Release

Ten years after a traumatic event at her family farm, Gemma returns with plans to sell the property. She arrives with her teenage daughter to pack up the house and face memories of what occurred during her own teenage years - an incident that fractured her family and changed the course of her life. Her return stirs up questions about that pivotal summer, while tensions build in the present day as strange occurrences begin to echo the past. The remote Australian farm setting amplifies the atmosphere of isolation as Gemma grapples with both her memories and current events. The narrative alternates between past and present timelines, examining relationships between mothers and daughters, the nature of trauma recovery, and the ways that unspoken truths can ripple through generations. This psychological suspense novel explores how facing buried memories can lead to understanding and release.

Readers describe Release as an intense psychological thriller that leaves them unsure what's real versus imagined. Most reviews focus on the book's atmosphere and pacing. Liked: - The remote Australian desert setting - Complex exploration of trauma and recovery - Writing style that builds tension - Mother-daughter relationship portrayal Disliked: - Slow pacing in middle sections - Ambiguous ending frustrates some readers - Too much repetition of certain scenes - Hard to follow timeline shifts Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 3.9/5 (150+ ratings) Common reader feedback highlights the "haunting and claustrophobic atmosphere" but notes it's "not for readers who want clear resolutions." Several reviews mention struggling with the book's nonlinear structure while praising the vivid desert descriptions. Multiple readers note they "had to reread sections to understand what was happening."

The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas The death of five cheerleaders connects to present-day murders in this thriller about grief, secrets, and a sister's search for truth.

Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson A teenage girl investigates her best friend's disappearance while confronting institutional racism and a community's willful blindness.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson A student's investigation of a closed murder case reveals dark secrets in her small town and puts her life at risk.

The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis A high school senior channels her rage into vigilante justice after her sister's murderer walks free.

Sadie by Courtney Summers A missing girl hunts her sister's killer while a true crime podcast tracks her disappearance across the country.

🦋 Lucy Christopher wrote "Release" while processing her own experiences with Long COVID, lending authenticity to the main character's struggle with chronic illness 🌿 The novel incorporates elements of magical realism within its contemporary setting, blending real medical experiences with folklore about healing springs 💫 The story takes place in Bath, England, a city historically famous for its Roman baths and healing waters - a tradition dating back to 60 AD 🎨 The author consulted with chronic illness advocates and medical professionals during the writing process to ensure accurate representation of post-viral conditions 🌊 The book explores the Celtic mythology of sacred springs and their healing properties, particularly the legend of Sulis Minerva, the Celtic-Roman goddess associated with Bath's thermal springs