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Falling Suns
A psychological thriller for fans of Belinda Bauer, Mark Edwards, Clare Mackintosh – a dark and brooding tale about the horrors that can lurk within a family.
Ex-DI Rachel’s small son is missing. Then his body is discovered. Her cousin Michael is found guilty of his murder and incarcerated in a secure psychiatric unit.
Four years later, now divorced and back in the police force, Rachel discovers that Michael is being released to a less secure step-down unit, with his freedom a likely eventuality. Unable to cope with this, she decides upon revenge, assuming a new identity to hunt him down and kill him. However, as she closes in on her target, her friend Jonathan, a journalist, uncovers some unnerving information about her mother and others in her family and begins to suspect that Rachel’s perception of the truth might not be as accurate as she thinks – that she might be about to murder the wrong man…
Ex-DI Rachel’s small son is missing. Then his body is discovered. Her cousin Michael is found guilty of his murder and incarcerated in a secure psychiatric unit.
Four years later, now divorced and back in the police force, Rachel discovers that Michael is being released to a less secure step-down unit, with his freedom a likely eventuality. Unable to cope with this, she decides upon revenge, assuming a new identity to hunt him down and kill him. However, as she closes in on her target, her friend Jonathan, a journalist, uncovers some unnerving information about her mother and others in her family and begins to suspect that Rachel’s perception of the truth might not be as accurate as she thinks – that she might be about to murder the wrong man…
- GenresCrime
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2016
19 people are currently reading
692 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Corrigan
5 books110 followersJA Corrigan's new title, THE BAD SISTER is publishing 21st April 2022.
Her other works include, THE NURSE (2021) and FALLING SUNS (2016)
JA Corrigan studied in London, completing a BA Humanities degree, majoring in Modern History and English Literature.
JA also writes modern historical fiction under the pseudonym, Jules Hayes.
Her other works include, THE NURSE (2021) and FALLING SUNS (2016)
JA Corrigan studied in London, completing a BA Humanities degree, majoring in Modern History and English Literature.
JA also writes modern historical fiction under the pseudonym, Jules Hayes.
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April 3, 2017This is one brilliant standout read, not only for the sheer quality of writing but also for the outstanding depth of emotion portrayed within. A mother’s story of revenge, Falling Suns is also a story that explores some of humanity’s darker minds. This is the perfect book to boost your faith in the ‘thrill’ element of the genre and refresh the simple act of being utterly consumed by a book.
When Ex-DI Rachel Dune’ son, Joe, is found dead, her world rapidly slips into something akin to hell, the anguish only a mother can truly attest to. Suddenly she is a passenger in her own life, lost, futilely seeking her dead son in everyday life.
When her cousin, Michael Hemmings comes forward and admits to the murder of his nephew, Rachel endures a harrowing trial and conviction that eventually leads to his being taken to a secure psychiatric unit.
Four years later, Hemmings is about to be transferred to a step-down unit, perhaps even eventually released. Grieving over her son’s death and over the dark secrets that reside in her family’s past, Rachel seeks revenge, as only a grieving mother truly can.
“I sank onto the cold tiles, into the pool of coffee, and watched as Joe’s picture fell downwards, like a leaf floating from an autumn tree. I wanted to catch it, save it, save Joe, but I could do nothing.
Only watch the falling suns.”
Falling Suns is very original. There are a lot of books out there with plots revolving around characters seeking revenge, but with this, there is so much more. Rachel, an Ex-DI, has all the expertise and experience to get it. And in a very unique, brilliant way.
A very dark, visceral book, Falling Suns will inevitably send chills running down your spine, simultaneously blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
I haven’t read anything like this before. Blown away! I loved it!
I thoroughly recommend this book. It’s fabulous!
Dark. Gripping. Disturbing
I received my review copy via the publisher.
When Ex-DI Rachel Dune’ son, Joe, is found dead, her world rapidly slips into something akin to hell, the anguish only a mother can truly attest to. Suddenly she is a passenger in her own life, lost, futilely seeking her dead son in everyday life.
When her cousin, Michael Hemmings comes forward and admits to the murder of his nephew, Rachel endures a harrowing trial and conviction that eventually leads to his being taken to a secure psychiatric unit.
Four years later, Hemmings is about to be transferred to a step-down unit, perhaps even eventually released. Grieving over her son’s death and over the dark secrets that reside in her family’s past, Rachel seeks revenge, as only a grieving mother truly can.
“I sank onto the cold tiles, into the pool of coffee, and watched as Joe’s picture fell downwards, like a leaf floating from an autumn tree. I wanted to catch it, save it, save Joe, but I could do nothing.
Only watch the falling suns.”
Falling Suns is very original. There are a lot of books out there with plots revolving around characters seeking revenge, but with this, there is so much more. Rachel, an Ex-DI, has all the expertise and experience to get it. And in a very unique, brilliant way.
A very dark, visceral book, Falling Suns will inevitably send chills running down your spine, simultaneously blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
I haven’t read anything like this before. Blown away! I loved it!
I thoroughly recommend this book. It’s fabulous!
Dark. Gripping. Disturbing
I received my review copy via the publisher.
July 9, 2016
t Kindle Edition (edit)
Review There are some psychological thrillers that make you think and keep you gripped the whole time wanting to know what happens, while this is one of those it is also more. As it says in the blurb it is dark and brooding and goes places a lot of other books don't and for that you need a strong stomach, while this book is really good I feel many people will not agree or will be put off because of the dark areas it explores.
The book starts off with Rachel's son Joe having been missing for a few days, the sense of helplessness and exhaustion are clear, the emotions raw and easy to see, and it's obvious that some people are trying to be positive while others are not. The trial follows the discovery of Joe's body and again the emotions are out there for the reader to see and feel. While the main character has a child and all the associated feelings and responsibilities that come with that, this book has been written in such a way that the emotions of Rachel during the time her son is missing and then through his trial, are able to be understood by anyone whether they have children or not. Some time after the trial Rachel decides to return to work and so the book skips forward a few years to find her life changed quite dramatically but her career going well until the news about Joe's killer reaches her. This news changes her both physically and mentally as she prepares to kill a killer. However, as with life, nothing is straight forward and she begins to wonder and remember events from her childhood that cause confusion and doubts in her plan. At the same time, concerned about his friend, Jonathan is also looking into Rachel's family and drawing his own conclusions that suggest that perhaps the person convicted of Joe's murder was actually innocent.
Through telling this story the author delves into the inner workings of the psychiatric system as well as giving some insights into trials, fake ID's and a host of other things but at the end of the day this story is still that of a mother whose son was taken from her and the lengths she goes to in her plan to make his killer pay. While the story focuses on Rachel it also shows the impact that other people have or have had on her life. It is quite clear from this that what people do, even people we barely know, can impact on us quite dramatically and it's refreshing to see that impact shown here. We do not exist alone, whether we want to or not, and while most books do show the impact of other characters there are few that I have read that also show the impact of someone's childhood on their adult life and that's what makes this book stand out for me from many others I have read.
