Set in small-town New Zealand, Boy Fallen is beautifully written and elegantly plotted crime fiction.

Auckland Detective Brooke Palmer returns to her home town of Taonga to support her best friend Lana when the body of Lana’s teenage son is found at the base of the local falls. Full review at Newtown Review of Books

[b:Boy Fallen|59536712|Boy Fallen|Chris Gill|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1636023123l/59536712._SY75_.jpg|93769205] was an unexpected delight. Thanks to PRNTD Publishing for reaching out to me in regards to reviewing [a:Chris Gill|8141978|Chris Gill|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1636091080p2/8141978.jpg]’s latest book!

The story was an incredible murder mystery alternating between two points of view. The first POV is of Brooke Palmer, family friend of the murder victim and a detective. The second POV was of the murder victim, Evan Wiley, from before his death. The alternating POV was extremely helpful in assisting the reader to know what was occurring in Wiley’s life, and what ultimately led to his demise.

The characters were believable. There were none dislikable in this reviewer’s opinion. The only issue was I wanted more time with Wiley’s story, but the story as presented was the information Gill needed to propel the story.

This book grabbed me and kept me coming back for more. It was one that I really did not appreciate having to sit down. In all honesty, I really loved this book.

If you are a fan of murder mystery whodunit’s, then you should enjoy this book. The murderer was a total surprise in regards to the motivation for killing Wiley.

Thanks to PRNTD Publishing and Chris Gill for providing this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

How much can a place and its people really change?

This is one of the central questions in Boy Fallen, a thrilling and grounded mystery by Chris Gill. 

The story is told through the eyes of Brooke, a former resident of Taonga, and now big city detective.  As we learn, Brooke’s reasons for returning to Taonga are a little too close to home (literally), and we also begin to understand why exactly she left.  I loved the way Gill describes the complicated emotions we can have about going home.  Brooke soon finds herself brought into a case which bares a striking resemblance to a time from her past, further complicated by knowing everyone who's involved.

Particularly, I really loved Gill’s used of place.  Taonga itself is almost its own character.  From the moody weather to the intense waterfalls, the setting itself becomes a key player in the story, often mirroring the events and emotions experienced by the characters. It shows how much our surroundings really shape our experiences.

The characters in the story are realistically flawed and affected by what has happened to them. Gill does not shy away from the nitty gritty of death, of hate, and of betrayal.  There is an appropriate weight given to the events that isn’t always present in thrillers, and added to the high stakes. The events of the book felt appropriately heavy. There are some exciting elements of a domestic drama here and it really works in the story being more than just one genre.

This was also one of the most inclusive thrillers I’ve read. LGBTQ+ representation is often minimal in the thriller genre, and it was great to see the community represented in this story (while also addressing the hate that comes along with being different).  LGBTQ+ relationships are normalized and acknowledged in a way I haven't seen in a thriller before.

The pacing is like a slow burn, carefully constructed to an ending that was genuinely surprising and shocking. You'll find yourself guessing who exactly was responsible and why.

I really really enjoyed this book and would recommend to any of my fellow thriller fans out there, especially those looking for a more inclusive thriller.

A solid, quick thriller! I really enjoyed how Gill unraveled this mystery, while also managing to avoid most tropes! I definitely recommend it, and want to check out his other work!

Gill’s “Boy Fallen” is touted as a mystery thriller, though I would personally categorize it more as a mystery due to its slower pace, which doesn't align with my definition of a thriller. The novel follows two detectives as they attempt to solve a second murder case in a small town in New Zealand. One of the detectives, Brooke, grew up in this town and was personally affected by the initial murder of her brother, which spurred her decision to become a detective. Brooke's deep connection to the town adds a unique depth to the case, bringing in a network of relationships and insights that might otherwise be missing.

Gill’s talent for keeping the reader guessing until the very end—quite literally the very end—is commendable. While I found the pacing slow at times, the book was still an enjoyable read that isn't too difficult to get through.

This is a great crime story with a lot of queer representation. Young Evan Wiley is found dead at the bottom of a raging waterfall. He was from a wealthy family, had just graduated from high school, and was wrestling with his sexuality. There were a lot of reasons people might want Evan dead. Following the string of leads definitely held my interest.

I felt sorry for Evan. He had no friends and few people with whom he felt comfortable discussing his sexuality. It was sad to watch Evan’s life spiral down by making bad choices to find friendship and perhaps love. I liked the queer story line. I wish it had gone a little further, but it was still good.

