come.
I found myself continuously building different scenarios, trying to work out the clues, guessing the outcome, but when the ending came it was a real surprise, but acceptable.
This novel is about damaged people, (dysfunctional families, mental and physical abuse, alcoholics), and their actions. Is this boy just messed up or is he “Evil”.
All I can say is READ THIS BOOK…You will not be disappointed. Be prepared to hold up a “Do Not Disturb Sign” or “On Strike” while you enjoy this novel. I loved it so much I will read her other novels including her new novel, “Nowhere Girl”.
August 10, 2015
Rating 4.5 stars
I had heard some great things about this book, so when I was approved to read a copy I couldn't have been happier. Humber Boy B is the first novel I have read by Ruth Dugdall but will certainly not be the last (as she is writing another book in this series!) Another reviewer mentioned this, but while reading this, I too felt strongly about the characters plights and wanted to yell out numerous times throughout my reading of the book. I felt hopeful, sad, angry, suspicious, devastated, empathetic and more while reading; this book took me on a whole roller coaster ride of emotions.
THE PLOT
Humber Boy B switches between 4 different chapter headings. One tells the story of "The Day of", that day 8 years ago, a 10 year old boy got pushed to his death off the Humber Bridge. Humber Boy B was convicted of murdering his friend Noah, while his brother, Humber Boy A , 14, also did time, he didn't get charged with murder but complicity after the fact. We may think we know what happened on the bridge that day but until the end the whole story has yet to be told. The 2nd chapter heading is NOW, this chapter details a Facebook page made my the deceased boy's mother, where she begs the public to help her find the newly released Humber Boy B. A person called Silent Friend begins to post on this site and it becomes clear that they want to do more than just find HBB.
The third chapter heading is Ben, the name given to the Humber Boy B as part of his new identity and details the events of the present. The 4th is titled Cate, where we meet Ben's probation officer who wants to do all she can to give Ben a fresh start and protect him from those who mean him harm. But Ben's past isn't going to be easy to escape...
My THOUGHTS
This book was hard to put down, it didn't include the suspense of a James Patterson novel but didn't have to as the novel was character driven and I wanted to know the fate of HBB then and now, and that kept me reading late into the night. This novel will have you questioning what you believe about guilt and innocence, right and wrong, almost from the start. Highly recommended to all readers!
Much thanks to Netgalley, Ruth Dugdall, and Legend Press for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
I had heard some great things about this book, so when I was approved to read a copy I couldn't have been happier. Humber Boy B is the first novel I have read by Ruth Dugdall but will certainly not be the last (as she is writing another book in this series!) Another reviewer mentioned this, but while reading this, I too felt strongly about the characters plights and wanted to yell out numerous times throughout my reading of the book. I felt hopeful, sad, angry, suspicious, devastated, empathetic and more while reading; this book took me on a whole roller coaster ride of emotions.
THE PLOT
Humber Boy B switches between 4 different chapter headings. One tells the story of "The Day of", that day 8 years ago, a 10 year old boy got pushed to his death off the Humber Bridge. Humber Boy B was convicted of murdering his friend Noah, while his brother, Humber Boy A , 14, also did time, he didn't get charged with murder but complicity after the fact. We may think we know what happened on the bridge that day but until the end the whole story has yet to be told. The 2nd chapter heading is NOW, this chapter details a Facebook page made my the deceased boy's mother, where she begs the public to help her find the newly released Humber Boy B. A person called Silent Friend begins to post on this site and it becomes clear that they want to do more than just find HBB.
The third chapter heading is Ben, the name given to the Humber Boy B as part of his new identity and details the events of the present. The 4th is titled Cate, where we meet Ben's probation officer who wants to do all she can to give Ben a fresh start and protect him from those who mean him harm. But Ben's past isn't going to be easy to escape...
My THOUGHTS
This book was hard to put down, it didn't include the suspense of a James Patterson novel but didn't have to as the novel was character driven and I wanted to know the fate of HBB then and now, and that kept me reading late into the night. This novel will have you questioning what you believe about guilt and innocence, right and wrong, almost from the start. Highly recommended to all readers!
Much thanks to Netgalley, Ruth Dugdall, and Legend Press for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
March 24, 2015
Eight years ago, at the age of 10 “Humber Boy B” was found guilty of the murder of his 10 year old friend Noah and was imprisoned. Now he is being released on probation with a new identity and it is down to his probation officer Cate to keep Ben safe and help him settle into society without reoffending and by keeping his identity secret. Not an easy job, especially when Noah’s mother has started a Facebook page asking for people to help her track down Humber Boy B. She wants to know why he killed her son.
It was a fascinating read – can a 10 year old child be truly evil or did he just make a terrible mistake? What really did happen that day? We watch Ben trying to settle into society and also in dual time narrative, we watch that fateful day unfold. However, it seems that a Facebook poster “Silent Friend” may be on to him. Just who is Silent Friend? It could be any of a number of people and the story really kept me guessing, trying to work out who it was and whether they would in fact get to Ben. A really good well paced read that kept my interest throughout all the way to an ending that really sent shivers down my spine.
It was a book that really made me think about the characters and the issues raised. A really good read. Many thanks to the publishers for the review copy.
It was a fascinating read – can a 10 year old child be truly evil or did he just make a terrible mistake? What really did happen that day? We watch Ben trying to settle into society and also in dual time narrative, we watch that fateful day unfold. However, it seems that a Facebook poster “Silent Friend” may be on to him. Just who is Silent Friend? It could be any of a number of people and the story really kept me guessing, trying to work out who it was and whether they would in fact get to Ben. A really good well paced read that kept my interest throughout all the way to an ending that really sent shivers down my spine.
It was a book that really made me think about the characters and the issues raised. A really good read. Many thanks to the publishers for the review copy.
May 22, 2015
Psychologically suspenseful, this book kept me interested from beginning to end. Blurs the lines between bad and good and what exactly that means. Starts slowly but than layer by layer, with the different narrators, the story is revealed. Although I did guess some of it the ending was a shocker but pure genius, a perfect ending that fit with the rest of the story.
ARC from NetGalley.
ARC from NetGalley.
July 30, 2023
I feel affected by this book and know it will stay with me a long time.
Probation officer Cate deals with a case very similar to a real-life story back in the 90's in the UK.
Mixed feelings all the way through.
Third in the series but like the others it can be read as stand alone.
Five stars.
Probation officer Cate deals with a case very similar to a real-life story back in the 90's in the UK.
Mixed feelings all the way through.
Third in the series but like the others it can be read as stand alone.
Five stars.
February 17, 2016
Top notch story telling with strong characters and an intricate plot that the author manages to weave together beautifully at the end.
This is my first read by author Ruth Dugdall and it certainly won't be my last. This book is definitely in my top 10 favorites of all year.
Ben (Humber Boy B)is only 10 years old when he is convicted of throwing his friend Noah over the Humber Bridge. Upon release, to the notoriety surrounding the case, Ben has been given a new identity and relocated to another town where he is placed under the guidance of probation officer Cate Austin.