As a debut novel this is well-researched and incredibly well-written and I would definitely mark this author down as one to watch.
Many thanks to J.A. Corrigan for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review There are some psychological thrillers that make you think and keep you gripped the whole time wanting to know what happens, while this is one of those it is also more. As it says in the blurb it is dark and brooding and goes places a lot of other books don't and for that you need a strong stomach, while this book is really good I feel many people will not agree or will be put off because of the dark areas it explores.
The book starts off with Rachel's son Joe having been missing for a few days, the sense of helplessness and exhaustion are clear, the emotions raw and easy to see, and it's obvious that some people are trying to be positive while others are not. The trial follows the discovery of Joe's body and again the emotions are out there for the reader to see and feel. While the main character has a child and all the associated feelings and responsibilities that come with that, this book has been written in such a way that the emotions of Rachel during the time her son is missing and then through his trial, are able to be understood by anyone whether they have children or not. Some time after the trial Rachel decides to return to work and so the book skips forward a few years to find her life changed quite dramatically but her career going well until the news about Joe's killer reaches her. This news changes her both physically and mentally as she prepares to kill a killer. However, as with life, nothing is straight forward and she begins to wonder and remember events from her childhood that cause confusion and doubts in her plan. At the same time, concerned about his friend, Jonathan is also looking into Rachel's family and drawing his own conclusions that suggest that perhaps the person convicted of Joe's murder was actually innocent.
Through telling this story the author delves into the inner workings of the psychiatric system as well as giving some insights into trials, fake ID's and a host of other things but at the end of the day this story is still that of a mother whose son was taken from her and the lengths she goes to in her plan to make his killer pay. While the story focuses on Rachel it also shows the impact that other people have or have had on her life. It is quite clear from this that what people do, even people we barely know, can impact on us quite dramatically and it's refreshing to see that impact shown here. We do not exist alone, whether we want to or not, and while most books do show the impact of other characters there are few that I have read that also show the impact of someone's childhood on their adult life and that's what makes this book stand out for me from many others I have read.
As a debut novel this is well-researched and incredibly well-written and I would definitely mark this author down as one to watch.
Many thanks to J.A. Corrigan for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2017
There are some books that work best as audio books and I think for sheer shock value, Falling Suns is probably one of them. If I had been reading it on my kindle or in paperback then I think my eyes would have drifted over certain passages, finding them very hard to stomach emotionally. But by having those disturbing scenes graphically described in my ears, there was no way of escaping the horror of the themes addressed here. I did find Falling Suns utterly compulsive listening throughout and, although hard to listen to at times, I never felt like stopping as I just had to follow Rachel’s journey to its breathtakingly dramatic conclusion no matter what.
J.A Corrigan has written an incredibly dark thriller here that will make any parents blood run cold as she explores just how far a mother’s will go to avenge her son’s murder. The media often reports on how parents of missing or murdered children struggle with their own relationship after the loss of a child so I knew that Rachel Dunes family would likely fall apart after the brutal murder of Joe. However, Rachel’s extended family all seemed to have secrets of their own, especially her cousin Michael who was found guilty of Joe’s murder but maintained he has no memory of the vicious attack.
Once Rachel’s plans started to come together, I have to admit to being very shocked at the unexpected route her revenge was going to take! I did have to suspend belief at the actual plotline once it started to unwind but by that time I was totally wrapped up in Rachel’s fierce quest for some closure to her pain even though I disagreed with her way of finding it. But no one can say how they would react to a situation so horrifically heartbreaking so I loved seeing how J.A Corrigans imagination flowed into her narrative, trusting no one until those last final few twists.
There were some very unlikable characters here (pretty much all of them apart from Rachel and Jonathon!) so its a testament to the authors ability to keep her readers invested in her plot that I wanted to keep reading till the end. And it is a tough read at times! Dark and disturbing with themes of child abuse, it isn’t one for the faint hearted but it’s also one that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
This is an exceptional debut novel that felt very different to other books in its genre, well written with a cleverly crafted storyline that really tugged on the heartstrings at times as I watched a mother fall to pieces at the death of her only child. And although I thought a subplot was a little too obvious for my liking, I didn’t work out exactly what had happened to Joe or how it would end!
Definitely an author to watch out for in the future.
J.A Corrigan has written an incredibly dark thriller here that will make any parents blood run cold as she explores just how far a mother’s will go to avenge her son’s murder. The media often reports on how parents of missing or murdered children struggle with their own relationship after the loss of a child so I knew that Rachel Dunes family would likely fall apart after the brutal murder of Joe. However, Rachel’s extended family all seemed to have secrets of their own, especially her cousin Michael who was found guilty of Joe’s murder but maintained he has no memory of the vicious attack.
Once Rachel’s plans started to come together, I have to admit to being very shocked at the unexpected route her revenge was going to take! I did have to suspend belief at the actual plotline once it started to unwind but by that time I was totally wrapped up in Rachel’s fierce quest for some closure to her pain even though I disagreed with her way of finding it. But no one can say how they would react to a situation so horrifically heartbreaking so I loved seeing how J.A Corrigans imagination flowed into her narrative, trusting no one until those last final few twists.
There were some very unlikable characters here (pretty much all of them apart from Rachel and Jonathon!) so its a testament to the authors ability to keep her readers invested in her plot that I wanted to keep reading till the end. And it is a tough read at times! Dark and disturbing with themes of child abuse, it isn’t one for the faint hearted but it’s also one that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
This is an exceptional debut novel that felt very different to other books in its genre, well written with a cleverly crafted storyline that really tugged on the heartstrings at times as I watched a mother fall to pieces at the death of her only child. And although I thought a subplot was a little too obvious for my liking, I didn’t work out exactly what had happened to Joe or how it would end!
Definitely an author to watch out for in the future.
February 7, 2017
My thanks to Emily Dutton at Accent Press for an ARC of this book which I chose to read/review.
Set in Sutton Coldfield/the West Midlands – I immediately felt comfortable with this book as this is my stomping ground! The reader is faced with loss, grief, trauma, betrayal, guilt and secrets with the underlying theme of how far would you go to get justice and could you face the consequences of the decisions you make?
The plot was perfectly paced for this psychological thriller and I raced through this book in record time! The storyline was OMFG, brilliant! – dark, twisted and unlike any I have come across – just when I had figured something out…BOOM!…the author threw something else in to mess up my head!
