#Blogtour Someone to Blame by J.J. Green

It's my turn on the Blogtour Someone to Blame by J.J. Green.

About the Author

J. J. Green is an Irish writer who hails from Donegal and lives in Derry. She writes both fiction and non-fiction. Her non-fiction work is published as political essays focusing on economic and environmental injustice. Her first novel, The Last Good Summer, was published in February 2023. Someone To Blame is her second novel. Follow @JJGreenwriter on X

About the book

Shay Dunne is a poison pen. Not that she wants to be one. But a recent tragedy in her life has left her hell-bent on dishing out some punishment to the two people she blames. Sending them a letter containing a vague accusation will do the trick.

Only the letters set in motion a series of unintended consequences, and Shay soon discovers that in the close-knit Irish village she calls home, a community still reeling from Covid, there are sinister secrets everywhere.

Review

Buried beneath what could be perceived as tale of betrayal, deceit and mistrust that is the surface of a hidden layer of chaos, is perhaps just a little bit more when you peel back the layers. The title speaks of blame, which is often an emotion that goes hand-in-hand with grief. The need to place it at any door, except our own. Blame means the sound of guilt is less noisy.

Shay is struggling with anger and grief. A recent tragedy awakens a spontaneous need to cause pain and disruption to those she feels are responsible for said tragedy. How better than to cast accusations and cause worry, whilst remaining hidden from view.

Her small actions set a series of counteractions in motion, which lead to castles built upon lies crumbling and people getting their own ideas on how to get revenge - with the finger of blame pointed straight in Shay's direction.

It's a story of regret, loss and consequences. Perhaps most poignant is the way the plot mirrors human behaviour no matter the era, people or place. We all have something to hide, which we are most likely to think of when accused, even when said accusation is a mere guess.

Buy Someone to Blame at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher ‏: ‎The Book Guild Ltd; pub date 28 Oct. 2024. Buy at Amazon com.