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Faulkner Family #2
Never Go Home
She’s a weapon forged in the fires of her past—but this time, the flames could consume her in Critically acclaimed Southern mystery novelist Christopher Swann’s next book, perfect for fans of Linwood Barclay ad Michael Farris Smith.
Orphaned at age ten by a violent home invasion, Susannah Faulkner grew up wild, her stubbornness the only thing harder than her heart. Since then, she’s used her skills to put a boot in the faces of those who deserve it. She knows she’s wired wrong and living a dangerous and violent life, but she’s determined to wring something decent from the world before she leaves it.
Then she gets word her brother Ethan needs her help and returns home to Atlanta. But in the airport, she finds her Uncle Gavin suffering a heart attack. Before he is rushed to the hospital, Gavin whispers a single word to Suzie: Peaches. She’s determined to uncover the meaning behind the cryptic message, but Ethan is also deep in trouble. An ex-soldier and ex-con named Finn appeared on his doorstep with a disturbing story: fifteen years earlier, Finn served with their father in Iraq, where they stole millions in cash. Now the money is missing, and Finn wants his share—or else.
A gang war threatens to explode on Atlanta’s streets. Uncle Gavin clings to life in the hospital. Finn is bent on finding his missing millions. And now, Suzie will be tested as never before in a crucible of violence where all that she holds dear is on the line.
Orphaned at age ten by a violent home invasion, Susannah Faulkner grew up wild, her stubbornness the only thing harder than her heart. Since then, she’s used her skills to put a boot in the faces of those who deserve it. She knows she’s wired wrong and living a dangerous and violent life, but she’s determined to wring something decent from the world before she leaves it.
Then she gets word her brother Ethan needs her help and returns home to Atlanta. But in the airport, she finds her Uncle Gavin suffering a heart attack. Before he is rushed to the hospital, Gavin whispers a single word to Suzie: Peaches. She’s determined to uncover the meaning behind the cryptic message, but Ethan is also deep in trouble. An ex-soldier and ex-con named Finn appeared on his doorstep with a disturbing story: fifteen years earlier, Finn served with their father in Iraq, where they stole millions in cash. Now the money is missing, and Finn wants his share—or else.
A gang war threatens to explode on Atlanta’s streets. Uncle Gavin clings to life in the hospital. Finn is bent on finding his missing millions. And now, Suzie will be tested as never before in a crucible of violence where all that she holds dear is on the line.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2022
39 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Swann
13 books330 followersChristopher Swann is an award-winning, bestselling novelist and high school English teacher. He earned his Ph.D. in creative writing from Georgia State University. He has been a Townsend Prize finalist, longlisted for the Southern Book Prize, and a Georgia Author of the Year winner. He lives with his wife and two sons in Atlanta, where he is the English department chair at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School.
He is the author of five novels:
Shadow of the Lions (2017)
Never Turn Back (2020)
A Fire in the Night (2021)
Never Go Home (2022)
Never Back Down (2023)
He is the author of five novels:
Shadow of the Lions (2017)
Never Turn Back (2020)
A Fire in the Night (2021)
Never Go Home (2022)
Never Back Down (2023)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
October 10, 2022
Never Go Home is the second in Christopher Swann’s Faulkner Family series. It can stand on its own, I think, but I really enjoyed getting to know Suzie in the first book.
About the book: “She’s a weapon forged in the fires of her past—but this time, the flames could consume her in Critically acclaimed Southern mystery novelist Christopher Swann’s next book, perfect for fans of Linwood Barclay and Michael Farris Smith.
Orphaned at age ten by a violent home invasion, Susannah Faulkner grew up wild, her stubbornness the only thing harder than her heart. Since then, she’s used her skills to put a boot in the faces of those who deserve it. She knows she’s wired wrong and living a dangerous and violent life, but she’s determined to wring something decent from the world before she leaves it.”
Suzie is strong character in every sense. I also love her connection to her family. Never Go Home is full of action and tension. While Suzie is at the center of the story there are several other characters that are just as well-developed. It’s gritty and dark, and wow, that ending left me eager to read the next book and see what happens next for Suzie!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
About the book: “She’s a weapon forged in the fires of her past—but this time, the flames could consume her in Critically acclaimed Southern mystery novelist Christopher Swann’s next book, perfect for fans of Linwood Barclay and Michael Farris Smith.
Orphaned at age ten by a violent home invasion, Susannah Faulkner grew up wild, her stubbornness the only thing harder than her heart. Since then, she’s used her skills to put a boot in the faces of those who deserve it. She knows she’s wired wrong and living a dangerous and violent life, but she’s determined to wring something decent from the world before she leaves it.”
Suzie is strong character in every sense. I also love her connection to her family. Never Go Home is full of action and tension. While Suzie is at the center of the story there are several other characters that are just as well-developed. It’s gritty and dark, and wow, that ending left me eager to read the next book and see what happens next for Suzie!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
July 10, 2022
This is the third Christopher Swann book I have read and I have really enjoyed them all! This book is a sequel to book 1, Never Turn Back. The second book was a stand alone. Susannah Faulkner (Suzie) was only 10 years old, her brother Ethan 12, when their parents were killed in a violent home invasion and the children were wounded.
Ethan is now a teacher and Suzie is a kick ass PI who specialises in finding people. She has mad fighting skills and is a crack shot. Suzie knows she’s not wired right, she knows she is probably too violent, but if she can rid the world of scum then that’s gotta be a win -right? She gets a message from Ethan that she needs to get to Atlanta so off she goes. When she arrives, her Uncle Gavin is having a heart attack in the airport terminal. Before he gets whisked off by the ambulance he manages to pass a one word message - “peaches”.
