I read this as a "blind date with a book" so I went in with few expectations, and I thought it was a fairly solid debut novel. The story absolutely held my interest, though I did expect more of a mystery element based on the blurb on the back cover describing it as "a gripping thriller". It was really about the aftermath of violence and the havoc guilt and regret can wreak. There was some unevenness in the writing and some inconsistencies that irked me, but overall it was an enjoyable experience. This "blind date" isn't going to end in marriage but will be remembered fondly enough. 3.5 stars.