3⭐
Genre ~ drama fiction
Setting ~ West Wilmer (maybe in Alabama)
Publication date ~ January 30, 2024
Est page Count ~ 377 (p+ 62 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 51 minutes
Narrator ~ Nikki Thomas
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ debut, dual timeline ~ 10 years later & 10 years ago, flashbacks, short chapters, small town, parental death due to cancer, drunk driving, underage drinking and drug use, secrets, lies

Pheobe was killed in a car crash when she was 17. Her brother, Grant, was behind the wheel.
Becca was in the accident and spent 18 days in the hospital. She sounds super unhinged and delusional in both the present and flashbacks
Siblings June & Wyatt each have things to say about that day.

Although each character is unlikable they were each distinct and it wasn't hard to keep track of the POV's. I can't name one character at all that I liked. Now don't think I am a terrible person here because obviously I don't wish this on anybody, but I couldn't even drum up sympathy for the deceased since it's slowly revealed how crazy she was. The 10 years ago chapters were each told by someone different that was at the party that shed a little light on things, which I liked. The 10 years later chapters only span 3 days, but it felt much longer.

Overall, this was fine as a debut, but it reads like YA to me since the characters still hadn't matured 10 years after the accident. It's definitely suspenseful with it's super slow buildup, since it took ages and ages to get to the meet of the story. I will say I was a little surprised about the twist, so that was nice. I do think this author has potential, so I'll give her next book a go.

Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference. I do want to add though that I am not sure that the flashbacks would be cohesive. You can tell they are based on the italic font, but I'm not so sure it would be easy to figure out. I'm not talking about the 10 years ago chapters, but flashbacks within the now.

Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to receive an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I really enjoyed this book. It had me on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next! I really did not expect the twist at the end and my heart was pounding while reading it!

I enjoyed the writing style. It was easy to grt through and thats how mystery thrillers should be. It's hard to say that I liked the characters when they were all unlikable, and the background characters were flat, but I did appreciate how unhinged they all were. What I didn't like was the "twist" because is wasnt a twist. It was very obvious, in my opinion. It played out mostly like a drama, and probably would make a better movie than book. The setting, however was great. And I really liked the imagery, especially with a certain character which I can't say because of spoilers.

Told from four different POV's this pulse pounding thriller will have you reading like a fiend to discover the truth about the car accident that killed Phoebe and why it took twenty-seven minutes for help to be called. With a toxic small town setting fueled by gossip and misdeeds, with many characters who only care about their own self interest this book is like a seeing a car accident on the side of the road you can't help but look. This book was a solid five stars for me right until the final two chapters. The ambiguous nature of the ending and one of the characters really just ruined it for me.

A debut Canadian author, Ashley Tate has written Twenty-Seven Minutes, a crime mystery thriller. Grant Dean was driving the car when it crashed into the bridge killing his sister Phoebe. Approaching the tenth anniversary, the accident and its impact still echo, as the small-town residents still wonder why Grant took twenty-seven minutes to call for help. The three days leading up to the anniversary are narrated by the four characters most impacted that fateful night - Grant (the driver), Becca (who was also in the car), June and brother Wyatt (who disappeared that same night). A community gathering to mark the date will result in the uncovering of the secret Grant has been keeping with Becca’s support. A psychological thriller that sees the truth of an event a decade earlier finally come to light with a three stars read rating. With thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without inducement.

I don't know about this one. I had trouble connecting with it or any of the characters. It took me almost a month to get through this one. The premise definitely had my attention and I like how the past and the present were woven together. The characters were just so odd to me. There were alternating perspectives from 4 characters and none of them seemed reliable. They were all unhinged and the setting added to the oddness. It was a small town, but no one seemed to be just a regular person. It did get better the last 20% and I was surprised about what actually happened, then the ending was odd to me again.
I know this was a debut author and I would try her again, but this one wasn't for me.

I appreciate the opportunity to read and review the advance copy, so thank you to the publisher and NetGalley. Unfortunately, this book is a complete snooze. It is told from 4 different and unlikable POVs, is at least 100 pages too long, and the “twists” are laughably predictable. I hate to give such a negative review, but I cannot recommend this book at all.

