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An Unthinkable Thing
A tragedy brings a young boy into the home of a "perfect" family--one whose dark secrets begin closing in, until a horrifying moment changes everything.
Tommie Ware’s life is turned upside down the summer of 1958, just after his eleventh birthday. When his beloved aunt—the woman who raised him—doesn’t return after her shift as a night nurse and is later found murdered, there is only one place left for Tommie to go: “home” to the mother who handed him over the day he was born.
All is not as it seems behind the hedgerow surrounding the lavish Henneberry estate where Tommie’s mother, Esther, works as live-in housekeeper. Her employers have agreed he can stay until she “sorts things out,” but as she's at the family’s beck and call around the clock, Tommie is mostly left on his own to navigate the grounds, the massive house, and the twisted family inside.
Soon he is enmeshed in the oppressive attentions of matriarch Muriel, who is often heavily medicated, and of fifteen-year-old, Martin, who treats Tommie sometimes like a kid brother, sometimes like a pawn in a confusing game. While Dr. Henneberry mostly ignores Tommie, he also seems eager for him to be gone. Then there’s the elderly neighbour, who may know more about the family's past than anyone else will say.
By summer's end, the secrets and games tighten around Tommie and his mother, until a horrific crime is discovered and we are faced with an unthinkable question: could an eleven-year-old boy really have committed cold-blooded murder?
Tommie Ware’s life is turned upside down the summer of 1958, just after his eleventh birthday. When his beloved aunt—the woman who raised him—doesn’t return after her shift as a night nurse and is later found murdered, there is only one place left for Tommie to go: “home” to the mother who handed him over the day he was born.
All is not as it seems behind the hedgerow surrounding the lavish Henneberry estate where Tommie’s mother, Esther, works as live-in housekeeper. Her employers have agreed he can stay until she “sorts things out,” but as she's at the family’s beck and call around the clock, Tommie is mostly left on his own to navigate the grounds, the massive house, and the twisted family inside.
Soon he is enmeshed in the oppressive attentions of matriarch Muriel, who is often heavily medicated, and of fifteen-year-old, Martin, who treats Tommie sometimes like a kid brother, sometimes like a pawn in a confusing game. While Dr. Henneberry mostly ignores Tommie, he also seems eager for him to be gone. Then there’s the elderly neighbour, who may know more about the family's past than anyone else will say.
By summer's end, the secrets and games tighten around Tommie and his mother, until a horrific crime is discovered and we are faced with an unthinkable question: could an eleven-year-old boy really have committed cold-blooded murder?
352 pages, Paperback
Published April 12, 2022
304 people are currently reading
12598 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Lundrigan
11 books437 followers“Lundrigan’s skillfully balanced blend of psychological thriller and haunting coming-of-age story is infused with creepy, small-town atmospheric suspense. . . . [Her] writing is both elegant and darkly humorous, delivering bareknuckle social commentary that will appeal to fans of Gillian Flynn, Karin Fossum, and Laura Lippman.”
Booklist, Starred review
Nicole is the author of eight novels including THE SUBSTITUTE, HIDEAWAY, and AN UNTHINKABLE THING. Her work has been selected as a Top 10 pick by Canada’s national newspaper the Globe & Mail, a top 100 on amazon.ca, a top 10 by Now Magazine, and was shortlisted for the Arthur Ellis Award (best crime novel).
If you'd like to connect with Nicole, you can do so through her website.
Booklist, Starred review
Nicole is the author of eight novels including THE SUBSTITUTE, HIDEAWAY, and AN UNTHINKABLE THING. Her work has been selected as a Top 10 pick by Canada’s national newspaper the Globe & Mail, a top 100 on amazon.ca, a top 10 by Now Magazine, and was shortlisted for the Arthur Ellis Award (best crime novel).
If you'd like to connect with Nicole, you can do so through her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 401 reviews
February 1, 2023
3.5 stars
A young boy trapped in a web of lies, deceit, and hidden truths is the star of this book. Tommie Ware has not had an easy life, but one he has found happiness in with his aunt and his best friend. His world turns upside down as his aunt is murdered and Tommy is forced to move in with his mother, Ester, to the home where she is the maid.
The family is pretty gruesome. The son, Martin is a nasty entitled creep while dad is a philanderer and a cad. Mom is no prize either, assisted by an unscrupulous doctor, who prescribes a plethora of pills. Martin terrorizes the old woman who lives next door and has been taught that all woman are "asking for it", by his father.
As mentioned, Ester is at the beck and call of her employers. She seems a timid sort who begs her son to be good, be quiet, stay out of sight. However, Martin sees in Tommie a vulnerable child that he feels he is able to entice to the nasty games he plays.
After a heinous tragedy, the unexpected happens and poor Tommy is accused of the crime and is standing trial. Will this young boy be railroaded into prison or is there a chance that the truth will eventually be known?
I enjoyed this linear story which showed empathy for Tommy and where he wound up. I truly liked the epilogue where as often the case, the universe seems to right itself and justice is served.
Thank you to Nicole Lundregan and NetGalley for a copy of this story due out April 12, 2022.
A young boy trapped in a web of lies, deceit, and hidden truths is the star of this book. Tommie Ware has not had an easy life, but one he has found happiness in with his aunt and his best friend. His world turns upside down as his aunt is murdered and Tommy is forced to move in with his mother, Ester, to the home where she is the maid.
The family is pretty gruesome. The son, Martin is a nasty entitled creep while dad is a philanderer and a cad. Mom is no prize either, assisted by an unscrupulous doctor, who prescribes a plethora of pills. Martin terrorizes the old woman who lives next door and has been taught that all woman are "asking for it", by his father.
As mentioned, Ester is at the beck and call of her employers. She seems a timid sort who begs her son to be good, be quiet, stay out of sight. However, Martin sees in Tommie a vulnerable child that he feels he is able to entice to the nasty games he plays.
After a heinous tragedy, the unexpected happens and poor Tommy is accused of the crime and is standing trial. Will this young boy be railroaded into prison or is there a chance that the truth will eventually be known?
I enjoyed this linear story which showed empathy for Tommy and where he wound up. I truly liked the epilogue where as often the case, the universe seems to right itself and justice is served.
Thank you to Nicole Lundregan and NetGalley for a copy of this story due out April 12, 2022.
April 12, 2022
An Unthinkable Thing held my rapt attention from start to finish.
In 1958, after someone brutally murders his aunt, eleven-year-old Tommie moves in with his mother at the Henneberry estate, where she works as a live-in housekeeper. Soon, Thomas finds himself trying to balance his mother’s instructions of keeping a low-profile while also entertaining the mercurial Henneberrys.
By the summer’s end, someone murders the wealthy family in their backyard by the pool. Tommie is the prime suspect. Is Tommie an innocent child, or is he a cold-blooded killer?
The story alternates between Tommie’s perspective and news clippings, radio transcripts, and court testimony.
