
What Have We Done by Alex Finlay
Jenna, Donnie, and Nico were inseparable friends 25 years ago, having formed a bond as they endured abuse and neglect at Savior House, a group home for parentless teenagers. However, the home was closed after the disappearance of several kids, and the three were separated. Despite their difficult childhood, they managed to lead successful yet troubled lives, losing touch with each other over time. But now, a sinister reason brings them back together: someone is trying to kill them.
Book review of What Have We Done
What Have We Done is an action-packed mystery thriller that takes the reader on a journey of intrigue, suspense, and betrayal. The novel opens with a group of teenagers standing at the edge of a shallow grave, pointing a gun into it, and shooting until it’s passed to the last boy, who eventually shoots into the grave, crying. Twenty-five years later, the same group of friends is reunited by a series of assassination attempts. They soon realize that someone wants them all dead, and they must confront their shared past to survive.
The main storyline consists of three interrelated threads, covering three of the teenagers that were around the grave. Each chapter introduces a main character, and an assassination attempt is made upon her. The tension is high right from the start, and the chases, especially with Jenna, are major contributors to the suspense. The twists and turns keep the reader engaged, and the characters are well-developed.
The B-storyline is also rich, with each of the main characters having a subplot that occurs in flashbacks when they were living in a group foster home. The personalities of the characters mature through their actions and relationships at the home, and the reader gains much insight into their motivations and behaviours.
The author has woven the story in a way that resolves every loose end satisfactorily before the end of the novel. The novel is a little choppy, jumping between the three main characters and back and forth from the present to the past, but it does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the book. The author’s writing style is engaging and fast-paced, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
The characters in the novel are what make it truly outstanding. They are flawed, vulnerable, and relatable. Jenna, the protagonist, is a former professional assassin who is now a stay-at-home mom. Nico is a producer for a reality TV show, and Artemis is a brilliant tech mogul. Donnie, the former rock star, is trying to eke out a living with his band members aboard cruise ships while dealing with addictions to booze and drugs. All of these characters are fascinating, and the reader cannot help but become invested in their lives and what happens to them.
The novel is not without its faults. There is a one-sentence intimate scene and some vulgar and rude language, but they are not objectionable. The novel has a fair amount of violence, which is described in an edgy manner, but it is not excessive.
Final verdict:
In conclusion, What Have We Done is an engaging and thrilling read that will keep the reader turning pages until the very end. Michael Finlay has created a cast of characters that are relatable, engaging, and fascinating. The plot is well-crafted and executed, and the author’s writing style is fast-paced and engaging. Fans of the genre will not be disappointed. I rate this novel with four stars.
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![]() | Publisher : Minotaur Books (March 7, 2023) Language : English Hardcover : 368 pages ISBN-10 : 1250863724 ISBN-13 : 978-1250863720 Item Weight : 1.15 pounds Dimensions : 6.55 x 1.2 x 9.5 inches |