I have a confession to make, I clicked on this book by mistake and I am so pleased that I did.
This book is a little gem.
Set in the Scottish Highlands at a camping/ clamping site. Charlie the son of the owners had a traumatic experience when he was younger and has never spoken since.
This is his story narrated by him on what happens on that fateful day when two young men cross his path.
What happens next, the repercussions. I was really rooting for Charlie.
This book is beautifully written and the descriptions of the Highlands are breathtaking.
The climax of this book was not what I was expecting. This is a very entertaining read, beautifully written and with a message. Bullies sometimes get their come uppence.
I would like to thank the author Pat Young, Bloodhound books and Net.galley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for giving an honest review.

'One Perfect Witness' is award winning and bestselling author Pat Young's third psychological thriller. Based in Ayrshire where the author grew up reminded me of the many holidays i've had in beautiful Scotland over the years, the descriptions of the area were simply wonderful and extremely vivid. It's evident that Young knows this area well. It begins at a pedestrian pace but slowly builds until the tension is palpable. Essentially, this is an exploration of relationships, circumstances and the complexities of life and the human mind. The characters are complex and are so well drawn. You certainly feel sympathy for the many involved. I loved the conclusion too, as it was a satisfying end to the novel but also leaves you thinking about the book for a great deal of time after finishing. I would rate the climax as one of the best i've read in a long while as usually I feel a sense of disappointment but had no such issue here. Bravo!

Overall, an engrossing, exciting read that shines a light on some deeper topics. One of the most original crime stories i've had the pleasure to read in a while. A must read for thriller fans who like their books with a bit of substance to them.

Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review. Very different than what I expected. As others have noted, it was a bit of a slow burn but once it got going it took me places I was not expecting to go. Definitely worth the time if you want something a little different but still very enjoyable

Another great book by Pat Young. It may start off slowly but certainly builds momentum as you read. Brilliant storyline, great characters and an unusually satisfying ending.

Slow start, but it gets super good. Charlie seems younger than 12. The last chapter is excellent. I wish all books could end with such a satisfying conclusion.

I enjoyed this book but felt that something was missing as well.

Don't get me wrong the book has wonderfully complex characters just I found myself shifting my focus at times which made the book not as enjoyable.

Kicking off with a behind the scenes view of a holiday park in Ayrshire I was immediately transported back to my childhood as memories of holidays on the Ayrshire coast filled my head. But this was no happy family moment and it became immediately clear that there was an underlying tension between Richard & Viv caravan park owners with son Charlie stuck in the middle. Charlie sneaks off to get his father's gun with one thought in his mind - "tomorrow they will remember me"...

Three boys, one path and a meeting that will change their lives forever! Oh, my heart went out to Charlie. I could sense a lot of pain about him but at the same time, there was a feeling of darkness surrounding this character. Despite his young years, the author was able to weave an air of trouble into the character yet at the same time make the reader feel protective of him.

We also meet the two other characters who are taking the path that fateful moment; Gus is in Scotland from South Africa trying to make his name in international rugby but Gus has a bit of a reputation for his temper and this may be his downfall. Sebastian has come over to Scotland from France to work the summer in the Brackenbrae Holiday Park yet there is a real sense that he has run away from something back in France and is not just coming over for the work experience. Through the narrative, we learn a little more about each character and this helps the reader make sense of the tragic events.

I can't say too much without giving away spoilers here but Charlie definitely stole the show for me in this novel, his anguish and pain are palpable and at times I wanted to slap his parents as they couldn't or wouldn't see what was going on with him.

I felt a real sense of injustice as I read and I was willing it all to come right in the end. Whether it does or not, you will just have to read it and see. It is not a fast-paced thriller but more a slower paced exploration of relationships, circumstances and "what ifs". I was left with a few questions unanswered but sometimes that can be a good thing as it leaves you pondering long after the last page has turned!

A cracking sense of place was created by the author and you can tell she knows the area well. I loved the visuals that this book brought to mind as I read.

One Perfect Witness is a cracking read that will keep you engaged until the very end and leave you wondering for just that little bit longer.
Will post as part of blog tour