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Nora McTavish #2
Never Come Back
Needing to help the most vulnerable is in Nora McTavish’s DNA. Living within the echoes of her own traumatic past, she spends her days as a family advocate providing comfort and justice for those without anyone else to turn to. So when a long lost childhood friend calls asking for help and promising clues to the location of Nora’s missing mother, she has no choice but to say yes.
Nora hasn’t seen Tess Grayson in over twenty years. Living the perfect suburban life in a college mountain town, Tess’s world is shattered when her husband Neil—a professor at the local university—is accused of killing a student he was allegedly having an affair with. When the charges against Neil are dropped and he petitions for custody of their daughter, Kendra, Nora steps in to help Tess any way she can.
But as details emerge surrounding the murder and unsettling occurrences plague the quiet neighborhood, Nora begins to suspect Tess isn’t being fully honest with her. With Kendra’s safety and well-being hanging in the balance, Nora works to unearth the family’s secrets, and in doing so puts herself in the crosshairs of someone willing to kill to keep them buried.
Nora hasn’t seen Tess Grayson in over twenty years. Living the perfect suburban life in a college mountain town, Tess’s world is shattered when her husband Neil—a professor at the local university—is accused of killing a student he was allegedly having an affair with. When the charges against Neil are dropped and he petitions for custody of their daughter, Kendra, Nora steps in to help Tess any way she can.
But as details emerge surrounding the murder and unsettling occurrences plague the quiet neighborhood, Nora begins to suspect Tess isn’t being fully honest with her. With Kendra’s safety and well-being hanging in the balance, Nora works to unearth the family’s secrets, and in doing so puts herself in the crosshairs of someone willing to kill to keep them buried.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2024
867 people are currently reading
6053 people want to read
About the author
Joe Hart
54 books1,389 followersJoe Hart is the Edgar Award-winning and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of seventeen novels including The River Is Dark, Obscura, The Last Girl, and Or Else. His work has been optioned for film and translated into eight languages. He lives with his family in Minnesota.
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April 21, 2024
After walking away from her life as a child protective services agent, Nora McTavish has started a new business as a family advocate. This new direction of hers sets Nora up perfectly for the surprising call she gets from an old, long-lost friend, Tess Grayson. In the midst of an ugly custody case, she’s in desperate need of a helping hand. Given that Nora once thought of Tess as the sister she never had, she’s happy to help. Just maybe her skill set will make an already tense situation just a little bit better. After all, it is all rather dire.
Recently accused of the violent murder of one of his former college students, Tess’s ex-husband, Neil, has since been let out of jail following the now dubious nature of the evidence against him. Needless to say, however, Tess doesn’t want him anywhere near their nine-year-old daughter. Happy to help in any way that she can, Nora begins to dig into the circumstances around the couples’ split and the murder case that took center stage. The more she learns, however, the more she wonders if Tess’s account is the truth—or if there’s decidedly more to the story.
What Nora isn’t expecting is to expose secrets and lies not only about Tess and Neil’s marriage, but her own past as well. The more that she learns, the more danger she seems to be in. And when yet another person is murdered, Nora finds herself at the mercy of a crafty—and dangerous—individual. Is Neil guilty after all? Or is there someone else in the shadows pulling the strings? One thing is for sure, this time around it’s not just Nora’s job and reputation on the line—it may very well be her life.
Holly guacamole! If I thought that the first book in the series, Where They Lie was good, Never Come Back merely upped the stakes even more. A fast-paced plot that delivered two thoroughly addictive storylines, I was driven to read just one more page more times than I could count. Even better, however, were the superb cast of characters and the originality of the premise. All together, it could not have been better.
As the second in the Nora McTavish series, I was expecting deep character development for the startlingly strong persona of Nora herself. Boy, was I pleased when I got that and more. Relatable and pleasingly resilient, her characterization was pure perfection as she became an even more determined proponent of protecting children no matter the cost. Even better, however, Nora was the only individual I could trust as the everyone else had my suspicious eye twinkling. Well, all except the adorable pup, Merrill.
The plot was simply sublime in all of its hairpin glory. Propulsive and with ingenious twists and turns throughout, the driving foreboding was palpable in the best possible way. Reeking with true-to-life verve, most scenes came to life as though I were watching them on a screen. It was the depth and poignancy of the plot, however, that truly made the story come alive. I can’t forget, of course, the ratcheting suspense and pulse-pounding climax, both of which preceded the soul-satisfying conclusion.
By the end of this thoroughly bingeable crime fiction slash thriller combo, I was fully in love. Rife with plenty of dark truths, nasty motivations, and hard-to-look at revelations about life, the well-layered plot utterly bristled with an authenticity few books can muster. Ultimately, I’m now an ardent lover of Mr. Hart and his quick, easy reads and I plan on spree reading his backlist for sure. So if this series has yet been on your radar, be sure to add them to your TBR ASAP. Better yet, grab a copy of Where They Lie immediately. Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Joe Hart, Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: April 2, 2024
Trigger warning: blackmail, ableism, custody dispute, stalking, a shooting, mention of: suicidal ideation, depression, infidelity
Recently accused of the violent murder of one of his former college students, Tess’s ex-husband, Neil, has since been let out of jail following the now dubious nature of the evidence against him. Needless to say, however, Tess doesn’t want him anywhere near their nine-year-old daughter. Happy to help in any way that she can, Nora begins to dig into the circumstances around the couples’ split and the murder case that took center stage. The more she learns, however, the more she wonders if Tess’s account is the truth—or if there’s decidedly more to the story.
What Nora isn’t expecting is to expose secrets and lies not only about Tess and Neil’s marriage, but her own past as well. The more that she learns, the more danger she seems to be in. And when yet another person is murdered, Nora finds herself at the mercy of a crafty—and dangerous—individual. Is Neil guilty after all? Or is there someone else in the shadows pulling the strings? One thing is for sure, this time around it’s not just Nora’s job and reputation on the line—it may very well be her life.
Holly guacamole! If I thought that the first book in the series, Where They Lie was good, Never Come Back merely upped the stakes even more. A fast-paced plot that delivered two thoroughly addictive storylines, I was driven to read just one more page more times than I could count. Even better, however, were the superb cast of characters and the originality of the premise. All together, it could not have been better.
As the second in the Nora McTavish series, I was expecting deep character development for the startlingly strong persona of Nora herself. Boy, was I pleased when I got that and more. Relatable and pleasingly resilient, her characterization was pure perfection as she became an even more determined proponent of protecting children no matter the cost. Even better, however, Nora was the only individual I could trust as the everyone else had my suspicious eye twinkling. Well, all except the adorable pup, Merrill.