This is going to be a great debut novel! Thank you to netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I enjoyed the characters, the mystery and the storyline based on several high school teens who get into an accident on a bridge while leaving one dead and a story to be kept quiet until 10 years later. The author waits until the last minute in the book for us to find out why it took 27 minutes for the brother to call for help. Well done!

If I'm being honest about my opinion on this book, I was on the verge of giving up because I couldn't stand Grant and Becca. The plot kept burying the truth, and I couldn't figure out who was being honest. Yet, I kept reading until the last page, and surprisingly, I didn't regret it. It turned out to be time well spent!

The story revolves around Grant, Phoebe, Becca, June, Wyatt, and some other characters like Haley and Kelsey. Honestly, the one who really grabbed my interest was June. There was something about her character that just clicked with me, especially her connection with Wyatt. Their relationship became the driving force that kept me engaged and made me want to stick around until the very end of the book.

At first, I shrugged off the plot twist like, "Okay, is that all?" But then it hit me – there's more beneath the surface than I first thought. It compelled me to keep reading, searching for answers. And then, out of nowhere, bam, the significant plot twist I'd been yearning for unfolded. Suddenly, everything clicked, although I have to admit, some parts were a bit predictable. Yet, this major twist caught me off guard, and it hit me right in the feels – I couldn't hold back the tears. The characters, each grappling with their own secrets and silent battles, just left me emotionally shaken.

To sum it up, I highly recommend this book to anyone into thriller, mystery, or drama genres. Seriously, the plot twists are so gripping; you'll find it nearly impossible to set the book down. Trust me, it's one of those reads that's completely worth your time – a rollercoaster of emotions that you won't want to miss!

Considering it's Ashley Tate's debut novel, I have to say she did an amazing job writing this book!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for letting me dive into this fantastic ARC!

Read if you like:
🔥 Slow Burn Mysteries
#️⃣ Mulitple POV
🎭 Drama
🤫 Secrets

Why did Grant wait 27 long minutes to call for help after getting into a terrible car accident that ultimately claimed the life of his sister?

That is the question everyone wants the answer to and with the 10 year anniversary of her death, it’s time for answers…

This one really reads as a slow burn mystery that expertly weaves in grief, guilt, secrets, and the trauma of holding onto secrets for so long.

This is an emotional story told in multiple pov in two timelines that truly will make you question the truth all the way to the end.


Thank you Poisened Press for my copy in exchange for my review!

This one starts off in fast forward but as the story progresses we get to a very slow build. The last 80% was also rewarding with twists and a solid conclusion.

My jaw has DROPPED
That ending was INSANE

It’s been so long since I’ve read a good thriller/mystery and WOW. This book really had me HOOKED from the prologue. This book is about a girl who dies in a tragic car accident and 10 years later the truth about that night started to become unveiled. There are 4 povs throughout the story. All these characters have some sort of connection to that night and it’s so so interesting being able to see from all these perspectives how the night affected these characters and how these secrets are affecting them.
I absolutely loved the buildup and anticipation throughout the story. It was done so so perfectly. It had me constantly thinking of what could be happening and theorizing.
The ending was what really got me!! I really did not see that coming and I gasped so loud when I read that ending. I’m absolutely blown away.

To anyone who likes mysteries and anticipation I would highly recommend this book!! It will be released on 1/30.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me an EArc!

Great pace and convincing setting. Strong character development grips you from the beginning. Ashley Tate’s Twent-Seven Minutes is a must read!

The burning question about what could have been done vs what was actually done in 27 minutes is the focus of this entire town West Wilmer for over a decade. This would have the difference that could have helped save Grant's sister. But there is someone else who has been missing as well and shows up suddenly in terrible health opening a new can of worms. It was a slow burn plot which slows down too much in the middle. There was a big reveal that worked for me but I felt it needed a trim as a whole. It had a great premise but too many characters dragged it a bit.

