This is a very sad story written in a bit of a choppy way. Sarah Corbett Lynch was 8 years old when her stepmother and her step-grandfather killed her father one night, both claiming self-defense. There was no evidence at all either of them was threatened or injured in any way, while Ms. Lynch's father had his head bashed in. Not only did the author lose her father, she also would be racked with guilt her whole life about the lies she told the authorities, as instructed by her stepmother, the only mother she had ever known. (Her mother died when she was a baby.)

It's a story of justice not prevailing and mental illness being ignored. Her stepmother obviously had severe long-term psychological problems, was plotting a divorce from the very start of the marriage and then plotting the murder itself. Why and how her retired FBI father assisted with the killing was confusing to so many who knew him, and the lack of reaction and emotion of his wife even more perplexing. You really had to wonder if there had been some very dark things in the past between daughter and father, and her mother always chose to ignore them, always turning a blind eye.

Sarah Corbett Lynch uses this book to try to reveal all the lies being told about her father, and to stop the suspicions that he was abusive in any way to her stepmother, or to anyone else. Her emotional pain obviously runs deeper than deep, and hopefully this memoir will alleviate much of it, although some of it will surely always be with her. When younger, she had envisioned going into the field of justice, due to what happened to her father. Fortunately, she is now going in a whole different direction.

I say fortunately because childhood trauma can lead individuals to go into fields that will only keep quietly fueling their trauma, and they often quickly burn out--such as criminal justice, psychology, social work, etc. Ms. Lynch, at the young age of 18, has found the wisdom to instead follow a path that truly makes her happy and freer of her early tragic childhood. Hopefully, her brother has found ways to free himself, too, and their parents would be so proud of their strength in dealing with everything, including taking on two murderers the courts failed to adequately punish.

(Note: I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley and the author or publisher.)

This true account was heartbreaking. What the children went through, and again, the injustice this family dealt with through the justice system. I understand that people make mistakes, and people manipulate and lie, but what a horrible crime. I loved how the author of the story did the hard work possible to heal from the tragedies her family experienced and then used her voice to seek justice for her father. Her courage and strength were amazing; and the support and love she received from her family in order to heal were essential as well. Great story. One that remains with me long after turning the last page.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from netgalley but was not required to write a review. All opinions are solely mine.

Thank you to Hackett Book Group/Hachette Ireland and NetGalley for this Arc!

Initially, the cover of this book drew me in. When reading the synopsis and discovering it was a true crime memoir, I immediately said yes because it was a case I hadn’t heard of. What a heart breaking case at that.

Sarah takes of on a journey that no daughter should ever have to go on. I don’t like to rate memoirs as they are so subjective, but if I had to, this is excellent.

I decided to try out my first true crime book and initially the cover caught my attention only to realize this is a local case that happened about 30 minutes away from me. While I do not remember it I am glad it was brought to my attention and I could hear Jason’s story through his daughter Sarah.

This story shows how Sarah processes the pain of losing both of her parents at a young age and heals from years of manipulation all while seeking justice. Reading the details of this case, the actions leading up to the murder and the lies spun afterwards made this hard to read especially knowing it was written by the daughter.

While true crime is often given negative connotations as a genre I think it is important to continue to consume it. We need to remember the victims, we need to hear and share their stories so that others can be inspired to fight and get the justice they deserve.

I am thankful that Sarah was able to give her father and herself a voice again, a TRUE voice.

I remember this case. Has to read this book. Wonderful remembrance of author's dad. Don’t Miss this one.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!

A Time for Truth is a haunting and powerful memoir by Sarah Corbett Lynch, offering an unflinching account of her tragic and traumatic experience. Sarah takes readers inside the chaos and heartbreak of a life turned upside down, revealing the chilling truth behind her father’s death at the hands of those she should have been able to trust. With remarkable courage, she recounts the manipulation, emotional abuse, and gaslighting she endured in the months leading up to that fateful night. This is a deeply personal and painful narrative of survival, resilience, and the pursuit of justice. Sarah’s story is a testament to the power of hope, the strength of family, and the importance of seeking truth, no matter how difficult the journey. An unforgettable read that will stay with you long after you’ve finished.