The author did an excellent job with Tommie’s voice and maintaining just the right amount of tension. She also deftly explores wealth, privilege, and power imbalances.
This historical thriller has so many great twists and turns. I constantly kept pointing the finger at someone else. I eventually correctly guessed the killer, but I also thought everyone was suspicious, so there’s that.
I will definitely go back and read Nicole Lundrigan’s previous books if they’re anything like this one.
CW: SA.
Thank you to Viking for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
In 1958, after someone brutally murders his aunt, eleven-year-old Tommie moves in with his mother at the Henneberry estate, where she works as a live-in housekeeper. Soon, Thomas finds himself trying to balance his mother’s instructions of keeping a low-profile while also entertaining the mercurial Henneberrys.
By the summer’s end, someone murders the wealthy family in their backyard by the pool. Tommie is the prime suspect. Is Tommie an innocent child, or is he a cold-blooded killer?
The story alternates between Tommie’s perspective and news clippings, radio transcripts, and court testimony.
The author did an excellent job with Tommie’s voice and maintaining just the right amount of tension. She also deftly explores wealth, privilege, and power imbalances.
This historical thriller has so many great twists and turns. I constantly kept pointing the finger at someone else. I eventually correctly guessed the killer, but I also thought everyone was suspicious, so there’s that.
I will definitely go back and read Nicole Lundrigan’s previous books if they’re anything like this one.
CW: SA.
Thank you to Viking for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
March 25, 2022
Tommie is a happy 11 year old boy that lives in Lower Washbourne with his Aunt Celia when the unthinkable happens and his Aunt Celia is murdered. He now has to move in with his mother that gave him away hours after his birth to live at the Henneberry Estate in Upper Washbourne where she is the housekeeper. Tommie always envisioned that his mother lived a lavish lifestyle which is why she must have given him away all those years ago. After making the move he is confronted with the truth and how wrong he was.
The Henneberry clan, old money and old ways, are not your typical family.
When the members of the family are found murdered it appears that Tommie is the guilty party. Did he or didn't he is the question.
This was a melancholic tale if ever there was one. I cared so much for little Tommie and his mother Esther who only wanted what was best for her son. Tommie's innocence and naivete captured my heart and the atmosphere the author created was pitch perfect. I felt as if I was walking the grounds of the estate with young Tommie's hand in mine. The members of the Henneberry family were so despicable that it was cringeworthy and appalling. This was a slow burn story but a compelling one and I absolutely had to know what happened and how. I wasn't at all disappointed. This was a new author for me and one that I would gladly seek out again. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for my complimentary copy.
The Henneberry clan, old money and old ways, are not your typical family.
When the members of the family are found murdered it appears that Tommie is the guilty party. Did he or didn't he is the question.
This was a melancholic tale if ever there was one. I cared so much for little Tommie and his mother Esther who only wanted what was best for her son. Tommie's innocence and naivete captured my heart and the atmosphere the author created was pitch perfect. I felt as if I was walking the grounds of the estate with young Tommie's hand in mine. The members of the Henneberry family were so despicable that it was cringeworthy and appalling. This was a slow burn story but a compelling one and I absolutely had to know what happened and how. I wasn't at all disappointed. This was a new author for me and one that I would gladly seek out again. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for my complimentary copy.
October 11, 2022
STOP what you are doing and RUN to get a copy of An Unthinkable Thing!
In the summer of 1958, 11 year old Tommie Ware is happy living with his aunt Celia in Lower Washbourne, where he is loved. His world is turned upside down after his birthday, when aunt Celia is found brutally murdered. Tommy must move in with his mother in Upper Washbourne, where she works as a live-in housekeeper for the wealthy Henneberry family. Why did Tommie’s mother give up custody? What secrets are the Henneberrys hiding? When the Henneberrys are murdered at the end of the summer, could Tommie have pulled the trigger?
“She was my mother. She was also a stranger.”
An Unthinkable Thing is heart wrenching, disturbing, and unputdownable. Lundrigan explores themes of infidelity, social class, and motherhood while depicting the post WWII era. The writing is fantastic and Tommie’s story is one that I will NEVER forget.
It is easily one of my top ten favorite reads this year!
If you are a fan of character driven domestic suspense, such as the works of Sally Hepworth, you MUST read this book!
Trigger Warning: Rape
5/5 stars
In the summer of 1958, 11 year old Tommie Ware is happy living with his aunt Celia in Lower Washbourne, where he is loved. His world is turned upside down after his birthday, when aunt Celia is found brutally murdered. Tommy must move in with his mother in Upper Washbourne, where she works as a live-in housekeeper for the wealthy Henneberry family. Why did Tommie’s mother give up custody? What secrets are the Henneberrys hiding? When the Henneberrys are murdered at the end of the summer, could Tommie have pulled the trigger?
“She was my mother. She was also a stranger.”
An Unthinkable Thing is heart wrenching, disturbing, and unputdownable. Lundrigan explores themes of infidelity, social class, and motherhood while depicting the post WWII era. The writing is fantastic and Tommie’s story is one that I will NEVER forget.
It is easily one of my top ten favorite reads this year!
If you are a fan of character driven domestic suspense, such as the works of Sally Hepworth, you MUST read this book!
Trigger Warning: Rape
5/5 stars
February 28, 2024
My thanks to Penguin Random House Canada, Nicole Lundrigan and Netgalley.
I'm not doing a review on this. There's some good ones out there. If you want specifics, then please read those.
I went through the whole gamut of emotions reading this story. My heart actually ached for Tommie. After his Aunt's murder and all he had to deal with, it got a bit intense at times.
Tommie was just a character that you can't help but love.
I went back and forth throughout this book. Did I love it or hate it? Both.
Not the story itself, but definitely the wealthy family that he and his mom "served."
at the end? I'm glad I read this. Honestly, Tommie is somebody I'm happy to have known.
I'm not doing a review on this. There's some good ones out there. If you want specifics, then please read those.
I went through the whole gamut of emotions reading this story. My heart actually ached for Tommie. After his Aunt's murder and all he had to deal with, it got a bit intense at times.
Tommie was just a character that you can't help but love.
I went back and forth throughout this book. Did I love it or hate it? Both.
Not the story itself, but definitely the wealthy family that he and his mom "served."
at the end? I'm glad I read this. Honestly, Tommie is somebody I'm happy to have known.
January 26, 2023
Before I go any further I need to say a couple of things. The first is that I absolutely loved this book and I so regret not reading it last year when I was supposed to so that I could've talked it up prior to publication and the second thing is that I love the cover. That's George by the way.
It's 1958 and Tommie Ware is 11 years old and lives with his aunt, a nurse, in a one-bedroom apartment. They don't have a lot but they're happy until one morning his aunt doesn't return home from the night shift at the hospital and is later found murdered. Tommie must go and stay with his mother who works as a live-in housekeeper for the well-to-do Henneberry family.
