The Quick Cut: A guy goes looking for answers about his boyfriend's suicide. The deeper he looks, the less it makes sense and cbaos ensues.
A Real Review:
Thank you to Amberjack Publishing for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Suicide, depression, and self harm are some of the most hot button topics to discuss in any book. It's not just because seeing it happen to someone you care about can ruin you, but also because the wrong words can do damage. In the wrong hands, a person in an uncomfortable headspace can be pushed into making the wrong choice. With this book, I got that seeiously uncomfortable feeling that good intentions may have unfortunately created the potential for that situation.
The book is told over the course of about two years and comes from multiple narrators. However, most of the perspective comes from Ash: James' boyfriend who ends up committing suicide. James knows something more is going on, but no one else seemingly questions his death and Ash's brother Elliot leaves town. The story starts with a video reaching a girl's eyes looking for Elliot Taylor, who is in the room with her. From there, the chaotic journey begins.
When I read the summary for this book, it intrigued me as not only a great story. This seemed like a wonderful opportunity to talk about depression and suicide in a real wag from how it affects those left behind. Unfortunately, what I ended up with instead is a slow moving tale that didn't take advantage of it's wealth of chances.
With an LGBT couple at the center, there's even more opportunity to discuss difficult topics rarely covered. Ash is depressed with anxiety and a cutting issue. James was in love with him and notified the cops when he disappeared. Instead, it's all missed and blown to hell with the way this story is written. I get it, plot is plot. However, then why add such touchy subjects? Just to add some drama? It should be more than just a characteristic and that's how it feels.
With a slow story and an inconsistent message, you're better off moving onto another book for some suspense.
My rating: 1 out of 5