What unfolds upon his release sets off the anger and hatred of a nation lead by Noah's tortured Mother, who has never been able to move past her son's senseless death. Is Ben as evil as he was portrayed in trial or is there more to the story?
The story is told from many viewpoints and from different timelines, all seamlessly leading up to a very dramatic ending. The characters are flawed but realistic and well developed. The story is one that made me FEEL the sadness of the grieving Mother, feel the hatred from an angry nation, yet still feel sympathetic to Ben who just never felt he was worth anything.
A truly memorable story that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. I highly recommend this book not only to lovers of mystery/thrillers, but to all genres...With technology and social media just a click away, we're all gotten caught up and outraged in a story we've read whether it takes place in our own backyard or across the sea's. We form our opinions based on what we read. We decide who's guilty and who's not...based on what we read. This book shows us all just how little we actually do know about what it is we've read...scary!!
My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first read by author Ruth Dugdall and it certainly won't be my last. This book is definitely in my top 10 favorites of all year.
Ben (Humber Boy B)is only 10 years old when he is convicted of throwing his friend Noah over the Humber Bridge. Upon release, to the notoriety surrounding the case, Ben has been given a new identity and relocated to another town where he is placed under the guidance of probation officer Cate Austin.
What unfolds upon his release sets off the anger and hatred of a nation lead by Noah's tortured Mother, who has never been able to move past her son's senseless death. Is Ben as evil as he was portrayed in trial or is there more to the story?
The story is told from many viewpoints and from different timelines, all seamlessly leading up to a very dramatic ending. The characters are flawed but realistic and well developed. The story is one that made me FEEL the sadness of the grieving Mother, feel the hatred from an angry nation, yet still feel sympathetic to Ben who just never felt he was worth anything.
A truly memorable story that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. I highly recommend this book not only to lovers of mystery/thrillers, but to all genres...With technology and social media just a click away, we're all gotten caught up and outraged in a story we've read whether it takes place in our own backyard or across the sea's. We form our opinions based on what we read. We decide who's guilty and who's not...based on what we read. This book shows us all just how little we actually do know about what it is we've read...scary!!
My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2015
This is the best Psychological thriller of 2015 for me Ruth Dugdall has written a well developed story that takes you from one twist to another A ten year old boy Noah is thrown off the Humber Bridge & his friend Ben is put away in prison for 8 years for the crime then probation officer Cate is too keep an eye on him when he is released Roger Palmer witnesses the crime with his daughter cheryl while fishing tries to save him by jumping in to save him but fails. jessica Noah's mother sets up a page on facebook to get justice but all of a sudden she gets a reply from a silent friend , anyway things happen to Ben he is bashed by an unknown person & his safety comes under threat he develops a relationship with Cheryl i wont tell anymore as it will ruin the story but do yourself a favour & read this it wont disappoint. my view on this book i had a connection to Ben felt sorry for him in the end as his love for his half brother Adam is put to the test. if i could give this a 10 i would a big 5+ from me
July 24, 2015
How could a day filled with such promise go so horribly wrong?
Four children, all feeling neglected by their parents, are gathered on the Humber Bridge.
One, Noah, plunges to his death and 10 year old "Ben" is convicted of his murder, his older brother Adam as an accessory.
After 8 years "Ben" is released and relocated.
But Noah's family and friends are not happy that he gets to live out the rest of his life, while has been denied his. They set up a FB page dedicated to finding "Ben" so that Jessica, Noah's mother, can ask him 'why?".
This book gripped me from page one. My emotions were all over the place, as first I sided with Noah's mother in her quest for the truth, then became concerned about her contact with "The Silent Friend" who so very obviously wished "Ben" harm in retaliation for Noah's death. Then I became concerned for "Ben's" safety, convinced that there was more to the story of Noah's death than had been revealed.
There are multiple threads in the plot, and the chapters jump from present day to past, but all done seamlessly and to great effect. If there was ever a book to show that nothing is ever as black and white as we imagine, this is that book.
Although i guessed the identity of "Silent Friend" mid-way through the book, it in no way diminished my enjoyment. A highly recommended read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Legend Press and author Ruth Dugdalll for the gift of this book in exchange for an honest review
Four children, all feeling neglected by their parents, are gathered on the Humber Bridge.
One, Noah, plunges to his death and 10 year old "Ben" is convicted of his murder, his older brother Adam as an accessory.
After 8 years "Ben" is released and relocated.
But Noah's family and friends are not happy that he gets to live out the rest of his life, while has been denied his. They set up a FB page dedicated to finding "Ben" so that Jessica, Noah's mother, can ask him 'why?".
This book gripped me from page one. My emotions were all over the place, as first I sided with Noah's mother in her quest for the truth, then became concerned about her contact with "The Silent Friend" who so very obviously wished "Ben" harm in retaliation for Noah's death. Then I became concerned for "Ben's" safety, convinced that there was more to the story of Noah's death than had been revealed.
There are multiple threads in the plot, and the chapters jump from present day to past, but all done seamlessly and to great effect. If there was ever a book to show that nothing is ever as black and white as we imagine, this is that book.
Although i guessed the identity of "Silent Friend" mid-way through the book, it in no way diminished my enjoyment. A highly recommended read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Legend Press and author Ruth Dugdalll for the gift of this book in exchange for an honest review
October 11, 2015
Wow what a read. Just the idea of a ten year old boy being charged with murder straight away had me hooked. Why did this happen, can children really be born bad? This was a very emotional read and I found Ben's character fascinating. The story is slowly revealed and it all leads up to a very climatic end. Great book, will read more from this author.
February 14, 2020
Three books in and Dugdall continues the Cate Austin series without disappointing. There was no repetition from previous stories and once again, Dugdall’s formula meant I was gripped from start to finish. Completing the book has left me excited to read the next one – I feel addicted to this series!
Once again, readers follow Cate as she is is appointed probation officer for a teenager just released from prison. His crime is chilling and reminded me of contemporary news stories. However, Dugdall’s characterisation of Ben, the teenager released from prison, is very clever in the fact that it was difficult to not sympathise with him. It is clear that he has been institutionalised and the challenges he faces with understanding the modern world, independent of any support, showed that actually, Ben is a lost boy who is confused by what is around him. It felt confusing to sympathise with him and Dugdall manipulates the reader’s emotions: comparing him to a victim of circumstances, you can’t help but consider how much Ben has lost from such an ambiguous crime.
And despite the judgment that Ben has received, what happened that day on Humber Bridge is only gradually revealed over the narrative. It may seem a “clear cut case”, but actually, events that happened that day had far more wider reaching effects. I relished in the slow reveal and it reminded me of Ben coming to terms with what happened that day as well.
Readers learn more about Cate’s past in this story with the appearance of her long-lost sister. It was an element of the plot that took me by surprise and I almost wish that the writer had developed this aspect further. It seems that this narrative has concluded by the end of the novel, but I would have been interested to see if there was material for a further story? On the other hand, Cate becomes an even more convincing character as we watch her feelings develop for Olivier. I appreciated this part of the story because it showed that Cate was not just a dedicated probation officer – she has a life and a personality beyond her work!