The plot was simply sublime in all of its hairpin glory. Propulsive and with ingenious twists and turns throughout, the driving foreboding was palpable in the best possible way. Reeking with true-to-life verve, most scenes came to life as though I were watching them on a screen. It was the depth and poignancy of the plot, however, that truly made the story come alive. I can’t forget, of course, the ratcheting suspense and pulse-pounding climax, both of which preceded the soul-satisfying conclusion.
By the end of this thoroughly bingeable crime fiction slash thriller combo, I was fully in love. Rife with plenty of dark truths, nasty motivations, and hard-to-look at revelations about life, the well-layered plot utterly bristled with an authenticity few books can muster. Ultimately, I’m now an ardent lover of Mr. Hart and his quick, easy reads and I plan on spree reading his backlist for sure. So if this series has yet been on your radar, be sure to add them to your TBR ASAP. Better yet, grab a copy of Where They Lie immediately. Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Joe Hart, Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: April 2, 2024
Trigger warning: blackmail, ableism, custody dispute, stalking, a shooting, mention of: suicidal ideation, depression, infidelity
March 30, 2024
New to me author.
I loved reading this and the author kept me guessing. Totally did not see that finale ending the way it did. I'll have to hunt down that first book before this one to get the back story on Nora.
So we meet Nora who has been called to help a childhood friend; Tess get sole custody of a child from her husband. Who has recently been accused of murdering his possible mistress. The catch is he's now out, released due to some evidence that has come to light...
Nora is now caught in the middle of who to believe and if she's been used to get to someone's favorable outcome.
Lots of turns... Enjoyed reading this.
THANK YOU netgalley and publishers; Thomas & Mercer for this wonderful ARC!!!!!
I loved reading this and the author kept me guessing. Totally did not see that finale ending the way it did. I'll have to hunt down that first book before this one to get the back story on Nora.
So we meet Nora who has been called to help a childhood friend; Tess get sole custody of a child from her husband. Who has recently been accused of murdering his possible mistress. The catch is he's now out, released due to some evidence that has come to light...
Nora is now caught in the middle of who to believe and if she's been used to get to someone's favorable outcome.
Lots of turns... Enjoyed reading this.
THANK YOU netgalley and publishers; Thomas & Mercer for this wonderful ARC!!!!!
March 31, 2024
Traveling on Easter today and I was able to finish this. Just in time for it’s release on Tuesday April 2, 2024
Nora McTavish used to work for CPS. Now she works as a family advocate. One day she gets a call from an old friend, Tess. They haven’t seen each other in over twenty years. Tess desperately needs her help and Nora is just the person perfect for the job!
Tess’s ex-husband, Neil, was accused of killing a student he allegedly had an affair with. A student that attends the college he teaches at. Charges against Neil get dropped. When they do, he files for custody of their daughter, Kendra. This is where Tess is seeking Nora’s help, with custody proceedings.
When Nora arrives, her relationship is rekindled with Tess. But as Nora stays longer, all is not what it seems. Who killed the college student? Neil or Tess?
I really enjoyed Nora’s character. She has a strong sense of responsibility to Kendra and children as a whole. She tries to see the good in others. This definitely sparked my interest in reading the first book and look forward to more of Joe Hart’s work.
I’d like to thank Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley and Joe Hart for the opportunity. All opinions are my own.
Release date in two days April 2, 2024
4 solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nora McTavish used to work for CPS. Now she works as a family advocate. One day she gets a call from an old friend, Tess. They haven’t seen each other in over twenty years. Tess desperately needs her help and Nora is just the person perfect for the job!
Tess’s ex-husband, Neil, was accused of killing a student he allegedly had an affair with. A student that attends the college he teaches at. Charges against Neil get dropped. When they do, he files for custody of their daughter, Kendra. This is where Tess is seeking Nora’s help, with custody proceedings.
When Nora arrives, her relationship is rekindled with Tess. But as Nora stays longer, all is not what it seems. Who killed the college student? Neil or Tess?
I really enjoyed Nora’s character. She has a strong sense of responsibility to Kendra and children as a whole. She tries to see the good in others. This definitely sparked my interest in reading the first book and look forward to more of Joe Hart’s work.
I’d like to thank Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley and Joe Hart for the opportunity. All opinions are my own.
Release date in two days April 2, 2024
4 solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 2, 2024
I am a Joe Hart fan, so of course I picked this book up as soon as I saw it. This is the second in the Nora McTavish series and both books have been good ones.
Description:
Needing to help the most vulnerable is in Nora McTavish’s DNA. Living within the echoes of her own traumatic past, she spends her days as a family advocate providing comfort and justice for those without anyone else to turn to. So when a long lost childhood friend calls asking for help and promising clues to the location of Nora’s missing mother, she has no choice but to say yes.
Nora hasn’t seen Tess Grayson in over twenty years. Living the perfect suburban life in a college mountain town, Tess’s world is shattered when her husband Neil—a professor at the local university—is accused of killing a student he was allegedly having an affair with. When the charges against Neil are dropped and he petitions for custody of their daughter, Kendra, Nora steps in to help Tess any way she can.
But as details emerge surrounding the murder and unsettling occurrences plague the quiet neighborhood, Nora begins to suspect Tess isn’t being fully honest with her. With Kendra’s safety and well-being hanging in the balance, Nora works to unearth the family’s secrets, and in doing so puts herself in the crosshairs of someone willing to kill to keep them buried.
My Thoughts:
Nora goes above and beyond as a family advocate, but when helping her friend Tess she gets some mixed feelings. Their past history together overshadows the present. It also makes the story more interesting. I couldn't help but love Kendra who was caught in the middle of her parents domestic situation. There were definitely red herrings in the book which kept me wondering what was actually going on here. This book is a slow burn moving from the domestic situation to a boiling point climax. I would recommend this to anyone who likes domestic thrillers.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
Needing to help the most vulnerable is in Nora McTavish’s DNA. Living within the echoes of her own traumatic past, she spends her days as a family advocate providing comfort and justice for those without anyone else to turn to. So when a long lost childhood friend calls asking for help and promising clues to the location of Nora’s missing mother, she has no choice but to say yes.
Nora hasn’t seen Tess Grayson in over twenty years. Living the perfect suburban life in a college mountain town, Tess’s world is shattered when her husband Neil—a professor at the local university—is accused of killing a student he was allegedly having an affair with. When the charges against Neil are dropped and he petitions for custody of their daughter, Kendra, Nora steps in to help Tess any way she can.