The story is told from Tommie's point of view interspersed with newspaper stories, excerpts from a trial and radio news stories. He's a real sweetheart and I couldn't help but love him. The other characters are equally as fascinating but in totally different ways, not all of them lovable. The writing is absolutely top drawer. This book was a real page turner and much better than I was expecting. I highly recommend it.
Trigger Warning: Rape
My appreciation to Penguin Random House Canada via Netgalley for providing a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
It's 1958 and Tommie Ware is 11 years old and lives with his aunt, a nurse, in a one-bedroom apartment. They don't have a lot but they're happy until one morning his aunt doesn't return home from the night shift at the hospital and is later found murdered. Tommie must go and stay with his mother who works as a live-in housekeeper for the well-to-do Henneberry family.
The story is told from Tommie's point of view interspersed with newspaper stories, excerpts from a trial and radio news stories. He's a real sweetheart and I couldn't help but love him. The other characters are equally as fascinating but in totally different ways, not all of them lovable. The writing is absolutely top drawer. This book was a real page turner and much better than I was expecting. I highly recommend it.
Trigger Warning: Rape
My appreciation to Penguin Random House Canada via Netgalley for providing a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 17, 2022
Not reading Nicole Lundrigan's "An Unthinkable Thing" would be unthinkable.
Yes, it was that good.
Nostalgically set in the 1950s, "An Unthinkable Thing" is a story about an impoverished 11-year-old boy who is accused of brutally murdering a wealthy "perfect" family in cold blood.
Did he really do it?
Brilliantly unfolding from the POV of the accused 11-year-old boy, this ultra-compelling atmospheric page-turner never misses a beat.
It's a riveting tale that delves behind the veneer of a perfect family, revealing secret after secret, one shocking layer at a time, until the final gasp-worthy ending.
I especially applaud the author for using a young boy for the book's "voice".
There is a certain candor, truthfulness, and tenderness that one can only get through the unjaded perspective of a young person, and providing the young protagonist with his own distinctive voice, truly set this book apart from other titles in its genre.
The author deftly wove fragments of the actual trial proceedings into the storyline; adding to the intrigue.
It was these 1958 trial proceedings that reminded readers how easy it was in 1958 to be convicted of murder without the forensic evidence that is available today.
I listened to the audiobook, read by narrator Nicolas Van Bureck, and the narration was outstanding.
I read two of Nicole Lundrigan's other titles, but this book was in a league of its own.
Yes, it was that good.
Nostalgically set in the 1950s, "An Unthinkable Thing" is a story about an impoverished 11-year-old boy who is accused of brutally murdering a wealthy "perfect" family in cold blood.
Did he really do it?
Brilliantly unfolding from the POV of the accused 11-year-old boy, this ultra-compelling atmospheric page-turner never misses a beat.
It's a riveting tale that delves behind the veneer of a perfect family, revealing secret after secret, one shocking layer at a time, until the final gasp-worthy ending.
I especially applaud the author for using a young boy for the book's "voice".
There is a certain candor, truthfulness, and tenderness that one can only get through the unjaded perspective of a young person, and providing the young protagonist with his own distinctive voice, truly set this book apart from other titles in its genre.
The author deftly wove fragments of the actual trial proceedings into the storyline; adding to the intrigue.
It was these 1958 trial proceedings that reminded readers how easy it was in 1958 to be convicted of murder without the forensic evidence that is available today.
I listened to the audiobook, read by narrator Nicolas Van Bureck, and the narration was outstanding.
I read two of Nicole Lundrigan's other titles, but this book was in a league of its own.
October 26, 2022
this bleak, sensorial
heartwrenching yet
easy to follow story
has grabbed my eye
and left me in tears. ♡
heartwrenching yet
easy to follow story
has grabbed my eye
and left me in tears. ♡
January 6, 2024
An Unthinkable Thing by Nicole Lundrigan
Other Books I Enjoyed by This Author: First time, she has a lot of novels, I added Hideaway to my ‘want to read’ list and she has a new novel coming in 2024 called, A Man Downstairs (it’s on NetGalley!)
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978073524...
Release Date: April 12, 2022
General Genre: Psychological/Thriller/Suspense/Murder Mystery/Coming-of-Age
Sub-Genre/Themes: Adoption, eleven-year-old boys, apartment life, serial killer, classism, wealthy people, housekeepers, generational sins, domestic drama, elder abuse, rape, murder, secrets & lies, murder trials, police procedural, guns, creepy/gross teen boy, moms & sons, raised by extended family
Writing Style: Intricately plotted, well-crafted, character-driven, reverse-engineered from the murder first–going back in time, child POV, short chapters/cliffhangers, trial notes/articles/investigative reports
What You Need to Know: This book has been on my radar for a while now. It comes up frequently when I search for particular tropes and themes. I was impressed with consistently good reviews and critical appraisals.
My Reading Experience: I started reading it at 4 AM on December 20th and read it on and off all day until I finished–I had to know what happened. This child protagonist, young Tommie Ware, won my heart early on. I was deeply invested in his story. He lives with his Aunt in a cramped apartment. She’s a nurse. Tommie’s mother works at a large estate for a wealthy family and comes to visit but is a stranger to the child she gave to her sister to care for.
When tragedy strikes, Tommie must leave everything he knows to live with his mother at the estate where she works.
The Henneberry family estate seems like the ideal place for a young boy to spend his summer. But the Henneberrys aren’t right. Soon, poor Tommie is absorbed into the secret lives of Dr. Henneberry, his strange wife, Murial, and their sixteen-year-old son, Martin.
Some scenes gave me so much anxiety, I would read a paragraph and then stop–too nervous to see if what I felt would happen, would, indeed, happen. It was so intense!
The author is skilled at keeping her cards, her twists and turns, close to the vest–I started developing theories about what I thought could be going on, but honestly–I was just content to go along for the ride.
Because we know from the very beginning that Tommie is accused of murdering the Henneberry family, it is almost impossible to put a bookmark in and step away from the events as they unfold. Every chapter leaves off with an invitation to keep going that you cannot resist.
The notes from the trial, investigative paperwork, and testimonies are peppered throughout the ongoing narrative providing clues and insights at just the right moment.
A perfectly crafted thriller.
Final Recommendation: This is how you write horror/thrillers/coming-of-age/suspense. A new gold standard for me. Flawless.
Comps: Sisters by Daisy Johnson, The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell, A Good Marriage by Stephen King,
Other Books I Enjoyed by This Author: First time, she has a lot of novels, I added Hideaway to my ‘want to read’ list and she has a new novel coming in 2024 called, A Man Downstairs (it’s on NetGalley!)
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978073524...
Release Date: April 12, 2022
General Genre: Psychological/Thriller/Suspense/Murder Mystery/Coming-of-Age
Sub-Genre/Themes: Adoption, eleven-year-old boys, apartment life, serial killer, classism, wealthy people, housekeepers, generational sins, domestic drama, elder abuse, rape, murder, secrets & lies, murder trials, police procedural, guns, creepy/gross teen boy, moms & sons, raised by extended family
Writing Style: Intricately plotted, well-crafted, character-driven, reverse-engineered from the murder first–going back in time, child POV, short chapters/cliffhangers, trial notes/articles/investigative reports
What You Need to Know: This book has been on my radar for a while now. It comes up frequently when I search for particular tropes and themes. I was impressed with consistently good reviews and critical appraisals.
