The Seven Truths of Hannah Baxter

Ian Quinn #3

by Grant McKenzie

Shortlisted for the prestigious International Thriller Writers Thriller Award for 2023

First truth: In three days, I’ll be dead.
Second truth: You won’t find me in time, so don’t even try.
Third truth: I am somewhere nearby, but nowhere you can reach.
Fourth truth: My name is Hannah, and if you think you know me, you don’t. You never did. None of you.
Fifth truth: I will tell you things you don’t want to hear.
Sixth truth: You will watch me die.
Seventh truth: Some of you will suffer before I do. I have three days. How long do you have?

Hannah wants the whole city to know the pain she feels - even if it means her own death. Having locked herself in an underground bunker with limited air to protest the rape, humiliation and suicide of her teenage classmate, Hannah is broadcasting her slow death while revealing secrets about the boys who raped her friend. Racing to find her is Child Protection Officer Ian Quinn who once had Hannah as a client. And as Hannah’s live broadcast attracts more and more viewers, the stakes rise as the secrets she is sharing prove damaging to some very powerful and dangerous people.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery

313 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 12, 2022

About the author

Born in Scotland, living in Canada and writing fast-paced fiction, Grant likes to wear a kilt and toque with his six-guns. Often compared to Harlan Coben and Linwood Barclay, Grant has twelve internationally published thrillers to his name that have earned him an avalanche of positive reviews and loyal readership around the globe. His latest novel, The Seven Truths of Hannah Baxter, was shortlisted for the 2023 International Thriller Writers award. He also has a secret identity as mystery writer M.C. Grant (Oops, there goes that secret) who pens the Dixie Flynn mysteries set in San Francisco. This series was shortlisted for the prestigious Shamus award. As a journalist, Grant has won numerous awards across Canada and the U.S., including one in 2012 from the Association of Alternative Newsmedia — the same organization that Dixie’s fictitious San Francisco NOW belongs to. He resides in Victoria, B.C., where he works with people experiencing homelessness and poverty.

Reviews

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this series? First thing that comes to mind is that I never want it to end. It’s like a friend has been telling me about his life and I NEED to know more.

From cover to cover, all 3 books are filled with non-stop action filled with emotions that made me laugh and cry and you never know which it will be. As in real life, there are touches of humour within the despair, little quips, responses and references.

I will be utterly distraught if there are to be no more Ian Quinn novels as I now have a thirst for more of this lovely man in his fight to always put Children First.

Grant McKenzie has produced a magnificent character who needs many more adventures.

[POGGO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, suspenseful, good pace, never lost interest – couldn’t stop reading.

[s wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

A great storyline and plot with lots of action and never a dull moment. I will definitely read more of his books.

[Judy Churchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I REALLY liked this novel. Teen angst and peer pressure can be deadly and kids, as well as adults, can be cruel. This is a good depiction of how that can escalate.

[Sam C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Once I started I didn't want to put it down. Suspenseful, gritty and touching ,I would recommend to all. Good writing .

[Gail McLaren · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review

All I can say is wow! That was such an amazing story. I can only hope that reading this story will make some people think about their actions. I highly recommend reading this story!

[Lynne Alexander Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

an awesome ride

With real dialogue, true characters and a thrilling plot, this book was pure joy...could not put it down. MORE MORE!

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to put down

This author owes me two nights of sleep, due to his intriguing plot and great action. To make matters worse, I'll be back for more!

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a really hard time getting into this book. The premise was interesting and I liked the characters, but it just moved so slowly.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disturbingly good

I got my copy for free, but the opinion is my own.
I've read enough literature on child protection issues to feel that this book touched on realistic issues. It was terrifying at times, gripping all the time, and well-written. At the heart of it, it disturbed me; but in good ways. What will I do when I next encounter a hurt person? Will I blame or protect?

[Gregory Trammell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Total Tear Jerker

So fraught with teenage angst and emotion you'll probably find yourself crying. A deep look inside the mind of a teen girl who seeks justice for her dearest friend. The ending again is unexpected, horrifying and yet you feel justice was partially served. Truly and thought provoking read.

[Stacey Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up! I thought this was a fantastic book. It kept me intrigued the whole time. I definitely want to read more from this author.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique story. Fast-paced read. Well written.

[Pamela Faust · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hannah is pretty pissed that her friend, Sarah, died. She killed herself after three boys conspired to rape her and then sent it out over the internet. Hannah is now going to kill herself, but first, she’s going to make those boys pay. Ian is a child service worker and he is wrapped up in the case because his own daughter recently died. The book was funny, most of the time with Ian’s quirky words, but I lost a lot of patience with the author’s mixing up people’s names. It wasn’t Sarah Baxter...Hanna was a Baxter. And Duke was often called Bo’s name. It was frustrating to never know what happened to the adult T-cho people.

[Jessie Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Action packed and a thrilling story. The ending felt rushed, though, a little unrealistic, and some questions left unanswered. Also, Ian Quinn got on my nerves sometimes, but I do appreciate a flawed character. I now need to go back and read the two books that came before this one.

[Garry Tagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written, great detailed descriptions all the way thru. An enjoyable read.

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of broken youths who care about their loved ones enough to risk all and get retribution -- an emotionally stirring story!

[G B D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed thriller

A story that will keep you turning the page to find out what happens next. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[Sonia Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate twisst

This story was different from most I've read. It was interesting and engaging and had a sit by the edge of your seat story.

[Miss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Page turner

I read this book very quickly as I wanted to know what happened next. Be prepared for a gritty storyline. It was well paced until the end which felt rushed. Also there were unanswered questions and loose ends. I wanted to know what happened to the perpetrators in the long run.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot and characters were frequently fascinating but also full of darkness and disturbing concepts.
I appreciated that Ian seems to be a 'good guy' who wants to help kids and in that respect is the character that I am cheering for. But the whole book left me a little depressed about the world.

[Carrie Rubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of sitting next to this author at an awards banquet, and now I’ve had the pleasure of reading his fiction. The Seven Truths of Hannah Baxter was a terrific read with a page-turning plot and a wonderfully likable protagonist. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read the previous books so maybe that left me missing out on the past events in Ian's life. There's a lot of discussion about his daughter that makes no sense if you missed the other books.

Otherwise it's an okay book. Weird ending that left things undone, though.

[Dan A. Foster · Rating 1 out of 5]

The 8th Truth

Profaning that which is sacred to many is unacceptable and unnecessary. Liberally dropping f-bombs throughout is bad writing. There is better writing elsewhere.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring, boring, boring..... Need to change my genre I think as not been the slightest bit enamored with books claiming to be thrillers lately.....

[Julie Nell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

What a great book. Loved it. First of his I have read. Will definitely be reading more. Ian is a great character. Jersey too.

[christine vidourek · Rating 5 out of 5]

an adrenaline rush

This book kept you on your toes. If you like violence and mystery then this book is definitely for you.