But as details emerge surrounding the murder and unsettling occurrences plague the quiet neighborhood, Nora begins to suspect Tess isn’t being fully honest with her. With Kendra’s safety and well-being hanging in the balance, Nora works to unearth the family’s secrets, and in doing so puts herself in the crosshairs of someone willing to kill to keep them buried.
My Thoughts:
Nora goes above and beyond as a family advocate, but when helping her friend Tess she gets some mixed feelings. Their past history together overshadows the present. It also makes the story more interesting. I couldn't help but love Kendra who was caught in the middle of her parents domestic situation. There were definitely red herrings in the book which kept me wondering what was actually going on here. This book is a slow burn moving from the domestic situation to a boiling point climax. I would recommend this to anyone who likes domestic thrillers.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer through Netgalley for an advance copy.
February 25, 2024
★ 4 Stars ★
I recently discovered Joe Hart and his character Nora McTavish in the first book of a series called "Where They Lie.” I was thrilled when I got the chance to read the second book in the series.
In this book, Nora is helping an old friend—Tess—in a custody battle with her estranged ex. Nora and Tess were like sisters when they were growing up, but a tragic event caused them to lose touch. Despite that, when Tess reached out for help, Nora didn't hesitate. However, it has been decades since they last saw each other, and Nora feels like Tess isn't telling her everything, which makes her worried that Kendra, Tess's daughter, could be in danger.
Nora is a wonderful character who made this book hard to put down!
Thanks to Thomas Mercer for providing a copy of this book through NetGalley. As always, all opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
#NeverComeBack #Thriller #JoeHart #ThomasandMercer #NetGalley #justfinished #ARC #honestreview #bookreviewer #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #ReadersOfTheLateArc #TalkWordyToMeTeam #lovetoread #bookworms #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #bookstagrammer
I recently discovered Joe Hart and his character Nora McTavish in the first book of a series called "Where They Lie.” I was thrilled when I got the chance to read the second book in the series.
In this book, Nora is helping an old friend—Tess—in a custody battle with her estranged ex. Nora and Tess were like sisters when they were growing up, but a tragic event caused them to lose touch. Despite that, when Tess reached out for help, Nora didn't hesitate. However, it has been decades since they last saw each other, and Nora feels like Tess isn't telling her everything, which makes her worried that Kendra, Tess's daughter, could be in danger.
Nora is a wonderful character who made this book hard to put down!
Thanks to Thomas Mercer for providing a copy of this book through NetGalley. As always, all opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
#NeverComeBack #Thriller #JoeHart #ThomasandMercer #NetGalley #justfinished #ARC #honestreview #bookreviewer #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #ReadersOfTheLateArc #TalkWordyToMeTeam #lovetoread #bookworms #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #bookstagrammer
April 2, 2024
New to me author.
I loved reading this and the author kept me guessing. Totally did not see that finale ending the way it did. I'll have to hunt down that first book before this one to get the back story on Nora.
So we meet Nora who has been called to help a childhood friend; Tess get sole custody of a child from her husband. Who has recently been accused of murdering his possible mistress. The catch is he's now out, released due to some evidence that has come to light...
Nora is now caught in the middle of who to believe and if she's been used to get to someone's favorable outcome.
Lots of turns... Enjoyed reading this.
THANK YOU netgalley and publishers; Thomas & Mercer for this wonderful ARC!!!!!
I loved reading this and the author kept me guessing. Totally did not see that finale ending the way it did. I'll have to hunt down that first book before this one to get the back story on Nora.
So we meet Nora who has been called to help a childhood friend; Tess get sole custody of a child from her husband. Who has recently been accused of murdering his possible mistress. The catch is he's now out, released due to some evidence that has come to light...
Nora is now caught in the middle of who to believe and if she's been used to get to someone's favorable outcome.
Lots of turns... Enjoyed reading this.
THANK YOU netgalley and publishers; Thomas & Mercer for this wonderful ARC!!!!!
March 30, 2024
Never Come Back by Joe Hart is the second in the Nora McTavish series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Thomas & Mercer, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Nora McTavish has started Sanctuary Family Advocacy, recently severing her ties with the state child protective services. Now she doesn't have to remove children from homes, but can help those already trying to re-build their lives. Her own history of an abusive childhood makes her an ideal agent. Nora's father was a mass murderer, and left Nora and her two brothers in a closet for a month. The eldest did not survive. Her mother had abandoned them.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions):
Tess Grayson, a childhood friend, calls Nora for support. She's in the midst of a nasty custody battle. Her ex-husband Neil is a professor at the local university, and has been charged with the death of one of his students, with whom it was alleged he was having an affair. Although the charges were dropped, Tess doesn't want him anywhere near Kendra, their nine year old daughter.
Nora rushes to her old friend's side. What she finds is confusing. She knows Tess is not being honest with her, and Nora doesn't actually see Neil as a threat. Tess is being irresponsible, drinking too much, trying to sway Kendra's love for her father, and definitely hiding things.
Meanwhile, Tess is reminding Nora of a past that she really wants to forget.
As well, Nora is also trying to help another family re-claim their little girl.
My Opinions:
Again, this was another fast and entertaining read.
I love Nora, and her brother Stephen. However, I didn't like Tess from the start, and my feelings didn't really change. She was an abusive mother in her own way, was using Nora from the start, and just riled me all the time.
The story was told mainly from Nora's viewpoint, but with Chapters about "Poe" thrown in. I understand why they were there, but they were unnecessary, and were just a distraction.
Although the book was good, it was just missing something. I could probably have enjoyed the book more if it had just been about the other case Nora was handling. Thankfully both court cases were short.
So, although a good book, it just didn't have the WOW factor that the first book had.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
October 31, 2023
This is the second in a series by Joe Hart, centered around Nora McTavish, a family advocate with her own history of trauma. From her point of view, a story of obsession unfolds and Nora is caught in the middle. When she agrees to help her childhood friend fight for custody of her daughter Kendra, she has no idea what she has signed up for. Nora’s friend, Tess, proves herself to be quite unreliable, even though it’s her ex husband who is accused of murdering his student who he allegedly had an affair with. But what is Tess hiding?
This was a fast paced and highly entertaining thriller. I enjoyed Joe Hart’s writing style, the character development, the scenic descriptions, and the story itself. I highly recommend! Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer, and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a fast paced and highly entertaining thriller. I enjoyed Joe Hart’s writing style, the character development, the scenic descriptions, and the story itself. I highly recommend! Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer, and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 1, 2024
Definitely can be read as a stand alone.