Now Gavin is not a strictly law abiding citizen but she has idea what this message means. Luckily, Frankie who runs her uncle’s bar, and his boyfriend Caesar do know. Peaches is the nickname of Antoine Daniels, a proper gang banger. Suzie brazens her way into his home to find out what business her uncle had going on with him. After putting down two of his men he hands over a guy, Tane Kamaka, a mob accountant whom Uncle Gavin wanted to find to avoid a gang war in Atlanta. She takes him to her brother’s place but he beats feet and escapes out the back while Suzie is telling the FBI she’s never seen the guy!
Cr@p! Now she has to find him again. But also in play is former marine, Finn, who was part of a group that stole $10 million dollars from the billions in cash being sent to Iraq to help rebuild the place. He’s just come out of prison and he wants his money. This was another fast paced, full on action book by Swann. Suzie is really up against it as she tries to find Tane and fend off Finn. Suzie was such an awesome character. I love reading about strong independent women. While she is very independent, she is also deeply protective and caring of her family and friends who also do their bit to assist in this mammoth quest. There was never a dull moment in this story! Many thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
Ethan is now a teacher and Suzie is a kick ass PI who specialises in finding people. She has mad fighting skills and is a crack shot. Suzie knows she’s not wired right, she knows she is probably too violent, but if she can rid the world of scum then that’s gotta be a win -right? She gets a message from Ethan that she needs to get to Atlanta so off she goes. When she arrives, her Uncle Gavin is having a heart attack in the airport terminal. Before he gets whisked off by the ambulance he manages to pass a one word message - “peaches”.
Now Gavin is not a strictly law abiding citizen but she has idea what this message means. Luckily, Frankie who runs her uncle’s bar, and his boyfriend Caesar do know. Peaches is the nickname of Antoine Daniels, a proper gang banger. Suzie brazens her way into his home to find out what business her uncle had going on with him. After putting down two of his men he hands over a guy, Tane Kamaka, a mob accountant whom Uncle Gavin wanted to find to avoid a gang war in Atlanta. She takes him to her brother’s place but he beats feet and escapes out the back while Suzie is telling the FBI she’s never seen the guy!
Cr@p! Now she has to find him again. But also in play is former marine, Finn, who was part of a group that stole $10 million dollars from the billions in cash being sent to Iraq to help rebuild the place. He’s just come out of prison and he wants his money. This was another fast paced, full on action book by Swann. Suzie is really up against it as she tries to find Tane and fend off Finn. Suzie was such an awesome character. I love reading about strong independent women. While she is very independent, she is also deeply protective and caring of her family and friends who also do their bit to assist in this mammoth quest. There was never a dull moment in this story! Many thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
August 3, 2022
Two years on, the second Susannah Faulkner saga Never Go Home by Christopher Swann is finally published. Sussi is working on a missing child case with her usual aplomb, attitude and action, when she is called back to Atlanta when her uncle suffers a heart attack. His whispered words set her off on a hunt for Peaches and then the FBI come calling, potentially setting off a dangerous gang warfare. A most enjoyable rollick of a read with a sassy hero whose troubled past and family tragedy makes for a four star rating. With thanks to Crooked Lane Books and the author, for an uncorrected advanced reader copy for review purposes.
July 28, 2022
4+ stars! This is one thrill ride from start to finish! Susannah Faulkner is a wild and crazy, totally kick-ass lead character. She's damaged and flawed but has only grown stronger. The rest of the cast of characters, her family and friends, offer support, sage advice when she's willing to listen, backup when she needs it, and cleanup afterwards. Can't wait to see where her adventures will lead her next!
I received an arc from the author and publisher via NetGalley. Many thanks for an exciting read. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
I received an arc from the author and publisher via NetGalley. Many thanks for an exciting read. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
November 25, 2022
4.25/5
Never Go Home is now the second installment of the Faulkner Family series, and though it took me a while to get into this one, I ended up absolutely loving the middle all the way to the end. It was full of action at that point, and in my opinion, had a much darker storyline than Never Turn Back did. It also ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I am happy that I already have an advanced copy of Never Back Down on my NetGalley shelf! It was fine as a standalone, but I think you should start with the first book to get a better idea of who these characters are and what motivates them, especially Susannah. I'm not sure if I fully believe the transformation into a vigilante and all-around badass for her, but it reminded me a bit of Alice Vega, so I am here for it. Plus, Susannah riding a motorcycle was a nice touch.
While the first book focused on Susannah's brother, this installment was all about her, and I loved that Joshilyn Jackson narrated the audiobook. I first listened to her narration because she reads her own books, and it makes me happy that she also narrates other books because she is fantastic. I highly recommend picking Never Go Home up on audio, and Jackson's unique voice was perfect for our MC Susannah. She even read the acknowledgments! This installment made me really excited for the next book, especially with the baby cliffhanger. I think this series would be great as movies or a miniseries of some sort, and if you enjoy thrillers, you should enjoy both of the books in the series so far. The mystery was surprising, and I loved not only Christopher Swann's writing, but the twists as well!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Never Go Home is now the second installment of the Faulkner Family series, and though it took me a while to get into this one, I ended up absolutely loving the middle all the way to the end. It was full of action at that point, and in my opinion, had a much darker storyline than Never Turn Back did. It also ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I am happy that I already have an advanced copy of Never Back Down on my NetGalley shelf! It was fine as a standalone, but I think you should start with the first book to get a better idea of who these characters are and what motivates them, especially Susannah. I'm not sure if I fully believe the transformation into a vigilante and all-around badass for her, but it reminded me a bit of Alice Vega, so I am here for it. Plus, Susannah riding a motorcycle was a nice touch.