My Reading Experience: I started reading it at 4 AM on December 20th and read it on and off all day until I finished–I had to know what happened. This child protagonist, young Tommie Ware, won my heart early on. I was deeply invested in his story. He lives with his Aunt in a cramped apartment. She’s a nurse. Tommie’s mother works at a large estate for a wealthy family and comes to visit but is a stranger to the child she gave to her sister to care for.
When tragedy strikes, Tommie must leave everything he knows to live with his mother at the estate where she works.
The Henneberry family estate seems like the ideal place for a young boy to spend his summer. But the Henneberrys aren’t right. Soon, poor Tommie is absorbed into the secret lives of Dr. Henneberry, his strange wife, Murial, and their sixteen-year-old son, Martin.
Some scenes gave me so much anxiety, I would read a paragraph and then stop–too nervous to see if what I felt would happen, would, indeed, happen. It was so intense!
The author is skilled at keeping her cards, her twists and turns, close to the vest–I started developing theories about what I thought could be going on, but honestly–I was just content to go along for the ride.
Because we know from the very beginning that Tommie is accused of murdering the Henneberry family, it is almost impossible to put a bookmark in and step away from the events as they unfold. Every chapter leaves off with an invitation to keep going that you cannot resist.
The notes from the trial, investigative paperwork, and testimonies are peppered throughout the ongoing narrative providing clues and insights at just the right moment.
A perfectly crafted thriller.
Final Recommendation: This is how you write horror/thrillers/coming-of-age/suspense. A new gold standard for me. Flawless.
Comps: Sisters by Daisy Johnson, The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell, A Good Marriage by Stephen King,
January 30, 2023
My Rating Style: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ beautifully crafted, spoke to the heart BUT THAT ENDING 🙌
Tommie Ware is an eleven year old boy living in the poor part of town with his loving aunt. He feels he has everything thing a young man needs, stability, school and a best friend. Everything is destroyed in the summer of 1958 when his Aunt is found brutally murdered.
Tommie suddenly doesn’t have everything a young man needs, and is forced to live with his biological mother who is a house maid for The Henneberries. A very rich and powerful family, where everything is not what it seems.
Over the summer Tommie will come to know the Henneberry family far better than he ever wanted to. He is counting the days until he and his mother can move to their own place as was promised at the beginning of summer but the end of summer doesn’t arrive quick enough and a horrific crime is committed with an Unthinkable Question…
Could an eleven year old boy really commit cold blooded murder… and why??
This book has been on my list for some time, and it really does have rave reviews so I was excited to read it. First up though I would say this is not a thriller, I don’t know if that’s how its marketed but for me that is not it. It is character driven and told from Tommie’s point of view. We also get excerpts from court proceedings, radio interviews, documents and the like, this was really well done and an interesting way to find out bits of the story over time.
We begin with Tommie before his aunt’s murder and before he goes to live at the Henneberry Estate. He takes us quite slowly through his life and what is happening, although it is quite a slow burn it is not uninteresting, anything but in fact. The author has managed to create a very low key sense of dread that builds and builds throughout the book. Tommie is a very likeable character and you really feel his heartbreak and pain throughout.
The way the story is told it feels like ‘olden days’ so it is easy to be transported to1958 with Tommie and imagine you are wishing there were DNA testing, or CCTV or any other modern day technology that would have made things easier for him. Without it the whispers, rumours and assumptions become gospel and lies become truths at the blink of an eye. Just when you think you know what is happening something else happens - but remember not at a fast pace - this one takes you right to the last page with the intrigue and guessing.
I really enjoyed the writing, it was clever and thoughtful. You could really get a feel for each character whether they be cruel, kind or crazy you could feel their emotions, thoughts and intentions coming from the page like steam rising from a hot spring… it was really a thing of beauty.
I did not pick the ending and thank goodness I didn’t because for me that was simply the best bit, the ending and then the Epilogue was one of the best I have read. It was not a simple wrap up of the events that took place but something much deeper and more meaningful. I enjoyed the entire book but from approximately the 70% mark I absolutely adored this book and could not put it down.
Overall, I don’t have anything bad to say and I would definitely recommend it to people who like a slower burn and a character driven novel. It was really beautiful, that is really all I have to say. If this sounds like it might be something you’re interested in I would definitely encourage you to give it a go.
Tommie Ware is an eleven year old boy living in the poor part of town with his loving aunt. He feels he has everything thing a young man needs, stability, school and a best friend. Everything is destroyed in the summer of 1958 when his Aunt is found brutally murdered.
Tommie suddenly doesn’t have everything a young man needs, and is forced to live with his biological mother who is a house maid for The Henneberries. A very rich and powerful family, where everything is not what it seems.
Over the summer Tommie will come to know the Henneberry family far better than he ever wanted to. He is counting the days until he and his mother can move to their own place as was promised at the beginning of summer but the end of summer doesn’t arrive quick enough and a horrific crime is committed with an Unthinkable Question…
Could an eleven year old boy really commit cold blooded murder… and why??
This book has been on my list for some time, and it really does have rave reviews so I was excited to read it. First up though I would say this is not a thriller, I don’t know if that’s how its marketed but for me that is not it. It is character driven and told from Tommie’s point of view. We also get excerpts from court proceedings, radio interviews, documents and the like, this was really well done and an interesting way to find out bits of the story over time.
We begin with Tommie before his aunt’s murder and before he goes to live at the Henneberry Estate. He takes us quite slowly through his life and what is happening, although it is quite a slow burn it is not uninteresting, anything but in fact. The author has managed to create a very low key sense of dread that builds and builds throughout the book. Tommie is a very likeable character and you really feel his heartbreak and pain throughout.
The way the story is told it feels like ‘olden days’ so it is easy to be transported to1958 with Tommie and imagine you are wishing there were DNA testing, or CCTV or any other modern day technology that would have made things easier for him. Without it the whispers, rumours and assumptions become gospel and lies become truths at the blink of an eye. Just when you think you know what is happening something else happens - but remember not at a fast pace - this one takes you right to the last page with the intrigue and guessing.
I really enjoyed the writing, it was clever and thoughtful. You could really get a feel for each character whether they be cruel, kind or crazy you could feel their emotions, thoughts and intentions coming from the page like steam rising from a hot spring… it was really a thing of beauty.
I did not pick the ending and thank goodness I didn’t because for me that was simply the best bit, the ending and then the Epilogue was one of the best I have read. It was not a simple wrap up of the events that took place but something much deeper and more meaningful. I enjoyed the entire book but from approximately the 70% mark I absolutely adored this book and could not put it down.
