A review by penguins_save_lives
The Good Son by Jacquelyn Mitchard

3.0

Part thriller and part family drama, this latest entry from Jacquelyn Mitchard lacks the focus and emotional punch of her previous works. Narrated from the perspective of Thea, whose son Stephan has just been released from prison, we get a glimpse of what it would be like to rejoin a community that overwhelmingly believes him to be a monster. The first half of the novel focuses on Stephan's reentry and his desire to turn a terrible mistake from his past into an opportunity for redemption. The second half is more of a thriller, where it's clear someone has it out for Thea's family. While the novel can't quite decide if it's about redemption or outrunning the bad guy, it does explore what redemption looks like, and what can be forgiven. There's a lot to discuss here, even if the book won't long be remembered.