Never Turn Back is about a family tragedy that forever changes Ethan’s life, but just when he thinks he’s put the past behind him, a hot new love interest turns his world upside down.

Favorite moments of mine include the shady Irish uncle with possible mafia ties and the fun and heartfelt relationship Ethan has with his sister, Susannah. There are many instances when I laughed out loud when reading the clever dialogue between this colorful cast of characters. Animal lovers will also be relieved to learn that, no, the dog doesn’t die.

With plenty of action and suspense, this book is a quick read that packs a punch.

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the advanced copy of this book. The opinions are my own. ( )

Ethan Faulkner is Susannah’s older brother. Their lives changed forever when Ethan was 13 and Susannah was 10 simply because their parents offered to help a young woman in distress that had rung the front door bell. But nothing was simple about that night. Nothing has ever been simple for Ethan and Susannah again. It’s hard to move forward when the past keeps pulling them back.

After reading A Fire in the Night I knew I wanted to read more of the author’s writing. This novel was a gripping choice. Each of the swirls and twists of the domestic thriller elevates the intriguing drama.

One of my favorite things about Christopher Swann’s writing is the essential character development. I became as invested in the secondary characters as in the main characters as the same care is taken in the description, background, dialogue, and what their presence contributes to the plot and storyline.

I highly recommend adding this author to your tbr list!

Language Note: Use of the f word in various tenses is used throughout the novel. ( )

Solidly Paced Mystery. This was a fun romp through Atlanta and North Georgia that starts out seeming like it doesn't really have a point before pivoting in one direction... and then nearly causing whiplash with an out of the blue pivot in a complete other direction still. Really, really fun book that has somewhat of a surprise/ shocking revelation in the last 10% before ending on a much more contemplative note. This was my first book from this author, and if he continues to write these types of tales it certainly won't be my last. Very much recommended. ( )

Ethan Faulkner is an English teacher at private school in Atlanta. He meets Marisa at a teachers' conference and they have, what is for him, a one-night fling. When he returns home, he finds his sister, Susannah, has moved into his home. Ethan and Susannah are both survivors of a horrible event that happened years earlier, leaving both bereft and broken. Very soon it is apparent that Marisa is determined to have a relationship with Ethan, even being hired to teach at the same school. She becomes increasingly aggressive when their relationship ends.

There are many relationships in this novel - some of long duration with depths of loyalty and love unspoken. It is sometimes challenging to keep track of the "bad guys" The suspense increases as the plot thickens, and the criminals that haunted Ethan and his sister become real. I was especially interested in this book because I live in one of the Atlanta suburbs that the author frequently mentions, and am familiar with the various sites visited by the characters. The encounter at the Bluff is especially chilling. It is notorious in Atlanta for harboring dangerous criminals, drug-dealing and heroin users, and not to be entered without trepidation and an armed guard. There are enough twists and turns to keep readers interested. ( )

Name: Never Turn Back
Author: Christopher Swann
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Drama, Crime
Rating: 4.5/5

Review:
Ethan Faulkin was a normal kid with a brilliant yet troublesome sister. But his life changed when their parents were murdered in front of their eyes.

As an Adult, Ethan has estranged from his sister, Susannah, neglecting his father's dying words: Take care of your sister. Ethan has a successful teaching career and is in relationship with his co-worker, Marisa.

But Marisa ends up murdered, and Ethan is the prime suspect. Now, Ethan has to dig out the secrets and mysteries behind his parents' death to prove his innocence.

I am new to Swann's writing style, but I have liked it. The writing style is entertaining and pretty intense. The characters are well developed along with their backstory. A lyrical story full of emotions and thrill, which will keep you engaged till the very end.

Never Turn Back is a powerful story which ponders on topics like family, vengeance, and consequences. It dwells on how our past can echo in our present life and lead to irreparable consequences.

For Further Reading:
Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout ( )