The backdrop was great and a first for me. It was set in winter in south New Zealand. The author painted a very dark, uncomfortable picture for much of the book: misty, rainy, foggy, very cold. I didn’t understand why the locals hated the wealthy families so much. Considering that another of the wealthy sons had been murdered years ago, it seemed like they would have had a little sympathy. I wish the cause of the hatred had been explained a little more.

I found myself wondering a couple times how people jumped to their conclusions based on some pretty subtle clues. It seemed like a stretch just to make the plot work. Also, I didn’t like the way it ended. I found myself asking “what triggered that?” For me, it came out of left field and felt like gratuitous drama.

Despite my criticisms, I very much enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.

4/5 - This was a solid debut and pretty entertaining. Kept me guessing until the very end. Definitely will check out this authors future work!

I received this as a digital book which is why it's taken me so long to read. Unfortunately I tried 3 or 4 times but kept getting migraines as Unfortunately I hate reading on a screen. This time I was determined to finally complete it as it really was such a great start to a book and I wanted to finish it. I'm glad I did as it was brilliant. I love books set in NZ and this had me guessing from the word go who the murderer was as I had no idea. I finally guessed who but then had no idea why! Worth a read but such a shame you can't get a paper copy.

Atmospheric. Gripping. Emotionally intense. Unpredictable.

Chris Gill is a new author to me, and based on the blurb by one of my favorite New Zealand authors, Paul Cleave, this was enough recommendation for me! So glad to be introduced to this talented storyteller and this powerful crime thriller BOY FALLEN — a blending of coming-of-age, self-discovery, and young man's sexual identity.

Gill weaves a suspenseful and heartwrenching tale of hidden relationships, devastating lies, betrayal, and the power and courage of those who seek to uncover the long-buried secrets

Set in Taonga Falls, a remote small town near Christchurch, New Zealand, we immediately learn of the death of young Evan Wiley. Found at the falls by a photographer, had the boy fallen, or had he jumped, a suicide, or murder?

Meet Brooke Palmer, originally from the area, she is now a Detective in Auckland and has been for ten years and just made Sergeant.

Her stepdad, Gary is picking her up from the airport, and she must see Lana, her best friend and the mother of Evan. In addition, she knows the news of his death will be hard on her own mother and herself since years ago, her brother, Jack was found dead at the same falls. Nineteen years ago.

Is this a copycat crime, or could the wrong person be in prison and the real killer alive among them? Or are the two deaths unrelated?

Suicide just did not add up. Locals begin to comment on the parallels between the murder of fifteen-year-old Jack Palmer, Brooke's brother nineteen years ago. Also, both boys were from wealthy families. Jack's murder gained international attention more recently when it became the subject of the true-crime podcast, Envy.

The area had two extremes very poor to the wealthy. The detective assigned to the case is Detective Tane Collins (Inspector). He could use her help on the case. The boy had looks, money, and brains, so why would he turn to drugs and ultimately be murdered?

The author gives us insights into Evan's life leading up until he was found dead. Written in italics, you feel for this young man who wants to fit in. Evan was bullied like Jack.

He is a talented photographer and is saving for a trip to Europe with his camera. However, he gets sidetracked. The two boys that were bullying him are guys he wants to hang with and feels like he needs to buy drugs in order for them to like him. He desperately wants acceptance, friends and to fit in. He is lonely and making mistakes.

Are Mick Saunders and Bill Henderson his new friends? Or were they using him? Brooke is stunned since Saunders is the son of the man who killed her brother.

Did anyone in his family know what was really going on with Evan? Where was he getting the drugs? Was he spending all his money for his trip and getting hooked on drugs? Is he addicted? From cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. Is he in too deep? Could it have been his dealer?

We learn Evan had strong feelings for Bill. But was Bill gay or will he openly admit it. His father would be appalled. Evan's dad is not in the picture and not something he can discuss with his mom, so he turns to his photography professor. He is gay and he looks up to him as a mentor. He shows up at his house and his teacher's younger live-in boyfriend gets jealous.

Feeling he has nowhere to turn, he just wants to be with Bill. But Bill's dad is keeping them apart since the drugs among other things. However, there is something sinister working behind the scenes as the investigation continues throughout the book with flashbacks from Evan.

Brooke and Collins work tirelessly to get to the bottom of the murder and at the same time, solve the real mystery of her brother's death.

A search for the truth. A lifetime of lies.