While the first book focused on Susannah's brother, this installment was all about her, and I loved that Joshilyn Jackson narrated the audiobook. I first listened to her narration because she reads her own books, and it makes me happy that she also narrates other books because she is fantastic. I highly recommend picking Never Go Home up on audio, and Jackson's unique voice was perfect for our MC Susannah. She even read the acknowledgments! This installment made me really excited for the next book, especially with the baby cliffhanger. I think this series would be great as movies or a miniseries of some sort, and if you enjoy thrillers, you should enjoy both of the books in the series so far. The mystery was surprising, and I loved not only Christopher Swann's writing, but the twists as well!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 18, 2022
My first book from Christopher Swann and it went down a treat!
I really liked the badass main character and her attitude towards people who otherwise would be considered dangerous and untouchable,
The writing is fast-paced, and the fight scenes are high stakes and violent, it was a different thriller than I usually read, but that did not keep me back from enjoying it.
A solid 4 stars and looking forward to his next book!
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!
I really liked the badass main character and her attitude towards people who otherwise would be considered dangerous and untouchable,
The writing is fast-paced, and the fight scenes are high stakes and violent, it was a different thriller than I usually read, but that did not keep me back from enjoying it.
A solid 4 stars and looking forward to his next book!
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!
August 14, 2022
Atlanta author Christopher Swann returns following Never Turn Back featuring Susannah Faulkner and her brother Ethan along with other secondary characters in this compelling sequel, NEVER GO HOME. A Faulkner Family Thriller #2.
Dark, Gritty, and Complex.
Suzanne and her brother, Ethan, experienced a home invasion that killed their parents. Now, Suzanne is a tough PI, and Ethan is a teacher.
When Suzanne receives a call from her brother that she needs to come to Atlanta, she is off.
At the airport in Atlanta, her uncle, Uncle Gavin, has a heart attack, and before he is whisked away to the hospital, he simply says, "peaches." What does this mean?
In the meantime, a strange man appears at the doorstep of Ethan's house, an ex-soldier and former marine, Finn. Many years ago, during the Iraq war, Finn stole millions of cash with their father. Now Finn wants his share. Then comes the gang fight in the city of Atlanta. So they are both dealing with unanswered questions.
Gavin is not an above board or a strictly law-abiding citizen, but Suzanne has some idea what this message means. Frankie, who runs her uncle’s bar, and his boyfriend Caesar do know. Peaches is the nickname of Antoine Daniels, a proper gang banger. There is also Tane Kamaka, a mob accountant whom Uncle Gavin wanted to find to avoid a gang war in Atlanta.
Suzie is a tough-as-nails heroine due to the childhood trauma that has shaped her. From nonstop action, violence, danger, and suspense.
While I did not read the first book in the series, this one can be read as a standalone. I lived in Atlanta for many years and always nice to revisit in a book. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you to #CrookedLaneBooks and #NetGalley for an ARC to read, review, and enjoy.
Blog Review @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Put Date: Aug 9, 2022
My Rating: 4 Stars
Aug 2022 Must-Read Books
Dark, Gritty, and Complex.
Suzanne and her brother, Ethan, experienced a home invasion that killed their parents. Now, Suzanne is a tough PI, and Ethan is a teacher.
When Suzanne receives a call from her brother that she needs to come to Atlanta, she is off.
At the airport in Atlanta, her uncle, Uncle Gavin, has a heart attack, and before he is whisked away to the hospital, he simply says, "peaches." What does this mean?
In the meantime, a strange man appears at the doorstep of Ethan's house, an ex-soldier and former marine, Finn. Many years ago, during the Iraq war, Finn stole millions of cash with their father. Now Finn wants his share. Then comes the gang fight in the city of Atlanta. So they are both dealing with unanswered questions.
Gavin is not an above board or a strictly law-abiding citizen, but Suzanne has some idea what this message means. Frankie, who runs her uncle’s bar, and his boyfriend Caesar do know. Peaches is the nickname of Antoine Daniels, a proper gang banger. There is also Tane Kamaka, a mob accountant whom Uncle Gavin wanted to find to avoid a gang war in Atlanta.
Suzie is a tough-as-nails heroine due to the childhood trauma that has shaped her. From nonstop action, violence, danger, and suspense.
While I did not read the first book in the series, this one can be read as a standalone. I lived in Atlanta for many years and always nice to revisit in a book. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you to #CrookedLaneBooks and #NetGalley for an ARC to read, review, and enjoy.
Blog Review @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Put Date: Aug 9, 2022
My Rating: 4 Stars
Aug 2022 Must-Read Books
May 16, 2022
Wherein My Own Reading Habits Do Me In. The story itself here was an excellent romp through mostly northern, Inside The Perimeter, Atlanta, and a great tale of a woman who has become quite good at skills few have. Maybe it got a touch bogged down in the backstory in Iraq, but before that point - when our main character is trying to really figure out what is going on - and after that point - when the tale switches gears to a cat and mouse game with someone even better at these skills than she is - this is actually a remarkably different book than its predecessor. It also *ends* with the title... which blatantly sets up at least one more book in this series.
But here's where my reading habits did me in: I never once realized that this book was the sequel to 2020's Never Turn Back while reading it. Because I had read 434 books between the two entries in this series. Yes, over a span of just 17 months or so. Indeed, I only realized it was the sequel when coming to Goodreads to write this review and seeing it labeled as "Faulkner Family #2, then reading both the description and my review of Never Turn Back.
So do yourself a favor: Don't wait hundreds of books between the two in this series - and when you finish this one, you're going to wish Swann already had Book 3 ready to put in your hands (which he may have, depending on when you read this review/ read this book). Very much recommended.
But here's where my reading habits did me in: I never once realized that this book was the sequel to 2020's Never Turn Back while reading it. Because I had read 434 books between the two entries in this series. Yes, over a span of just 17 months or so. Indeed, I only realized it was the sequel when coming to Goodreads to write this review and seeing it labeled as "Faulkner Family #2, then reading both the description and my review of Never Turn Back.
