Review: Forgive Me by Daniel Palmer

Print Length: 416 pages

Publisher: Kensington Press (May 31, 2016)

From Goodreads.com: At DeRose & Associates Private Investigators in Virginia, Angie DeRose strives to find and rescue endangered runaways--work that stands in stark contrast to her own safe, idyllic childhood. But in the wake of her mother's sudden death, Angie makes a life-altering discovery. Hidden among the mementos in her parents' attic is a photograph of a little girl, with a code and a hand-written message on the back: "May God forgive me." 

Angie has no idea what it means or how to explain other questionable items among her mother's possessions. Her father claims to know nothing. Could Angie have a sister or other relative she was never told about? Bryce Taggart, the US Marshal working with her agency, agrees to help Angie learn the fate of the girl in the photograph. But the lies she and Bryce unearth will bring her past and present together with terrifying force. And everything she cherishes will be threatened by the repercussions of one long-ago choice--and an enemy who will kill to keep a secret hidden forever.

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My Rating: 5 stars out of 5

DISCLAIMER #1: This story may be "triggering" for some people. Among other things, this story deals in the sexual trafficking of women (including a minor). While there are no graphic sexual scenes mentioned it may still be uncomfortable for some readers. 

This was a gritty no-holds barred kind of novel that keeps you glued to the edge of your seat. In fact, I was so caught up in this story that I finished it in one day - I just could not put it down! The characters were all complex, but somehow seemed to mesh well together (even the characters who were portrayed as the nastiest sort of people still were highly developed - no two "bad guys" were the same). This story was both heart-breaking as well as inspirational as you find characters whose worlds have been destroyed beyond belief find peace again. 

One of the things I enjoyed most about this story was that the two different story-lines were so seamlessly woven together that instead of distracting from one another, they added to each other. On one hand we have Nadine - the runaway - turned victim - that Angie is so relentlessly perusing. You get her story by reading her diary pages (which worked amazingly well for this story) as well as the snippets of others related to her story via interactions with Angie. On the flip side of that you have Angie's personal drama. A photograph (among other things) that she cannot explain and no one can give her answers to. Two entirely different stories that should have been confusing or off-putting to the reader instead blended together to make one completely satisfying novel.  

Overall,  I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a well written psychological thriller. This story not only kept me guessing, but kept me reading. This may have been my first story from this author, but it definitely will NOT be my last! 

DISCLAIMER #2: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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Forgive Me is available from Amazon.com