Nora is a family advocate which isn’t explained very well and I’m not really familiar but didn’t sound like a great way to earn much. Tess her childhood best friend that she hadn’t seen in years calls and asks Nora to come as she is facing a custody battle of her daughter. Neil the husband has been suspected but cleared of murdering a local college student and seemed fishy from the start. Don’t hear enough from him and then there are a lawyer and a police officer thrown in the mix. I struggled with the story, like the main event, when/what that was to be. Didn’t really love it. And it seemed forced often, like it wanted to pick up speed and take off but instead would slam on the brakes and drag.
Thanks to Netgalley for my electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Nora is a family advocate which isn’t explained very well and I’m not really familiar but didn’t sound like a great way to earn much. Tess her childhood best friend that she hadn’t seen in years calls and asks Nora to come as she is facing a custody battle of her daughter. Neil the husband has been suspected but cleared of murdering a local college student and seemed fishy from the start. Don’t hear enough from him and then there are a lawyer and a police officer thrown in the mix. I struggled with the story, like the main event, when/what that was to be. Didn’t really love it. And it seemed forced often, like it wanted to pick up speed and take off but instead would slam on the brakes and drag.
Thanks to Netgalley for my electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 3, 2024
HAPPY PUB DAY!!!!
“Our problems can always be traced back to ourselves. Nothing in the natural world even comes close.”
This is book two of Nora McTavish and now instead of working for Child Protective Services, she has her own business as a family advocate. Nora receives a call from her childhood friend Tess, for help with custody of her daughter. Tess’s husband is suspected of murder and she doesn’t want him near their daughter!
You know how sometimes in a thriller you have to suspend disbelief? Not with Never Come Back! Absolutely believable situations which only makes the anxiety and tension more intense. I didn’t know who to trust (aside from Nora) and was caught off guard more than once. There’s a rising sense of dread and feeling of impending doom, that leads to pulse pounding action!
Nora is easily the biggest draw for me. She’s empathetic, intelligent, strong willed, fights for the underdog and is self aware. She knows she has childhood trauma. Some days she deals with it better than others, but she KEEPS GOING! Not only that, but she uses her knowledge and experience to help others, especially the most vulnerable. She takes someone to task for their inexcusable behavior and does it with gusto and no nonsense, that I literally said, “YESSSSSS!” I’d definitely want Nora as my advocate in any given situation. Tess’s whip smart nine-year-old daughter is also a stand out, with a heartbreaking wisdom beyond her years.
Never Come Back ticks ALL the boxes for me. Atmospheric, clever plot, wonderful characters, mystery, surprises and action! My heartstrings were even tugged a few times. This can be read as a standalone, but I’d definitely recommend reading Where They Lie (book one) first. It’s also excellent, and provides deeper background on Nora and her motivations. I’m ready for book three!!
Thank you Joe Hart for the beautiful gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Scroll down for potential spoiler trigger warnings.
⚠️Trigger warnings: prejudice of the intellectually challenged, child custody battle, gun violence, death, Mention of stalking, suicidal ideation, depression
“Our problems can always be traced back to ourselves. Nothing in the natural world even comes close.”
This is book two of Nora McTavish and now instead of working for Child Protective Services, she has her own business as a family advocate. Nora receives a call from her childhood friend Tess, for help with custody of her daughter. Tess’s husband is suspected of murder and she doesn’t want him near their daughter!
You know how sometimes in a thriller you have to suspend disbelief? Not with Never Come Back! Absolutely believable situations which only makes the anxiety and tension more intense. I didn’t know who to trust (aside from Nora) and was caught off guard more than once. There’s a rising sense of dread and feeling of impending doom, that leads to pulse pounding action!
Nora is easily the biggest draw for me. She’s empathetic, intelligent, strong willed, fights for the underdog and is self aware. She knows she has childhood trauma. Some days she deals with it better than others, but she KEEPS GOING! Not only that, but she uses her knowledge and experience to help others, especially the most vulnerable. She takes someone to task for their inexcusable behavior and does it with gusto and no nonsense, that I literally said, “YESSSSSS!” I’d definitely want Nora as my advocate in any given situation. Tess’s whip smart nine-year-old daughter is also a stand out, with a heartbreaking wisdom beyond her years.
Never Come Back ticks ALL the boxes for me. Atmospheric, clever plot, wonderful characters, mystery, surprises and action! My heartstrings were even tugged a few times. This can be read as a standalone, but I’d definitely recommend reading Where They Lie (book one) first. It’s also excellent, and provides deeper background on Nora and her motivations. I’m ready for book three!!
Thank you Joe Hart for the beautiful gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Scroll down for potential spoiler trigger warnings.
⚠️Trigger warnings: prejudice of the intellectually challenged, child custody battle, gun violence, death, Mention of stalking, suicidal ideation, depression
October 18, 2023
Second in a series featuring Nora McTavish, a child advocacy professional who has suffered trauma and loss of her own and is dedicated at helping other children get the help she never had. Nora is a great character and I like the way she has worked on herself to develop as more than a victim and has good instincts for figuring out the truth. I enjoyed the first Nora book and found this one even more twisty and interesting. Nora and her brothers suffered from a mother who abandoned them and an abusive father who became a murderer.
As an adult she enjoys her job, her dog Merrill and her relationship with her brother Stephen. One day she receives a phone call from a childhood friend Tess, who she hasn't heard from in many years. Tess is scared of losing custody of her nine year old daughter Kendra to her ex husband who was accused of murder. The charges against her ex were dropped, but Tess needs Nora's help as an advocate. Nora isn't sure she wants to see Tess and when Tess mentions having some information on Nora's missing mother, it becomes even more of a difficult decision to make. In addition, Nora is also working on a case of two parents with cognitive challenges who are in danger of losing their young daughter.
Nora decides to meet with Tess and immediately bonds with young Kendra who likes to be called Kenny. Tess is a difficult character and Nora cannot tell if she is telling the truth. As Nora begins to investigate Tess' ex-husband, she gets a sense she is being followed and then one day Kenny disappears. I didn't guess all of the twists here and I like the way the author makes everything suspenseful yet believable. As Nora gets closer into finding out what is going on, her own life is in danger and she has to draw on her childhood skills for survival. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.
As an adult she enjoys her job, her dog Merrill and her relationship with her brother Stephen. One day she receives a phone call from a childhood friend Tess, who she hasn't heard from in many years. Tess is scared of losing custody of her nine year old daughter Kendra to her ex husband who was accused of murder. The charges against her ex were dropped, but Tess needs Nora's help as an advocate. Nora isn't sure she wants to see Tess and when Tess mentions having some information on Nora's missing mother, it becomes even more of a difficult decision to make. In addition, Nora is also working on a case of two parents with cognitive challenges who are in danger of losing their young daughter.