A complex mix of characters adorn the pages and the reader will find themselves being pulled pillar to post! I won’t name them all, but will highlight those that really stood out to me. Rachel Dune is the main character and I was drawn to her sheer will and determination when it came to finding out what happened to her son, Joe. We see her develop and grow as a person with so much happening in her present life as well as her past. Michael Hemmings….WOW….creepy, yet vulnerable, messed up beyond belief – I immediately thought of the nature vs. nuture theory. This guy is damaged and it is hard not to empathise with him at times. Margaret – hmmm….cold, calculating, manipulative – not the greatest role model as a mother. I instantly disliked her – which made me want to know more! Finally, Jonathan Waters…*sigh*- loved this character – he almost stole the show for me! Determined, protective, loyal and in search of the truth. He is definitely someone you would want on your side!
I had figured out a majority of this story, but that did not take away from my enjoyment of it at all! So if you want a disturbing, twisted, fast-paced psycholoigical thriller that will leave your skin crawling – buy this book! I will most definitely be keeping my eye out for more books from this author!
Set in Sutton Coldfield/the West Midlands – I immediately felt comfortable with this book as this is my stomping ground! The reader is faced with loss, grief, trauma, betrayal, guilt and secrets with the underlying theme of how far would you go to get justice and could you face the consequences of the decisions you make?
The plot was perfectly paced for this psychological thriller and I raced through this book in record time! The storyline was OMFG, brilliant! – dark, twisted and unlike any I have come across – just when I had figured something out…BOOM!…the author threw something else in to mess up my head!
A complex mix of characters adorn the pages and the reader will find themselves being pulled pillar to post! I won’t name them all, but will highlight those that really stood out to me. Rachel Dune is the main character and I was drawn to her sheer will and determination when it came to finding out what happened to her son, Joe. We see her develop and grow as a person with so much happening in her present life as well as her past. Michael Hemmings….WOW….creepy, yet vulnerable, messed up beyond belief – I immediately thought of the nature vs. nuture theory. This guy is damaged and it is hard not to empathise with him at times. Margaret – hmmm….cold, calculating, manipulative – not the greatest role model as a mother. I instantly disliked her – which made me want to know more! Finally, Jonathan Waters…*sigh*- loved this character – he almost stole the show for me! Determined, protective, loyal and in search of the truth. He is definitely someone you would want on your side!
I had figured out a majority of this story, but that did not take away from my enjoyment of it at all! So if you want a disturbing, twisted, fast-paced psycholoigical thriller that will leave your skin crawling – buy this book! I will most definitely be keeping my eye out for more books from this author!
June 2, 2016
Lean, mean psychological thriller
JA Corrigan’s debut is a dark, twisty take on a revenge tragedy. Former detective Rachel has never truly recovered from the murder of her young son, Joe. When his killer looks set to be transferred to a less-secure prison, Rachel sets out to take the law into her own hands. But is she looking in the right place? Sometimes the darkest places are those closest to us.
In true psych drama style, Rachel is a not altogether reliable narrator and nothing is as it seems. Thanks to Corrigan’s skill as a storyteller and writer, Rachel is a fully realised, nuanced character who remains sympathetic throughout despite trawling some of our more base human instincts; I was rooting for her throughout. There are enough plot twists, turns and dead-ends to keep die-hard thriller fans happy with the added benefit of emotional depth and insight. Falling Suns takes you to murky, hellish aspects of the human experience, exploring grief, revenge, redemption and the blinding effects of familial love, but retains a powerful sense of compassion throughout. The shattering effect of the brutal loss of a child must be hard to conjure but in this impressive debut Corrigan displays a touch as sharp and precise as a surgeon’s knife. Quite, quite wonderful. I loved it.
JA Corrigan’s debut is a dark, twisty take on a revenge tragedy. Former detective Rachel has never truly recovered from the murder of her young son, Joe. When his killer looks set to be transferred to a less-secure prison, Rachel sets out to take the law into her own hands. But is she looking in the right place? Sometimes the darkest places are those closest to us.
In true psych drama style, Rachel is a not altogether reliable narrator and nothing is as it seems. Thanks to Corrigan’s skill as a storyteller and writer, Rachel is a fully realised, nuanced character who remains sympathetic throughout despite trawling some of our more base human instincts; I was rooting for her throughout. There are enough plot twists, turns and dead-ends to keep die-hard thriller fans happy with the added benefit of emotional depth and insight. Falling Suns takes you to murky, hellish aspects of the human experience, exploring grief, revenge, redemption and the blinding effects of familial love, but retains a powerful sense of compassion throughout. The shattering effect of the brutal loss of a child must be hard to conjure but in this impressive debut Corrigan displays a touch as sharp and precise as a surgeon’s knife. Quite, quite wonderful. I loved it.
December 17, 2016
An outstanding first novel, dark, disturbing and unputdownable.
Psychological thrillers by, for and about women is a very crowded market (I'm happy to say, being a big fan) but this novel stands out for both the quality of the writing and its dark, complex themes. As I read the last page I was very glad to leave Rachel's world and look across at the Christmas lights twinkling over the village church and forget that such evil exists in too many places in the world. But even gladder to find a new author to add to the list of must-reads.
A paragraph that has stayed with me:
That this is Corrigan's first novel is astonishing, it's so accomplished. I'm bracing myself (in a good way) for her next novel.
Psychological thrillers by, for and about women is a very crowded market (I'm happy to say, being a big fan) but this novel stands out for both the quality of the writing and its dark, complex themes. As I read the last page I was very glad to leave Rachel's world and look across at the Christmas lights twinkling over the village church and forget that such evil exists in too many places in the world. But even gladder to find a new author to add to the list of must-reads.
A paragraph that has stayed with me:
"...you should keep in mind the disunity of people’s minds... When someone does something terrible, even contemplates it, you and I, Rachel, should be aware that something worse has happened to them."
That this is Corrigan's first novel is astonishing, it's so accomplished. I'm bracing myself (in a good way) for her next novel.
July 7, 2016
Falling Suns offers an unflinching and compelling look at some very dark areas of the human psyche. Beautifully written, intelligent, and compassionate, with an unforgettable central character in Rachel. An outstanding debut.
July 10, 2016
I received a free ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. This doesn't affect my review in any manner.
I was initially interested in the book because of the blurb. It reeled me in quickly and I am happy to say that I loved the time I spent reading the book. It's the debut book of the author and honestly, I went in without any feel for her work. Boy, was I surprised! The author delivers a well written book.
The book starts smack dab in the center of a serious situation. Rachel and Liam are overwhelmed by their grief after their son, Joe is abducted and killed. The perpetrator is Michael, Rachel's cousin. The crime is known and the killer is known,only the motive is a mystery but it is attributed to Michael's disturbed life. Rachel is lost in per pain and sets out to avenge Joe's death when she knows Michael may be getting off easy.
That about sums up the story's first few chapters in a few words. It seems to be pretty straight forward in the beginning. But as the story unravels, the author's mastery of the human psych is revealed. She has intricately plotted out each scene and interaction. The relationship between friends and family is explored to the maximum and a darker side of it is shown. It is like peeling away each layer of the society to show the workings under the surface which often is ignored.
