”

A beautifully written and narrated story of love and loss, guilt and innocence ; of secrets and lies ; of two families interlinked thru loss and tragedy .

My rating 4.5 ⭐️

"You are more than the worst thing you’ve ever done."

Penitence is an emotional character-driven novel that follows the lives of two families in the aftermath of two tragic events, one in 2016 and one in 1991. Weaving together past and present timelines, Koval explores grief, guilt, forgiveness, loyalty, and familial complexities.

It’s possible that there is nothing I love more than getting lost in a wonderfully written literary suspense. Penitence scratches that itch with real, in-depth characters; poignant, thought-provoking narrative; and dramatic storytelling. A stunning, heart-wrenching debut that will rip readers open, leaving them feeling raw and exposed. Perfect for fans of Celeste Ng, Liz Moore, and Jodi Picoult.

Audio narration by Thérèse Plummer helped bring this story to life with deep intensity and it was a true treat. Thank you Macmillan for the copy—Out Jan. 28 2025

Kristin Koval’s debut novel, Penitence, is a compelling and emotionally charged story that explores the complexities of family, guilt, and the pursuit of redemption. The novel begins with a shocking murder in the home of Angie and David Sheehan, a tragedy that threatens to tear their lives apart. In their desperation to protect their family, they turn to Martine Dumont, a small-town lawyer with deep personal ties to their past. Martine is not just their legal counsel, but also the mother of Angie’s first love, Julian, a successful New York City criminal defense attorney.

As Angie and Julian reunite to confront their shared history—specifically a tragic accident that haunts both of them—the story weaves between their present struggles and the unresolved feelings and guilt that have lingered for years. Koval’s writing skillfully takes readers from the snowy ski slopes of rural Colorado to the bustling streets of post-9/11 New York City, exploring how time and distance have shaped their lives, choices, and emotional burdens.

At its core, Penitence is an examination of loyalty, forgiveness, and the heavy weight of past mistakes. Koval deftly navigates the tension between the characters, especially as Angie and Julian must grapple with the deep, unresolved feelings from their past while attempting to reconcile their roles in a family tragedy. The novel’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the emotional stakes to build slowly, but steadily, making the eventual revelations and moments of forgiveness all the more impactful.

The rich, layered character development is one of the novel’s strongest points, with each character—particularly Angie and Julian—demonstrating a deep, relatable struggle with their inner conflicts. Penitence is not just a mystery or legal drama, but a profound exploration of the human condition, the choices that shape us, and the possibility of redemption even in the face of unthinkable circumstances.

In summary, Penitence is a thought-provoking, heart-wrenching debut novel that delves into the intricate dynamics of family, love, and atonement. With its compelling characters and deeply emotional narrative, Kristin Koval has crafted a story that will stay with readers long after the final page. This is a book for anyone who enjoys character-driven fiction with a strong sense of moral complexity and emotional depth.

Penitence ended up being a much deeper and more emotionally intense story than I expected.

The plot centers around the opening scene - thirteen year old Nora fatally shoots her 14 year old brother Nico. From this starting, I expected a focus on why this happened, or maybe some serious twists and turns revealing some major deep dark secrets - but the book doesn't really go this way.

Rather than focus on why Nora killed Nico, who had recently been diagnosed with juvenile Huntington’s disease and was destined for an early death regardless, the novel focused more on the aftermath of the event in how it affected Nora, her parents Angie and David. The other timeline of the novel explores Angie's earlier life, when she dated Julian, who becomes Nora’s criminal defense attorney, as a teenager, and how the two of them were involved in an accident which tore their families apart.

I was engaged with both timelines and they both served an interesting purpose. Although the narrative was rather slow paced rather than a page turning thriller, Koval really digs deep into each character - they are fully fleshed out like real people rather than perfect book characters. No one in the narrative is perfect - they all made mistakes, and fairly big ones with varying consequences.

There are a few sequences that I found especially interesting - Angie and Julian's experience being in 9-11 for example. Koval makes a bold choice to not fully wrap up all these questions in a little bow - everything is messy, there are no easy answers, and each of the characters we simultaneously sympathize with and also judge.

Thank you NetGalley and Celadon and Macmillan audio for the ALC!

This was a standout debut that starts off with a literal bang and has a sister shooting her brother three times until he's dead. What follows is a dual timeline domestic drama that spans decades as we follow the early relationships of the dead boy's parents and the sister's defence lawyer as their lives intertwine in shocking ways. Perfect for book clubs, this book is sure to spark plenty of heated discussions and had a twist ending I didn't see coming. It was also good as an audiobook narrated by Therese Plummer and is perfect for fans of authors like Therese Anne Fowler or Jodi Picoult. Many thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for an early digital, audio and physical copy in exchange for my honest review!

