Ashley TateRezensionen

A single question has haunted them for a decade: why did it take Phoebe Dean's brother, Grant, so long 27 to call for help?​ TWENTY-SEVEN MINUTES is the debut novel by Canadian Ashley Tate. After her mother died suddenly, the author wanted to write about how dark and transforming grief can be. She used an event set in a small town to share that feeling of fear that comes when everything changes in an instant.
Just don't expect to actually like any of the characters.

What really happened the night of the accident ten years ago?

Why didn't Grant call the ambulance immediately instead of waiting twenty-seven minutes to call for help.

It has been ten years and those people that know what happened have been struggling with the truth they didn't make known all of these years.

Now that they are going to have a memorial service for Phoebe, Grant's sister, will the truth come out?

Why do they need this memorial when another person just got killed on that same bridge, and talk of tearing it down are in the works?

And what about the disappearance of Wyatt on the same night? Had he been involved?

TWENTY-SEVEN MINUTES goes back and forth in time telling events and life situations from ten years ago and present day.

The book took a while to catch my interest, and the odd characters were none that I could warm up to or sympathize with, but it does get better so don't give up.

There is a surprise ending. 4/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Ten years ago on a bridge in the small town of West Wilmer Phoebe Dean died in a car accident in which she was travelling with her brother, Kent, and local girl, Becca. But why did it take Kent 27 minutes to phone for help? What really happened that night?

This is quite a bleak and sad story set in a claustrophobic town where its inhabitants all seem to have secrets or are very reserved. None of them are particularly likeable, either. I liked the writing style, however, it drew me in and I was eager to know what exactly happened on the night of the accident. On the other hand I did find it a little drawn out and protracted. I read this book via the Pigeonhole app so perhaps, in this instance, it would have been better to read it continuously to gain momentum, rather than in a serialised format. I enjoyed it, though, and thought it depicted small town dynamics very well. A well written and engaging read with an interesting twist

Twenty-Seven Minutes is Ashley Tate's debut novel.
From the prologue: "...if an ambulance had been called right away she would have survived...but the ambulance was called too late - twenty-seven minutes too late."

Between the cover picture and that bit from the prologue above I was expecting a suspense/mystery book. There are a number of questions and actions that need to be discovered and addressed. That somewhat filled the mystery expectation.

But, the delivery of the book is much slower than I had imagined it to be. The past and present is viewed and seen through the eyes of the four main characters. Everyone of them is hiding something. I had thought I would have empathy for at least one of them, but I didn't.

The small town they all live in is gray, wounded and ugly. That goes for the supporting characters as well. Mean spirited, insular and stuck in the path they've chosen.

This book was a very slow burn for me. I found that that the plotting was far too slow and repetitive for me. Some of the issues from the opening pages have yet to be resolved by the last chapters. Unfortunately I'd lost interest by the time I turned the last page.

Others quite liked this book so I encourage you to check out other reviews.

Twenty-seven minutes. That’s how long it took for Grant Dean to call for help the night his sister Phoebe died. The single witness, Becca, still has no memory of the accident…although few actually believe that. Now, ten years later there’s a memorial. Ten years later someone is ready to talk, to tell what they didn’t before. This is a story about a small town unable to move forward after a tragic accident claims the life of a popular young woman, leaving too many unanswered questions.

Ashley Tate’s debut sets up the story well, told through a duel timeline, with large cast of characters. Technically a suspense thriller I think it’s strength lies in the slow burn look at loss and profound grief. Narrators are unreliable, sometimes morally grey, often unlikable …and yet I couldn’t look away! A more seasoned mystery reader may have figured out the twist much earlier on but I feel it’s almost beside the point. My investment was in the characters journey.

I recommend for readers that love a mystery suspense that doesn’t sacrifice character driven themes. I’m excited to see what Tate does next and think she’s an exciting new author to watch.

I received a review copy from the publisher @PoisonedPenPress via @Netgalley

Twenty Seven Minutes by Ashley Tate is her debut novel and one of those stories that I wanted to love. I bounced back and forth, between a three and a four. I always up the rating when that happens.