The characters were nuanced very well from Rachel with her numbness and her thirst for justice to Liam with his cowardice to Jonathan's interest in Rachel and his eagerness to help her. Each character has something to add to the picture which emerges from the pages of the book. Each trivial information reveals a bigger picture which finally coalesces into the unsavoury finale.
The tale is a dark gritty one with a realistic tone to it. The issues portrayed in the book are very real and they need to be addressed in our society. The behind the scenes details were very well researched and all these details adds to the completeness of the book.
After having a taste of the author's work, I am looking forward to her next book with anticipation. She has set a high level indeed!
My rating : 5/5
I was initially interested in the book because of the blurb. It reeled me in quickly and I am happy to say that I loved the time I spent reading the book. It's the debut book of the author and honestly, I went in without any feel for her work. Boy, was I surprised! The author delivers a well written book.
The book starts smack dab in the center of a serious situation. Rachel and Liam are overwhelmed by their grief after their son, Joe is abducted and killed. The perpetrator is Michael, Rachel's cousin. The crime is known and the killer is known,only the motive is a mystery but it is attributed to Michael's disturbed life. Rachel is lost in per pain and sets out to avenge Joe's death when she knows Michael may be getting off easy.
That about sums up the story's first few chapters in a few words. It seems to be pretty straight forward in the beginning. But as the story unravels, the author's mastery of the human psych is revealed. She has intricately plotted out each scene and interaction. The relationship between friends and family is explored to the maximum and a darker side of it is shown. It is like peeling away each layer of the society to show the workings under the surface which often is ignored.
The characters were nuanced very well from Rachel with her numbness and her thirst for justice to Liam with his cowardice to Jonathan's interest in Rachel and his eagerness to help her. Each character has something to add to the picture which emerges from the pages of the book. Each trivial information reveals a bigger picture which finally coalesces into the unsavoury finale.
The tale is a dark gritty one with a realistic tone to it. The issues portrayed in the book are very real and they need to be addressed in our society. The behind the scenes details were very well researched and all these details adds to the completeness of the book.
After having a taste of the author's work, I am looking forward to her next book with anticipation. She has set a high level indeed!
My rating : 5/5
June 16, 2016
I was offered this book to read/review by the author. To be honest the cover looked intriguing, the blurb caught my eye but for a debut novel I was expecting a run of the mill thriller. Oh wow, was I unprepared for the depth and tragically engrossing aspect of this book!
Rachel and Liam are a young couple with a son named Joe, all was ticking along until the day Joe was found murdered. This isn’t a spoiler because it’s the basis of the story.
As a mother I can only hazard a guess at the despair Rachel felt, she mourns her child to such an extent that revenge is on her mind. It’s not just a random killer though, Michael is her cousin .. does this make it harder to bear?
The way this unravels is extreme, the research into the whole prison/police/psychiatric unit procedures is fantastic and makes you sense the tension, raw, guttural, sheer helplessness of her feelings as she proceeds.
The family background is complex to say the least and Rachel has to embrace her own demons. I can’t praise this highly enough, just as I thought I knew where it was going it spins out another stomach lurching drop on the roller coaster. My emotions were rocked to the core. I felt Rachel’s guilt and grief, she not only loses her son but her marriage, just how much does one person have to endure before they snap!?
The supporting characters are all believable and add to the drama .. I can’t wait to see what Julie-Ann writes next if this is the standard of writing we can expect. Thanks so much for allowing me to read before publication
Rachel and Liam are a young couple with a son named Joe, all was ticking along until the day Joe was found murdered. This isn’t a spoiler because it’s the basis of the story.
As a mother I can only hazard a guess at the despair Rachel felt, she mourns her child to such an extent that revenge is on her mind. It’s not just a random killer though, Michael is her cousin .. does this make it harder to bear?
The way this unravels is extreme, the research into the whole prison/police/psychiatric unit procedures is fantastic and makes you sense the tension, raw, guttural, sheer helplessness of her feelings as she proceeds.
The family background is complex to say the least and Rachel has to embrace her own demons. I can’t praise this highly enough, just as I thought I knew where it was going it spins out another stomach lurching drop on the roller coaster. My emotions were rocked to the core. I felt Rachel’s guilt and grief, she not only loses her son but her marriage, just how much does one person have to endure before they snap!?
The supporting characters are all believable and add to the drama .. I can’t wait to see what Julie-Ann writes next if this is the standard of writing we can expect. Thanks so much for allowing me to read before publication
January 15, 2017
At the center of this novel is a mother's grief for her child - it's very affecting and an engrossing story, but very painful as well.
July 19, 2016
Those of you who follow my reviews will know that dark and gritty isn't something I tackle very often, and I do really rather prefer to avoid secure psychiatric units. I'll be honest and say I even thought about giving up at one point... one last push, I thought... and then something rather wonderful happened. There was a change of focus for a while, Rachel made her decision on revenge - and I simply couldn't put the book down until the very last page.
I must admit though that I did find the unrelenting darkness of the early part of this book very hard to read - not only because of the child abduction and murder, but because of the rawness of the emotion. The fact that it was so difficult to read is a tribute to the excellent writing, but I would have rather liked just a few glimmers of sunshine.
Other than Rachel herself - I could always see the promise there - the characters are universally and disgustingly dreadful. Even the police are riddled with corruption, fighting among themselves. They're all very well drawn - Rachel's parents, Michael's parents - and the dysfunctional relationships very realistic, but I really couldn't blame Rachel's husband Liam for staying out in his shed.
Things do change though, and quite dramatically. The story moves forward in time, and we follow Jonathan for a while as he conducts his own investigation into what really happened. And we spend time with Michael on the psychiatric wing - very disturbing, but totally impossible to stop reading. And then we follow Rachel as she prepares for her revenge - and it's absolutely enthralling as she sets about establishing her new identity in readiness for what she plans to do.
As the story unfolds, so do the layers of secrets and deception: the whole story is quite horrific and raw, but filled with tension and darkness, and I'd defy anyone not to be drawn in by it. And the story's climax is quite wonderfully done. You might have your own idea where it might be going - the clues are there if you're looking carefully enough - but the journey there is really quite a ride.
This book was many miles outside my personal reading comfort zone, and that makes it difficult for me to judge whether others might love it from the start. The writing really is excellent, and really powerful - the raw emotion, the family dynamics and the evil people are capable of are captured quite superbly. And the story sucked me in totally, and spat me out - quite exhausted - at the end. My personal preference might be for the sunnier side of the street, but this really was quite a read - and certainly one I'll not forget in a hurry.
I must admit though that I did find the unrelenting darkness of the early part of this book very hard to read - not only because of the child abduction and murder, but because of the rawness of the emotion. The fact that it was so difficult to read is a tribute to the excellent writing, but I would have rather liked just a few glimmers of sunshine.