Whilst I was able to predict some of the outcomes, it definitely did not lessen my enjoyment of the story. In fact, it made me want to devour the book even quicker because I was keen to see how the story unfolded. Dugdall’s storytelling is superb and I think it’s not necessarily about predicting the perpetrators, but more about the narrative itself and watching events take place.
One might argue that the narrative could be considered confusing. Each chapter is from a different perspective, switching between people who were involved in Ben’s crime in the past, and then present day. However, the story simply flows well and this does not disrupt the pace. Indeed, I liked how Dugdall changed the perspective to recount events from a different character. Whilst you are technically reading about the same event, the alternate viewpoint provided a different interpretation. It was not repetitive but added depth to the story.
I’ve really enjoyed this read. There are some references to previous books in the series but this could also be read as a stand-alone novel. Dugdall’s characterisation is brilliant and throughout the story I was always wondering if she would reveal Ben’s true name, his true identity. I won’t tell you here what the answer is…
A fabulous read and I’m excited to see what happens next to Cate. It’s a great style of writing that left me wanting more.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Once again, readers follow Cate as she is is appointed probation officer for a teenager just released from prison. His crime is chilling and reminded me of contemporary news stories. However, Dugdall’s characterisation of Ben, the teenager released from prison, is very clever in the fact that it was difficult to not sympathise with him. It is clear that he has been institutionalised and the challenges he faces with understanding the modern world, independent of any support, showed that actually, Ben is a lost boy who is confused by what is around him. It felt confusing to sympathise with him and Dugdall manipulates the reader’s emotions: comparing him to a victim of circumstances, you can’t help but consider how much Ben has lost from such an ambiguous crime.
And despite the judgment that Ben has received, what happened that day on Humber Bridge is only gradually revealed over the narrative. It may seem a “clear cut case”, but actually, events that happened that day had far more wider reaching effects. I relished in the slow reveal and it reminded me of Ben coming to terms with what happened that day as well.
Readers learn more about Cate’s past in this story with the appearance of her long-lost sister. It was an element of the plot that took me by surprise and I almost wish that the writer had developed this aspect further. It seems that this narrative has concluded by the end of the novel, but I would have been interested to see if there was material for a further story? On the other hand, Cate becomes an even more convincing character as we watch her feelings develop for Olivier. I appreciated this part of the story because it showed that Cate was not just a dedicated probation officer – she has a life and a personality beyond her work!
Whilst I was able to predict some of the outcomes, it definitely did not lessen my enjoyment of the story. In fact, it made me want to devour the book even quicker because I was keen to see how the story unfolded. Dugdall’s storytelling is superb and I think it’s not necessarily about predicting the perpetrators, but more about the narrative itself and watching events take place.
One might argue that the narrative could be considered confusing. Each chapter is from a different perspective, switching between people who were involved in Ben’s crime in the past, and then present day. However, the story simply flows well and this does not disrupt the pace. Indeed, I liked how Dugdall changed the perspective to recount events from a different character. Whilst you are technically reading about the same event, the alternate viewpoint provided a different interpretation. It was not repetitive but added depth to the story.
I’ve really enjoyed this read. There are some references to previous books in the series but this could also be read as a stand-alone novel. Dugdall’s characterisation is brilliant and throughout the story I was always wondering if she would reveal Ben’s true name, his true identity. I won’t tell you here what the answer is…
A fabulous read and I’m excited to see what happens next to Cate. It’s a great style of writing that left me wanting more.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2015
Humber Boy B is an emotional, often hard to read but ever compelling novel with a storyline ripped straight from the headlines.
We follow Cate Austin as she attempts to help “Ben” reintegrate into society. However an emotional outpouring via social media from the victim’s mother and interference from Ben’s own family ensure that this is no easy task – as she begins to unravel the truth behind what happened on the bridge all those years ago, some difficult facts begin to surface and she is caught up in an ever changing situation where her loyalties and beliefs will be tested to the limits.
The writing is superb here, I was immediately caught up in this very emotional tale of a boy who once made a mistake and the woman who is now trying to help him put the past in the past. As we see how Ben is doing and feeling it is often very sad but endlessly fascinating and I often sympathised with his situation despite what had led him there. Opposite Ben is Cate, a beautifully drawn character who has a deep moral code and a determination to do her job despite all the obstacles in her path.
There is a hard touch of reality as well – The authors background obviously giving her a greater insight which comes across very well, the whole thing has an authentic, real life edge, this could easily be based on an actual case. Echoes of Jamie Bulger here as the day in question is explored slowly but in detail over the course of the novel, with snapshots of external people caught up in it, the number of times at which tragedy could have been prevented. The role of social media is also given form, the realities of today’s society in the spotlight is truthful and lets face it, pretty scary.
Moving, highly disturbing, captivating and gripping from first page to last, this is a truly brilliant read that will leave you feeling emotionally wrung out, thoughtful and contemplative of those things we would rather not think about. Elegant and skillfully done, I have no issue at all in highly recommending it.
We follow Cate Austin as she attempts to help “Ben” reintegrate into society. However an emotional outpouring via social media from the victim’s mother and interference from Ben’s own family ensure that this is no easy task – as she begins to unravel the truth behind what happened on the bridge all those years ago, some difficult facts begin to surface and she is caught up in an ever changing situation where her loyalties and beliefs will be tested to the limits.
The writing is superb here, I was immediately caught up in this very emotional tale of a boy who once made a mistake and the woman who is now trying to help him put the past in the past. As we see how Ben is doing and feeling it is often very sad but endlessly fascinating and I often sympathised with his situation despite what had led him there. Opposite Ben is Cate, a beautifully drawn character who has a deep moral code and a determination to do her job despite all the obstacles in her path.
There is a hard touch of reality as well – The authors background obviously giving her a greater insight which comes across very well, the whole thing has an authentic, real life edge, this could easily be based on an actual case. Echoes of Jamie Bulger here as the day in question is explored slowly but in detail over the course of the novel, with snapshots of external people caught up in it, the number of times at which tragedy could have been prevented. The role of social media is also given form, the realities of today’s society in the spotlight is truthful and lets face it, pretty scary.
Moving, highly disturbing, captivating and gripping from first page to last, this is a truly brilliant read that will leave you feeling emotionally wrung out, thoughtful and contemplative of those things we would rather not think about. Elegant and skillfully done, I have no issue at all in highly recommending it.
October 10, 2015
A tragic death of a 10 year old boy years before. The victim had been pushed from the Humber bridge into the swirling river below. Two brothers had been with him and thus found guilty of the crime. Having served their time they are released, one much later than the other having served a longer sentence, has been given a new identity. Humber Boy B is that boy and the book is the telling of events in present day and what happened back then.
