-
Barnes and Noble Best Book of the Year, 2017
Since We Fell
Thriller
2017
ebook, paperback, hard cover
432
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Barnes and Noble Best Book of the Year
Bookpage Best of 2017
Booklist Best Crime Novel
PopSugar Best Book of 2017
The new novel from New York Times bestseller Dennis Lehane, author of Mystic River and Shutter Island
“Lehane is the master of complex human characters thrust into suspenseful, page-turning situations.” —Gillian Flynn
Since We Fell follows Rachel Childs, a former journalist who, after an on-air mental breakdown, now lives as a virtual shut-in. In all other respects, however, she enjoys an ideal life with an ideal husband. Until a chance encounter on a rainy afternoon causes that ideal life to fray. As does Rachel’s marriage. As does Rachel herself. Sucked into a conspiracy thick with deception, violence, and possibly madness, Rachel must find the strength within herself to conquer unimaginable fears and mind-altering truths. By turns heart- breaking, suspenseful, romantic, and sophisticated, Since We Fell is a novel of profound psychological insight and tension. It is Dennis Lehane at his very best.
This was almost a perfect thriller for me. I admit that the early story-line can feel a bit slow, but I knew that it had a purpose. Several reviewers complained about this but having finished Since We Fell by Dennis Lehane I am certain it was necessary to be able to understand our main character, Rachel Childs.
Rachel spends quite a bit of the book trying to find her biological father. Her mother was a bit cruel while raising Rachel. Dangling the last name of her father like a carrot just out of Rachel’s reach. The details surrounding her relationship with her mom, and the quest for her dad, are how we will later understand the decision Rachel makes in this book. It’s a little long, but it’s critical to the book.
Rachel runs into her husband several times in this story before ultimately connecting for a relationship. I imagine they’re both as attractive as this couple from the Lucifer TV show.
When you reach the thrilling twists and turns that you can always expect from a Dennis Lehane story, you will not be able to put the book down. Honestly, I was desperate to figure this one out. I knew something was off, but I was pleasantly surprised and thrown for several exciting loops.
What kept this book from getting a 5th star from me? A few intimacy scenes. They felt a little unrealistic. A little too fantasied. I’ve read enough erotica to know when it’s done well. ? That’s all, just my opinion. The scenes distracted me enough from the story to be bothersome. With that disclaimer made, I still say this book is well worth your time. I’ll read more from this author.
Kristin lives in the PNW with her husband, and three kids. She loves to read YA fiction, fantasy, and romance. She enjoys a few side-hustles, including creating bookreels/booktoks for authors. The only shows she watches are re-runs, and if she’s not reading a book, she’s listening to one.
