Reviews

Never Come Back by Joe Hart

cj_mo_2222's review

emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Strong character development? It's complicated

4.0

This book has elements of a procedural as well as a domestic thriller. What makes it different from other crime thrillers is that it's told from the point-of-view of a family advocate. Nora McTavish used to work for Child Protective Services, but is now self-employed as an independent family advocate in Oregon. A childhood friend she hasn't talked to in years contacts Nora for help with a tricky custody case - Tess thinks her husband is guilty of murder! Nora has doubts about parts of Tess's story, but falls in love with her young daughter, Kendra. Nora gets very involved in this case, so much that her own life is soon in danger. 

Nora's willingness to fight for her clients is shown in a side custody case where the system is failing a young couple with developmental disabilities. Nora gives an impassioned speech in court to the judge defending the couple's right to raise their daughter. This is the second book in a series, but worked well for me even though I didn't read the first one. There are times it gets a little melodramatic, but I still enjoyed this engaging story. I was kept guessing until the very end about who could be trusted and who couldn't. I would be interesting to read additional books if this series continues.

I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer. My review is voluntary and unbiased. 

laceybananareads's review

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Never Come Back is a mysterious thriller full of action, drama, secrets, and lies. I was completely hooked on this story and these characters!  This book has very binge worthy writing and set the scene perfectly. I felt like I was there in that tense house. 

Nora is a family advocate who is visiting a childhood friend to help her with a custody case. She’s willing to offer her support but starts to notice that everything is not as it appears. Her main goal is to help her friend’s young daughter safe, but she gets way more than she bargained for with this case. 

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Joe Hart, and Thomas & Mercer for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I can’t wait for everyone else to read this on April 2nd!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Suicide, Toxic relationship, Murder, and Suicidal thoughts

idarausoro's review

challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

5.0

luchalibrarian's review

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

4.5

A superb domestic thriller with an enthralling backstory and lots of twists. I tore through this, an easy read that makes you think and question everyone’s motives. I really loved the inclusion of the works of Poe, that was a detail that made my English major heart sing. 

debs_shelves's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense

4.0

This is a new to me author and I will be seeking out more by Joe Hart! While second in a series, definitely reads as a standalone
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Nora had a traumatic childhood which led her to her career as a children’s advocate.
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When Tess, a childhood friend that she hadn’t seen in many years, reached out for help and it involved her daughter, Nora doesn’t hesitate. Tess is trying to keep her ex from gaining joint custody of their daughter, Kendra He was accused (bit never convicted) of murdering a student at his college, who he was allegedly involved with, among other accusations from Tess.
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As things begin to play out, Nora questions if Nora is telling her everything. And if she’s being honest.
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This was a twisty tale that I had a hard time putting down!

Thanks to NetGalley, Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Thomas and Mercer for an ARC in exchange for my honest review and allowing me the be a part of this tour!

abercrombie1986's review

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

 He’s a new to me author and I was pleasantly surprised. I was sure I had it all figured out and of course I was wrong.

Nora is a child advocate and is incredibly relatable and I felt for Kenny. Other than that I’m not sure I liked or trusted anyone.

This one was twisty and surprised me a few times.

The secondary storyline really brought home Nora’s compassion and passion for her work. Especially since I hadn’t read the first book in the series.

I really wanted to know more about Nora and her backstory. I can’t wait to continue with the series and check out book one. 

bookswithbianca's review

dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

tifflovesthrillers's review

fast-paced

5.0

holdmethrillme's review

5.0

 Wow. Just, wow. This was intriguing from start to finish! My mind was a whirlwind of theories and every single one of them ended up being completely wrong! I read this book in a day because I just had to know how it would end. Not only was the story really well-written, but I loved the imagery associated with the beautiful scenery that was an integral part of the story. This is the second book in the series and full disclosure, I didn’t read the first BUT I definitely didn’t need to! It can easily be read independently. 

booked_with_julia's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

5.0