25 January 2022

Thank you to Team PRNTD for reaching out and sending me a review copy of this book. Boy Fallen is not a book I would have found on my own. With that said, you can expect a gripping whodunnit mystery when you reach for this title. The author tells a story of a young man, living in a small backwater town, who is struggling with his sexuality. Set in New Zealand you are carried away to beautiful scenery while reading this book and left with a chill as you turn the pages.

The author tells the story slipping between various timelines and various characters, allowing the reader to experience the various character’s emotions. These changes sometimes occur within the same chapter, yet you are never left unsure of where you are or with whom. The transition between past and present is smooth and easy to follow.

When the body of Evan Wiley is found at the bottom of a waterfall, it does not take authorities very long to establish that he did not jump. Detective Brooke Palmer returns home at the news of Evan’s death to support his mother, her best friend. Brooke assists with the investigation and discovers that there are a lot she did not know about Evan. This wonderful young man that she has seen growing up is not who she thought he was. Met with ghosts from her past, Brooke must put her emotions aside to find out what happened to Evan. No one appears to be completely honest. As Brooke and Detective Collins retrace Evan’s steps to put the puzzle pieces together Brooke discovers a truth she never expected.

I raced through this book in two days. I found myself completely engrossed and eager to find out what happened to this troubled young man. The author did a brilliant job at keeping me intrigued and I absolutely loved how I did not predict the ending.

Evan Wiley appears to have everything. He comes from a wealthy family and lives a comfortable life in a small town. He has finished school and is heading to Europe for a gap year, where he plans to build a photographic portfolio. As you read you learn more and more about young Evan, and it is soon clear that things are not as they appear. Evan is a troubled young man who is suffering with his sexuality, he has no friends and will do anything to connect with his peers. His desperation for acceptance leads him down a dangerous path that eventually gets him murdered.

Detective Brooke Palmer has a past that haunts her and returning to Taonga is not easy. This character is forced to face her demons and put her past behind her as she searches for the truth behind Evan’s death. What she discovers will change her life forever.

The author highlights the struggles of a young man trying to come to terms with his sexuality in a small town where people are not open-minded. He works this into the storyline beautifully, allowing the reader to understand how important it is to support young men in this situation.  I was completely engrossed while reading this book and the final twist was a huge surprise. So, yes, this book has made it onto my loved list.

Boy Fallen will appeal to readers who enjoy a nail-biting whodunnit mystery, but you can also expect beautiful scenery and a subtle message. I do not doubt that you will love this one.