Other than Rachel herself - I could always see the promise there - the characters are universally and disgustingly dreadful. Even the police are riddled with corruption, fighting among themselves. They're all very well drawn - Rachel's parents, Michael's parents - and the dysfunctional relationships very realistic, but I really couldn't blame Rachel's husband Liam for staying out in his shed.
Things do change though, and quite dramatically. The story moves forward in time, and we follow Jonathan for a while as he conducts his own investigation into what really happened. And we spend time with Michael on the psychiatric wing - very disturbing, but totally impossible to stop reading. And then we follow Rachel as she prepares for her revenge - and it's absolutely enthralling as she sets about establishing her new identity in readiness for what she plans to do.
As the story unfolds, so do the layers of secrets and deception: the whole story is quite horrific and raw, but filled with tension and darkness, and I'd defy anyone not to be drawn in by it. And the story's climax is quite wonderfully done. You might have your own idea where it might be going - the clues are there if you're looking carefully enough - but the journey there is really quite a ride.
This book was many miles outside my personal reading comfort zone, and that makes it difficult for me to judge whether others might love it from the start. The writing really is excellent, and really powerful - the raw emotion, the family dynamics and the evil people are capable of are captured quite superbly. And the story sucked me in totally, and spat me out - quite exhausted - at the end. My personal preference might be for the sunnier side of the street, but this really was quite a read - and certainly one I'll not forget in a hurry.
Read
July 5, 2016Falling Suns is an emotionally intelligent, well-plotted thriller which explores the experience of being a mother, with its unwavering responsibilities and attachments which may not always be understood–or accepted—by others. Rachel and Liam Dune would appear to have a good life, when viewed from the outside. Rachel’s ever-helpful best friend, Charlotte, lives nearby as do her parents and aunt and uncle. Her husband, Liam, works from home as a renowned painter. So when Rachel eventually decides it’s time for her to go back to work as a detective it would seem that their son, seven year old Joe, will be well looked after in her absence.
Of course, appearances can be deceptive and sometimes what is hidden can be more dangerous than what we think we see. When Joe goes missing, his parents fear the worst. Rachel has worked on cases such as this herself, and understands more than she’d like to. How will Rachel’s worst fears compare with the reality of what’s actually happened to Joe? When Joe is later found dead, and Rachel’s cousin Michael Hemmings admits to the crime, will her suffering give way to grief, or will it simply continue on, taking new and ever changing forms?
Four years after Michael Hemmings has been confined to a secure psychiatric unit, Rachel receives notification that he’s being moved to a less-secure unit in order to begin reintegrating him into society. Unable to bear the thought that Hemmings may one day be free, Rachel Dune decides to quit her job on the force in order to make sure that never happens. But to achieve her aim, she’ll have to cut ties with everyone, and everything, she thinks she knows.
Rachel’s character is the antithesis of the distraught, oppressed female heroine who silently suffers while the men in her life go out and right wrongs. Not only is Rachel a character to be reckoned with, but Corrigan does not shy away from showing readers the more disturbing elements of Rachel’s personality, thus turning female stereotypes on their head.
Corrigan explores the layers which make up families, friendship and society as a whole, and the ways in which relationships can go terribly wrong. Falling Suns raises interesting questions about the nature of the mental health institutions we have in place in modern-day Britain and how effective these are at both assisting individuals in need and in containing those few who really are a danger to others. Oh yes, and it’s a gripping read too.
Of course, appearances can be deceptive and sometimes what is hidden can be more dangerous than what we think we see. When Joe goes missing, his parents fear the worst. Rachel has worked on cases such as this herself, and understands more than she’d like to. How will Rachel’s worst fears compare with the reality of what’s actually happened to Joe? When Joe is later found dead, and Rachel’s cousin Michael Hemmings admits to the crime, will her suffering give way to grief, or will it simply continue on, taking new and ever changing forms?
Four years after Michael Hemmings has been confined to a secure psychiatric unit, Rachel receives notification that he’s being moved to a less-secure unit in order to begin reintegrating him into society. Unable to bear the thought that Hemmings may one day be free, Rachel Dune decides to quit her job on the force in order to make sure that never happens. But to achieve her aim, she’ll have to cut ties with everyone, and everything, she thinks she knows.
Rachel’s character is the antithesis of the distraught, oppressed female heroine who silently suffers while the men in her life go out and right wrongs. Not only is Rachel a character to be reckoned with, but Corrigan does not shy away from showing readers the more disturbing elements of Rachel’s personality, thus turning female stereotypes on their head.
Corrigan explores the layers which make up families, friendship and society as a whole, and the ways in which relationships can go terribly wrong. Falling Suns raises interesting questions about the nature of the mental health institutions we have in place in modern-day Britain and how effective these are at both assisting individuals in need and in containing those few who really are a danger to others. Oh yes, and it’s a gripping read too.
July 25, 2016
Imagine you’re a Mother who is no longer a Mother. Your only child has been abducted and murdered and you no longer trust those closest to you.
The convicted murderer of your young son Joe, has links to your family and is responsible for not just the brutal ending of your son’s life but of your own life as you knew it. Your child is dead, your family are hiding secrets, you can no longer do the job you love effectively and your husband has had an affair and left you, and all of this has happened since the day your 7 year old boy didn’t come home. Wouldn’t you want revenge?
Grieving Mum Rachel is in a better position than most to exact her revenge, she is an ex detective Inspector with in depth knowledge of the criminal side of life, and has the knowledge and contacts to dig deep beneath the surface and reveal what lies beneath. Coupled with this she’s a strong and determined woman – cue mayhem!
The story begins as Rachel is still hoping Joe might come home, but its soon obvious this isn’t going to happen. We witness a harrowing trial and conviction and begin to discover distasteful truths about Rachels own family, but its only when we fast forward a few years to discover the convicted paedophile and murderer is in a secure hospital and may soon be transferred to a less secure unit, that we begin to discover nothing is quite what it seemed at first.
It’s dark and dramatic and covers some very unpleasant topics, but it’s very cleverly constructed with a rather unreliable narrator and some unsavoury twists to leave even the most die-hard thriller aficionado reeling. There are some truly despicable characters and some just not very nice ones but most have their own dirty little secrets for the reader to discover.
Not for the faint hearted, a disturbing thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat and squirming with dislike and distaste filled with characters you'll love to hate, and a few you'll end up sympathising with.
The convicted murderer of your young son Joe, has links to your family and is responsible for not just the brutal ending of your son’s life but of your own life as you knew it. Your child is dead, your family are hiding secrets, you can no longer do the job you love effectively and your husband has had an affair and left you, and all of this has happened since the day your 7 year old boy didn’t come home. Wouldn’t you want revenge?
Grieving Mum Rachel is in a better position than most to exact her revenge, she is an ex detective Inspector with in depth knowledge of the criminal side of life, and has the knowledge and contacts to dig deep beneath the surface and reveal what lies beneath. Coupled with this she’s a strong and determined woman – cue mayhem!