So do yourself a favor: Don't wait hundreds of books between the two in this series - and when you finish this one, you're going to wish Swann already had Book 3 ready to put in your hands (which he may have, depending on when you read this review/ read this book). Very much recommended.
July 11, 2022
Recommended reading! Review coming on release day in the New York Journal of Books.
June 15, 2022
Finished reading: June 14th 2022
"The logical side of me knows I'm avoiding hard truths, that my denials are bullshit. But this is my reality: my id, ego and superego crammed into a car that's hurtling down the highway, all three of them fighting over the wheel."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
March 10, 2022
Review of eBook
Susannah Faulkner returns to Atlanta at her brother’s request, but her Uncle Gavin’s heart attack mars her arrival at the airport. Before the paramedics whisk him off to the hospital, he whispers, “Peaches” to Susannah and she’s determined to find out what the message means and to do whatever her uncle wanted her to do, but her investigation soon embroils her in a gang war.
Adding to the complexity of her homecoming, an ex-soldier named Finn arrives on the Faulkner doorstep, claiming to have served in Iraq with their now-deceased father, James. Furthermore, he claims James stole millions of dollars from the government . . . and he’s come to get that money.
Neither Susannah nor Ethan know anything about the money, or the possibility that their father had stolen it, but lives are on the line, leaving Susannah in the thick of things, trying to find the truth, trying to locate the money, trying to keep everyone alive.
With the FBI hot on her trail, a kidnapped man in mortal danger, and Finn’s escalating demands, Susannah must navigate a treacherous path. Will she find the answers? And what about the missing money?
=========
Opening with a bang, this narrative, a follow-up to the earlier “Never Turn Back,” pulls readers into the telling of the tale from the outset. Despite being the second in a series [and clearly at least one more book will follow this one], the book works well as a standalone. While Ethan is the central character in “Never Turn Back,” his sister, Susannah, is the central character in “Never Go Home.”
Grim and gritty, with strong, complex characters and a compelling plot, the story doesn’t hesitate to plunge into treachery and intrigue. At times, Susannah comes across as cold and calculating, but readers will discover that she’s simply good at what she does and, although she doesn’t wear her heart on her sleeve, she truly cares about her family.
The unfolding narrative, filled with tension and suspense, keeps readers guessing as the plot twists and turns, revealing some surprises along the way. Readers will find it difficult to set this one aside before turning the final page [which leaves one plot point open, presumably for another book]. But with the main plot points tied up, questions answered, and truths revealed, there’s satisfaction for readers, both in the denouement and in the promise of things to come.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley
#NeverGoHome #NetGalley
Susannah Faulkner returns to Atlanta at her brother’s request, but her Uncle Gavin’s heart attack mars her arrival at the airport. Before the paramedics whisk him off to the hospital, he whispers, “Peaches” to Susannah and she’s determined to find out what the message means and to do whatever her uncle wanted her to do, but her investigation soon embroils her in a gang war.
Adding to the complexity of her homecoming, an ex-soldier named Finn arrives on the Faulkner doorstep, claiming to have served in Iraq with their now-deceased father, James. Furthermore, he claims James stole millions of dollars from the government . . . and he’s come to get that money.
Neither Susannah nor Ethan know anything about the money, or the possibility that their father had stolen it, but lives are on the line, leaving Susannah in the thick of things, trying to find the truth, trying to locate the money, trying to keep everyone alive.
With the FBI hot on her trail, a kidnapped man in mortal danger, and Finn’s escalating demands, Susannah must navigate a treacherous path. Will she find the answers? And what about the missing money?
=========
Opening with a bang, this narrative, a follow-up to the earlier “Never Turn Back,” pulls readers into the telling of the tale from the outset. Despite being the second in a series [and clearly at least one more book will follow this one], the book works well as a standalone. While Ethan is the central character in “Never Turn Back,” his sister, Susannah, is the central character in “Never Go Home.”
Grim and gritty, with strong, complex characters and a compelling plot, the story doesn’t hesitate to plunge into treachery and intrigue. At times, Susannah comes across as cold and calculating, but readers will discover that she’s simply good at what she does and, although she doesn’t wear her heart on her sleeve, she truly cares about her family.
The unfolding narrative, filled with tension and suspense, keeps readers guessing as the plot twists and turns, revealing some surprises along the way. Readers will find it difficult to set this one aside before turning the final page [which leaves one plot point open, presumably for another book]. But with the main plot points tied up, questions answered, and truths revealed, there’s satisfaction for readers, both in the denouement and in the promise of things to come.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley
#NeverGoHome #NetGalley
May 23, 2022
Never Go Home
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Thriller
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 8/9/22
Author: Christopher Swann
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Pages: 288
Goodreads Rating: 3.88
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing a digital copy of the book for me to read in exchange for my honest opinion.
Synopsis: Orphaned at age ten by a violent home invasion, Susannah Faulkner grew up wild, her stubbornness the only thing harder than her heart. She knows she’s wired wrong and living a dangerous and violent life, but she’s determined to wring something decent from the world before she leaves it. Before her uncle is rushed to the hospital, Gavin whispers a single word to Suzie: Peaches. She’s determined to uncover the meaning behind the cryptic message, but Ethan is also deep in trouble. An ex-soldier and ex-con named Finn appeared on his doorstep with a disturbing story: fifteen years earlier, Finn served with their father in Iraq, where they stole millions in cash. Now the money is missing, and Finn wants his share—or else.