We meet Cate, Ben's probation officer, who is convinced there is more to this story than meets the eye, tries to get to know Ben better and to get to the truth. Trying desperately to protect him and keep his identity secret she goes to great lengths to help him. Soon enough events start to spiral out of control as news of Ben's release is made known to the public.
The story is basically one of questioning child killers. Are they capable of evil, born evil or just victims of circumstance? And that is what the reader is confronted with throughout the book. It's certainly a book that makes you think and whilst knowing fairly well where this was heading it still made for compelling reading.
All along the book is tinged with sadness as we become more and more aware of background story wishing things were better and knowing that they never will be. An emotional tale told in a realistic way as we learn of all the different departments involved from child protection to the police giving us an insight to how things are carried out in these circumstances. I don't think you can say that this is a book to be enjoyed, more one that should be read and pondered. A book that I recommend to see for yourself and ask yourself if you had witnessed certain events in this instance or indeed elsewhere, would you have done anything differently?
Thanks very much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my copy. Appreciated.
We meet Cate, Ben's probation officer, who is convinced there is more to this story than meets the eye, tries to get to know Ben better and to get to the truth. Trying desperately to protect him and keep his identity secret she goes to great lengths to help him. Soon enough events start to spiral out of control as news of Ben's release is made known to the public.
The story is basically one of questioning child killers. Are they capable of evil, born evil or just victims of circumstance? And that is what the reader is confronted with throughout the book. It's certainly a book that makes you think and whilst knowing fairly well where this was heading it still made for compelling reading.
All along the book is tinged with sadness as we become more and more aware of background story wishing things were better and knowing that they never will be. An emotional tale told in a realistic way as we learn of all the different departments involved from child protection to the police giving us an insight to how things are carried out in these circumstances. I don't think you can say that this is a book to be enjoyed, more one that should be read and pondered. A book that I recommend to see for yourself and ask yourself if you had witnessed certain events in this instance or indeed elsewhere, would you have done anything differently?
Thanks very much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my copy. Appreciated.
July 21, 2015
I would like to thank Net Galley, Legend Press for the copy of this book and my Goodread friend Maxine for recommending it to me. I have had some wonderful book recommendations over the years and this was another one. This book is a real page turner and I was instantly taken in by it and just couldn't put it down.A dark story subject that is told over several timelines, keeps you guessing throughout and ultimately makes you continue to read in an effort to unravel the mystery. This is my first read of a Ruth Dugdall book but I will be looking out for more of her work if they are as good as this one. I read many books throughout the year and often they are forgotten fairly quickly but this is one that stays with you and makes you ask questions.
July 18, 2015
5 Heartbreaking Stars
Now and again a story will come along and even after you finish it, it still stays in your mind Humber Boy B was that story.....
Heartbreaking, compelling....
It is one of the best written stories I have come across this year.
Noah Watts is a sweet 10 year old boy left in charge of a neighbour Yvette. Yvette has other things on her mind that morning so her two boys Ben who is also 10 years old and Adam his brother who is 14 decide to include Noah in their outside activity. Bored to know what to do they walk to the bridge for some fun.
But that fun results in a boy falling off the Humber bridge and changing everyone's lives for ever.
Fast forward 8 years and Humber Boy B is now released from prison and back into society.
He struggles to adapt and with his new identity and place to live about to be compromised, there is a race against time to stop whoever is about to find him.
Cate Austin is Humber Boy B probation officer and after reading his case notes thinks there is more to what happened on that bridge than was revealed in court and tries to coax the boy to remember what really happened that afternoon....
My Thoughts
The story is told in multiple POV and I felt that really worked to bring the characters lives together.
The writing just flowed and in between the different POV's we find out what really happened that day upon Humber Bridge.
I had all kind of emotions with this story. Maybe that is why it had such an impact on me whilst reading it.
This story makes you think...
Can a child be born evil or do events determine their lives...
Excellent story and very heartfelt...
Now and again a story will come along and even after you finish it, it still stays in your mind Humber Boy B was that story.....
Heartbreaking, compelling....
It is one of the best written stories I have come across this year.
Noah Watts is a sweet 10 year old boy left in charge of a neighbour Yvette. Yvette has other things on her mind that morning so her two boys Ben who is also 10 years old and Adam his brother who is 14 decide to include Noah in their outside activity. Bored to know what to do they walk to the bridge for some fun.
But that fun results in a boy falling off the Humber bridge and changing everyone's lives for ever.
Fast forward 8 years and Humber Boy B is now released from prison and back into society.
He struggles to adapt and with his new identity and place to live about to be compromised, there is a race against time to stop whoever is about to find him.
Cate Austin is Humber Boy B probation officer and after reading his case notes thinks there is more to what happened on that bridge than was revealed in court and tries to coax the boy to remember what really happened that afternoon....
My Thoughts
The story is told in multiple POV and I felt that really worked to bring the characters lives together.
The writing just flowed and in between the different POV's we find out what really happened that day upon Humber Bridge.
I had all kind of emotions with this story. Maybe that is why it had such an impact on me whilst reading it.
This story makes you think...
Can a child be born evil or do events determine their lives...
Excellent story and very heartfelt...
March 23, 2015
REVIEW: HUMBER BOY B by Ruth Dugdall
Nine years earlier, a ten-year-old boy fell from the bridge spanning the River Humber at Hull, England, and drowned. Three others were present: two brothers, 14 and 10, and a female classmate of the older brother. The boys were charged, and the younger convicted of murder. Names were frequently changed, and upon release, the younger was named in the media as Humber Boy B.
Based on the author's experience in prison work, this mystery ponders the tribulation of an eighteen-year-old incarcerated since age ten, unable to fit into the outside world, and gently unravels the events of that day on the bridge, with a stunning denouement and an unexpected conclusion.
Nine years earlier, a ten-year-old boy fell from the bridge spanning the River Humber at Hull, England, and drowned. Three others were present: two brothers, 14 and 10, and a female classmate of the older brother. The boys were charged, and the younger convicted of murder. Names were frequently changed, and upon release, the younger was named in the media as Humber Boy B.
Based on the author's experience in prison work, this mystery ponders the tribulation of an eighteen-year-old incarcerated since age ten, unable to fit into the outside world, and gently unravels the events of that day on the bridge, with a stunning denouement and an unexpected conclusion.
February 8, 2015
Intelligent, thought-provoking and in possession of a rare quality in psychological thrillers, a twist I didn't see coming. Humber Boy B explores an emotive subject - children murdering children - but it does so in a very measured, non-melodramatic, very 'real' way. This is a book that will stay with me long after I turned the last page.
October 12, 2015
3 1/2 stars
This book started off SO strong with the opening pages seen through the eyes of 2 witnesses to a great tragedy. A young boy (Noah) dangles on the edge of the Humber Bridge and is seemingly pushed off by another boy who runs away with his brother. The two brothers are caught and sentenced.
Now 8 years later Ben, or Humber Boy B as the media called him, is out on parole and needs to navigate life as an adult yet in so many ways he is the equivalent of Rip Van Winkle. He has never eaten McDonalds, had a job, been in a lift or even bought his own food at the supermarket.