The story begins as Rachel is still hoping Joe might come home, but its soon obvious this isn’t going to happen. We witness a harrowing trial and conviction and begin to discover distasteful truths about Rachels own family, but its only when we fast forward a few years to discover the convicted paedophile and murderer is in a secure hospital and may soon be transferred to a less secure unit, that we begin to discover nothing is quite what it seemed at first.
It’s dark and dramatic and covers some very unpleasant topics, but it’s very cleverly constructed with a rather unreliable narrator and some unsavoury twists to leave even the most die-hard thriller aficionado reeling. There are some truly despicable characters and some just not very nice ones but most have their own dirty little secrets for the reader to discover.
Not for the faint hearted, a disturbing thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat and squirming with dislike and distaste filled with characters you'll love to hate, and a few you'll end up sympathising with.
July 17, 2016
Falling Suns is the debut novel by J.A. Corrigan and one that I couldn't wait to read.
This is the story of a missing child and a mother who will stop at nothing to get her revenge.
Rachel and Liam's marriage is already under pressure and when their young son Joe goes missing things only get worse. Being a former detective, Rachel has worked on missing child cases before so she knows that when it comes to finding Joe time is of the essence and the more time that passes, the less chance there is of finding him safe and well. Her worst fears are soon confirmed, Joe is found dead not far from home and the perpetrator is Rachel's cousin, Michael Hemmings.
Struggling to find her way through her grief and life hard to cope with without her beloved Joe, Rachel goes back to work and starts to plot her revenge.
Falling Suns is an extremely clever and well thought out thriller that took me to some very dark places that some readers might not feel comfortable in but none of it is done for pure shock value as sadly in the world we live in today these things happen and these types of people are real. I take my hat of to Ms Corrigan for having the courage to tackle these issues with such a delicate but assured manner in her first novel. Rachel's character is that of a strong, confident woman who knows exactly what she wants to do and doesn't shy away from doing everything in her power to get her desired result and that makes her an exciting character to read. This was a compelling read and the author has clearly done a lot of research to ensure that the story is authentic and in doing so she has produced a stunning debut novel. I sincerely hope that there will be another novel along from this author very soon!
This is the story of a missing child and a mother who will stop at nothing to get her revenge.
Rachel and Liam's marriage is already under pressure and when their young son Joe goes missing things only get worse. Being a former detective, Rachel has worked on missing child cases before so she knows that when it comes to finding Joe time is of the essence and the more time that passes, the less chance there is of finding him safe and well. Her worst fears are soon confirmed, Joe is found dead not far from home and the perpetrator is Rachel's cousin, Michael Hemmings.
Struggling to find her way through her grief and life hard to cope with without her beloved Joe, Rachel goes back to work and starts to plot her revenge.
Falling Suns is an extremely clever and well thought out thriller that took me to some very dark places that some readers might not feel comfortable in but none of it is done for pure shock value as sadly in the world we live in today these things happen and these types of people are real. I take my hat of to Ms Corrigan for having the courage to tackle these issues with such a delicate but assured manner in her first novel. Rachel's character is that of a strong, confident woman who knows exactly what she wants to do and doesn't shy away from doing everything in her power to get her desired result and that makes her an exciting character to read. This was a compelling read and the author has clearly done a lot of research to ensure that the story is authentic and in doing so she has produced a stunning debut novel. I sincerely hope that there will be another novel along from this author very soon!
July 14, 2016
The story starts with every parent's worst nightmare, that of a child missing and as parents Rachel and Liam wait for news of their missing son, Joe, you can sense their collective unease and the fragmented state of their marriage. I'm not giving any spoilers away when I say that this book takes a very dark and disturbing look into the lives of all those who are affected by the loss of this child. For Rachel, there are no limits to the places she will go to seek vengeance.
Falling Suns is not an easy to story to read as it explores some quite disturbing and distressing psychological scenarios all of which are well explored but which leave a lasting resonance which made me feel quite uneasy. However, that’s where the strength of the book lies, in the way it turns such a dark and complex story completely on its head and gives you something that you really don’t expect.
I read the book comfortably over the space of a couple of afternoons but with my emotions skimming all over the place as there is just so much to take in. Not just about the psychological aspects of loss but also about the dark and disturbing aspect of long buried family secrets and of the hellish demons that, sometimes, exist far below the surface.
This is a very good debut novel from a talented new author who I am sure will continue to go from strength to strength,
Falling Suns is not an easy to story to read as it explores some quite disturbing and distressing psychological scenarios all of which are well explored but which leave a lasting resonance which made me feel quite uneasy. However, that’s where the strength of the book lies, in the way it turns such a dark and complex story completely on its head and gives you something that you really don’t expect.
I read the book comfortably over the space of a couple of afternoons but with my emotions skimming all over the place as there is just so much to take in. Not just about the psychological aspects of loss but also about the dark and disturbing aspect of long buried family secrets and of the hellish demons that, sometimes, exist far below the surface.
This is a very good debut novel from a talented new author who I am sure will continue to go from strength to strength,
June 2, 2016
I was lucky to receive an advanced copy of this psychological thriller. Rachel Dune’s small son is murdered and her cousin is found guilty. As a consequence and oh so common in many of these cases, Rachel’s marriage is rocked to its core. When it seems Rachel’s life cannot get any worse, the reader begins to wonder whether Rachel’s cousin was in fact guilty and the rotten secrets harboured by some family members are revealed. The only way Rachel can cope with her awful loss is to seek to avenge her beloved son’s death.
Nothing is certain in this very cleverly but deceptively smoothly written plot. The author holds no bars in leading her readers down avenues that have no way out, back-tracking their steps again only to have another possibility open to them to explore. She had me guessing right to the end and nothing can be more satisfying than that, along with all loose story-lines neatly tied up.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Falling Suns” even though the content could be viewed as dark at times. However, these harrowing moments affect all of us in some way and the author has treated them with care.
Ms Corrigan deserves great success with “Falling Suns”, it stands on the bookshelf alongside the best thriller writers.
Nothing is certain in this very cleverly but deceptively smoothly written plot. The author holds no bars in leading her readers down avenues that have no way out, back-tracking their steps again only to have another possibility open to them to explore. She had me guessing right to the end and nothing can be more satisfying than that, along with all loose story-lines neatly tied up.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Falling Suns” even though the content could be viewed as dark at times. However, these harrowing moments affect all of us in some way and the author has treated them with care.
Ms Corrigan deserves great success with “Falling Suns”, it stands on the bookshelf alongside the best thriller writers.
July 14, 2016
I was lucky to receive an advanced copy of this psychological thriller. Rachel Dune’s small son is murdered and her cousin is found guilty. As a consequence and oh so common in many of these cases, Rachel’s marriage is rocked to its core. When it seems Rachel’s life cannot get any worse, the reader begins to wonder whether Rachel’s cousin was in fact guilty and the rotten secrets harboured by some family members are revealed. The only way Rachel can cope with her awful loss is to seek to avenge her beloved son’s death.