My biggest complaint was the repetition. At two thirds of the way through, it became tedious, but, I understand why it was done that way. Shifting from different points of view and past to present and back again, it was inevitable. It never stopped me from having a need to know the ending and did create tension, making me read faster to find out the truth and why it was such a big secret.

Wyatt became the most intriguing character to me. I loved the twist and my heart broke for June. Through no fault of her own, I feel she suffered the most. I cannot tell you all the whys. You will have to find out for yourself.

As the truth comes to light and the secrets are revealed, I felt many emotions. Anger at the liars and the ones that chose to cover up. Empathy for June, the one I feel who struggled the most and paid the biggest price. Satisfaction that those who deserve it were haunted by their part in the cover up and the price they paid for keeping their secret for ten long years.

Karma…

We have a Conversation with the Author at the end of the book and a Reading Group Guide.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com

Twenty-Seven Minutes by Ashley Tate is a recommended novel of psychological suspense.

Ten years ago an accident resulted in the death of Phoebe Dean. Her brother, Grant, was driving at the time and classmate Becca was a passenger. They were both injured but survived. For the past ten years, residents in the small town have been obsessed with the tragedy and continually question why Grant waited 27 minutes before calling 911. The official story is that he hit a deer, was knocked unconscious, and injured Becca was unable to help. The town thinks he waited to sober up before calling.

June has just buried her mother. Ten years ago on the same night of the accident, her brother Wyatt and her father disappeared. No one in the town attended her mother's service or have shown any concern about her brother's disappearance. She has always wondered why Wyatt never contacted them or returned for a visit. Now on the unfortunate anniversary of that night, a memorial service is being held in Phoebe's honor and the truth about that night might finally be revealed.

The narrative is told through the points-of-view of Becca, Grant, June and Wyatt, predominately from the present day with occasional chapters from ten years ago. Chapters are clearly marked indicating which character's POV is presented and flashbacks are italicized in these chapters. The tension and suspense is slowly created through the secrets being held and the anticipation that the truth will be revealed. There is also a supernatural element.

Having a town obsess over an accident from ten years ago while canonizing a teenage girl requires setting aside a good dose of disbelief. Once this is accomplished readers can expect a drawn-out, very slow moving story. I was hopeful that the character development would redeem the glacial pace but this doesn't happen because all the characters are unlikable and stuck in the past. There are a few glimmers of hope at the beginning and along the way that the plot may take a less predictable turn, but, alas, it was not the case. 2.5 rounded up.
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/01/twenty-seven-minutes.html½

There are many, many flawed characters in this novel, some so unlikable that you want them to fade away and never come back. And yet they do, all for the good of a good story. The ten year anniversary of a young, model high school students death has arrived in a small rural town. Her name was Phoebe and she was the golden girl of the community. There are still no solid answers as to how this accident actually occurred and who was involved in the car accident that killed Phoebe on an infamous bridge that locals now want to tear down. Phoebe's brother high school football star Grant was driving, but he says he does not remember... says he swerved to hit a deer. Becca, a young and impressionable teen is asleep in the back seat, why was she there and what did she see. Ten years later she still does not remember until the distraught and depressed mother of Phoebe decides to hold a ten year memorial for her beloved daughter. Suddenly memories begin to float to the surface and the main characters involved begin to put two and two together. It is a riveting read to say the least. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review and advanced copy of this very intriguing novel.

Admittedly it took me some time to invest in this book because I downloaded on to my phone and I have a harder time with digital media than print media - totally my fault. However I am requesting a Kindle for Christmas because I don't want to miss out on such high quality stories/books like this one! I CAN do this digital thing:).

As the decennial of Phoebe’s death in an auto accident approaches and a memorial is planned, the main characters from that fateful night converge to reveal what really happened and why it took her brother, who was driving, twenty seven minutes to call 911. Phoebe was seen as the perfect child by her mother and community. Her brother, not so much. That fateful night had devastating affects on her family and Becca, who was also in the car. Far reaching, it also
touched others including Wyatt who disappeared that night and his family.

This almost reads like a YA novel, but it is far too dark to be anything other than an adult read. I found the characters to be unlikable and could not engage with the story. The narrative seemed to go on and on in a mosaic of obsession, guilt, and grief. I did like the different POVs, but the characters were all such sad people. Curiosity about the real events of that night ten years ago will keep readers hooked.