Nora decides to meet with Tess and immediately bonds with young Kendra who likes to be called Kenny. Tess is a difficult character and Nora cannot tell if she is telling the truth. As Nora begins to investigate Tess' ex-husband, she gets a sense she is being followed and then one day Kenny disappears. I didn't guess all of the twists here and I like the way the author makes everything suspenseful yet believable. As Nora gets closer into finding out what is going on, her own life is in danger and she has to draw on her childhood skills for survival. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.
December 29, 2023
"Never Come Back: A Thriller" by Joe Hart is a gripping novel of suspense that delves into the complexities of family, lies, betrayal, and murder. Nora McTavish, a family advocate, finds herself entangled in the turbulent custody battle of her childhood friend Tess Grayson. Tess is fighting to protect her daughter from her ex-husband Neil, a university professor rumored to be involved in a scandalous affair with a student who was later found murdered.
As Nora investigates the shattered Grayson marriage, she discovers layers of secrets and lies that challenge her understanding of the situation. The novel skillfully unravels old secrets and explores Nora's own past, adding depth to the narrative. The tension escalates when another murder occurs, drawing Nora closer to a dangerous killer.
Hart weaves a compelling story with well-developed characters, intricate plot twists, and a strong sense of suspense. Nora McTavish emerges as a resilient and relatable protagonist, navigating the complexities of her profession and personal life. The author's ability to capture the emotional struggles and moral dilemmas faced by Nora adds depth to the narrative.
"Never Come Back" is a captivating addition to the Nora McTavish series, showcasing Joe Hart's talent for crafting suspenseful and emotionally charged thrillers. The novel offers a perfect blend of mystery, drama, and character development, making it a highly recommended read for fans of the genre.
As Nora investigates the shattered Grayson marriage, she discovers layers of secrets and lies that challenge her understanding of the situation. The novel skillfully unravels old secrets and explores Nora's own past, adding depth to the narrative. The tension escalates when another murder occurs, drawing Nora closer to a dangerous killer.
Hart weaves a compelling story with well-developed characters, intricate plot twists, and a strong sense of suspense. Nora McTavish emerges as a resilient and relatable protagonist, navigating the complexities of her profession and personal life. The author's ability to capture the emotional struggles and moral dilemmas faced by Nora adds depth to the narrative.
"Never Come Back" is a captivating addition to the Nora McTavish series, showcasing Joe Hart's talent for crafting suspenseful and emotionally charged thrillers. The novel offers a perfect blend of mystery, drama, and character development, making it a highly recommended read for fans of the genre.
April 4, 2024
Never Come Back is the second in the Nora McTavish series but can totally be read as a standalone. Granted, I haven't read the first book so I don't know what I don't know, however, I didn't feel like I was missing any information that kept me from enjoying this story or getting completely invested in this series. In fact, I'm eager to pick up book one to see if I can learn more about Nora and her complex and heartbreaking past.
I devoured this book. It kept me up WAY past my bedtime because around 60% in I just could not put it down. It kept me guessing from page 1 and it was so fun to repeatedly have everything figured out, only to find out I was completely wrong! This one really did surprise me in all the best ways and I am completely enthralled with Nora and NEED more of her in my life!
Never Come Back had me seeing red flags left and right. I didn't trust most of the characters and with the plot repeatedly surprising me, I finally buckled up about half way through and let it take me for the ride!
If you're looking for a quick read that's fairly unique, totally thrilling, and completely unputdownable, Never Come Back is it!
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Thomas & Mercer for putting this series on my radar. Excited for more Nora McTavish in my life!
I devoured this book. It kept me up WAY past my bedtime because around 60% in I just could not put it down. It kept me guessing from page 1 and it was so fun to repeatedly have everything figured out, only to find out I was completely wrong! This one really did surprise me in all the best ways and I am completely enthralled with Nora and NEED more of her in my life!
Never Come Back had me seeing red flags left and right. I didn't trust most of the characters and with the plot repeatedly surprising me, I finally buckled up about half way through and let it take me for the ride!
If you're looking for a quick read that's fairly unique, totally thrilling, and completely unputdownable, Never Come Back is it!
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Thomas & Mercer for putting this series on my radar. Excited for more Nora McTavish in my life!
March 17, 2024
Alright, so I just finished the second book in the series, and gotta say, I've got some mixed feelings. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed it, but there's something about the first book that just hit different, you know? The pacing in the first one was like zooming down the highway, which I loved, but this time around, it felt a bit forced, like someone slamming on the brakes every few chapters.
Now, let's talk about the main character. Man, I'm a fan. Like, a big fan. They've got this charisma that just draws you in, and even though the story kinda lost its way, I was still rooting for them the whole time. But here's the thing, I kinda missed the point this time. Like, I was expecting some big revelation or a major plot twist, but it just didn't hit me like it did in the first book.
I'd say it's worth a read, especially if you're invested in the main character like I am. But don't go in expecting the same adrenaline rush as the first time around. It's still a solid addition to the series, just maybe not as mind-blowing as I hoped.
Now, let's talk about the main character. Man, I'm a fan. Like, a big fan. They've got this charisma that just draws you in, and even though the story kinda lost its way, I was still rooting for them the whole time. But here's the thing, I kinda missed the point this time. Like, I was expecting some big revelation or a major plot twist, but it just didn't hit me like it did in the first book.
I'd say it's worth a read, especially if you're invested in the main character like I am. But don't go in expecting the same adrenaline rush as the first time around. It's still a solid addition to the series, just maybe not as mind-blowing as I hoped.
April 9, 2024
* 4.5 stars *
We are back with Nora who has taken on a new role as a family advocate. Have I mentioned how much I love Nora as a character? This book solidified it for me.
Nora is helping out an old childhood friend. Tess called her out of the blue needing help in relation to her ex-husband who is seeking custody of their daughter.
When Nora arrives, not is all as it seems and has Nora questioning everything she’s been told.
Another excellent instalment with a strong plot, well rounded characters and some twists that totally floored me. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Huge thanks to @netgalley #thomasandmercer @amazonpub for e-arc 💌 @joe_hart_author
We are back with Nora who has taken on a new role as a family advocate. Have I mentioned how much I love Nora as a character? This book solidified it for me.
Nora is helping out an old childhood friend. Tess called her out of the blue needing help in relation to her ex-husband who is seeking custody of their daughter.
When Nora arrives, not is all as it seems and has Nora questioning everything she’s been told.