Nothing is certain in this very cleverly but deceptively smoothly written plot. The author holds no bars in leading her readers down avenues that have no way out, back-tracking their steps again only to have another possibility open to them to explore. She had me guessing right to the end and nothing can be more satisfying than that, along with all loose story-lines neatly tied up.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Falling Suns” even though the content could be viewed as dark at times. However, these harrowing moments affect all of us in some way and the author has treated them with care.
Ms Corrigan deserves great success with “Falling Suns”, it stands on the bookshelf alongside the best thriller writers.
Nothing is certain in this very cleverly but deceptively smoothly written plot. The author holds no bars in leading her readers down avenues that have no way out, back-tracking their steps again only to have another possibility open to them to explore. She had me guessing right to the end and nothing can be more satisfying than that, along with all loose story-lines neatly tied up.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Falling Suns” even though the content could be viewed as dark at times. However, these harrowing moments affect all of us in some way and the author has treated them with care.
Ms Corrigan deserves great success with “Falling Suns”, it stands on the bookshelf alongside the best thriller writers.
June 5, 2016
Debut thriller writer J.A. Corrigan and I are fellow members of an online writing group and as a result I have had the privilege of reading an advance copy of her book, which is due for release next month. I don’t read much in the psychological thriller genre, though I’ve enjoyed the odd Barbara Vine and Sophie Hannah – and ‘Falling Suns’ did not disappoint. What begins with a mother, Rachel, desperately anxious for her missing seven-year-old son, Joe, turns quickly to a story of loss – and of a woman’s quest to put right the past, and refind her own equilibrium in the process.
This is a pacy, darkly atmospheric read. There are twists and turns enough to keep the reader guessing to the end, but so much more as well: the fierce claustrophobia of warped family love, the inescapable legacy of past actions, and a strong protagonist whose emotional journey cannot help but draw you in. Gut-wrenching stuff.
Near the end, I’ll even admit to tears. This was the line that did it: 'I want to find Rachel again. Joe's Rachel.'
This is a pacy, darkly atmospheric read. There are twists and turns enough to keep the reader guessing to the end, but so much more as well: the fierce claustrophobia of warped family love, the inescapable legacy of past actions, and a strong protagonist whose emotional journey cannot help but draw you in. Gut-wrenching stuff.
Near the end, I’ll even admit to tears. This was the line that did it: 'I want to find Rachel again. Joe's Rachel.'
June 15, 2016
When D.I. Rachel loses her son Joe, murdered by her cousin Michael, she loses everything else dear to her: her police job, self-respect, marriage - even a little of her sanity. What she gains is a desire to erase the all-pervading sense that she failed her son when he needed her most.
I won't risk spoilers here, but suffice to say that this is a story of an extended family with deep and unspoken fault lines concealed for the sake of appearances; where even those closest to Rachel have conspired to cheat and lie; where nothing is as it should be - and worse, where the truth is not what she believes.
More than anything, it’s a gripping and haunting portrayal of the claustrophobia surrounding a mother's grief, loss, betrayal... and her re-emergence prompted by a burning desire for vengeance and justice.
(Don't be put off by the 4* rating; that's my top score).
I won't risk spoilers here, but suffice to say that this is a story of an extended family with deep and unspoken fault lines concealed for the sake of appearances; where even those closest to Rachel have conspired to cheat and lie; where nothing is as it should be - and worse, where the truth is not what she believes.
More than anything, it’s a gripping and haunting portrayal of the claustrophobia surrounding a mother's grief, loss, betrayal... and her re-emergence prompted by a burning desire for vengeance and justice.
(Don't be put off by the 4* rating; that's my top score).
May 29, 2016
The book had so many facets of life and loss. I found the book to be superb in showing how life can go on after a tragedy and what the consequences are.
The main character a former police officer who seems to not be able to cope with life without her son Joe.
This book shows a lot of emotional complexity that shows a lot of research done.
The only part that I didn't like as much is that I guessed part of the ending midway through the book. I wanted more of a surprise but the book was still great.
The main character a former police officer who seems to not be able to cope with life without her son Joe.
This book shows a lot of emotional complexity that shows a lot of research done.
The only part that I didn't like as much is that I guessed part of the ending midway through the book. I wanted more of a surprise but the book was still great.
May 31, 2016
A stunning debut. Bold, visceral and intelligent, with not one word wasted. For readers wanting a roller-coaster ride of lies and betrayals, with believable, all too human characters headed by grieving mother and ex-cop Rachel Dune, this has to be number one. Falling Suns would also make a wonderful film or TV drama.
Sally Spedding
Sally Spedding
July 31, 2016
This book is a 5 star plus plus plus, i cold not put it down until i fell asleep reading it...wow, congrats on a great book...I won it during a giveaway and i could not be more impressed with it . Thanks
July 24, 2021
Great book
This book had me well and truly gripped from the start. I got really carried away with the story and characters, and couldn’t put the book down. This is the second book I’ve read from this author and have to say I like their style. Would really recommend this book!
This book had me well and truly gripped from the start. I got really carried away with the story and characters, and couldn’t put the book down. This is the second book I’ve read from this author and have to say I like their style. Would really recommend this book!
August 11, 2021
Took ages to get going
I felt it was rather long winded, I felt like I'd been reading it for ages but was only a 3rd of the way through, decided to stick with it as I wanted to know how it ended
I felt it was rather long winded, I felt like I'd been reading it for ages but was only a 3rd of the way through, decided to stick with it as I wanted to know how it ended
Read
September 12, 2022Didn't finish it. Too implausible
January 15, 2023
Great thriller
A bit darker than some I have read but this is another good thriller with twists and turns in every chapter.
A bit darker than some I have read but this is another good thriller with twists and turns in every chapter.
July 10, 2016
Falling Suns is an outstanding debut from J.A. Corrigan. It has clearly been meticulously researched and it allows the reader to step into the shoes (and the mind) of a grieving mother.
Rachel is an ex police officer, married to Liam with a young son, Joe. One day Joe gets dropped off at home and disappears after appearing to enter the house. Joe flees the house in distress and runs into an adult family member. Someone who Joe recognises and feels safe with, his mother's cousin, Michael Hemmings. As we investigate and discover what happens next, I experienced so many emotions; from fear for what Joe went through, pain for Rachel and Liam and oddly, sympathy for Michael. What did Joe see that caused him to flee the house? Why did Michael abduct him and did Michael actually kill Joe?
More disturbingly, to what lengths will Rachel go to get her revenge? Just as the target is within her sights, new information is discovered that rocks Rachel to her very core. As she reflects on her own childhood, we discover that history has repeated itself with a young child seeing things they should not see.
