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Member Reviews

I did find this a little confusing in places. It took a bit of getting into - and there were parts where it was jumbled and it wasn't clear if events were really happening or just in someone's imagination. However, the ending did surprise me and it wasn't what I'd expected so I was glad I continued right to the end.

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Twisty and interesting. This is well written but I wasn't sure I was interested enough in the ending by the time it arrived for it to be a total success.

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Dark secrets and unexpected alliances create a riveting narrative in this thriller that will leave you breathless and craving more. Fast paced and full of thrills it’s a must read for 2023

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I wasn't a fan of the characters in this book. Which made it a struggle for me to read. Sorry. It wasn't really for me

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A really great and intriguing read. I loved the characters and the story. Will look out for more from this author.

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An enjoyable thriller; told in two timelines. Present day with the POV of four (mostly unlikeable) characters who were present for a tragic death. The circumstances of which are slowly dropped throughout with a thrilling conclusion at the end

The issue I had was getting to the end because I found all of the characters quite dull and flat, so couldn’t really bring myself to care about the outcome.

Sadly not my favourite recent read but would give the author another read in future.

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This is a book with incredible pace and plotting, populated with characters that are convincing – sometimes heartbreakingly so. Like ripples in a pond, the ramifications of one night spread out through a town's inhabitants, seeping into their lives and consciousnesses. With Ashley Tate, you're in the very best of hands to navigate each character's journey and the myriad faces of grief. Yes, there's a twist (which I sincerely hope no other reviewer ever reveals) and it's so deftly and beautifully done that it left me in awe. Bravo - what a great read.

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This book was a decent enough read, but I felt the pacing was just too slow and repetitive for a real thriller/suspense novel. I just didn't have quite the sense of anticipation and build up I wanted so the final conclusion was a bit of a damp squib. The writing is good though, and it's not a bad book, it just didn't quite live up to its promise for me.

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This story is cleverly told with the use of flashbacks to a fateful night when a young girl died in a car crash and her brother waited 27 minutes to call an ambulance. What happpened in thise 27 minutes is only known to Grant, the brother, and through the course of the story, different characters lend their voice and point of view as we try to establish what happened. using the different character chapters and the flashbacks cleverly works towards the climax of the story where readers find out the truth and I couldn't put it down towards the end. I had many theories about what had happened but only realised the truth very close to the end.

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What a debut!!

And what a storyline! We knew that the 27 minutes made a difference but seeing the story unfold as to what actually happened in those 27 minutes was brilliant.

I liked that fact the the storyline was centred around 2 different families who 'lost' people on the same night, with one of those taking priority over anyone else in town, even their own brother.

Really well written and I had no clue what had really happened until it was revealed in the book. I was literally like - woah - that makes sense now!

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I feel like I could write a dictionary’s worth of words about this book, and yet simultaneously I am speechless. No spoilers in my reviews, that’s a given.

The plot - this book, I believe quantifies as a mystery, suspense, thriller type book. It is multiple point of view - up to 4 people, I believe - which follows these people as the decennial memorial for a tragic accident approaches. There are secrets, lies and manipulation at play, and we get to witness firsthand as it all unravels.

Now for my thoughts;
I loved the premise of this book and I loved the idea of the 27 minutes being featured as a repeating point for dramatic effect. I was quite disappointed that we never really got much in the way of that happening, and the whole concept seemed pointless as it was never mentioned. All of the characters need therapy because not a single one was a reliable narrator, which becomes disorienting and unpleasant to read through. I hate the fact that I sat through 90% of ‘lore’ just to get the last 10% of ‘juiciness’ where one thing happened and even that was muddy and unclear. If I had to recount the events of the BIG night in this book to save my life, I’d be dead because I’m not entirely sure that I understand what went on. The proofing needs work (the layout was weird for me), and really a TON of clarification needs adding for this to be the bestseller it has the potential to be. The plot twist was great, didn’t see it coming, but that was the best praise I could give it unfortunately.

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Family secrets, unsolved mysteries, human fallibility, and small town intrigue all combine to make this a book full of twists and turns and must read.

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This book moves between the scene of a terrible accident and a memorial service for the girl who died taking place 10 years later. It is told from the point of view of the main characters who are a strange unlovable bunch who could all do with the help of a good psychotherapist! I did wonder if I was going to make it to the end but a need to find out what actually happened on the night of the accident kept me going and the explanation was very satisfying. Proof reading needs some work.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

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OMG
I loved this!
An amazing story, fantastic characters! A must read in 2024!!! You need to add it to your to read list as soon as it is available!!

Becca what a well written character, what a psychological book!

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It is such a rare treat to read a genuine, page-turning thriller with considered prose, characters and setting. Twenty Seven Minutes is moody, atmospheric and cinematic with a tension that simmers in every scene and an ending that is powerful and devastating. It was a joy from start to finish and is proof that you really can have it all. More of this please!

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Great read with intrigue throughout.

The story is set ten years after the accident that led to the death of Phoebe, Grant's sister. The mystery as the book is titled is based around why it took Grant so long, or Twenty-seven minutes to call for help to assist his dying sister. If he had she would still be alive today.

Interesting characters that develop as the book progresses pulling you into the question that keeps you engrossed in the book until the end.

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This is a raw, powerful four-star read. I would have loved to give it five-stars as in some ways it was great, but the overall story layout was lacking. The charcaters and the way they develop and grow and are brought to your attention is so well done, but the long drawn-outedeness just doesn’t work for me, if there were a couple smaller drops through the story it would have definitely been five-stars. I am eager to get more from this author, as I have a real good hope that they are going to go from strength to strength.

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The prologue for this book was as good as any I have ever read. Never have I become so invested in a books opening pages.

And what made this so good was the fact the thrills never let up from page 1.

Fantastic debut novel and I can't wait to read more

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This is my first book from Ashley Tate, and I found it brilliant! The book starts with the end scene as the first glimpse of what this story will gradually lead up to; of course, it leaves more questions than answers. I love murder mystery scenes as they turn my brain into detective mode. I loved all the characters involved, and I think the author spun a brilliant story that kept me guessing how they are all connected to this night. I really enjoyed it and especially the unexpected twist right at the end. Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to have this advance reader's copy.

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Thank you for my free ecopy of this book.

When Phoebe Dean dies in a car accident it leaves a whole town devastated and when there is a new accident on the same bridge nearly ten years later people call for it to be taken down.

The book flicks between then and now and we meet characters who were there that night, her brother Grant and her friend Becca.

The book kept me reading to find out what happened that night all those years ago, although there did seem to be lots of crazy different characters all in one place and not many of them were likeable at all.

rated - 3.5

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