Another excellent instalment with a strong plot, well rounded characters and some twists that totally floored me. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Huge thanks to @netgalley #thomasandmercer @amazonpub for e-arc 💌 @joe_hart_author
March 7, 2024
Thank you Thriller Book Lovers, Thomas & Mercer, and Joe Hart for the advanced copy of Never Come Back in exchange for my honest review.
Worth noting: this is book two in a series, but as someone who did not read book one I can attest to the fact that it can easily be read as a standalone.
This was sooo bingeable and twisty, I absolutely loved it! I originally rated it 4 stars but woke up the next morning still thinking about it so had to amend my rating to 5 stars.
I love the mix of old secrets and new, the fact that as the reader you never really knew who you could trust, and the big reveal maybe feels like you should see coming but I definitely did not.
Based on the book's ending I think it's safe to say this series will no doubt be continuing. I definitely will be reading more from this author in the future!
Never Come Back will be on bookshelves April 2.
Worth noting: this is book two in a series, but as someone who did not read book one I can attest to the fact that it can easily be read as a standalone.
This was sooo bingeable and twisty, I absolutely loved it! I originally rated it 4 stars but woke up the next morning still thinking about it so had to amend my rating to 5 stars.
I love the mix of old secrets and new, the fact that as the reader you never really knew who you could trust, and the big reveal maybe feels like you should see coming but I definitely did not.
Based on the book's ending I think it's safe to say this series will no doubt be continuing. I definitely will be reading more from this author in the future!
Never Come Back will be on bookshelves April 2.
March 31, 2024
Book Review: Never Come Back, Nora McTavish #2 by Joe Hart
Published by Thomas & Mercer, April 2, 2024
★★★★☆ (4.25 Stars!)
For this review, I picked up and read the first two volumes of Joe Hart's Nora McTavish series, "Where They Lie", the 2023 First Reads and audiobook production by Amazon /Brilliance Audio; and this advance review copy of "Never Come Back" by Thomas & Mercer out in April, 2024.
Both books can be read as standalones.
// "Where They Lie" (2023) //
Author Joe Hart introduces his new strong female protagonist, Nora McTavish, a government bureau's Child Protective Services agent, involved with investigation of the abuse or neglect of children.
"Please don't take away my child!" When deemed necessary, McTavish is saddled with the unenviable and oftentimes gut-wrenching responsibility to wrest away children from dysfunctional families and take temporary custody. Most of these children she can identify with, reminders of her own traumatic childhood with a mother who'd left home and an abusive father.
Foster children in the limelight. McTavish gets entangled with the family of a popular social media influencer who vlogs, utterly devoid of privacy, the daily minutiae of husband, wife and teenage foster children.
The humdrum routine is shattered by a fatal plane crash, mysterious reappearances of the deceased, skeletons in the closet, backstabbing, bad intentions.
And the violation of the most deadly cardinal sins...
// "Never Come Back" (2024) //
"They want to away my child! Please help." Nora McTavish does a career U-turn as she returns in quite a role reversal.
From the aegis of the government in Book 1 to exposure in the private sector. From a protective services agent to a family advocacy practitioner, even as she maintains close contacts with law enforcement and keeps an active role in advocacy for the welfare of children.
In this episode, she gets involved with the custody battle of a long lost friend, a childhood "bff" she'd considered as a sister. Again, issues arise rather inherent with broken families. Infidelity, and those organically relatable, far from contrived, feelings and events.
Even as Nora begins to find out exactly why she'd been abandoned by her Mom as a little girl...
Both books, quite compelling depictions of dysfunctional family dramas!
Review based on an advanced reading copy courtesy of Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley.
Published by Thomas & Mercer, April 2, 2024
★★★★☆ (4.25 Stars!)
For this review, I picked up and read the first two volumes of Joe Hart's Nora McTavish series, "Where They Lie", the 2023 First Reads and audiobook production by Amazon /Brilliance Audio; and this advance review copy of "Never Come Back" by Thomas & Mercer out in April, 2024.
Both books can be read as standalones.
// "Where They Lie" (2023) //
Author Joe Hart introduces his new strong female protagonist, Nora McTavish, a government bureau's Child Protective Services agent, involved with investigation of the abuse or neglect of children.
"Please don't take away my child!" When deemed necessary, McTavish is saddled with the unenviable and oftentimes gut-wrenching responsibility to wrest away children from dysfunctional families and take temporary custody. Most of these children she can identify with, reminders of her own traumatic childhood with a mother who'd left home and an abusive father.
Foster children in the limelight. McTavish gets entangled with the family of a popular social media influencer who vlogs, utterly devoid of privacy, the daily minutiae of husband, wife and teenage foster children.
The humdrum routine is shattered by a fatal plane crash, mysterious reappearances of the deceased, skeletons in the closet, backstabbing, bad intentions.
And the violation of the most deadly cardinal sins...
// "Never Come Back" (2024) //
"They want to away my child! Please help." Nora McTavish does a career U-turn as she returns in quite a role reversal.
From the aegis of the government in Book 1 to exposure in the private sector. From a protective services agent to a family advocacy practitioner, even as she maintains close contacts with law enforcement and keeps an active role in advocacy for the welfare of children.
In this episode, she gets involved with the custody battle of a long lost friend, a childhood "bff" she'd considered as a sister. Again, issues arise rather inherent with broken families. Infidelity, and those organically relatable, far from contrived, feelings and events.
Even as Nora begins to find out exactly why she'd been abandoned by her Mom as a little girl...
Both books, quite compelling depictions of dysfunctional family dramas!
Review based on an advanced reading copy courtesy of Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley.
April 5, 2024
Nora McTavish is back! I couldn't wait to dive into this one. In the second book in this series, we see Nora working for herself as a family advocate. Nora gets a call from an old friend, Tess, that she hasn't seen in over 20 years. Tess needs Nora's expertise as a CPS agent/family advocate when her husband petitions her for full custody of their daughter Kendra.
I loved this one more than the first book in the series. It was fast paced and very entertaining. Hart does a great job at developing characters. I felt like I knew them. The plot was written in a way that kept me guessing right up until the end. I was definitely wrong about the big twist at the end. There was a mix of throwback scenes mixed in with the current scenes, which helped to provide background knowledge.
I really hope there are more books in this series!
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I loved this one more than the first book in the series. It was fast paced and very entertaining. Hart does a great job at developing characters. I felt like I knew them. The plot was written in a way that kept me guessing right up until the end. I was definitely wrong about the big twist at the end. There was a mix of throwback scenes mixed in with the current scenes, which helped to provide background knowledge.
I really hope there are more books in this series!