From the ongoing mystery of the murder, the action, intensity, and suspense building to the identity of the killer and how it all came down there is the "Who, why, and how?" The real killer is totally shocking and unexpected after many suspects. From raw and piercing emotions, a psychological as well as a crime thriller.

I enjoy small-town crime suspense since everyone knows your business. Not much room to escape, giving it a sense of claustrophobia. A powerful tale. With flashbacks of Evan's this taut and emotional novel asks: how well do you know your teens, and well do they know you?

Gill's writing is spellbinding and lyrical against the many contrasts of good versus evil of the characters, as well as the setting backdrop of nature which can be beautiful and dangerous, the weather, and the different classes from privileged and those who are not.

I highly recommend BOY FALLEN to fans of P.J. Vernon, Catherine Ryan Hyde's [b:Boy Underground|56225718|Boy Underground|Catherine Ryan Hyde|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1616378248l/56225718._SY75_.jpg|87577864], and Alex Finlay's [b:The Night Shift|57693427|The Night Shift|Alex Finlay|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1639384101l/57693427._SY75_.jpg|90371632]. I just purchased his [b:The Nowhere|43788362|The Nowhere|Chris Gill|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1548840418l/43788362._SY75_.jpg|68127752] and look forward to reading. Fans of small-town crime thrillers, self-discovery, coming-of-age, and LGBTQ will enjoy. Definitely, an author to follow and on my radar. Hoping we will see more of Collins and Palmer in the future.

A special thank you to the author and PRNTD Publishing for a digital ARC.

Blog Review Posted @ www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pub Date: March 22, 2022

**The following is a review of an ARC supplied by Chris Gill and PRNTD Publishing in exchange for this honest review. Thank you to them for the opportunity!**

//Actual rating ~3.5.//

I am a big fan of this genre. Anything in media from TV to books that is LGBTQ+ and suspense, mystery, crime, or thriller? Count me in!

The dual narrative style was cool and felt like how a good Netflix limited series would flow, with revealing flashbacks and side-story interspersed into the real-time story. This was nicely done, but as others have noted, I’d have liked to see more of that story and be more invested in the characters.

I didn't feel like I *liked* any character. Not that I hated them, but I just didn't find myself caring about them or feeling like they had fully-developed personalities and backstories that I was invested in.

The flashback segments provided a lot of needless explanation of substance use, including a few weird things like referring to taking a drag on a cigarette as a “toke,” and overly-explained depictions of drug use. I'm not even a smoker but I know nobody would put a single unprotected cigarette in their back pocket as they walked around... It seemed like these forced descriptions were being used to add edginess but they ended up taking me out of it. In a single page of dialogue, there would be several references to holding a cigarette or looking at a bag of coke and it’s like, okay, we get it. The more I think about it, the more I connect this to when movies use smoking as a crutch to make a character "cool" or "bad" in lieu of providing real elements of tension and drama to a scene.

The present-day story spent a lot of word count talking about how it was raining, where it could have spent making us care deeply about who this boy was. It feels sort of '2006 young adult gay novel' to focus so much on "being gay" and not many specific elements of that. There was a brief hint at religion, and some mixed perceptions of the older generation, but I didn't feel invested in his struggle. A plot element of a character losing their job or going through something traumatic carries a lot more meaning. Sex work was hinted at but never explored in a meaningful way. Obviously, there is still homophobia in 2022, but it's depicted in a low-hanging fruit kind of way.

Aside from the drug and cigarette references, it just didn't "go there." It didn't get graphic or particularly specific with the violent elements. It didn't have any sex scenes or scandals, really.

I remember wondering why there was press following this family around when nothing was even happening. Paparazzi and live news coverage will move on 24-48 hrs after something even as big as a high-profile murder if nothing is going on to keep them connected to the story. And if I felt that way, certainly they would have. What would they have captured? The detective walking in and out of the house? And the rain?

The ending felt very rushed, and the twist *was* unexpected, to be fair. The problem is that nothing led up to that. Give me some hints, some weird details earlier on in the book that seem random but then all give you that "ah-ha" moment in the end when everything clicks together. The makings of a good thriller rely on a creative, winding, detailed narrative. A random, disconnected plot twist and quick ending are basically like a cheap jump-scare in a horror movie, not the "whodunnit" reveal that makes you gasp and cover your mouth in a theater.

I don't mean to be too critical here, because I think there are some makings of a great story here, it just needed more. It felt like the amount of edge that would be allowed in a high school library catalog and not something that challenged me as a reader in the way that something like Bath Haus did.