Overall, I don’t have anything bad to say and I would definitely recommend it to people who like a slower burn and a character driven novel. It was really beautiful, that is really all I have to say. If this sounds like it might be something you’re interested in I would definitely encourage you to give it a go.
May 3, 2022
4.5 STARS - Wow!! This book grabbed me with its premise and kept me eagerly turning the pages with its writing, twists, sweet main character, and its deliciously eerie feel.
Canadian author Nicole Lundrigan pulls her readers into a mystery set in the summer of 1958 that is centred around 11-year-old Tommie Ware. Tommie was raised by his aunt Celia but when she is murdered, he is sent to live with his mother who is a live-in housekeeper at nearby Henneberry Estate, the lavish home of a prosperous family. But Tommie soon learns that money does not equal happiness and by the end of that summer, he is charged with the murder of the Henneberry family.
The story alternates between Tommie's POV, newspaper articles, court transcripts and radio bits and the story is filled with red herrings to keep readers on their toes. Adding to the drama, Lundrigan includes themes of family, class, bullying and privilege and at the centre of this story is Tommie. Readers will be hard-pressed not to feel for this naïve boy who finds himself at the mercy of the adults around him and one nasty teenager.
This is how slow burn is done! Lundrigan keeps her readers riveted to a story filled with twists and a sinister vibe. This is a story about family dysfunction, privilege, the importance of community, and the dark side of power. Don't miss this unputdownable story which is in stores now!
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Penguin Random House Canada for my advanced copy provided in exchange for my honest review.
May 12, 2025
Well, this book should be added to everyone’s tbr, immediately. I am speechless.
You guys know I’ve been in such a slump lately, I bought this book randomly a couple of years ago, I actually had to dig it out cause it’s been on my tbr for so long. I was absolutely hooked by the end of the first page. I finished all 330 pages in one sitting, cause I could not stop.
This story was so dark! I felt for Thomas it broke my heart all he went thru - I loved the telling of the story not just from Thomas’s POV but also the court case transcripts and the newspaper and radio dialogue had me flying through the pages. Just.. read this book!
You guys know I’ve been in such a slump lately, I bought this book randomly a couple of years ago, I actually had to dig it out cause it’s been on my tbr for so long. I was absolutely hooked by the end of the first page. I finished all 330 pages in one sitting, cause I could not stop.
This story was so dark! I felt for Thomas it broke my heart all he went thru - I loved the telling of the story not just from Thomas’s POV but also the court case transcripts and the newspaper and radio dialogue had me flying through the pages. Just.. read this book!
June 27, 2025
This story was remarkable. It’s amazing how smart and courageous children can be, and how they think. Tom was very smart and played along, all up to the last second. Karma. It was a story of heartache, loss, fear, pain, and redemption. I’m so glad the fish made it. 🐟
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2022
This book was dark, moving, and unforgettable. It's definitely one that will stick me.
The novel opens with Thomas, an eleven-year old boy, on trial for the murder of a family of three - the Henneberrys. The book then brings us back to before the murders to learn what happened. After his beloved Aunt and guardian falls victim to a local serial killer, Thomas is shipped off to live with his biological mother who is a live-in maid for the Henneberrys. At first, Tommie is excited to move to the mansion and befriend the young Martin Henneberry, but appearances can be deceiving and before long, Tommie is eager to move out and start a new life. But is he so eager that he would be willing to commit murder?
I love novels where you know how things turn out but you have to figure out how we got there and let me tell you, this book really kept me guessing. There were three big reveals and I basically got them all wrong which I always really enjoy.
The character development was exceptional and it was easy to connect with Tommie. He had been through so much in his young life, yet he maintained a generally positive attitude and always seemed to stand up for the underdog. Muriel's character fascinated and repulsed me at the same time. Lundrigan built her up so well that I could actually envision her swaying around the house, hear her slurring her words, and imagine her setting her sights on poor Tommie. Martin was abhorrent but Lundrigan did such an excellent job developing him that you could almost (but not quite!) understand how he became who he was because of his upbringing.
I loved the format of the novel. Interviews and news articles were inserted between some of the chapters and I felt like it was a great and unique way to get across other points of view and various pieces of information.
All in all, this book was exceptional and one that will haunt me. There are so many layers and so much to digest that it would be a great read with a friend or bookclub.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada, Kate Rock Book Tours, and NetGalley for a copy of this novel.
The novel opens with Thomas, an eleven-year old boy, on trial for the murder of a family of three - the Henneberrys. The book then brings us back to before the murders to learn what happened. After his beloved Aunt and guardian falls victim to a local serial killer, Thomas is shipped off to live with his biological mother who is a live-in maid for the Henneberrys. At first, Tommie is excited to move to the mansion and befriend the young Martin Henneberry, but appearances can be deceiving and before long, Tommie is eager to move out and start a new life. But is he so eager that he would be willing to commit murder?
I love novels where you know how things turn out but you have to figure out how we got there and let me tell you, this book really kept me guessing. There were three big reveals and I basically got them all wrong which I always really enjoy.
The character development was exceptional and it was easy to connect with Tommie. He had been through so much in his young life, yet he maintained a generally positive attitude and always seemed to stand up for the underdog. Muriel's character fascinated and repulsed me at the same time. Lundrigan built her up so well that I could actually envision her swaying around the house, hear her slurring her words, and imagine her setting her sights on poor Tommie. Martin was abhorrent but Lundrigan did such an excellent job developing him that you could almost (but not quite!) understand how he became who he was because of his upbringing.
I loved the format of the novel. Interviews and news articles were inserted between some of the chapters and I felt like it was a great and unique way to get across other points of view and various pieces of information.
All in all, this book was exceptional and one that will haunt me. There are so many layers and so much to digest that it would be a great read with a friend or bookclub.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada, Kate Rock Book Tours, and NetGalley for a copy of this novel.
December 20, 2021
I read An Unthinkable Thing with my heart in my throat. Nicole Lundrigan masterfully sets the stage with a nostalgic late-50s backdrop, then ratchets up the tension as she slowly reveals that nothing is quite what it seems. This slow-burn mystery builds to an inferno that will keep readers riveted until the final, satisfying page. Five enthusiastic stars!
May 2, 2022
📚 Hello Book Friends! I am still processing and analysing AN UNTHINKABLE THING by Nicole Lundrigan hours after I finished it. This read was mind-blowing in a great way. The way the story is told is interesting and engaging. It has been a while since a book has stunned me with a twist that is surprising and jaw dropping. This book is filled with unlikable characters and yet it is exactly what is needed to deliver that unexpected ending. If you love well written psychological mysteries, this is one to add to your TBR list.
#bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #anunthinkablething #nicolelundrigan #penguincanada #vikingbooks #bookreview
December 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It was dark and creepy I especially liked the ending which I couldn't of predicted it was disturbing and definitely unforgettable. Another favorite thriller for the year! Truly a page turner.