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 6, 2024
Never Come Back is the second book in the Nora Mc Tavish series, I think it would do well as a standalone, but you definitely get more of her backstory by reading the first. I really loved the first one. It was super fast paced and highly bingeable.
I loved getting to know Nora more in this book. I just wanted more from the characters. I also had the impression that a case was added just for the sake of adding pages. Did I still enjoy the book? Yes I did. Was it predictable for me, unfortunately It was.
I do think this will appeal to a lot of people and I am definitely in the minority for this one. It was good and kept me hooked, I just wanted more, especially after reading the first one. I thought it was a great plot with multiple twists and turns that will keep readers guessing.
✨️Thank you @thrillerbookloverspromotions & @netgalley for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved getting to know Nora more in this book. I just wanted more from the characters. I also had the impression that a case was added just for the sake of adding pages. Did I still enjoy the book? Yes I did. Was it predictable for me, unfortunately It was.
I do think this will appeal to a lot of people and I am definitely in the minority for this one. It was good and kept me hooked, I just wanted more, especially after reading the first one. I thought it was a great plot with multiple twists and turns that will keep readers guessing.
✨️Thank you @thrillerbookloverspromotions & @netgalley for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2024
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I’m a little backlogged with some of my ARC’s but working diligently to catch up. I really enjoyed how complex this book was! I read the first a while ago so it took me some time to get acclimated to all of the characters again, but once I did everything fell into place. The characters are all very complex and the stories seamlessly intertwine with lots of twists to make your head spin! I would definitely recommend reading the first book before, but then jump right into this one!
I’m a little backlogged with some of my ARC’s but working diligently to catch up. I really enjoyed how complex this book was! I read the first a while ago so it took me some time to get acclimated to all of the characters again, but once I did everything fell into place. The characters are all very complex and the stories seamlessly intertwine with lots of twists to make your head spin! I would definitely recommend reading the first book before, but then jump right into this one!
April 5, 2024
This is the second book about Nora and it’s just as good as the first! I love Nora’s strong personality. She is determined to always do right by children no matter the consequences. This series is like a detective series but without the main character actually being a detective, so she doesn’t need to keep things legal. The twists and turns made this a hard book to put down. There even seems to be a slight hint at a possible third Nora book so I’ll be anxiously waiting. Thank you to NetGalley for my copy!
February 27, 2024
This is the second book in the Nora McTavish series - book one is called WHERE THEY LIE. I did a quick read of WTL before reading NCB, and this would absolutely would work as a stand-alone, but I’m glad I read book one because Nora is a fascinating character who I’m already dying to read more about!
Nora is a family advocate with a horribly traumatic past. When Tess - a long-lost friend from Nora’s childhood - contacts Nora for her help in retaining custody of her daughter, after her estranged husband is accused of murdering a young woman, Nora feels compelled to help Tess, despite the heavy emotional risks AND the possibility of putting herself in danger as the secrets and lies unfold.
I loved this! Fast-paced with lots of twists and turns and ((WHAAAT??!!??)) moments - super fun read!
* Thanks so much to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Amazon Publishing / Thomas & Mercer for the NetGalley review copy. NEVER COME BACK publishes April 2, 2024.
As a side note, I’ve also really enjoyed other books by Hart - THE LAST GIRL / DOMINION TRILOGY (dystopia!) is amazing, and I also loved OBSCURA (sci-fi thriller!), I’m definitely feeling compelled to read all of his others as well!
{4.5 rounded up]
Nora is a family advocate with a horribly traumatic past. When Tess - a long-lost friend from Nora’s childhood - contacts Nora for her help in retaining custody of her daughter, after her estranged husband is accused of murdering a young woman, Nora feels compelled to help Tess, despite the heavy emotional risks AND the possibility of putting herself in danger as the secrets and lies unfold.
I loved this! Fast-paced with lots of twists and turns and ((WHAAAT??!!??)) moments - super fun read!
* Thanks so much to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Amazon Publishing / Thomas & Mercer for the NetGalley review copy. NEVER COME BACK publishes April 2, 2024.
As a side note, I’ve also really enjoyed other books by Hart - THE LAST GIRL / DOMINION TRILOGY (dystopia!) is amazing, and I also loved OBSCURA (sci-fi thriller!), I’m definitely feeling compelled to read all of his others as well!
{4.5 rounded up]
March 1, 2024
A quick and thrilling murder mystery with lots of twists!
This is the second book in the Nora McTavish series but it absolutely can be read as a stand alone. I haven’t read the first one but I absolutely will now after reading Never Come Back.
Nora has a past with terrible tragedies. In her past and also as a former CPS worker to current Family Advocate. When she gets a phone call from a family friend out of the blue needing her help, she agrees. Tess’s ex husband has been accused of murder but the charges were dropped. She still believes he did it and wants her child away from him. But after spending time with the family, Nora believes Tess may be hiding things or not telling the truth. Things become dangerous as she gets closer to the truth.
This was a very entertaining read and I definitely recommend it to my thriller friends.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy.
This is the second book in the Nora McTavish series but it absolutely can be read as a stand alone. I haven’t read the first one but I absolutely will now after reading Never Come Back.
Nora has a past with terrible tragedies. In her past and also as a former CPS worker to current Family Advocate. When she gets a phone call from a family friend out of the blue needing her help, she agrees. Tess’s ex husband has been accused of murder but the charges were dropped. She still believes he did it and wants her child away from him. But after spending time with the family, Nora believes Tess may be hiding things or not telling the truth. Things become dangerous as she gets closer to the truth.
This was a very entertaining read and I definitely recommend it to my thriller friends.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy.
January 7, 2026
I enjoyed this book much more than the first one in the series, which is quite different for me. I resonated more with Nora here, her emotions felt more tangible.
I'm about to begin the third novel - here's hoping it's just as good as this one!
I'm about to begin the third novel - here's hoping it's just as good as this one!
October 25, 2023
This is the second book in the Nora McTavish series. I read the first and loved it! I was so very excited to receive this ARC and it did not disappoint! Nora is a child advocacy specialist who is dedicated to her work having been subjected to trauma in her own childhood. When a childhood friend (Tess) reaches out to Nora for help in the custody case of her daughter, she immediately agrees and heads to see her friend. Tess’ ex- husband Neil is a professor at a local university who was arrested for the brutal murder of one of his students. The charges were dropped and now he is trying to get partial custody of their daughter Kendall. Once Nora has stepped in to help, she begins to see discrepancies in the case and is not sure who to believe. Tess seems to be harboring many secrets and soon Nora finds herself in danger. Someone is wanting to keep the secrets swirling around this case well hidden..at any cost. Was Neil really the murderer or is Tess somehow involved in the killing? How much does Nora really know about her friend that she hasn’t seen since childhood? As she struggles to find the answers and protect Kendall, Nora finds she may have become the target of a desperate killer. This was a great thriller that I would highly recommend!