My Thoughts: This book is the second in a series, however, this can absolutely be read as a standalone and you follow along fine, I had not read the first book and had no problem keeping up with the storyline. This book is quite different from what I normally read in a thriller, different but good. The author does a creative job at developing the characters giving them depth and complexity. Suzie had experienced trauma but the trauma did not define her, it shaped who she was, crafted her into being fearless and strong, just a badass herione. The plot was intriguing, again something I have not seen before, but very much enjoyed. The writing style is creative, inventive, and just works for this book. The author did an amazing job at his descriptions of the various scenes, I felt like I was right there with Suzie on this journey with her. While some of the scenarios probably would not be plausible, this is a work of fiction and we can stretch it a bit and it still be a fantastic read. I really enjoyed this book and I would read the first book and of course the next book in this series, or anything else Swan puts out.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Thriller
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 8/9/22
Author: Christopher Swann
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Pages: 288
Goodreads Rating: 3.88
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing a digital copy of the book for me to read in exchange for my honest opinion.
Synopsis: Orphaned at age ten by a violent home invasion, Susannah Faulkner grew up wild, her stubbornness the only thing harder than her heart. She knows she’s wired wrong and living a dangerous and violent life, but she’s determined to wring something decent from the world before she leaves it. Before her uncle is rushed to the hospital, Gavin whispers a single word to Suzie: Peaches. She’s determined to uncover the meaning behind the cryptic message, but Ethan is also deep in trouble. An ex-soldier and ex-con named Finn appeared on his doorstep with a disturbing story: fifteen years earlier, Finn served with their father in Iraq, where they stole millions in cash. Now the money is missing, and Finn wants his share—or else.
My Thoughts: This book is the second in a series, however, this can absolutely be read as a standalone and you follow along fine, I had not read the first book and had no problem keeping up with the storyline. This book is quite different from what I normally read in a thriller, different but good. The author does a creative job at developing the characters giving them depth and complexity. Suzie had experienced trauma but the trauma did not define her, it shaped who she was, crafted her into being fearless and strong, just a badass herione. The plot was intriguing, again something I have not seen before, but very much enjoyed. The writing style is creative, inventive, and just works for this book. The author did an amazing job at his descriptions of the various scenes, I felt like I was right there with Suzie on this journey with her. While some of the scenarios probably would not be plausible, this is a work of fiction and we can stretch it a bit and it still be a fantastic read. I really enjoyed this book and I would read the first book and of course the next book in this series, or anything else Swan puts out.
July 28, 2022
I just finished Never go home by Christopher Swann and here’s what I think about it.
Susannah is called home by her brother Ethan. She arrives just as their uncle, the man who raised them, has a heart attack which triggers a whole world of chaos for her to deal with. Whispering the word Peaches to her, she hunts to find out what Uncle Gavin is after.
Not only is there a turf war coming, but Ethan is in need of her help too. He had a man show up, Finn, a man that knew their father… The father that came home from the war not right and was murdered… Finn has a story to tell. One that has their father stealing money and Finn is here to collect his share after spending almost 20 years in prison. Finn wants Suzie to find it…
Can Suzie protect her Uncle's business while he is recovering from his heart attack? Can she find Finn’s missing money before he hurts anyone? Will she be able to stop the turf war that her uncle doesn’t want? Can she survive being tested in this all out action thriller?
I actually didn’t know that this book was a sequel but it didn’t matter as it read like a standalone in its own right and all the characters were nicely developed in this book too.
I loved Suzie. She is hardcore and a bad @ss. I love really strong female protagonists so I was so happy to find a raw and vulnerable person who has her heart in the right place.
There was so much going on that sometimes, it got a little distracting. I don’t think it needed 2 storylines but they were interwoven pretty seamlessly so it wasn’t necessarily a negative thing.
The storyline with Finn was definitely the most exciting part of the whole book. I feel like the author has set themselves up with an antagonist for future reads. Suzie really has met her match now and I need to know what happens next!
Nothing was left not explained, the pace was exceptional and the style of writing was actually so brilliant that I need more from this author.
4 solid stars!
Do you like an action packed thriller that doesn’t stop? Get this one on Aug 9th 2022
Thank you netgalley and crooked lane books for my ARC in exchange for my review!
Susannah is called home by her brother Ethan. She arrives just as their uncle, the man who raised them, has a heart attack which triggers a whole world of chaos for her to deal with. Whispering the word Peaches to her, she hunts to find out what Uncle Gavin is after.
Not only is there a turf war coming, but Ethan is in need of her help too. He had a man show up, Finn, a man that knew their father… The father that came home from the war not right and was murdered… Finn has a story to tell. One that has their father stealing money and Finn is here to collect his share after spending almost 20 years in prison. Finn wants Suzie to find it…
Can Suzie protect her Uncle's business while he is recovering from his heart attack? Can she find Finn’s missing money before he hurts anyone? Will she be able to stop the turf war that her uncle doesn’t want? Can she survive being tested in this all out action thriller?
I actually didn’t know that this book was a sequel but it didn’t matter as it read like a standalone in its own right and all the characters were nicely developed in this book too.
I loved Suzie. She is hardcore and a bad @ss. I love really strong female protagonists so I was so happy to find a raw and vulnerable person who has her heart in the right place.
There was so much going on that sometimes, it got a little distracting. I don’t think it needed 2 storylines but they were interwoven pretty seamlessly so it wasn’t necessarily a negative thing.
The storyline with Finn was definitely the most exciting part of the whole book. I feel like the author has set themselves up with an antagonist for future reads. Suzie really has met her match now and I need to know what happens next!
Nothing was left not explained, the pace was exceptional and the style of writing was actually so brilliant that I need more from this author.
4 solid stars!
Do you like an action packed thriller that doesn’t stop? Get this one on Aug 9th 2022
Thank you netgalley and crooked lane books for my ARC in exchange for my review!
March 10, 2022
(I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley) Although it isn't my usual type of storyline, I was completely surprised. The writer used enough details to string me along but also keep me guessing. The childhood trauma of the main character shaped who she had become. This made the book interesting because she was unpredictable and fearless. Without Suzie, this wouldn't have received 4 stars. Definitely one to read if you like movies with Jason Statham and Daniel Craig, among others.