CW: Huntington's disease, alcohol addiction, cheating, gun violence

Penitence by Kristin Koval is an intense and emotionally gripping read. The story dives deep into themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexity of human nature, keeping readers hooked from beginning to end. Koval’s characters are well-developed, and the plot unfolds with enough suspense to keep the pages turning. While at times the pacing could have been tighter, the overall narrative delivers a satisfying and thought-provoking journey. A solid 4-star read for those who enjoy stories that challenge the boundaries of morality and forgiveness.

“Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve done.”

This novel is as complex as it is simple. It begins with a horrible tragedy and then follows the affected people while they attempt to reconcile the event and what they know to be true. In determining the path forward, the various connections between the characters are explored and they are forced to come to terms with their own decisions of years past.

While the publisher’s blurb describes this as “a suspenseful, addictive page-turner,” this was more of a slow burn and character study. I love this type of novel, but readers should know to not expect a fast-paced suspense/thriller.

I was unsure in the beginning if this was going to be for me, but ended up settling in to where this story took me and quite enjoyed it. Since I am from Western Colorado, the setting had me excited and a little distracted, as I tried to determine where exactly the fictional town of Lodgepole would be.

Overall, I would recommend this novel if you like a slow-burn suspense, with unlikable characters, dual timelines, and stories that make you think about what you would do in a particular situation.

Kristin Koval, an attorney turned novelist, delivers a stand-out, character-driven, and compelling debut, PENITENCE —a beautifully written literary thriller and domestic suspense of family, love, forgiveness, and redemption. Top Books of 2025— Lawyers seem to make the best authors.

With hauntingly vivid prose, you discover your next book club read—PENITENCE!

For starters, I love this quote by a favorite author:
"Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done."
—Bryan Stevenson

I highly recommend Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson (book & movie). This quote sets the novel's tone and eloquently explores this ongoing theme in this emotionally charged tale. It reminds us that each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done, a sentiment that resonates deeply in the story of Nora and her family.

About...

Nora Sheehan sits in a jail cell in Lodgepole, Colorado. She is 13. She does not look like the sort of girl who just killed her brother, Nico, 14, with Huntington's disease.

Angie Sheehan, the mother, is at home grieving the loss of her only son, Nico, while her husband, David, is trying desperately to find a lawyer for their daughter, Nora, who has been arrested for the murder of her brother.

David knocks on Martine Dumont, a small-town local attorney's door, to defend their family. She isn't just any attorney but the mother of Angie's first love, Julian, a now successful NYC criminal defense attorney.

In addition to the story of Nora and Nico, there is also a back story of Julian and Angie when they were teens and Angie's younger sister's (Diana) accidental death. There is a lot of guilt from the past and now the present.

Martine knows she is not capable of handling a murder case, but her son is. Will he and Angie be able to put their past aside for Nora?

My thoughts...

What a debut! PENITENCE is a riveting tale of a shocking tragedy, from a murder and the fallout. This couple has lost their son and possibly their daughter. Full of suspense and twists, it is not a whodunit but a whydunit. It is a profoundly moving page-turner thriller of domestic suspense of a family (s) in turmoil, guilt, secrets, and the true meaning of forgiveness.

Koval taps into a world of emotional family drama, both heartbreaking and suspenseful—an essential study of humanity, family, grief, and hope in the aftermath of unfathomable trauma.

Koval's writing is heartfelt and compassionate, deeply emotional, insightful, and rich in character. She skillfully weaves a narrative with dual timelines and multiple points of view, unraveling the past and each character's role. The novel also sheds light on the flaws of the juvenile justice and legal system, ultimately delivering a powerful message of forgiveness.

As you read PENITENCE , you'll find yourself on an unpredictable and gut-wrenching journey of two complex families and their dynamics as the past converges with the present.

Koval's storytelling will keep you hooked from the first page to the satisfying conclusion. This is a remarkable debut from a new voice in fiction, and you'll be amazed that it's a debut novel. You'll be left eagerly anticipating what this talented author will bring us next.

Complex, multi-layered, and psychologically rich, PENITENCE is ideal for book clubs, further discussions, and prime for the big or small screen.

Audiobook...

I had the privilege of reading and listening to the captivating audiobook. Thérèse Plummer (favorite narrator) captures the essence of the story brilliantly— with intensity, emotion, and her signature style for an engaging listening experience. The audiobook adds another layer of depth to the story, making it a highly recommended option for those who enjoy audiobooks.