March 28, 2022
“An Unthinkable Thing” has left me with Undeniable Thoughts………complete heart & mind wreckage. My soul has ‘so’ much love for this book. My initial reaction at last page finished was whoa?! What?! Wait! No!! No, Omg! All that did not just happen!! This book tore me apart and twisted my mind, but it also made me reach deeply to analyze my feelings.
This is about maternal love. Biological or not, it is still a powerful bond and that shines with Aunt Celia and Tommie. That light being snuffed out is devastating to Tommie (as well as those who read this story).
It is about courage. In this story, sometimes courage is not quite enough to go beyond the fear, but when courage wins, it wins strong and in ways which cannot be predicted or undone.
It’s about betrayal, rich vs. poor, love vs. hate, kindness vs. cruelty, courage vs. weakness, entitlement vs. contentment, truth vs. deception. It’s about who we are and who we choose to become. It’s about innocence and lost innocence. Friendship and enemies and figuring out which person is which with these characters.
It’s about sacrifice, self loathing and self love. It’s finding your way and it’s about finding ‘you’ despite the circumstances. It’s about finding who your family and friends truly are. It’s about deciding between doing right or wrong and facing the consequences as a result of your choices.
This is beautiful and it is horrible. This book shows the difference between how the rich and poor are treated. It shows us that more often than not, the ‘poor’ are, in heart and spirit, the ‘richer of the two’.
This is written with the narration of Thomas, who is the main character, with dialogue of all characters along with chapter breaks which consist of the murder trial and ��news reports”
People you’ll be spending time with:
Celia: Thomas’s aunt, who raised him when his mother gave him away at birth. She’s sweet, loving, care free and joy filled. Positive about life, wonderful with Thomas, but unfortunately too trusting and naive about the men she brings into her life.
Evelyn Ware: Thomas’s biological mother. Employee of the Hennessy’s as their maid. Seems caring enough. Not much more description to share.
Thomas Ware: Thomas, Tommie, Tom, is introduced as the sweetest and most polite young boy. He seems like your average kid playing innocent games like any eleven year old would play. Especially the kids in 1958. He adores his aunt Celia and the two are very close. An “all American boy“ and then he’s forced to move with his mother. Did living in the crazy and twisted Hennessy’s estate turn him into murderer?
Martin Hennessy: entitled rich kid, troublemaker, bully, buddy, brotherly, unwanted, invisible, sneaky, sly, seemingly saintly, often times sinister. Who exactly is Martin Hennessy? Being close in age and living under the same Hennessy roof, Thomas is the one who gets to knows the answer best.
Dr. Hennessy: Basically, he’s a cruel and heartless jerk.
Muriel Hennessy: The woman is either suffering mental illness, from being overly medicated or a lot of both. She’s oppressive, pompous, haughty, theatrical. She makes no apologies for anything, ever.
Mrs. Grimshaw: Neighbor to the Hennessy’s. Elderly lady always roaming the woods looking for things which she confuses from earlier years. She suffers from Alzheimer’s and is often the target of Martin’s bullying.
Mr. Pober: Sleazy, perverted, filthy man who lives on the steps of where Thomas and Celia live. Always harassing Celia.
This is a story that is so utterly engrossing and suspenseful, surrounded by secrets and mysteries. It’s also wonderfully nostalgic in its happier moments. Worthy of every minute reading every page.
Finding this book to read was a surprising gem and I’m so thankful to @NetGalley the publisher @RandomHouseca @VikingBooks and to the author #NicoleLundrigan for the opportunity to read this early and to be able to share it with other readers!! Thank you very much! #AnUnthinkableThing
#Netgalley
#2022BestBooks #2022BookReleases #2022MustReads #Reading #Readers #Authors #Goodreads
I’m sharing to Goodreads & Twitter and will post to instagram soon. I will also share to Amazon (USA) and Barnes & Noble on release day.
This title is available for pre-order on Amazon and released April 12, 2022
This is about maternal love. Biological or not, it is still a powerful bond and that shines with Aunt Celia and Tommie. That light being snuffed out is devastating to Tommie (as well as those who read this story).
It is about courage. In this story, sometimes courage is not quite enough to go beyond the fear, but when courage wins, it wins strong and in ways which cannot be predicted or undone.
It’s about betrayal, rich vs. poor, love vs. hate, kindness vs. cruelty, courage vs. weakness, entitlement vs. contentment, truth vs. deception. It’s about who we are and who we choose to become. It’s about innocence and lost innocence. Friendship and enemies and figuring out which person is which with these characters.
It’s about sacrifice, self loathing and self love. It’s finding your way and it’s about finding ‘you’ despite the circumstances. It’s about finding who your family and friends truly are. It’s about deciding between doing right or wrong and facing the consequences as a result of your choices.
This is beautiful and it is horrible. This book shows the difference between how the rich and poor are treated. It shows us that more often than not, the ‘poor’ are, in heart and spirit, the ‘richer of the two’.
This is written with the narration of Thomas, who is the main character, with dialogue of all characters along with chapter breaks which consist of the murder trial and ��news reports”
People you’ll be spending time with:
Celia: Thomas’s aunt, who raised him when his mother gave him away at birth. She’s sweet, loving, care free and joy filled. Positive about life, wonderful with Thomas, but unfortunately too trusting and naive about the men she brings into her life.
Evelyn Ware: Thomas’s biological mother. Employee of the Hennessy’s as their maid. Seems caring enough. Not much more description to share.
Thomas Ware: Thomas, Tommie, Tom, is introduced as the sweetest and most polite young boy. He seems like your average kid playing innocent games like any eleven year old would play. Especially the kids in 1958. He adores his aunt Celia and the two are very close. An “all American boy“ and then he’s forced to move with his mother. Did living in the crazy and twisted Hennessy’s estate turn him into murderer?
Martin Hennessy: entitled rich kid, troublemaker, bully, buddy, brotherly, unwanted, invisible, sneaky, sly, seemingly saintly, often times sinister. Who exactly is Martin Hennessy? Being close in age and living under the same Hennessy roof, Thomas is the one who gets to knows the answer best.
Dr. Hennessy: Basically, he’s a cruel and heartless jerk.
Muriel Hennessy: The woman is either suffering mental illness, from being overly medicated or a lot of both. She’s oppressive, pompous, haughty, theatrical. She makes no apologies for anything, ever.
Mrs. Grimshaw: Neighbor to the Hennessy’s. Elderly lady always roaming the woods looking for things which she confuses from earlier years. She suffers from Alzheimer’s and is often the target of Martin’s bullying.
Mr. Pober: Sleazy, perverted, filthy man who lives on the steps of where Thomas and Celia live. Always harassing Celia.
This is a story that is so utterly engrossing and suspenseful, surrounded by secrets and mysteries. It’s also wonderfully nostalgic in its happier moments. Worthy of every minute reading every page.
