I have to declare an interest regarding this book – Caron was one of my Creative Writing students at the Worthing campus of the Greater Brighton Metropolitan College and I have seen earlier drafts of After Seth. It was another student who contacted me to say that she had published it, and it was available on Amazon. Naturally, I was keen to read the final version – and then felt I wanted to spread the word about this gripping, intense read. This is my honest unbiased opinion of the book.BLURB: At Seth Jameson’s funeral, three women gather at the graveside… But they aren’t there to mourn him. Detective Inspector Beatrice (Billie) Nixon is about to retire. Her last job is to investigate whether Seth’s death was misadventure, as previously thought, or murder.
As she hears their stories, a different picture of Seth emerges from the one presented to the world.
•Roz – driven to alcoholism after years of physical, mental and financial abuse.
•Eleanor – withdrawn from the world after a terrifying and life changing experience.
•Imogen – obsessed and delusional.
And Beatrice begins to wonder not did anyone kill him, but why did they wait so long? But there were other women in Seth’s life and, as she hears all their experiences, Beatrice discovers a story of strength, friendship and love. And after a lifetime dedicated to the law, she is forced to ask herself… Can murder ever be justified?
I really enjoyed reading this one. All too often, it is those who wreak the damage that somehow seem to prevail by kicking over the rules that keep society and individuals civilised, but while Garrod doesn’t flinch from showing some of the darker consequences of Seth’s actions, I enjoyed the powerful feeling of hope in what could have otherwise been a bleak read. It doesn’t hurt that both Roz and Eleanor both have a wry sense of humour that comes to the fore when the going gets tough.
Of course, this is ultimately a murder mystery. Or is it? Has Seth actually been murdered? Even that is up for debate, and it is only as the book progresses and Billie Nixon continues taking the statements of the women involved in Seth’s life, that she learns the truth. There are some nice twists, particularly as the story progresses, that gives the reader an entirely different take on what is happening, which is always satisfying in a whodunit. I think the ending is beautiful – it not only ties everything up entirely satisfactorily, but left me with a lump in my throat.
Highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers with a whodunit mystery.
9/10
May9
I love the connection you have to the author😁 It must be nice to see one of your students succeed with such a good story!
It really is a buzz – though she has worked hard on it since I last read it…
Sounds fascinating! Excellent review.
Thank you, Anne. It really is something a bit different and special…
I love that you’re reading and reviewing your former student’s work and even better that you loved it. It really does sound like a great read. 🙂
Yes – and though I do read my former students’ work whenever possible, I wouldn’t have reviewed it if I hadn’t really loved it:)).
Despite being labeled as a murder mystery, this book sounds like a deep and intense exploration of the human soul, which makes it doubly interesting. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
That really sums up well the dynamic, which is why it isn’t such a bleak read as many books in the genre.
Brilliant – a good book and a former student. How exciting and I do love a good psychological thriller.
Lynn 😀
I know! Talk about feeling proud:)). Especially as she’s done such a cracking job on it.
I’m definitely getting this one. Kuddos to your student. Kuddos to you for being an influence.
Bless you, Rae – what a lovely compliment:).