Interview...

Stay tuned for my Featured #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A ride with this talented new author and this exceptional debut, where we go behind the scenes of the book and author. (pub day, Jan 28)

Recs...

PENITENCE is for fans of well-written family dramas and literary thrillers. And those who enjoy books by Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain, Kristin Hannah, Lisa Scottoline, Celeste Ng, Michele Campbell, and Elizabeth Strout.

Special thanks to Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio for an ARC and ALC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. #MacAudio2024.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Jan 28, 2025
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𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 is a heart-wrenching exploration of familial bonds, guilt, and the quest for redemption. Kristin Koval’s debut masterfully intertwines the past and present, unraveling the aftermath of a tragic shooting involving 13-year-old Nora and her beloved brother Nico. As Nora’s parents, Angie and David, grapple with the devastating event, they turn to Martine Dumont and her son Julian, whose histories are deeply entwined with Angie’s.

The novel intricately reveals a past marked by Angie and Julian’s teenage romance and a tragic accident involving Angie’s sister. The dual narratives of the past tragedy and the current legal battle converge to create a suspenseful, emotionally charged story.

Koval’s writing is both poignant and compelling, making this a perfect pick for buddy-reads or book clubs. The themes of forgiveness and moral complexity are sure to spark deep discussions.

I always go into books blind and had seen that this book was classified in the thriller genre- I initially thought this was more of a traditional thrilley thriller so my expectations were a little difference at first. I had to shift gears. This is a solid story - that tackles the themes of guilt, forgiveness, struggle, and real life demons. The novel dives deep into the complexities of human nature and the consequences of one's actions. I would say this was very character driven. Lots of moral dilemmas throughout this one. I enjoyed it and was really interested in how this story would end. Pacing overall was fine. Overall, a very thought provoking story. I would describe this more of a literary fiction piece then thriller. Thank you to Macmillan Audio for this audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.

Macmillan Audio ALC
I love a story with a solid mystery and familial drama that slowly gives insight to what's going on in the present timeline. I think this novel did a great job at showing how complex it is when something tragic rips apart a family and how each member copes. I just wanted more depth and a stronger current timeline. I felt like some of the past timeline was irrelevant, and I wanted so much more with Nora and about her. For some reason this just didn't resonate with me like other stories that are structured like this.
I love Therese Plummer and thought that the narration was excellent. She captured the different characters distinctly and her performance kept me engaged.

Penitence is an examination of the complexities of familial loyalty, the journey of redemption, and the proud experience of forgiveness. So true! This book was much more complex than I expected. So many layers to peel back. While it moves along a little slow at first, it seems to fit the mood of the book. I didn't want to race through to finish it, but wanted to really let what I was reading sink in. I was taken on a journey of connected families dealing with past relationship difficulties. This was a great narration, thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of Penitence.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC audiobook for review. I knew reading the description that this was going to be a book I would like, UGH, I didn’t know just how much I love this book. This might end up being a top 5 book of the year. This book explores guilt, love and forgiveness and how a person’s life can be changed based on the choices they make. I couldn’t put this book down and even with my ever-growing TBR list, I might have to reread it again soon because it was just that good.

This book was riveting. A true telling of what would you do if one of your children hurt the other. Thoroughly enjoyed!

When a family member is killed in their home, Angie and David Sheehan’s life as they know it is over. Desperate for help, they seek the legal help of Angie’s first love, now a criminal defense attorney.

This is the type of book that is best when gone into blind, so I was hesitant to include even my short little synopsis. As soon as I saw a friend’s rave review, I knew I needed to read it. I am just completely blown away that this is a debut novel. While not a thriller, but a story more in the vein of Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng, there are moments of high intensity. I found myself reading as fast as I could, desperate to know what the outcome would be. While it wasn’t surprising, it was still shocking nonetheless as is the story as a whole.

🎧 The audiobook really amps up the emotional ante of this one. Therese Plummer holds nothing back in her narration of this powerful novel. If you are an audiobook fan, definitely check this one out on audio.

Read if you like:
▪️slow burn literary mysteries
▪️family dramas
▪️legal procedurals
▪️dual timelines
▪️debut novels
▪️Celeste Ng

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy.

4.5 starts rounded up! This is just the book I needed to really start my reading year after slightly slumping into 2025! Defending Jacob by the infamous William Landay meets Days of Wonder by Caroline Leavitt meets What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan. Koval writes the legal aspect with a deft hand, which makes sense — turns out she’s a former lawyer! But the heart of this story is found in the four walls of two families’ homes. Come to find out how the Sheehan family will make sense of the unthinkable, but stay for the much more complicated web that Koval spins with skill. The ending was a bit abrupt and, if you’re like me, you’ll be left wanting more justice to be served. The narrator was a little too dramatic for my taste, but I enjoyed the audio nonetheless.

