Within thirty pages of reading Sam Hayes’s new novel “Someone Else’s Son” I knew I was in trouble – if ever trouble was a good thing, this was it! I don’t know why but I distinctly remember thinking that I was going to have problems reviewing this title without giving anything away.

With this in mind I decided that I would include (in the review) only information found on the book jacket and divulge no other secrets held deep within the covers – to spoil a book of this stature would not only be criminal but deny an emotional journey I’m certain readers will enjoy.

Someone Else's Son by Sam Hayes

The term “emotional rollercoaster” is a phrase widely and often overused, yet here I am using it within a review for “Someone Else’s Son” – go figure!

Carrie Kent has it all. Money, trusted friends, a television career and a house in the country – nothing it appears can stop her. That is until one day when she receives a phone call informing her that her only son Max has been stabbed at school. Carrie, famed for her early morning chat show and guests of questionable repute, arrives at the hospital and is greeted with the sight of her ex-husband Brody, slumped in a chair – her world is about to crumble.

The only witness is a teenage girl who is terrified of a gang culture sweeping the neighbourhood. Refusing to talk, the police face an uphill struggle to bring closure to both parents and send those guilty of the crime to jail.

Carrie comes across as a self-assured woman, in the middle of a highly lucrative and successful career she knows what she wants and how to get it – a multi-millionaire, money is no object but when all is said and done, can it buy happiness?

Now available from The Book Depository (free P&P) and Amazon.

In the early stages of the book I found it hard to relate to Carrie, certainly before tragedy struck, but following the attack on her son died her invincibility wavered and she became human, almost approachable in a way – softened isn’t the right description, perhaps a little more dependable on her friends and those close to her. She became more likable and less aloof – re analysing her key relationships with her son and ex-husband key to her moving on.

The range of emotions I experienced while reading the book were immeasurable. I struggled to put the book down – one moment I was shaking my head and the next I was empathising with a character’s predicament.

Told within three timelines the narrative is quite simply stunning and flows unhindered throughout. I really didn’t want to put the book down and for the most part I didn’t. I felt as if I was part of the story and my thoughts and opinions key to the outcome – which of course they weren’t but goes some way to explaining the mesmerizing style that Hayes affords her readers.

The subject matters held within the pages are delicately analysed. Bullying, a classless problem and together with an ever growing knife culture are both examined with sensitivity, yet at the same time the author holding nothing back – a remarkable balance is achieved throughout.

“Someone Else’s Son” is a well-crafted psychological thriller that examines many of today’s troubling issues and will leave you emotionally drained – The final fifty pages will leave you breathless.

Highly recommended this is a wonderful read, beautifully written and a title not to be missed.

Published by Headline, “Someone Else’s Son” is now available from The Book Depository (free P&P) and Amazon.