I’ve had a hard time deciding if I should rate this 2 or 3 stars. I had a lot of feelings about this book, but not many were positive.

First off, the amount of grief and trauma was incredibly well portrayed, because for each character it was entirely different. However, it was at times very difficult to read because of how heavy the subject matter was.

Second, I could not STAND anyone except for June. Becca was so annoying to me because of her obsession with Grant, who was just plain awful to her. Grant was the worst character I’ve ever read about. He was a classic manipulator and it’s no surprise that his own mother couldn’t stand him.

Lastly, I found the plot to be rather predictable. I had a feeling Grant was lying to Becca about what happened the night of the accident. It seemed all too convenient that she couldn’t remember, and he was there to “remind her” it was her fault. I find with that when I can predict the ending, I either DNF or power through to see if I was wrong. In this case, I powered through because I wanted to know what Grant was doing that it took 27 minutes to call for help.

Overall, I didn’t hate this, but I didn’t love it either. So for that it’s getting a 3 ⭐️

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of Twenty-Seven Minutes.

The premise of this book sounded SO interesting but it fell so flat. The only reason this didn't get one star is because I somehow actually finished it (with a lot of skimming oops). I hated every single character. LOATHED. There is zero mystery about this and the deal with what actually happened was zero surprise at all. It was entirely each character whining, falling apart because of their ~trauma~, and gaslighting each other. Zero plot, do not recommend.

What a page-turner…luscious prose, beautifully written, compelling characters. Secret upon secret upon secret riddle the small town of Wilmer for 10 years after Phoebe dies on a small bridge…what really happened that night will keep you guessing right until the very end…and ending I never saw coming…I thought I had it all figured out but boy was I wrong. 10 out of 10 stars from me…thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book…it was so freakin’ good!!!

I was going to give this two stars, but that insinuates I found something about it redeemable, when it was awful from start to finish.

Phoebe died ten years ago in a tragic car accident. She might have been saved, but her brother Grant waited twenty-seven minutes to call an ambulance, and no one knows why. We follow Grant’s POV, along with three other characters who have a connection to the awful accident.

Four POVS was too much, especially since they were all awful and boring. None of them had a distinct voice, and they all were so flavorless. The only character who sparked any emotion was Becca, and that’s just cause of how annoying she was. Even then, I didn’t care what happened to her; at least her chapters made me feel something.

Nothing happens until the last 10%. The whole book is just our characters going “No one can know what happened!” Okay, but you have to give me something to keep me reading. Whether it’s strong characters, or small clues along the way, if you leave the whole mystery for the last 10% I will feel cheated. By that point, I didn’t even care what happened, I just wanted the book to be over. The big reveal? I guessed it within the first quarter, so that was even worse.

Mysteries don’t have to be insanely clever or outside of the box to be entertaining. Figuring out what happened before the characters do is half the fun. Yet, when all of the characters are insufferable, and nothing about the book is entertaining, there should at least be a good ending to make up for it.

I wouldn’t recommend this.

Thank you, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press, for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book was gripping initially but then lost steam afterwards. I couldn’t connect with the characters and it didn’t seem like their lives had changed much as adults from since they were in high school. The book dragged towards the end. I feel the book could have been shorter.

A twisted tale of mistakes made in youth coupled with teen obsession and a desparation to get out of town. This tale is told from multiple points of view and bounces between the year of the accident and ten years later. The teens involved at the time are still processing their grief - almost anguish - about the loss of Phoebe. The trajectory of their lives ricocheted that day, and they also mourn the loss of their dreams. As the ten-year anniversary of the accident approaches, the townspeople come together, resentments flare, memories resurface, and the truth explodes out of the dark like fireworks. The characters are well developed and their faults laid bare; the story was engaging as you learned nuggets of truth through the memories and experiences of those involved. Great tale of loss by a master storyteller!

This story delivers a gripping and emotionally charged narrative that explores the lingering aftermath of a tragic car accident in the small town of West Wilmer. Grant Dean's guilt over the fateful night when his sister Phoebe lost her life becomes the focal point of a decade-long mystery. The suspense builds as Grant's secret threatens to consume him, and Becca, another passenger in the car that night, harbors knowledge that could shatter the fragile peace they've managed to maintain. With the anniversary of Phoebe's death approaching, the story unfurls over three intense days, culminating in a shocking twist that will leave readers breathless. This tale masterfully navigates the complex terrain of grief, dark secrets, and the relentless pursuit of truth, making this a riveting and thought-provoking read.

The author skillfully weaves together multiple perspectives and a haunting atmosphere, creating a story that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page. As the characters grapple with their past, their guilt, and the weight of their secrets, the novel invites readers to explore the profound impact of tragedy on individuals and communities. With its unexpected twists and revelations, this book is an enthralling exploration of the human capacity for resilience, redemption, and the enduring search for closure.

3.75 stars

This one definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. I desperately needed to know where it was going.

Coming up on the tenth anniversary of Phoebe’s death, the town is abuzz with memories of the bright young woman. Her brother Grant, is struggling with his own demons, considering she died while they were in the car together, along with Becca. Why did it take Grant 27 minutes to call an ambulance that night? They are the only ones who know the truth, and Becca’s recollection of events is shady at best.

There were honestly very few likable characters in this book, and I felt the ending was rushed. Even still, this was a great debut and I did find myself glued to the page the entire time.

Considering the premise of the book, I was actually really excited to read this. I don’t read a lot of thrillers, so I was hoping this one would live up to the name. Sadly, it was disappointing. I stopped about 60% through.

This book was so slow and drawn out. Like, we don’t even find out WHY Grant waited 27 minutes to call for help until the VERY END of the book. You don’t really get to know the characters, they’re all terrible people dealing with their own trauma and grief and they’re all using everyone else for their own benefit.

