This was an interesting book. A small town murder, the accused is a teenage girl.

The blurb describes it as ‘a poignant exploration of love and forgiveness’. The murder and the trial is downplayed while the story goes deep into the lives, loves and relationships of the characters.

The characters are extremely well developed, thoughts, feelings and memories. There’s a tendency to flit through time so you need to pay attention. There are plenty of characters, and making a list or a family tree wouldn’t hurt.

While the murder / trial / life in juvenile detention aspects were initially the most appealing I did get into the larger story. Yes, it dragged a little in places but there are plenty of captivating moments and it all ties together really well.

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio

A 13-year-old girl steals her father's gun and intentionally shoots and kills her 13-year-old brother.

The brother, BTW, was recently diagnosed with Huntington's Disease and his prognosis was grim.

A small-town lawyer/family friend is hired to defend the young female protagonist.

What's there not to like?

1) Pacing.
Waaaay too slow.

2) Flowery text.
Not a fan of flowery text.

Although the book's "forgiveness and letting go" premise was ultra-compelling, the book did not work for me.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Thérèse Plummer, one of my favorite narrators.

Even with a Thérèse Plummer narration, I struggled to keep my eyes open.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC in audiobook format.

Penitence

Writing was solid, the storyline followed two deaths, one a deliberate murder, one (years before the other) due to an accident with hidden and transformative implications.

Narration was merely okay. I am a stickler for details and nothing pulls me from a story as when an audiobook narrator makes mistakes in pronunciation, that and pacing IS their JOB. The narrator who was the voice of Anna obviously does not understand the difference between winded (pronounced "wine ded" as in wrapped around), and winded (pronounced "wind ed" as in out of wind) as she used the latter pronunciation incorrectly in the story when the circumstances demanded use of the former. Hopefully this will be corrected prior to general release.

Regarding this story, it was engaging and the legal aspects were well researched, although it was more general fiction than mystery.