As the story unfolds, we discover the twisted history of the Hemmings family. Who better to uncover these dark, disturbing family secrets than journalist, Jonathan Waters? Jonathan is Rachel's friend and has secretly harboured feelings for her for a long time. He uncovers more than he bargained for and, after a few bumps and twists, can finally give Rachel the peace that she deserves.
Falling Suns is an exceptional debut, at times disturbing but completely enthralling. J.A. Corrigan has given the reader a front row seat as one family's dirty laundry is hung completely out to dry. Addictively compelling reading, my eyes were superglued to every single page until the last word was read.
I received this e-book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Rachel is an ex police officer, married to Liam with a young son, Joe. One day Joe gets dropped off at home and disappears after appearing to enter the house. Joe flees the house in distress and runs into an adult family member. Someone who Joe recognises and feels safe with, his mother's cousin, Michael Hemmings. As we investigate and discover what happens next, I experienced so many emotions; from fear for what Joe went through, pain for Rachel and Liam and oddly, sympathy for Michael. What did Joe see that caused him to flee the house? Why did Michael abduct him and did Michael actually kill Joe?
More disturbingly, to what lengths will Rachel go to get her revenge? Just as the target is within her sights, new information is discovered that rocks Rachel to her very core. As she reflects on her own childhood, we discover that history has repeated itself with a young child seeing things they should not see.
As the story unfolds, we discover the twisted history of the Hemmings family. Who better to uncover these dark, disturbing family secrets than journalist, Jonathan Waters? Jonathan is Rachel's friend and has secretly harboured feelings for her for a long time. He uncovers more than he bargained for and, after a few bumps and twists, can finally give Rachel the peace that she deserves.
Falling Suns is an exceptional debut, at times disturbing but completely enthralling. J.A. Corrigan has given the reader a front row seat as one family's dirty laundry is hung completely out to dry. Addictively compelling reading, my eyes were superglued to every single page until the last word was read.
I received this e-book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2016
Great debut novel. Perhaps too complicated to be credible
Disclaimer: I have met the author and attended the book launch.
I read this on Kindle and my wife read the book, so this is a joint review. To start with, this is not a genre of book I normally read but I found it gripping and ripped through it. It is a great first novel. I'm impressed.
I initially found the reaction of the main character to her son's murder an over-reaction. My wife disagreed. Having said that, I have seen close hand the total devastation the loss of a child can cause, so I accepted it. Even so, the lengths to which this bereaved mother then goes stretched my belief.
There are no real heroes in the book. Everyone is flawed, makes mistakes, misjudges events and misses opportunities to alter the path of their lives. That makes them seem slightly more normal, though, by the end, nobody is normal and nothing is as it seems.
By about 3/4 of the way through I had guessed "whodunit". But I had not predicted all the complex loose ends that get tied up, nor the drama. It was almost too much, too clever. Having said that, lots of novels require a temporary suspension of reality to believe them or not dwell on the holes.
It is well-written and pacey but it could have benefited from a thorough edit - there were a few repeated errors that grated the pedants that we are.
But I'd heartily recommend reading Falling Suns and I am already looking forward to JA Corrigan's next novel.
It’s a combined 3.5 stars from the two of us
Disclaimer: I have met the author and attended the book launch.
I read this on Kindle and my wife read the book, so this is a joint review. To start with, this is not a genre of book I normally read but I found it gripping and ripped through it. It is a great first novel. I'm impressed.
I initially found the reaction of the main character to her son's murder an over-reaction. My wife disagreed. Having said that, I have seen close hand the total devastation the loss of a child can cause, so I accepted it. Even so, the lengths to which this bereaved mother then goes stretched my belief.
There are no real heroes in the book. Everyone is flawed, makes mistakes, misjudges events and misses opportunities to alter the path of their lives. That makes them seem slightly more normal, though, by the end, nobody is normal and nothing is as it seems.
By about 3/4 of the way through I had guessed "whodunit". But I had not predicted all the complex loose ends that get tied up, nor the drama. It was almost too much, too clever. Having said that, lots of novels require a temporary suspension of reality to believe them or not dwell on the holes.
It is well-written and pacey but it could have benefited from a thorough edit - there were a few repeated errors that grated the pedants that we are.
But I'd heartily recommend reading Falling Suns and I am already looking forward to JA Corrigan's next novel.
It’s a combined 3.5 stars from the two of us
October 3, 2017
“Falling Suns” is the harrowing story of a mother coming to terms with the murder of her son, and the lengths she will go to exact revenge.
Our tortured protagonist is ex-DI Rachel Dune, a woman who uses all her considerable skills learned from the force to track down and get close to the man convicted of killing son Joe, when he’s moved to a less secure psychiatric unit with a view to early release after just a few years. Tapping into feelings of a society that cares more for criminals than victims, this is a terrific book rich in detail and not afraid to tackle difficult subjects head on. Often bleak and occasionally raw, it not only gives us a well-written central character whose sense of loss and injustice keeps you rooting for her, but cleverly offers up an insightful glimpse into the mind of a man convicted for the most unspeakable crime.
Whilst all the clues are there to work out what actually happened to poor Joe, as well as the numerous betrayals Rachel must overcome, there are still plenty of surprises. And the ending, when the confrontation finally comes, is simply sublime. Highly recommended.
Our tortured protagonist is ex-DI Rachel Dune, a woman who uses all her considerable skills learned from the force to track down and get close to the man convicted of killing son Joe, when he’s moved to a less secure psychiatric unit with a view to early release after just a few years. Tapping into feelings of a society that cares more for criminals than victims, this is a terrific book rich in detail and not afraid to tackle difficult subjects head on. Often bleak and occasionally raw, it not only gives us a well-written central character whose sense of loss and injustice keeps you rooting for her, but cleverly offers up an insightful glimpse into the mind of a man convicted for the most unspeakable crime.
Whilst all the clues are there to work out what actually happened to poor Joe, as well as the numerous betrayals Rachel must overcome, there are still plenty of surprises. And the ending, when the confrontation finally comes, is simply sublime. Highly recommended.
September 9, 2018
Decent enough story and the prose hung together well, but I didn't identify with any of the characters and found the major ones either implausible or, at best, poorly explained. Mostly, I didn't buy the psychology.
Too many basic errors I may have overlooked in a better book - constant use of 'Person and I' eg 'he gave it to Tom and I'. I would have accepted it as a tic in one character but they were all at it. Everyone talking of a 'step down' unit as if this is a phrase in common parlance. Polish time being an hour behind British. Travelling North East to Liverpool (from London & Birmingham)
Too many basic errors I may have overlooked in a better book - constant use of 'Person and I' eg 'he gave it to Tom and I'. I would have accepted it as a tic in one character but they were all at it. Everyone talking of a 'step down' unit as if this is a phrase in common parlance. Polish time being an hour behind British. Travelling North East to Liverpool (from London & Birmingham)
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