It all felt very stereotypical: the drunk, the crazy girl, the dead girl…. I got all the characters confused and everything just seemed kinda repetitive.

Twenty-Seven Minutes, by Ashley Tate, bounces between two timelines with each chapter told from a different character's perspective. Alcohol, trauma, etc. affect the way the events of a horrific night are remembered. Hints and revelations twist what you think is the reality and have you grasping for the truth. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I found this book easy to get into and I read it in one sitting! The twists and turns kept me hooked throughout.

The prologue started off great. However, the rest of the book did not deliver as well for me. I didn’t really connect with the characters. The ending was interesting if not a bit strange. I actually got quite into the end. . I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through Net Galley.

After a high school party, Phoebe dies. But why did Grant and Becca wait 27 min before calling an ambulance? The flashes between current day and 10 years ago on that night reveal secrets and the truth is revealed. Lots of twists and turns. The ending felt off from the remainder of the book. Overall, a solid 4.5 stars.

I finished this one is 24 hours ! It was definitely more of a slow burn psychological thriller than a typical thriller. . There was a good twist at the end. I think this was really good for a debut novel. I liked the variety of characters and the flashback to 10 years ago and the present. I look forward to reading more of the author's future books.

Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

I was initially intrigued by the premise of this book, which is excellent on paper. But the writing led me to put it down about 1/4 of the way through. It felt clunky and in need of a much more thorough edit. The characters felt fairly one dimensional and although I tried to stick with it and finish I couldn't get through it.

I was really intrigued by the premise of this book and knew friends who would also be interested. The issue was the 10 years in the future story line as this felt like too long and makes you question why this is only now being discussed. The books redeeming qualities are the multiple POV way of telling the story and the ending wasn't what I had predicted. However, the whole thing did feel slightly drawn out as to why it took her brother 27 minutes to call an ambulance, 27 minutes that could have saved her life.

I had a hard time finishing this book, but I did. The story goes back and forth from the present to ten years prior, when an accident happened in which the drivers sister died. As the title says, it took twenty-seven minutes for someone to call for an ambulance. The story brings together the three main players in the car and then those around them, that night, and weeks before.

I guess I could not suspend my belief in regards to the behavior of some of the parties, well, mostly all of the parties. Ten years had passed and yet the main characters were still operating in arrested adolescent mode. None of them seemed all that bright or for that matter, sane.

I did not find a lot of suspense. I kept reading just so I could find out exactly what happened that night on the bridge.

Twenty Seven Minutes was a little underwhelming for me. It truly had great promise, but I felt it was far too much of a slow burn. I appreciated the multi pov for each chapter but that added to the chaos in that it feels sporadic and comes in bits and pieces which makes the timeline confusing.. Essentially, Phoebe, a teenager was killed in an car accident 10yrs ago. The title refers to the 27 mins it took Grant (Phoebe's brother & the driver of the car) to call 911. It is alleged that Phoebe could have survived the if grant called immediately. The book surrounds what really happened that night & why Grant didn't call until 27 mins later... The ending is definitely unpredictable though so that gives the story a little bit more.

I have to say that Ashley Tate surprised me with this ending. I did not see it coming at all. This book is well written. I sort of had to push on during the middle of the book, but I am so, so glad I did. I would have missed a good ending if I had not finished this book.

The town of West Wilmer is approaching the 10 year anniversary of the horrible wreck that happened on the bridge and took the life of a young lady, Phoebe, in their town. Not only was Phoebe lost in the wreck, but Becca and Grant were also hurt and have had a long road to recovery. There is also a secret that Becca and Grant share that Becca is determined to help Grant hide. With the approaching anniversary, the truth is eating at Grant and making him regret every keeping the secret that he and Becca have.

On the same night as the wreck on the bridge that claimed Phoebe's life, June's brother Wyatt went away and no one has heard from him or seen him since then. With June's mother passing away, she is left with no family that she can turn to. She desperately wishes that she could find her brother and then she would at least have him. June believes that he is alive and if she could just find him, she could convince him to come home. June is conflicted about whether she should go to the anniversary memorial at the bridge or not. She knew Phoebe but she just doesn't know if she wants to go and stir up those memories.

This story takes place over 3 days, but we get the back story of what really happened in the wreck and we get the present day what is going on. I liked the back and forth and it helped to build the suspense of the storyline. I don't want to tell you too much to give the story away so you are going to have to read the book to find out what really happened in the wreck. I enjoyed this book and I know you will too!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book! Great read!

Twenty Seven Minutes" by Ashley Tate is a slow burn and intense thriller mystery that demands the reader's attention and contemplation. The author's talent shines through in the thoughtful character development and the meticulously crafted premise.

What sets this novel apart is its deliberate pace. Unlike many fast-paced thrillers, Tate takes the time to delve into the depths of her characters' minds, allowing readers to truly understand their motivations and complexities. This deliberate approach may not be for everyone, but for those who appreciate a more thoughtful and immersive reading experience, it's a rewarding journey.

The story keeps you guessing until the very end, weaving an intricate web of suspense and mystery. I found myself resisting the urge to rush through the pages, opting instead to savor every moment and piece together the puzzle alongside the characters.

While the deliberate pacing adds depth to the characters and the plot, it might be a bit challenging for those seeking a quick, adrenaline-fueled read. However, if you're in the mood for a gripping thriller that encourages you to engage with its characters and unravel its mysteries at a measured pace, "Twenty Seven Minutes" is an excellent choice.

I just reviewed Twenty-Seven Minutes by Ashley Tate. #twentysevenminutes #NetGalley Thanks NetGalley.