You can’t help but feel sympathy and a little bit protective of Ben especially when most of the adults making decisions about his case seem to only label him as evil.
I also liked the social media element, Noah’s mom posting on Facebook, and this platform turning into vigilante justice. It was not that hard to figure out who Silent Friend was but it was fun to figure it out, nonetheless.
The one thing that did bother me though was that I could not fathom why a court of law would sentence a 10-year-old to 8 years in prison with the limited information presented in the storyline. The lack of any psychological assessments was also a bit baffling. If you were presented with a child with no prior behavior issues that pushes his friend off a bridge, wouldn’t you send that child for a psych assessment immediately?
Perhaps I missed something in the reading but I still enjoyed the experience and can happily recommend it to future readers. I really did enjoy it even with my little gripe and will definitely explore more books by this author.
This book started off SO strong with the opening pages seen through the eyes of 2 witnesses to a great tragedy. A young boy (Noah) dangles on the edge of the Humber Bridge and is seemingly pushed off by another boy who runs away with his brother. The two brothers are caught and sentenced.
Now 8 years later Ben, or Humber Boy B as the media called him, is out on parole and needs to navigate life as an adult yet in so many ways he is the equivalent of Rip Van Winkle. He has never eaten McDonalds, had a job, been in a lift or even bought his own food at the supermarket.
You can’t help but feel sympathy and a little bit protective of Ben especially when most of the adults making decisions about his case seem to only label him as evil.
I also liked the social media element, Noah’s mom posting on Facebook, and this platform turning into vigilante justice. It was not that hard to figure out who Silent Friend was but it was fun to figure it out, nonetheless.
The one thing that did bother me though was that I could not fathom why a court of law would sentence a 10-year-old to 8 years in prison with the limited information presented in the storyline. The lack of any psychological assessments was also a bit baffling. If you were presented with a child with no prior behavior issues that pushes his friend off a bridge, wouldn’t you send that child for a psych assessment immediately?
Perhaps I missed something in the reading but I still enjoyed the experience and can happily recommend it to future readers. I really did enjoy it even with my little gripe and will definitely explore more books by this author.
February 1, 2016
This psychological drama pulled me in and spat me out! I could not stop reading and even though it's unpleasant there are a whole bunch of issues raised for brain fodder. Still trying to get my head around Cate's story and how it fits (?!) but anyway it's certainly a thought provoking read.
*amendment* just seen this is the third instalment for Cate so that would be why her story feels a little off...I've missed some of it and there's more to come presumably - doesn't spoil the book though if you're starting in the same place!
*amendment* just seen this is the third instalment for Cate so that would be why her story feels a little off...I've missed some of it and there's more to come presumably - doesn't spoil the book though if you're starting in the same place!
December 11, 2015
I feel very torn about writing a review for this book. I loved the idea behind it and the way the story unfolded. It was impossible not to care about Ben and I felt his settling in to freedom, his inability to look people in the eye once released, his lack of knowledge of how to use a supermarket, were really well observed.
However, so much was wrong with it. So many errors about Hull. People have mentioned the football team's name. I've lived here for 45 years and never heard anyone say brass when they mean money. There's a sort of generic Northernese spoken here. It reminds me of the mythical Cleckhuddersdyke. It also has some issues which an editor could sort out but which make it read rather clunkily. Altogether, a great idea which could have been executed better.
However, so much was wrong with it. So many errors about Hull. People have mentioned the football team's name. I've lived here for 45 years and never heard anyone say brass when they mean money. There's a sort of generic Northernese spoken here. It reminds me of the mythical Cleckhuddersdyke. It also has some issues which an editor could sort out but which make it read rather clunkily. Altogether, a great idea which could have been executed better.
January 17, 2015
As I like reading chilling psychological thrillers I was thrilled to be sent a review copy of Ruth Dugdall's hotly anticipated new novel Humber Boy B and asked if I would like to review it. I couldn't wait get to started. I give full credit to Ruth Dugdall as what I noticed reading the Humber Boy B right from page one and throughout is that how very convincing the whole story is. I recommend this gripping crime novel to all crime readers.
All crime fans will pleased to know that Humber Boy B will be release on 1st April 2015.
What I can tell you is that Humber Boy B is a very chilling psychological thriller with a shocking twist that is about two brothers known as Humber Boys A and B.
The two brothers had walked with a young child Noah onto the bridge. A blur in the sky, a brick - no, a trainer, red falls to the water.
There seems to be scuffle a hand grabbing at the dangling child Noah.Then, with the awfulness of inevitability, the hanging child drops, gravity takes him. Noah drops under the cold, grey water leaving a ripple like a halo. Roger Palmer a school teacher sees the boy fall from the bridge and tries to rescue him, but Noah and his red trainer are long gone.
Despite the two brothers fleeing the scene, the two brothers are found guilty and sent to prison. Upon their release they are granted one privilege only, their anonymity. One of the brothers has a new identity as Ben with being given a flat in a new affordable housing section. No one will recognize him from any pictures anywhere as he was just a child when he was sent to prison. He may be rather strange as he has been locked up since he was a child.
Cate Austin who works in probation loyalty is challenged when she begins to discover the truth of the crime. She must ask herself if a child is capable of premeditated murder. Or is there a greater evil at play?
All crime fans will pleased to know that Humber Boy B will be release on 1st April 2015.
What I can tell you is that Humber Boy B is a very chilling psychological thriller with a shocking twist that is about two brothers known as Humber Boys A and B.
The two brothers had walked with a young child Noah onto the bridge. A blur in the sky, a brick - no, a trainer, red falls to the water.
There seems to be scuffle a hand grabbing at the dangling child Noah.Then, with the awfulness of inevitability, the hanging child drops, gravity takes him. Noah drops under the cold, grey water leaving a ripple like a halo. Roger Palmer a school teacher sees the boy fall from the bridge and tries to rescue him, but Noah and his red trainer are long gone.
Despite the two brothers fleeing the scene, the two brothers are found guilty and sent to prison. Upon their release they are granted one privilege only, their anonymity. One of the brothers has a new identity as Ben with being given a flat in a new affordable housing section. No one will recognize him from any pictures anywhere as he was just a child when he was sent to prison. He may be rather strange as he has been locked up since he was a child.
Cate Austin who works in probation loyalty is challenged when she begins to discover the truth of the crime. She must ask herself if a child is capable of premeditated murder. Or is there a greater evil at play?
April 7, 2015
My View:
Ruth Dugdall writes novels that captive, prick at your conscience and demand that you think hard and look deep at the issues. Ruth Dugdall reminds us that issues are not simple, clear cut, black or white. She allows us to walk in someone else’s shoes for a short while and discover lives where options are often limited and many circumstances conspire and lead to a dire situation or a bad judgement and so it is always with great trepidation, apprehension and anticipation that I start a Ruth Dugdall book. I know that I am going to feel uncomfortable at some point, I know my conscience will be pricked and poked and that I will be reconsidering some past notions or judgements and for that I thank you Ruth, you are our social conscience, you write with sensitivity and intelligence and authenticity that comes from your first hand experiences as a Probation Officer.