May 22, 2022
Susannah Faulkner grew up wild. Her brother, Ethan, needs her so she returns home to Altanta. In the airport, she finds her Uncle Gavin suffering a heart attack. Gavin whispers a single word to Suzie: Peaches. She's determined to uncover the meaning of the cryptic message but then Ethan is also deep in trouble. An ex-soldier Finn appeared on his doorstep with a disturbing story: fifteen years earlier, Finn served with their father in Iraq, where they stole millions in cash. Now the money is missing and Finn wants his share - or else.
This is the 2nd book of the series. I didn't read the first but it can be read as a standalone. The characters and plot line were interesting and kept the pages turning until the very end. If you like action thrillers, then you will enjoy this one. I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a copy for an honest review.
This is the 2nd book of the series. I didn't read the first but it can be read as a standalone. The characters and plot line were interesting and kept the pages turning until the very end. If you like action thrillers, then you will enjoy this one. I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a copy for an honest review.
February 20, 2022
I. Loved. This.
If I could go back and read it for the first time, I would in a heartbeat.
The characters have depth, the flow is impeccable and the plot is totally unique. It wasn't what I expected, but in the best way.
I urge anyone and everyone to read this, it's such a great all-rounder. There's family drama, action, a bit of flirting, and plenty of suspense.
*Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own*
If I could go back and read it for the first time, I would in a heartbeat.
The characters have depth, the flow is impeccable and the plot is totally unique. It wasn't what I expected, but in the best way.
I urge anyone and everyone to read this, it's such a great all-rounder. There's family drama, action, a bit of flirting, and plenty of suspense.
*Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own*
October 26, 2022
A great thriller!
Another wild ride from Swann! Susannah Faulkner is a great character and I’m hoping that we see her again soon.
Another wild ride from Swann! Susannah Faulkner is a great character and I’m hoping that we see her again soon.
July 22, 2022
There are books that pull you gently into the landscape and atmosphere of the story; that take you into the minds of the characters gradually. And then there are books like "Never Go Home" by Christopher Swann, which start off with a bang that hits you over the head brutally, and believe me, you don't even know what hit you, and confiscate your attention from the get-go. This book is the follow-up to author Sawnn's "Never Turn Back", featuring Susannah Faulkner and her brother Ethan along with other important characters.
Susannah and Ethan have had a traumatic childhood, having witnessed the murder of their parents in a horrible home-invasion. This hard event turns the siblings to extremely opposite ways of life - Susannah is always on the edge of law, living an eventful life and Ethan lives a sedate life as a teacher. In the previous book, it seems the siblings had uncovered the mystery surrounding their parent's deaths.
In this story, there are unexplained things happening in both their uncle's front and their's - a man from their father's past says that their father ows him millions of dollars. Susannah, at the same time, is also entrusted with a task by her uncle, with not much detail to go on, and it does not help that he is lying invalid in the hospital having to undergo a surgery. Suzie, as she is called, tries to stay ahead of the task her uncle entrusted in her, all the while trying to put together the mystery of the strange man from their father's past, Finn. She needs to pull-through some insurmountable challenges to fulfill her uncle's plea to her, while trying to stay ahead of Finn.
The story rips through, with us following Suzie, as she sails through one tight spot after another, trying her best to find what is going on and how best to handle the issue, using her ingenuity and her training. She is kick-ass with a weird personality and unique psyche owing to her childhood trauma. She is the axis around which the story and the other characters in the book revolve. Her dynamics with her brother, uncle and other people make for an interesting read and quite refreshing too. She is the kind of heroine we get to see very rarely - both in our movies and books.
Most of the secondary characters have been given a tangible presence too, with a depth of characterisation. We know who they are and where they are coming from. Even though I haven't read the previous book, the relationship between these people and their interactions seemed very natural to me. They manage to capture your heart without striving too hard.
The story is carried forward with frequent bursts of brisk action sequence interspersed with light lulls. This makes for a fast- paced, thrilling read which never bores you. In fact, I just couldn't stop reading it. This is the first book I am reading which contains people of shady characters but it still managed to make me root for them; the author has done a tremendous job in that aspect.
I only had a small issue with the book, in that, the character of Finn is not given the same depth as the other characters. We never really get to know what drives him and why he is the way he is. More details on him would have given more depth to the story Itself. In spite of this, this book manages to be slick, fast- paced, action thriller. It's.a continuing story and I am definitely eager to read more of Suzie.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing the Advanced Review Copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Susannah and Ethan have had a traumatic childhood, having witnessed the murder of their parents in a horrible home-invasion. This hard event turns the siblings to extremely opposite ways of life - Susannah is always on the edge of law, living an eventful life and Ethan lives a sedate life as a teacher. In the previous book, it seems the siblings had uncovered the mystery surrounding their parent's deaths.
In this story, there are unexplained things happening in both their uncle's front and their's - a man from their father's past says that their father ows him millions of dollars. Susannah, at the same time, is also entrusted with a task by her uncle, with not much detail to go on, and it does not help that he is lying invalid in the hospital having to undergo a surgery. Suzie, as she is called, tries to stay ahead of the task her uncle entrusted in her, all the while trying to put together the mystery of the strange man from their father's past, Finn. She needs to pull-through some insurmountable challenges to fulfill her uncle's plea to her, while trying to stay ahead of Finn.
The story rips through, with us following Suzie, as she sails through one tight spot after another, trying her best to find what is going on and how best to handle the issue, using her ingenuity and her training. She is kick-ass with a weird personality and unique psyche owing to her childhood trauma. She is the axis around which the story and the other characters in the book revolve. Her dynamics with her brother, uncle and other people make for an interesting read and quite refreshing too. She is the kind of heroine we get to see very rarely - both in our movies and books.
