Letting Go of September: A Thriller

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Letting Go of September by Sandra J. Jackson is a thriller that explores the intersecting lives of Garrett Emerson and Elizabeth Parsons. A year after his wife leaves him, Garrett struggles with loneliness and a sense of unease, prompting him to reconnect with an old friend in hopes of moving on. Meanwhile, Elizabeth, who has just settled into a new home with her husband, grapples with her fears of motherhood, which are shaped by her own mother's abandonment. Their seemingly different lives converge as a series of events reveals shocking secrets, testing their strength and rekindled connection to one another.

Author Sandra J. Jackson packs this exciting and dramatic novel with suspense and emotional depth from cover to cover, creating a gripping thriller that keeps readers on edge. Her characters are richly developed, with complex inner struggles that make their journeys compelling and relatable, and there’s a strong feeling of genuine humanity in the dialogue and thought presentation. Nothing ever felt fabricated or melodramatic about the central leads, and their actions are sometimes shocking, but always realistic and in keeping with their emotional journey. Jackson’s ability to balance tension with moments of vulnerability makes for an interesting take on the thriller genre where moments of interpersonal drama halt the action for some powerfully introspective moments. These big moments may pause the action, but in turn, I felt a lot more informed about Elizabeth and Garrett as a result and became even more invested in the story when the pace picked up again. Overall, Letting Go of September is a thrilling and thought-provoking read that will certainly entertain fans of thrillers and emotional drama.