I can’t wait to read the next in the Cate Austin series – Nowhere Girl.
Ruth Dugdall writes novels that captive, prick at your conscience and demand that you think hard and look deep at the issues. Ruth Dugdall reminds us that issues are not simple, clear cut, black or white. She allows us to walk in someone else’s shoes for a short while and discover lives where options are often limited and many circumstances conspire and lead to a dire situation or a bad judgement and so it is always with great trepidation, apprehension and anticipation that I start a Ruth Dugdall book. I know that I am going to feel uncomfortable at some point, I know my conscience will be pricked and poked and that I will be reconsidering some past notions or judgements and for that I thank you Ruth, you are our social conscience, you write with sensitivity and intelligence and authenticity that comes from your first hand experiences as a Probation Officer.
I can’t wait to read the next in the Cate Austin series – Nowhere Girl.
April 13, 2015
This had the makings of a good story but, despite the pronouncement by Erin Kelly (who on earth is Erin Kelly, and why should we care what she thinks?), that the novel is "completely convincing," I was completely unconvinced and irritated on a number of levels. This was an unsatisfying read, despite its good points.
First of all, though it may be a more logical diminutive, and my dislike of it is totally irrational, I hate the name Cate, and it jarred with me every time I saw it. A more important comment on names is that Facebook has a well-publicised policy against the use of pseudonyms, I quote "“We require people to provide the name they use in real life; that way, you always know who you're connecting with. This helps keep our community safe.” Even if their algorithms failed to pick up on "Noah's mum" and "Silent Friend" (and what an inappropriate name for someone unable to shut up), someone would have reported it and the account would be taken down. The idea that such an account would be suspended, then reinstated, is completely implausible.
Olivier was on secondment from Luxembourg and, within the first few pages we are told "I am here to observe and learn. Nothing more.” The idea that he would be allowed to run such a high profile case, apparently on his own, making all the decisions, is completely implausible. This was an example of continuity errors throughout the book, small and large. A small one - within a page we are told that Roger failed to "turn up for the coach" taking Jessica to Trafalgar Square for the rally and that she would be taking "the train back to Hull". A much huger continuity lapse was implicit in the time in which the novel was set. The chapters called "Now" appear to be completely contemporary. There is mention of Frozen 2, which hasn't even been released yet, yet the childhood described has a 1950s or 1960s feel. If we take now as the starting point, Ben would have been born in the late 90s. I think the last Hull trawlers had gone by the 80s and as for Icelandic boats, as far as I know Icelandic fish is flown over to the UK. Macdonalds, on the other hand, was well entrenched by then (the first one in Hull opened in the late 80s) and it is fairly implausible that it would be the unknown mecca it represented to Ben. Roger's attitude to women (“Sometimes women needed to be told what to do, they were like children in that respect”) also seems out of time for the late 90s, though I suppose there could still be a few throwbacks like him. Overall, though, there was the impression that things had been picked out of time if they suited the story, with no real concern about whether or not they contributed to a plausible context.
Ah yes, that reminds me of another name irritation. In the chapters called The Day Of (a chapter heading I disliked), even in conversations reproduced between the characters, Ben was called Ben, when clearly it was not his name at that time. This is a constant reminder that the story is engineered rather than true to life.
Once I started being irritated, lots of things irritated me. I have never heard York described as York, Humberside, and I doubt the residents of that fine city, standing on the Ouse, not the Humber, would appreciate the description. I've also never heard Ipswich described as Ipo-rock-city and was unable to uncover a single instance of it via Google. Still, the writer comes from Suffolk so perhaps she is right. She doesn't come from Yorkshire, which may explain the overuse of the word 'brass". Even in Yorkshire people say 'money' sometimes. There were other bits of slang thrown in here and there, such as 'frame' used as a verb suggesting an action (perhaps running away, or moving on to another place?) which I couldn't fathom the meaning of and could not find on the Internet and 'mafting' which is one I have never heard despite having a Yorkshire grandmother and living in Yorkshire for several years.
The background seemed like a huge cliche, with stereotypical characters condemned to live out lives of poverty, promiscuity, neglect, drink and crime. This also had the feel of a time before Ben was born, though I don't have any direct experience of what it was like to live in Hull in the late 90s.
The back stories were interesting, but a distraction from the main story, which made it drag a little. There seemed little point to Liz having come back since Cate decided to turn her back on her again. Leon and Issi's story turned out to be just a filler. The same might be said for the 'romance' with Olivier, which seemed to be included merely as an escape route, but had little plausibility.
Since everything was already irritating me, I couldn't help noticing that the book hadn't been proofread properly, or that there were printing errors. It became a game to spot these lapses. I saw a mix up between were and where. Signing for singing. Find for find out. There was also one sentence that I read many times without being able to make the slightest sense of, but I forgot to write it down.
As I said at the beginning, this had the makings of a good story, but I didn't think the best had been made of it. I bought this at the supermarket for £3.99 and hoped it would be a quick read because I am behind in my reading schedule, but it irritated me so much it took me much longer to read than it should have. Despite Erin Kelly's declaration that the book was "unputdownable," I found it very easy to put down.
First of all, though it may be a more logical diminutive, and my dislike of it is totally irrational, I hate the name Cate, and it jarred with me every time I saw it. A more important comment on names is that Facebook has a well-publicised policy against the use of pseudonyms, I quote "“We require people to provide the name they use in real life; that way, you always know who you're connecting with. This helps keep our community safe.” Even if their algorithms failed to pick up on "Noah's mum" and "Silent Friend" (and what an inappropriate name for someone unable to shut up), someone would have reported it and the account would be taken down. The idea that such an account would be suspended, then reinstated, is completely implausible.
Olivier was on secondment from Luxembourg and, within the first few pages we are told "I am here to observe and learn. Nothing more.” The idea that he would be allowed to run such a high profile case, apparently on his own, making all the decisions, is completely implausible. This was an example of continuity errors throughout the book, small and large. A small one - within a page we are told that Roger failed to "turn up for the coach" taking Jessica to Trafalgar Square for the rally and that she would be taking "the train back to Hull". A much huger continuity lapse was implicit in the time in which the novel was set. The chapters called "Now" appear to be completely contemporary. There is mention of Frozen 2, which hasn't even been released yet, yet the childhood described has a 1950s or 1960s feel. If we take now as the starting point, Ben would have been born in the late 90s. I think the last Hull trawlers had gone by the 80s and as for Icelandic boats, as far as I know Icelandic fish is flown over to the UK. Macdonalds, on the other hand, was well entrenched by then (the first one in Hull opened in the late 80s) and it is fairly implausible that it would be the unknown mecca it represented to Ben. Roger's attitude to women (“Sometimes women needed to be told what to do, they were like children in that respect”) also seems out of time for the late 90s, though I suppose there could still be a few throwbacks like him. Overall, though, there was the impression that things had been picked out of time if they suited the story, with no real concern about whether or not they contributed to a plausible context.