Most of the secondary characters have been given a tangible presence too, with a depth of characterisation. We know who they are and where they are coming from. Even though I haven't read the previous book, the relationship between these people and their interactions seemed very natural to me. They manage to capture your heart without striving too hard.
The story is carried forward with frequent bursts of brisk action sequence interspersed with light lulls. This makes for a fast- paced, thrilling read which never bores you. In fact, I just couldn't stop reading it. This is the first book I am reading which contains people of shady characters but it still managed to make me root for them; the author has done a tremendous job in that aspect.
I only had a small issue with the book, in that, the character of Finn is not given the same depth as the other characters. We never really get to know what drives him and why he is the way he is. More details on him would have given more depth to the story Itself. In spite of this, this book manages to be slick, fast- paced, action thriller. It's.a continuing story and I am definitely eager to read more of Suzie.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing the Advanced Review Copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 7, 2022
Never Go Home - Christopher Swann
When Suzie receives a call from her brother Ethan to return home to Atlanta, she never could have imagined the family mess she was walking into.
As she arrives, she learns her Uncle Gavin has had a heart attack and needs surgery. As the head of the family, Suzie has never seen him so helpless. When she gets her chance to see him he whispers one word to her - "peaches".
She jumps into action trying to figure out the meaning behind his message.
Along with finding out what Peaches means, her brother has an ex soldier Finn arrive on his doorstep, looking for his missing millions. He blames Suzie and Ethan's father and expect Suzie to find it.
The clock is ticking for Suzie as she tries to put together her uncles puzzle, find the missing millions for Finn, all while a gang war is happening and doing her part to prevent it.
Okay, let me start by saying this would make an awesome action movie. However, this isn't typically my genre of book. I possibly misunderstood and thought I was jumping into a thriller.
Looking past the fact it's not my typical genre, the writing was very well done. The characters could've used a bit more development, but overall enjoyed Suzie and her ferociousness. I really had no idea how it was all going to end but was satisfied with the ending. If you enjoy reading about female badasses, definitely give it a read!
⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
When Suzie receives a call from her brother Ethan to return home to Atlanta, she never could have imagined the family mess she was walking into.
As she arrives, she learns her Uncle Gavin has had a heart attack and needs surgery. As the head of the family, Suzie has never seen him so helpless. When she gets her chance to see him he whispers one word to her - "peaches".
She jumps into action trying to figure out the meaning behind his message.
Along with finding out what Peaches means, her brother has an ex soldier Finn arrive on his doorstep, looking for his missing millions. He blames Suzie and Ethan's father and expect Suzie to find it.
The clock is ticking for Suzie as she tries to put together her uncles puzzle, find the missing millions for Finn, all while a gang war is happening and doing her part to prevent it.
Okay, let me start by saying this would make an awesome action movie. However, this isn't typically my genre of book. I possibly misunderstood and thought I was jumping into a thriller.
Looking past the fact it's not my typical genre, the writing was very well done. The characters could've used a bit more development, but overall enjoyed Suzie and her ferociousness. I really had no idea how it was all going to end but was satisfied with the ending. If you enjoy reading about female badasses, definitely give it a read!
⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
June 12, 2022
Susannah Faulkner was orphaned at the tender age of ten, which shaped her to become the woman she is today. She is a hunter, who lives a dangerous life full of violence, intending to make wrongs right before she leaves this world. At the same time a man named Finn comes into her and her brother Ethan’s lives with a story and a threat about stolen money from his time spent in the war with their father, their Uncle Gavin suffers a heart attack that leaves him gravely ill. He whispers the word “Peaches” to Susannah, leaving her with a puzzle she must find a way to solve. A gang war threatens Atlanta while her uncle clings to life and Finn’s threats become increasingly violent. Susannah survive this mountain of a test while everything she loves is in jeopardy?
“Never Go Home” is an exciting, impossible-to-put-down novel that I literally read until the early morning hours. The action and suspense throughout the book keep the reader turning pages as quickly as possible to find out what twisty surprise is around the next corner. It’s a well-written, descriptive, multi-character-driven plot/story line that leaves the reader quite satisfied with the ending. I would be very interested to read more of Christopher Swann’s work after having raced through the pages of this one!
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Christopher Swann, and Crooked Lane Publishing for the ability to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“Never Go Home” is an exciting, impossible-to-put-down novel that I literally read until the early morning hours. The action and suspense throughout the book keep the reader turning pages as quickly as possible to find out what twisty surprise is around the next corner. It’s a well-written, descriptive, multi-character-driven plot/story line that leaves the reader quite satisfied with the ending. I would be very interested to read more of Christopher Swann’s work after having raced through the pages of this one!
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Christopher Swann, and Crooked Lane Publishing for the ability to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2022
A digital ARC of this book was provided to me by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. The opinions are my own and freely given.
I don't read series out of order, typically and I didn't know when I requested this book that it was part of a series. That being said, it took me a couple of chapters to figure out who some of the characters were. The beginning was not a fast read and it seemed kind of slow. I don't know if that was more the story, or me trying to really figure out who and what the characters were. After finishing the book, I still know if I am completely sure every one's "part" in the story; however, I was really invested in this and couldn't wait to finish it.
With a cryptic message from her uncle, who is in the midst of a heart attack, to getting involved in the middle of a gang war, to locating money that was stolen from Iraq, this was pretty chock full of action. Yes, there were a couple stories going on but it adding to the suspense / deadline.
I really did enjoy this book, want to read the first one to really understand Suzie, her brother, her uncle and EVERYONE else involved in her life. This story, although doesn't end on a cliffhanger per se, does keep the storyline open for the 3rd book, which I really want to read.
Thank you NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and Christopher Swann.