Thank you to Celadon Books, Net Galley and the author for the e-galley!

🎧 Book Review 🎧 Becoming a mom is a huge life changing event and certainly not without challenges. Add another child (or more) to the mix and the trials are multiplied, magnified, and leave mothers feeling pulled in a multitude of directions. Penitence follows the story of a mother of two teenagers, Angie, in the aftermath of an unimaginable tragedy. A shocking murder in their seemingly happy home, in picturesque small town Colorado, is a catalyst that uncovers decades of loss, betrayal, deceit, and regrets. Kristin Koval’s debut novel is one of the most beautifully complex, raw, riveting, and heartfelt books that I have read in years.Thérèse Plummer brings the spectrum of human emotions to life in her narration with such a beautiful precision that absolutely captivates the reader. Penitence is a true tour de force, a bold and poignant statement about the choices we make, the people we love, and the connections that bring it all together to create an impact that lasts a lifetime.

Right off the bat, this is a heartbreaking story. We follow two timelines. One, in the current day, where Angie has two children, Nico and Nora, and one when Angie was in high school, college, and early twenties. In the present, 13-year-old Nora has just been charged with killing 14-year-old Nico. Nico had recently been diagnosed with Hunington’s, and because Nora claims not to remember anything, no one knows if it was a mercy killing. Angie’s husband, David, ends up hiring her ex-boyfriend, Julian, as Nora’s lawyer.
While the current timeline follows Nora’s progress through the justice system, the focus is more on each character’s development than about the crime itself. There are only a few chapters from Nora’s point of view, and none of them focus on the why or how of Nico’s death. Instead, we spend time with each character, learning about how this crime and other connected experiences have affected them.
The overall story is haunting and thought-provoking, but slow-paced and character-driven. There are a lot of moral questions brought up without clear answers, and Koval didn’t shy away from making her characters complicated and nuanced. While the plot kept me invested, I felt a little led on with the lack of answers we got. The book is technically a mystery and I was hoping for more resolution after so much emotional turmoil.
This book was well-written and intriguing, but it’s not something I’d recommend just picking up on a whim. There’s a lot of discussion about moral quandaries, the death of children, and other dark topics. But if you’re in a place where you can handle it, I highly recommend this!
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the free advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

This story is a heartbreaking and honest look at what can happen to a family when tragedy strikes. All characters are well fleshed out and we can feel and understand their pain as the story unfolds. It is a story ultimately of forgiveness and love, and how hard it is to get there sometimes. If you enjoy novels by Jodi Picoult and Ann Patchett you will surely enjoy this moving and heartfelt debut novel. I listened to the audio version and the narrator was spot on with her vocal characterizations. Highly recommended. 4.5 stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for a chance to listen/read an ARC version of this audio book. All opinions are my own.

Kristin Koval’s Penitence delves deep into the fragility of familial bonds and the devastating impact of hidden truths. This emotionally charged narrative explores themes of grief, guilt, and resilience, making for a poignant yet difficult read.

At the heart of the story is a family grappling with profound challenges: a daughter burdened by emotional turmoil and an unmet need for support, and a brother battling the harrowing progression of Huntington’s disease. Koval’s portrayal of these experiences is raw and unflinching, shedding light on the ripple effects of pain and the complex dynamics of love and loss within a family.

While the pacing of the novel is deliberate, reflecting the weight of the subject matter, it serves to amplify the emotional gravity of the story. Koval’s careful navigation of such sensitive topics showcases her ability to balance realism with compassion. The narrative’s slower tempo allows readers to absorb the intricate layers of emotion and conflict, making the story all the more impactful.

The depiction of Huntington’s disease is particularly notable, providing a haunting glimpse into the physical and emotional toll it takes on both the afflicted and their loved ones. Simultaneously, the daughter’s struggles underscore the importance of mental health and the need for appropriate support systems—a theme that resonates deeply.

Ultimately, Penitence is a powerful exploration of how lies and secrets can fracture lives, but also how empathy and understanding can pave the way toward healing. Kristin Koval has crafted a story that lingers long after the final page, leaving readers to reflect on the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring complexities of family. This is a story that, while challenging to read, is undeniably worth the emotional journey.

For those willing to confront difficult truths and immerse themselves in a deeply moving tale, Penitence is a rewarding and thought-provoking read.