Ah yes, that reminds me of another name irritation. In the chapters called The Day Of (a chapter heading I disliked), even in conversations reproduced between the characters, Ben was called Ben, when clearly it was not his name at that time. This is a constant reminder that the story is engineered rather than true to life.
Once I started being irritated, lots of things irritated me. I have never heard York described as York, Humberside, and I doubt the residents of that fine city, standing on the Ouse, not the Humber, would appreciate the description. I've also never heard Ipswich described as Ipo-rock-city and was unable to uncover a single instance of it via Google. Still, the writer comes from Suffolk so perhaps she is right. She doesn't come from Yorkshire, which may explain the overuse of the word 'brass". Even in Yorkshire people say 'money' sometimes. There were other bits of slang thrown in here and there, such as 'frame' used as a verb suggesting an action (perhaps running away, or moving on to another place?) which I couldn't fathom the meaning of and could not find on the Internet and 'mafting' which is one I have never heard despite having a Yorkshire grandmother and living in Yorkshire for several years.
The background seemed like a huge cliche, with stereotypical characters condemned to live out lives of poverty, promiscuity, neglect, drink and crime. This also had the feel of a time before Ben was born, though I don't have any direct experience of what it was like to live in Hull in the late 90s.
The back stories were interesting, but a distraction from the main story, which made it drag a little. There seemed little point to Liz having come back since Cate decided to turn her back on her again. Leon and Issi's story turned out to be just a filler. The same might be said for the 'romance' with Olivier, which seemed to be included merely as an escape route, but had little plausibility.
Since everything was already irritating me, I couldn't help noticing that the book hadn't been proofread properly, or that there were printing errors. It became a game to spot these lapses. I saw a mix up between were and where. Signing for singing. Find for find out. There was also one sentence that I read many times without being able to make the slightest sense of, but I forgot to write it down.
As I said at the beginning, this had the makings of a good story, but I didn't think the best had been made of it. I bought this at the supermarket for £3.99 and hoped it would be a quick read because I am behind in my reading schedule, but it irritated me so much it took me much longer to read than it should have. Despite Erin Kelly's declaration that the book was "unputdownable," I found it very easy to put down.
October 18, 2015
Then - Three young boys are on the walkway of the Humber Bridge, one of them climbs over the barrier and the younger of the other two pushes him to his death
Now - Eight years after he was imprisoned for murder at the age of 10, Humber Boy B is released back into society. He is given a new identity and a flat in Ipswich and now has to try and rehabilitate himself into society. Given that he has spent his formative years in young offenders institutions this was never going to be easy. It is however made harder by the creation of a Facebook group aimed at finding him. While the group was created by the murdered boy’s mother to seek an answer as to why he killed, another member has a more physical retribution in mind. The question is can Cate Austin his probation officer discover who Silent Friend is before they find Humber Boy B.
This is a thought provoking book, which has echoes of the Bulger case in regard to the release of John Venables and the outcry that it provoked. Humber Boy B is viewed by society as an evil child killer, who will forever be remembered as the 10 year old boy that pushed his friend from the bridge. Cate however tries to see him as the individual that he is and tries to understand why he did what he did.
The author worked as a Probation Officer for almost a decade in high security prisons in Suffolk, including work with children who have been convicted of murder, so she is well placed to write a book on a subject that undoubtedly divides opinion. In this instance I think she has done a good job. Her treatment of Humber Boy B does not try to mitigate the horror of what he did, or suggest that he wasn’t responsible. Instead it seeks so find out why he chose to take the action he did, and to try and understand what drove him rather than accepting the general opinion that he was evil. It is dealt with in a sensitive and balanced way and all the characters are believable and real.
The book progresses by alternating between then and now creating a mounting tension until the details of the murder are finally revealed. However the book has several layers - it’s not just about Humber Boy B, but about the lasting effects of his actions on others and how he is perceived. It is also about Cate and her life. While struggling to do her best against resistance even within her own department she also has demons of her own to face which act as a contrast to the main unfolding story. The book ends with a final twist that is as shocking as it is dramatic and was totally unforeseen.
This was a great read and I’m pleased to read that Cate is to make a re-appearance in Ruth’s next book.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Now - Eight years after he was imprisoned for murder at the age of 10, Humber Boy B is released back into society. He is given a new identity and a flat in Ipswich and now has to try and rehabilitate himself into society. Given that he has spent his formative years in young offenders institutions this was never going to be easy. It is however made harder by the creation of a Facebook group aimed at finding him. While the group was created by the murdered boy’s mother to seek an answer as to why he killed, another member has a more physical retribution in mind. The question is can Cate Austin his probation officer discover who Silent Friend is before they find Humber Boy B.
This is a thought provoking book, which has echoes of the Bulger case in regard to the release of John Venables and the outcry that it provoked. Humber Boy B is viewed by society as an evil child killer, who will forever be remembered as the 10 year old boy that pushed his friend from the bridge. Cate however tries to see him as the individual that he is and tries to understand why he did what he did.
The author worked as a Probation Officer for almost a decade in high security prisons in Suffolk, including work with children who have been convicted of murder, so she is well placed to write a book on a subject that undoubtedly divides opinion. In this instance I think she has done a good job. Her treatment of Humber Boy B does not try to mitigate the horror of what he did, or suggest that he wasn’t responsible. Instead it seeks so find out why he chose to take the action he did, and to try and understand what drove him rather than accepting the general opinion that he was evil. It is dealt with in a sensitive and balanced way and all the characters are believable and real.
The book progresses by alternating between then and now creating a mounting tension until the details of the murder are finally revealed. However the book has several layers - it’s not just about Humber Boy B, but about the lasting effects of his actions on others and how he is perceived. It is also about Cate and her life. While struggling to do her best against resistance even within her own department she also has demons of her own to face which act as a contrast to the main unfolding story. The book ends with a final twist that is as shocking as it is dramatic and was totally unforeseen.
This was a great read and I’m pleased to read that Cate is to make a re-appearance in Ruth’s next book.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
March 29, 2015
Humber Boy B killed a child eight years ago. That child was ten-years-old, and so was Humber Boy B. He was christened Humber Boy B at the time of the court case, and the reader never does find out his given name. He is now known as Ben, he has been released from custody and given a new identity, a new life well away from Hull, and Cate is his probation officer.
We all know of cases like this, the most famous one being the killing of James Bulger, but there have been many children who have killed over the years, and everyone has a view about what should happen to them.
Humber Boy B tells Ben's story from different angles. The reader hears from Ben himself, and from Cate, and we are also taken back to 'the day' - the day of the murder, the day that the small child was pushed to his death from the cold steel railings of the Humber Bridge. In between these viewpoints are excerpts from a Facebook page that has been created by the dead child's mother - it's been set up with the aim of finding Humber Boy B. These excerpts are short, but so chilling. The increased venom and hate posted by users of the Facebook page set the scene for what really is a shocking ending to this story.
