I liked the story a lot but it is depressing. The book dives deep into a very dysfunctional relationship between two brothers. There are a couple of mysteries but they really are not the most important part of the book. ( )

Another good book by Stuart Neville.
A 12 year old is convicted of murdering his foster father, his older brother is convicted as an accessory, but what really happened and who really did the killing? Well the reader will find out because as the book opens up the young killers is now released from prison.
This was a well told story and from another author likely would have got 5 stars but the others books by this author especially The Ghosts of Belfast are so fantastic that in comparison this book is a 4.
( )

Another good book by Stuart Neville.
A 12 year old is convicted of murdering his foster father, his older brother is convicted as an accessory, but what really happened and who really did the killing? Well the reader will find out because as the book opens up the young killers is now released from prison.
This was a well told story and from another author likely would have got 5 stars but the others books by this author especially The Ghosts of Belfast are so fantastic that in comparison this book is a 4. ( )

Thrilling read. Stuart Neville never fails to satisfy! ( )

After serving seven years for the murder of his foster father, Ciaran Devine is released from the juvenile facility where he and his brother Thomas spent their teenage years. Ciaran, the younger brother, confessed to the crime, exonerating his brother, Thomas, who has already been released, detained only as an accessory.

Ciaren's probation officer gives Detective Chief Inspector Serena Flanagan a courtesy call since she was the arresting officer Serena has just returned to work after battling breast cancer. Add to the mixture, Daniel Roylston, the son of the man Ciaran killed. He's started following Ciaran and insists he "tell the truth about what really happened."

Alternating the narrative with occasional flashbacks, Neville shows us how the relationship between Serena and Ciaran develops, from their initial meeting after his arrest through to his current obsession with her.

Stuart Neville is incredibly skillful at showing readers the chilling relationship between the Devine brothers. He manages to deliver a story that is both thought provoking and intense. There were many twists and turns in this story and the circumstances surrounding both Ciaran and Thomas are both complex and shocking.

The storyline is fast paced, compelling, and believable. Overall, a very good read which kept me guessing until the end. I would recommend [b:Those We Left Behind|25279684|Those We Left Behind (DCI Serena Flanagan #1)|Stuart Neville|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1428087629s/25279684.jpg|42905123] to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers. ( )