I don't read series out of order, typically and I didn't know when I requested this book that it was part of a series. That being said, it took me a couple of chapters to figure out who some of the characters were. The beginning was not a fast read and it seemed kind of slow. I don't know if that was more the story, or me trying to really figure out who and what the characters were. After finishing the book, I still know if I am completely sure every one's "part" in the story; however, I was really invested in this and couldn't wait to finish it.
With a cryptic message from her uncle, who is in the midst of a heart attack, to getting involved in the middle of a gang war, to locating money that was stolen from Iraq, this was pretty chock full of action. Yes, there were a couple stories going on but it adding to the suspense / deadline.
I really did enjoy this book, want to read the first one to really understand Suzie, her brother, her uncle and EVERYONE else involved in her life. This story, although doesn't end on a cliffhanger per se, does keep the storyline open for the 3rd book, which I really want to read.
Thank you NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and Christopher Swann.
October 12, 2022
If you’re looking for an action-packed thriller with a kick-butt, tough-as-nails protagonist, then pick up 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞.
Suzie Faulkner has had a hard past. Her parents were murdered by an intruder entering their home, with Suzie witnessing it all. Since then, Suzie has been different - her heart hard and a bit violent - to say the least.
When her brother Ethan calls her for help, she returns home but finds her uncle has suffered a heart attack. Suzie reaches him, and he utters one word, “Peaches.”
As Suzie starts digging for answers, things explode around her: gang wars are brewing, Ethan is in trouble, and a man is claiming he has a right to millions that her father stole.
A lot is going on here, but I really got a kick out of Suzie. Her traumatic past was not going to hold her back, and it certainly taught her to be loyal to her family.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @christopher_Swann for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
Suzie Faulkner has had a hard past. Her parents were murdered by an intruder entering their home, with Suzie witnessing it all. Since then, Suzie has been different - her heart hard and a bit violent - to say the least.
When her brother Ethan calls her for help, she returns home but finds her uncle has suffered a heart attack. Suzie reaches him, and he utters one word, “Peaches.”
As Suzie starts digging for answers, things explode around her: gang wars are brewing, Ethan is in trouble, and a man is claiming he has a right to millions that her father stole.
A lot is going on here, but I really got a kick out of Suzie. Her traumatic past was not going to hold her back, and it certainly taught her to be loyal to her family.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @christopher_Swann for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
August 16, 2022
I have yet to be disappointed with a Christopher Swann book and Never Go Home may just be his best work to date.
Never Go Home is a Faulkner Family Thriller Book and the second in the series. This book CAN be read as a standalone but why would you want to when book one (Never Turn Back) was equally as amazing as this one!
Never Go Home is a fast paced thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. At times I felt as though I had to close my eyes in fear of what was going to come next! Swann pushes boundaries and really gets you feeling anxious throughout the entire book.
This is the perfect action packed thriller for a wide demographic and will not disappoint !
I have become a huge fan of Swann and I am looking forward to seeing what he comes up with for Book Three!
Never Go Home is a Faulkner Family Thriller Book and the second in the series. This book CAN be read as a standalone but why would you want to when book one (Never Turn Back) was equally as amazing as this one!
Never Go Home is a fast paced thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. At times I felt as though I had to close my eyes in fear of what was going to come next! Swann pushes boundaries and really gets you feeling anxious throughout the entire book.
This is the perfect action packed thriller for a wide demographic and will not disappoint !
I have become a huge fan of Swann and I am looking forward to seeing what he comes up with for Book Three!
March 6, 2022
Look, I'll be honest, I am not a fan of suspense or thrillers or horrors or anything that will make me sleep with the light on but this? This is gold.
Susie is a kick ass main character and Christopher Swann has written her so freaking well - we all love a woman who will do anything for her family and Susie is it.
I enjoyed the plot - insanely unique and flows so well. I will be recommending this to my own bookclub as the August book I enjoyed it that much.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Susie is a kick ass main character and Christopher Swann has written her so freaking well - we all love a woman who will do anything for her family and Susie is it.
I enjoyed the plot - insanely unique and flows so well. I will be recommending this to my own bookclub as the August book I enjoyed it that much.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
March 5, 2022
I requested this book based on just the cover. That was it. Knew nothing about it. At first I was rolling my eyes with some of the plot. But after a bit....I was hooked.
Susie is a badass doing badass things. She goes home and the shiz hits the fan. Family means everything and she’ll stop at nothing to protect and avenge hers.
Susie is a badass doing badass things. She goes home and the shiz hits the fan. Family means everything and she’ll stop at nothing to protect and avenge hers.
March 29, 2022
I did enjoy the characters in this story, especially the interactions and wise-ass comments. The storyline was a bit 'off the wall for me, I wasn't expecting a one-woman army to go after bad guys mostly by herself, but there it was. The ending wasn't what I was hoping for, but at least the heroine wasn't killed off in this story--yet? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
April 2, 2022
*5 Stars*
Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.
This was a really good read that was filled with action. Suzie was a real go getter and I liked the other characters as well. The ending was interesting and I would really like to read more from this author. Would recommend.
Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.
This was a really good read that was filled with action. Suzie was a real go getter and I liked the other characters as well. The ending was interesting and I would really like to read more from this author. Would recommend.
March 12, 2022
I loved this one. A gritty novel with a kick ass heroine. I loved that the characters all had a dark side, it was not a perfect suburbia setting. So many twist and turns. Gruesome and edgy! This was well thought out and well written. I enjoyed this from one one to the last page.
July 7, 2022
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review*
A solid thriller with plenty of twists and turns - featuring a kick ass heroine! For fans of Linwood Barclay and Harlan Coben.
A solid thriller with plenty of twists and turns - featuring a kick ass heroine! For fans of Linwood Barclay and Harlan Coben.
May 11, 2022
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Crooked Lane Books and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Fast paced, strong characters and a gripping, compelling story.
Fast paced, strong characters and a gripping, compelling story.
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