Finding this book to read was a surprising gem and I’m so thankful to @NetGalley the publisher @RandomHouseca @VikingBooks and to the author #NicoleLundrigan for the opportunity to read this early and to be able to share it with other readers!! Thank you very much! #AnUnthinkableThing
#Netgalley
#2022BestBooks #2022BookReleases #2022MustReads #Reading #Readers #Authors #Goodreads
I’m sharing to Goodreads & Twitter and will post to instagram soon. I will also share to Amazon (USA) and Barnes & Noble on release day.
This title is available for pre-order on Amazon and released April 12, 2022
January 6, 2023
I'm thinking 4.5, maybe even a full five but I have no idea. I'm still trying to figure out how I feel about this one. On the one hand, I was supremely uncomfortable the entire time I read this. The Henneberry family is The Worst™ in every possible way. Some scenes had me physically cringing and trying to get away from the audiobook, it was that bad. I was considering DNFing this for about 50% of the book, but I'm so glad I didn't because THAT ENDING. HOLY FUCK, THAT ENDING. It played out so perfectly and it fully made up for every icky feeling I had. But the ick was there, and I can't just ignore that.
Huge TW for on page rape. I've seen warnings for sexual assault, but I didn't see a single one mention that it was seen directly, not just mentioned. Various other instances of sexual assault too, but that one scene was the worst. DM me if you'd like actual page numbers to prepare yourself!
Huge TW for on page rape. I've seen warnings for sexual assault, but I didn't see a single one mention that it was seen directly, not just mentioned. Various other instances of sexual assault too, but that one scene was the worst. DM me if you'd like actual page numbers to prepare yourself!
March 20, 2022
Son Of A Cracker Jacker! 😳😳😯🤯🤯
Well goodness me! 😳 Holy Flip! What in the world?! This was a major interesting one! I mean goodness almighty! A slow burn mystery thriller that had some crazy jaw dropping moments. The setting is in the 50's and during the entire read, you have excerpts of the investigation of a murder of a family during court. While also being told from Tommie's eleven year old self of what lead up to it and happened.
Tommie was living with his Aunt until she was murdered herself, and sent to stay with his mother who was a live-in housekeeper to a wealthy family, The Henneberry's. With Tommie left to his own accord, he starts to wander, becoming curious and eventually uncovers secrets that this "perfect" family seems to hold. By the end of summer, the entire Henneberry family is murdered. Could Tommie have done such a thing?
This pulls you in, holds your attention, and while a slow burn, keeps you on the edge of your seat! I thoroughly enjoyed this unique premise and style and devoured it in hours! The mystery kept on rolling throughout and the secrets that unfold will leave your jaw on the floor. A must read people!
Thank you to NetGalley & Penguin Random House Canada for this DARC.
Release Date: April 12, 2022
I give this 4.5 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
Well goodness me! 😳 Holy Flip! What in the world?! This was a major interesting one! I mean goodness almighty! A slow burn mystery thriller that had some crazy jaw dropping moments. The setting is in the 50's and during the entire read, you have excerpts of the investigation of a murder of a family during court. While also being told from Tommie's eleven year old self of what lead up to it and happened.
Tommie was living with his Aunt until she was murdered herself, and sent to stay with his mother who was a live-in housekeeper to a wealthy family, The Henneberry's. With Tommie left to his own accord, he starts to wander, becoming curious and eventually uncovers secrets that this "perfect" family seems to hold. By the end of summer, the entire Henneberry family is murdered. Could Tommie have done such a thing?
This pulls you in, holds your attention, and while a slow burn, keeps you on the edge of your seat! I thoroughly enjoyed this unique premise and style and devoured it in hours! The mystery kept on rolling throughout and the secrets that unfold will leave your jaw on the floor. A must read people!
Thank you to NetGalley & Penguin Random House Canada for this DARC.
Release Date: April 12, 2022
I give this 4.5 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
May 25, 2022
This was a tense and dread filled read because you know that it is hurtling towards a deadly outcome from the very first page. While so many parts were hard to read, the innocence and kindness of the main character, Tommie, carries you through.
The story follows Tommie who has moved in with his mother after his aunt is murdered. However in his new place, the Henneberry estate, the people are odd, the the secrets are dark and games are afoot. As the eleven year old struggles to survive the summer, he realizes that his own past may be tied into the darkness on the estate.
Many of the reveals are to be expected but I absolutely did not see the final couple reveals coming so I was excited and appreciative of the ending. Tommie’s voice is distinct and it’s the perfect perspective to this dark and twisted family. The chapters are interspersed with court transcripts and documents which are really interesting to read and are the perfect break for a pretty bleak story otherwise. This was quite unputdownable.
The story follows Tommie who has moved in with his mother after his aunt is murdered. However in his new place, the Henneberry estate, the people are odd, the the secrets are dark and games are afoot. As the eleven year old struggles to survive the summer, he realizes that his own past may be tied into the darkness on the estate.
Many of the reveals are to be expected but I absolutely did not see the final couple reveals coming so I was excited and appreciative of the ending. Tommie’s voice is distinct and it’s the perfect perspective to this dark and twisted family. The chapters are interspersed with court transcripts and documents which are really interesting to read and are the perfect break for a pretty bleak story otherwise. This was quite unputdownable.
December 3, 2022
The entire time I read this I kept thinking “why isn’t this book more popular?!” I started and finished this in the same day….it’s completely unputdownable and I devoured it. The writing style was so captivating and I loved the little snippets of court testimony and police evidence throughout the book.
This book keeps you guessing as to who is truly guilty the entire time, there’s rich people behaving badly, sketchy characters you know you can’t trust and just an overall on-edge vibe throughout the whole book.
My only nit-picky thing would be that Tommie, whose POV you’re following, is supposed to be 11 and I found I had to keep reminding myself he was that young because he seemed later teens/adult. I was easily able to look past this though.
I can’t help but give this one 5⭐️ because I truly enjoyed every second reading it and I wasn’t able to figure out the ending at all!
⚠️content warnings below
⚠️content warnings: murder, rape, mental illness, drowning, grief, gun violence, dementia, voyeurism
This book keeps you guessing as to who is truly guilty the entire time, there’s rich people behaving badly, sketchy characters you know you can’t trust and just an overall on-edge vibe throughout the whole book.
My only nit-picky thing would be that Tommie, whose POV you’re following, is supposed to be 11 and I found I had to keep reminding myself he was that young because he seemed later teens/adult. I was easily able to look past this though.
I can’t help but give this one 5⭐️ because I truly enjoyed every second reading it and I wasn’t able to figure out the ending at all!
⚠️content warnings below
⚠️content warnings: murder, rape, mental illness, drowning, grief, gun violence, dementia, voyeurism
April 18, 2022
“A tragedy brings a young boy into the home of a “perfect” family-one whose dark secrets begin closing in, until a horrifying moment changes everything.’
I absolutely loved this book! A beautifully written work of fiction set in the late 1950’s and told from an 11 year old’s POV, who is also accused of murder. This book gave me all the feels. The author did an amazing job with the narrative and mounting tension and suspense as we navigate through the story, building up to that fateful day. And the characters? Perfect! If you love a nostalgic and atmospheric read that is also part murder mystery and coming of age, you need to read this book.