Twenty-Seven Minutes! This is the amount of time it took Grant Dean to call for help after getting into a car accident that took the life of his younger sister. If he had called sooner, she may have survived. Ten years later, as her memorial approaches, many of the locals are still deeply affected by the tragedy. What really happened that night?

This book takes place in the town of West Wilmer - a town that comes across as quite gloomy, depressing and mundane on its face. There are many conflicts happening in the characters' lives. Is anyone happy? It doesn't seem like it. And who knows what really has happened in the past? Everyone has their own version, and many of the locals love to gossip. Tate introduces quite a few prominent players and her character development is decent, but sometimes it is hard to keep it all straight - I read the beginning several times to make sure I understood each person. And some of the relationships between these people are weird, but I was willing to accept that because I truly wanted to know what was going to happen next. Tate was able to build suspense as she gradually revealed new aspects to the past, but these revelations are coming from the characters themselves so the reader is not always convinced it's the truth. I enjoyed much of this book, especially a huge part of the middle as I was getting to know the characters and learn more about the past and present. But the ending fell a little short. It was a long build-up to get to the final revelation which was somewhat predictable. And although there was some closure at the finish, it all still felt heavy and dark because so many of the characters had to return to their dreary lives. That being said, the majority of the book kept me turning the pages. Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC.

I tried to like this book but it was lack luster and dragged on and on. I found it boring

Thank you Netgalley for the free advanced reader copy to try out.

Omg! What a terrible secret everyone is living! Grant Dean was driving his sister Phoebe and Becca a friend home one night and they had a terrible accident on a bridge. Unfortunately, Phoebe didn’t survive the accident and she was definitely the golden girl of the town.
June had just buried her mother and she was struggling because her brother Wyatt had been missing for the last ten years right after the terrible accident that took Phoebe’s life. Suddenly he shows up and is in terrible health, teeth falling out and so forth.
Can they all end up working together to bring out the truth why it took twenty seven minutes to call for help?

I received this ARC for free from Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

It's difficult to believe this stunning book is a first novel. The writing is pitch-perfect, the characters deeply developed, and the story compelling from beginning to end. Ashley Tate raises the small town mystery to new heights in this accomplished story of grief, secrets, and corrosive suspicion.

The reason I wanted to read this book is the same reason that had me rabidly reading it like a fiend: Why?

Why did Phoebe's brother wait 27 minutes before calling 9-1-1 after they were in a terrible car accident? Would she have lived if he had called for help immediately? I had to know the answers to these questions, so the author successfully hooked me before I had even begun reading.

This story is presented to us from the perspective of 5 different characters. Perhaps a more accurate way to describe it is the story unfolds through their memories, as each character is trapped, reliving their pasts. Phoebe Dean's mother is hosting a memorial of her death - this tragic loss a pivotal moment for all the characters. Their memories take over their ability to function properly, though it seems they've all been barely functioning these last 10 years, each one holding on to survivor's guilt for different reasons.

I never lost my desire to know why. I typically don't jive well with stories that are little to no action, where everything is told to me by a character or through dialogue, but even so, I couldn't stop reading. Like I said, Ashley Tate had that hook in me before I even started.

I had a lot of fun trying to determine what really happened the night of the accident, but was a little disappointed that it's written in a way that the reader cannot possible solve the mystery....or so I thought! I went back through and looked at all of the quotes I had highlighted and do you know, every single quote had a clue as to what was right there in front of me the whole time! I just sat there looking at all the quotes, shaking my head in awe. I comfort myself by saying my subconscious figured it out, lol.

It was interesting to me to see how each of these characters handled their grief and guilt. Each were affected differently and got through their day-to-day lives in the best way they could. Some had support systems, other did not. I enjoyed seeing who was able to come out on the other end stronger and those who succumbed.

I'm glad I took a while to think this one through, go back through my notes and quotes before determining my rating because I actually enjoyed this one more than I realized upon immediately finishing the book.

A great debut from Ashley Tate - I look forward to seeing what else this author has up their sleeve!

Wow! This book was simply amazing, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see how it was all going to end. Great thrilling story!