July 7, 2024
This is great so far. I enjoy Nora the main protagonist, but I can’t stand her friend Tessa, who she is helping navigate a custody battle. Tessa is whiny unsympathetic and a shady messy bitch. I’m not sure if she was supposed to be a sympathetic character, but I can’t stand that woman. She loves playing the victim and Nora is too close to her to see it immediately… along the way Nora make some questionable decisions concerning her friend. I’m not sure why she continue to stay with Tessa even after realizing she was lying and being shady about the situation.
I got sick of Tess’s character quickly. She’s a Karen with no sense of self-awareness. She feels entitled to things she doesn’t deserve. She’s manipulative and a liar. Nora had every opportunity to call her out and for the most part she just let it ride. The story was intriguing, but it took Nora took forever to figure out Tess’s bs when I figured it out within the few chapters. Nora isn’t very likable and she drinks too much. It took her too long to figure out what was going on, and the storage dragged on towards the end.
I got sick of Tess’s character quickly. She’s a Karen with no sense of self-awareness. She feels entitled to things she doesn’t deserve. She’s manipulative and a liar. Nora had every opportunity to call her out and for the most part she just let it ride. The story was intriguing, but it took Nora took forever to figure out Tess’s bs when I figured it out within the few chapters. Nora isn’t very likable and she drinks too much. It took her too long to figure out what was going on, and the storage dragged on towards the end.
March 27, 2024
This book has elements of a procedural as well as a domestic thriller. What makes it different from other crime thrillers is that it's told from the point-of-view of a family advocate. Nora McTavish used to work for Child Protective Services, but is now self-employed as an independent family advocate in Oregon. A childhood friend she hasn't talked to in years contacts Nora for help with a tricky custody case - Tess thinks her husband is guilty of murder! Nora has doubts about parts of Tess's story, but falls in love with her young daughter, Kendra. Nora gets very involved in this case, so much that her own life is soon in danger.
Nora's willingness to fight for her clients is shown in a side custody case where the system is failing a young couple with developmental disabilities. Nora gives an impassioned speech in court to the judge defending the couple's right to raise their daughter. This is the second book in a series, but worked well for me even though I didn't read the first one. There are times it gets a little melodramatic, but I still enjoyed this engaging story. I was kept guessing until the very end about who could be trusted and who couldn't. I would be interesting to read additional books if this series continues.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Nora's willingness to fight for her clients is shown in a side custody case where the system is failing a young couple with developmental disabilities. Nora gives an impassioned speech in court to the judge defending the couple's right to raise their daughter. This is the second book in a series, but worked well for me even though I didn't read the first one. There are times it gets a little melodramatic, but I still enjoyed this engaging story. I was kept guessing until the very end about who could be trusted and who couldn't. I would be interesting to read additional books if this series continues.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
March 20, 2024
This book is the second book in a series that follows a social worker with a dark past. Nora had a terrible past because of things her father did. She uses this pain and suffering as a social worker to help other children. In this book, she left her social worker job and is now a family advocate. She gets a call from an old friend to help her fight her ex for custody. Her ex is accused of murder and Nora becomes wrapped up in this case to solve it and protect the child.
I enjoyed this book! I love Nora as a main character. She seems very real and her pain seems real. She struggles with her past but we see her trying to use it for good. I liked having a thriller from a different point of view other than a police officer. It puts an interesting twist on the story. This was a quick read and I kept reading to figure out the truth. The twists were good and interesting as well.
It wasn’t a five star for me because I do feel like a few of the characters were annoying and bothered me.
I would definitely recommend this one! Thanks so much to netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I enjoyed this book! I love Nora as a main character. She seems very real and her pain seems real. She struggles with her past but we see her trying to use it for good. I liked having a thriller from a different point of view other than a police officer. It puts an interesting twist on the story. This was a quick read and I kept reading to figure out the truth. The twists were good and interesting as well.
It wasn’t a five star for me because I do feel like a few of the characters were annoying and bothered me.
I would definitely recommend this one! Thanks so much to netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
November 19, 2024
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me access this book!
As someone who works in children’s mental health and frequently works with CPS, I was interested in the idea of a mystery with a child advocate as the narrator. The author did a nice job researching the role of an advocate and showcasing how the court system and CPS can do a terrible job of fulfilling their responsibilities. The author portrayed the difficulty of of assessing who is telling the truth, particularly in family court cases, and the way people in the middle have to balance each individuals’ version of events while trying to find the truth. The mystery was well built up and had some solid twists that led to a satisfying conclusion. My only major complaint, was that the second plot line of another court case seemed so separate from the main story that it was jarring going back and forth. If it could have connected more or helped the main character solve the other mystery. It was an important example of what can happen to marginalized people due to systems meant to oppress them, but I would have preferred a story that was entirely about that case rather than using it as a side story
As someone who works in children’s mental health and frequently works with CPS, I was interested in the idea of a mystery with a child advocate as the narrator. The author did a nice job researching the role of an advocate and showcasing how the court system and CPS can do a terrible job of fulfilling their responsibilities. The author portrayed the difficulty of of assessing who is telling the truth, particularly in family court cases, and the way people in the middle have to balance each individuals’ version of events while trying to find the truth. The mystery was well built up and had some solid twists that led to a satisfying conclusion. My only major complaint, was that the second plot line of another court case seemed so separate from the main story that it was jarring going back and forth. If it could have connected more or helped the main character solve the other mystery. It was an important example of what can happen to marginalized people due to systems meant to oppress them, but I would have preferred a story that was entirely about that case rather than using it as a side story
February 4, 2024
Nora has struggled with her past for years so when someone from that time reaches out for her professional help, she really cannot say no. Not when there is a child involved. Her friend from childhood is in the midst of trying to protect her daughter as her husband was the number one suspect in a college students death but the charge did not stick and so now he is fighting to get more custody of his daughter. But things are never as they seem and as Nora tries her best to help her friend and her daughter things are not seeming to add up and the mixed information she is getting has her questioning her friends true motive for Nora's help. Maybe justice did get this one right, and the husband is innocent but with a child in the middle Nora knows she cannot leave until the truth comes out. This was such a good read and I really enjoyed the storyline and how it all came together. I am looking forward to reading more by this author. Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Thriller Book Lover Promotions for the complementary ebook. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
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