I absolutely loved this book! A beautifully written work of fiction set in the late 1950’s and told from an 11 year old’s POV, who is also accused of murder. This book gave me all the feels. The author did an amazing job with the narrative and mounting tension and suspense as we navigate through the story, building up to that fateful day. And the characters? Perfect! If you love a nostalgic and atmospheric read that is also part murder mystery and coming of age, you need to read this book.
April 26, 2022
*4.5 Stars!
An Unthinkable Thing was a book that made me think (not that I wasn’t already thinking); it is a book that made me feel (not that I wasn’t already feeling); but more than anything else, An Unthinkable Thing was a book that made me mad, or should I say madder!
For me this book was about wealth, power, and privilege. I’ve never really been a defund the police or eat the rich kind of person, but by the end of this story the Gladstone/Henneberry family looked pretty fucking tasty.
Lundrigan wrote a story in the not so recent past that felt very timely and current. The wealth gap and the privilege that has bought and continues to buy is as relevant as it has always been. Thomas Ware was the perfect vehicle to illustrate that gaping void between the haves and the have nots and the entitlement that they enjoy at our expense and through our hard labor.
If it feels like I’m going a bit off course here and I’m taking things at bit too personally…well, isn’t that what a good book is supposed to do? Make you feel, be personally involved: love, hate, sympathize, and angry. Nicole Lundrigan wrote a good book that made me feel all of these emotions.
As the story revealed the utter contempt that the Gladstone/Henneberry clan felt for all of those beneath them, I couldn’t help but extrapolate that into my own life. I was appalled at their depravity, the entitlement they felt, the way the system protected the rich “donners” who were such “good people,” but I wasn’t surprised, we see it all around us every day.
Well, enough of my political commentary.
An Unthinkable Thing finished off with an ending I didn’t expect, but one that made it even better.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley).
An Unthinkable Thing was a book that made me think (not that I wasn’t already thinking); it is a book that made me feel (not that I wasn’t already feeling); but more than anything else, An Unthinkable Thing was a book that made me mad, or should I say madder!
For me this book was about wealth, power, and privilege. I’ve never really been a defund the police or eat the rich kind of person, but by the end of this story the Gladstone/Henneberry family looked pretty fucking tasty.
Lundrigan wrote a story in the not so recent past that felt very timely and current. The wealth gap and the privilege that has bought and continues to buy is as relevant as it has always been. Thomas Ware was the perfect vehicle to illustrate that gaping void between the haves and the have nots and the entitlement that they enjoy at our expense and through our hard labor.
If it feels like I’m going a bit off course here and I’m taking things at bit too personally…well, isn’t that what a good book is supposed to do? Make you feel, be personally involved: love, hate, sympathize, and angry. Nicole Lundrigan wrote a good book that made me feel all of these emotions.
As the story revealed the utter contempt that the Gladstone/Henneberry clan felt for all of those beneath them, I couldn’t help but extrapolate that into my own life. I was appalled at their depravity, the entitlement they felt, the way the system protected the rich “donners” who were such “good people,” but I wasn’t surprised, we see it all around us every day.
Well, enough of my political commentary.
An Unthinkable Thing finished off with an ending I didn’t expect, but one that made it even better.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley).
October 17, 2022
An excellent, atmospheric thriller, with finely crafted details and stunningly real characters. I devoured this book.
June 4, 2025
This was so well done, from the well written plot to character development, the different POVs, trail mixed media and the way its kind of told in reverse. You already know something bad has happened from the beginning. It’s just the journey Lundrigan takes the reader on to get there that you read. It made me hungrily flip pages and read it at lightening speed.
It’s heartbreaking, uncomfortable and filled with dread. I wanted to give Tommie a super huge hug. He was such a sympathetic character. The side characters were also expertly crafted. I don’t think I will forget Tommie or this story. It was truly wonderfully done. I will most definitely be on the lookout for more Lundrigan.
It’s heartbreaking, uncomfortable and filled with dread. I wanted to give Tommie a super huge hug. He was such a sympathetic character. The side characters were also expertly crafted. I don’t think I will forget Tommie or this story. It was truly wonderfully done. I will most definitely be on the lookout for more Lundrigan.
March 29, 2022
Set in the late 1950's, this story depicts a terrible summer as Tommie Ware is abandoned at age 11 when his Aunt is murdered. Tommie is placed with his mother who had first given him up and takes up residence in the luxurious Hennebury estate where his mother is the housekeeper. Before long, tragedy strikes again and it is up to the reader to decide who is at fault!
Told from the 11 year old's point of view, readers will be swept up by the lavish estate, the horrendous characters who live there the love between Tommie and his mother. If you like a slowburn, are a sucker for a poor orphan-like boy, or just want a stab at solving a crime #AnUnthinkableThing is for you
#penguin #randomhouse #viking
Told from the 11 year old's point of view, readers will be swept up by the lavish estate, the horrendous characters who live there the love between Tommie and his mother. If you like a slowburn, are a sucker for a poor orphan-like boy, or just want a stab at solving a crime #AnUnthinkableThing is for you
#penguin #randomhouse #viking
May 21, 2022
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of An Unthinkable Thing in exchange for an honest review!
Whew! Never have I despised a family more than I despise the Henneberry's!
After his aunt's tragic passing, Tommie is sent to live with his mother at the Henneberry estate where she works as a live-in housekeeper. The longer that Tommie is there, the more he begins to suspect that something is amiss. By the end of the summer, Tommie is accused of murder. Is he the culprit- or is someone else responsible?
This book made me DEEPLY uncomfortable! I loved it, but there were a couple of scenes that made my skin crawl- especially the scene at the clinic. I don't know if I'll ever let anybody near my teeth again! 😅
Whew! Never have I despised a family more than I despise the Henneberry's!
After his aunt's tragic passing, Tommie is sent to live with his mother at the Henneberry estate where she works as a live-in housekeeper. The longer that Tommie is there, the more he begins to suspect that something is amiss. By the end of the summer, Tommie is accused of murder. Is he the culprit- or is someone else responsible?
This book made me DEEPLY uncomfortable! I loved it, but there were a couple of scenes that made my skin crawl- especially the scene at the clinic. I don't know if I'll ever let anybody near my teeth again! 😅
August 19, 2022
4.25 This was like a rollercoaster ride slowly building to the top becoming a little drawn out for me but by page 243 it picked up hurtling toward the end. There are so many clues and story progressions I couldn’t speed read as I didn’t want to miss anything. The writing style of the story reminds me of The Goldfinch. The police interviews were not interesting and could have been left out. Lots of unlikeable and obnoxious characters but a very compelling story. It is always nice to read a Canadian author’s work and I will definitely be looking at more of her books.
May 13, 2022
It's all so wrong until it all makes sense. This story and these characters will keep you reading. I thought I knew what was going to happen but I was so very wrong! Read until the very last page. Wow!
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