Ruth Dugdall draws on her own experiences as a probation officer and writes with intelligence and authenticity. This novel is shocking, it is totally gripping and it is so very chilling. The Humber Bridge is so symbolic throughout this story, it is not just the scene of the crime, it is also a symbol of Ben's other life; his home, his family, his regrets. Whilst Hull will always be home to Ben, his memories are scarred by the pain and neglect that he suffered whilst living there. His uncaring mother, his cruel step-father, the hunger, the deprivation - it was only the love of his older brother Adam that kept him sane.
Humber Boy B is both character driven and issues driven. Ruth Dugdall has populated this novel with characters who are often flawed, but always realistic. She has captured the emotions and feelings that surround cases such as this so well, from the empathic caring Cate who has her own problems to deal with, to the hate-fuelled 'Silent Friend' from Facebook.
Stories such as this will always divide people, but nothing is ever clear-cut and the shocking and very unexpected ending of Humber Boy B turns the whole story on it's head.
This is a chilling psychological thriller that really is difficult to put down, and will leave the reader thinking and considering well after the final page has been turned.
We all know of cases like this, the most famous one being the killing of James Bulger, but there have been many children who have killed over the years, and everyone has a view about what should happen to them.
Humber Boy B tells Ben's story from different angles. The reader hears from Ben himself, and from Cate, and we are also taken back to 'the day' - the day of the murder, the day that the small child was pushed to his death from the cold steel railings of the Humber Bridge. In between these viewpoints are excerpts from a Facebook page that has been created by the dead child's mother - it's been set up with the aim of finding Humber Boy B. These excerpts are short, but so chilling. The increased venom and hate posted by users of the Facebook page set the scene for what really is a shocking ending to this story.
Ruth Dugdall draws on her own experiences as a probation officer and writes with intelligence and authenticity. This novel is shocking, it is totally gripping and it is so very chilling. The Humber Bridge is so symbolic throughout this story, it is not just the scene of the crime, it is also a symbol of Ben's other life; his home, his family, his regrets. Whilst Hull will always be home to Ben, his memories are scarred by the pain and neglect that he suffered whilst living there. His uncaring mother, his cruel step-father, the hunger, the deprivation - it was only the love of his older brother Adam that kept him sane.
Humber Boy B is both character driven and issues driven. Ruth Dugdall has populated this novel with characters who are often flawed, but always realistic. She has captured the emotions and feelings that surround cases such as this so well, from the empathic caring Cate who has her own problems to deal with, to the hate-fuelled 'Silent Friend' from Facebook.
Stories such as this will always divide people, but nothing is ever clear-cut and the shocking and very unexpected ending of Humber Boy B turns the whole story on it's head.
This is a chilling psychological thriller that really is difficult to put down, and will leave the reader thinking and considering well after the final page has been turned.
December 5, 2015
A fantastic thriller that not only keeps you guessing but asks all the right moral questions at the same time. Believable and in no way sugar-coated, Humber Boy B is a heart-breaking tale of loss brought about by shocking neglect, both in the past and in the present.
This is an edited version of the review, previously published at If These Books Could Talk
Told from multiple perspectives in the present day, and a flashback to the time of the crime simply (and effectively) titled ‘The Day Of’, Ruth Dugdall has created in ‘Humber Boy B’ a tense and chilling moral tale that questions everything from penal reform to neighbourly and community responsibility. What sets her novel apart from other similar titles is that although her professional background is obvious (Ruth previously worked in the probation service) her writing tone is never overly technical or condescending; we’re allowed to get involved in the procedural elements without feeling like an outsider and credibility is never stretched.
The pace of ‘Humber Boy B’ is consistent and fast-paced, only occasionally taking breaks as Cate deals with her home life. Her relationship with her daughter and revelations from her long-lost sister draw clever parallels with the facts behind her current case, and although some elements are obviously carried over from previous stories, there’s no sense of missing essential bits of back-story. Although the characters in Cate’s life don’t feel as well-rounded as those in Ben’s, there’s every chance that will be remedied in the next novel, especially her relationship with Oliver, the French detective who gets involved with Ben’s case and later on with Cate herself.
‘Humber Boy B’ is not an easy read, particularly if you remember the real-life Jamie Bulger case, but it’s never gruesome. In less professional hands, this novel would come across as exploitative and sensationalised, but by implementing clever narrative techniques, characters with questionable motives and a tense, chilling plot, Ruth Dugdall has produced a thriller that deserves to be mentioned in the same breathe as Lynda La Plant and Minette Walters.
This is an edited version of the review, previously published at If These Books Could Talk
Told from multiple perspectives in the present day, and a flashback to the time of the crime simply (and effectively) titled ‘The Day Of’, Ruth Dugdall has created in ‘Humber Boy B’ a tense and chilling moral tale that questions everything from penal reform to neighbourly and community responsibility. What sets her novel apart from other similar titles is that although her professional background is obvious (Ruth previously worked in the probation service) her writing tone is never overly technical or condescending; we’re allowed to get involved in the procedural elements without feeling like an outsider and credibility is never stretched.
The pace of ‘Humber Boy B’ is consistent and fast-paced, only occasionally taking breaks as Cate deals with her home life. Her relationship with her daughter and revelations from her long-lost sister draw clever parallels with the facts behind her current case, and although some elements are obviously carried over from previous stories, there’s no sense of missing essential bits of back-story. Although the characters in Cate’s life don’t feel as well-rounded as those in Ben’s, there’s every chance that will be remedied in the next novel, especially her relationship with Oliver, the French detective who gets involved with Ben’s case and later on with Cate herself.
‘Humber Boy B’ is not an easy read, particularly if you remember the real-life Jamie Bulger case, but it’s never gruesome. In less professional hands, this novel would come across as exploitative and sensationalised, but by implementing clever narrative techniques, characters with questionable motives and a tense, chilling plot, Ruth Dugdall has produced a thriller that deserves to be mentioned in the same breathe as Lynda La Plant and Minette Walters.
August 8, 2016
HBB is a child killer of another child. Why? ..is only one of many questions I found myself asking. It is the most important one, closely followed by what is Justice and it's true purpose? It's hard to think of this as fiction. The author is/was a probation officer which might help explain why.
It is very well written, extremely readable, and will go on challenging long after you finish it. Very recently written it seemed to me an amalgam of Dickens, Hardy and perhaps Wilkie Collins c 2014.
There's an undisputed role for God here, whether you believe or not.
I recommend it – 4stars high and want to take it to 5 but need to think about it a bit longer.
It is very well written, extremely readable, and will go on challenging long after you finish it. Very recently written it seemed to me an amalgam of Dickens, Hardy and perhaps Wilkie Collins c 2014.
There's an undisputed role for God here, whether you believe or not.
I recommend it – 4stars high and want to take it to 5 but need to think about it a bit longer.
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