There are others who will really like this book, but it just wasn’t for me.

Thanks to #netgalley and #poisonedpenpress for the ARC

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with this book.

"Twenty Seven Minutes" is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that immerses readers in the heart of a small town struggling to cope with tragedy. The story revolves around the untimely death of Phoebe, a young girl, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her demise. Tate weaves a complex tapestry of grief, secrets, and human nature that captivates from the very first page.

Set in the claustrophobic town of West Wilmer, the narrative focuses on the unanswered question: Why did it take Grant Dean, Phoebe's brother, twenty-seven minutes to call for help on the night of the fatal car accident? This query becomes a haunting presence in the lives of the characters and the town as a whole. Tate masterfully builds tension as the characters grapple with their own guilt, fears, and hidden truths.

The exploration of small-town dynamics and the impact of tragedy on a closely-knit community is a strong suit of the novel. Tate skillfully delves into the lives of various residents, revealing their struggles, relationships, and the interconnectedness that defines their existence.

The character development is compelling, making you feel deeply for their pain and secrets.The writing style is evocative and immersive, transporting readers to the heart of West Wilmer's emotional landscape. Tate's ability to balance the mystery with poignant emotional moments ensures a well-rounded reading experience. The pacing keeps the suspense taut, gradually unveiling the truth behind the mystery..

"Twenty Seven Minutes" is a haunting and beautifully crafted novel that resonates with readers long after the last page. Ashley Tate's exploration of loss, guilt, and the intricacies of relationships showcases her ability to create a compelling narrative that tugs at the heartstrings. This book is a must-read for those who appreciate mystery intertwined with emotional depth and a keen understanding of human psychology.

Review of Advance Reader’s Edition

Phoebe Dean is lying on the bridge, dying. Her thoughts are scrambled, but they focus momentarily on her family, her brother, Grant. She remembers their childhood promise of leaving this small town together.

She’d have survived if an ambulance had been called soon enough, but the call was twenty-seven minutes too late. The perfect one may have tragically perished, but the truth always comes out.

Now, with the tenth anniversary of Phoebe’s untimely death approaching, her mother plans a memorial service. At the same time, some people in West Wilmer are campaigning to have the bridge where Phoebe died torn down.

Why was the call for help that night too late? What did happen on the bridge?

=========

Told from multiple points of view, the tension-filled narrative recounts events in both the past and the present. The small town mourns the loss of one so young with such a promising future ahead of her, but there have always been questions about what happened that night. Several of the characters are less than likable, and some of the home situations are particularly cringe-worthy. The inclusion of a supernatural event is a bit jarring and does require the reader to suspend disbelief, but it is vital in the reader’s understanding of how the events played out that night and it does answer the exigent question related to the accident that claimed Phoebe’s life.

Strong, nuanced, believable [but unlikable] characters, perfect pacing, a twisty, propulsive storyline, and the revelation of long-held dark secrets all work together to pull the reader into the telling of the tale and keep those pages turning as fast as possible. Seeing the events surrounding Phoebe from several points of view might be a tad repetitious, but the insights from each character help to explain their behaviors and, ultimately, their decisions.

Suspense oozes from the pages, but the narrative holds on to its secrets until the denouement readers simply won’t see coming. Grief, pain, sorrow, disappointment, secrets, and tragedy all play a part here; readers who enjoy suspense and mystery tales will find much to appreciate here.

Following the story, a reading group guide and a conversation with the author are also included.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
#twentysevenminutes #NetGalley

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

I thought this was well-written, and the chapters from the perspective of Becca were well done. The rest I wasn't so keen on. The mystery of why Grant waits 27 minutes to call an ambulance for his sister is cleared up at the end, but the book takes a long time getting there. The time line constantly shifts between the present day and 10 years ago and there are chapters from the perspectives of different characters. This is not confusing, but all the male characters were either unpleasant or absent or both, and the female characters (apart from Becca) were either downtrodden or unkind or weird (Phoebe) or featured so fleetingly that I got them confused (e.g.Kelsey and Harley). I didn't find anyone particularly relatable and the ending wasn't a huge surprise.