Twenty-Seven Minutes by Ashley Tate

Rating: ★★★★☆

Dates Read: 6/28/23 - 6/29/23

    Over the past decade, residents of West Wilmer have grappled with a haunting question: Why did it take Grant Dean twenty-seven minutes to call for help on the night of the tragic car accident that claimed his sister's life? If only he had dialed sooner, Phoebe might have had a chance to survive.

    As the anniversary of Phoebe's passing draws near, Grant finds himself overwhelmed by the weight of his memories and a long-held secret that has been eating away at him. However, Grant and Phoebe were not the only ones present in the car on that fateful night. Becca was also there, and she is the sole other individual who knows the truth about what truly transpired. Or does she?

    Phoebe's memory is etched into the minds of everyone in West Wilmer, but June holds an additional, often forgotten, recollection of that tragic night: the disappearance of her brother, Wyatt, a decade ago. With her mother's passing, June finds herself utterly alone, devoid of both family and friends. That is until an unexpected visitor arrives at her doorstep.

    The decision to begin the story from Phoebe's perspective was a fantastic choice, and it immediately drew me into the narrative. I was captivated from the very beginning.

    The pacing of the plot is skillfully handled, maintaining a steady rhythm as the story progresses toward the anniversary of the accident. The author effectively generates suspense by skillfully weaving between past and present, gradually unveiling the events leading up to the fateful night. Although there are occasional instances where the pacing feels slightly uneven, with some sections moving slower than others, the overall momentum of the narrative remains strong and engaging. The novel accurately portrays the stifling nature of small-town life.

    This book had me hooked and on the edge of my seat. It was hard to put down and easy to read. The multiple points of view kept things unpredictable, and it was fascinating to see how each character dealt with the aftermath of the accident. The dual timeline worked perfectly for the story, and the well-developed characters kept me guessing. Overall, it's a great book that I highly recommend.

    Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing the ARC, Ashley Tate's debut novel releases on January 30th, 2024.