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Boy Fallen
A POWERFUL CRIME MYSTERY WITH A YOUNG MAN’S JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY AT ITS CORE
When the body of wealthy teen and aspiring photographer Evan Wiley is found faceup at the base of Taonga Falls, one thing is immediately clear: he didn’t jump.
Detective Brooke Palmer races down to the struggling New Zealand town she once called home to comfort her oldest friend – Evan’s mother.
But when Brooke learns Evan had been hanging out with a boy who used to bully him, she quickly gets drawn into the case. She fears this dangerous new friendship may have cost Evan his life – or at the very least, his heart.
And as Brooke confronts her own past, she is reminded that in Taonga, even those who have it all can hit rock bottom.
A gripping whodunnit through a fresh lens, Boy Fallen will keep you guessing until the very end.
When the body of wealthy teen and aspiring photographer Evan Wiley is found faceup at the base of Taonga Falls, one thing is immediately clear: he didn’t jump.
Detective Brooke Palmer races down to the struggling New Zealand town she once called home to comfort her oldest friend – Evan’s mother.
But when Brooke learns Evan had been hanging out with a boy who used to bully him, she quickly gets drawn into the case. She fears this dangerous new friendship may have cost Evan his life – or at the very least, his heart.
And as Brooke confronts her own past, she is reminded that in Taonga, even those who have it all can hit rock bottom.
A gripping whodunnit through a fresh lens, Boy Fallen will keep you guessing until the very end.
380 pages, Paperback
Published March 22, 2022
6 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
About the author
Chris Gill
3 books110 followersChris Gill is the author of LGBTQ+ mystery novels The Nowhere and Boy Fallen. The Nowhere was published in 2019 and went on to become a Lambda Literary Awards finalist the following year. Boy Fallen is out now through PRNTD Publishing.
Chris was born in Eastbourne in the UK to a British mother and New Zealander father. He moved to New Zealand with his family at age two where he spent over six years growing up in Auckland. It was during this time that Chris’ love for reading and writing began, spending his early years penning hundreds of short stories his mother still has tucked away.
Upon returning to the UK, Chris lived in a small town in Sussex. These years went on to inspire many of the themes in his novels, such as coming of age, small-town homophobia and isolation. Chris moved to Hampshire at age nineteen to study journalism at university.
Upon graduating, Chris moved to London and began a career in copywriting. In 2011, he published his debut book of poetry through his co-founded publishing company, PRNTD.
Chris relocated to Australia in 2014 and released his LGBTQ+ coming-of-age novel The Nowhere in 2019. His New Zealand mystery novel Boy Fallen is out now.
Chris lives in Sydney with his husband.
Chris was born in Eastbourne in the UK to a British mother and New Zealander father. He moved to New Zealand with his family at age two where he spent over six years growing up in Auckland. It was during this time that Chris’ love for reading and writing began, spending his early years penning hundreds of short stories his mother still has tucked away.
Upon returning to the UK, Chris lived in a small town in Sussex. These years went on to inspire many of the themes in his novels, such as coming of age, small-town homophobia and isolation. Chris moved to Hampshire at age nineteen to study journalism at university.
Upon graduating, Chris moved to London and began a career in copywriting. In 2011, he published his debut book of poetry through his co-founded publishing company, PRNTD.
Chris relocated to Australia in 2014 and released his LGBTQ+ coming-of-age novel The Nowhere in 2019. His New Zealand mystery novel Boy Fallen is out now.
Chris lives in Sydney with his husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
March 22, 2022
Actual rating 4.5 ⭐️
Chris Gill is the author of The Nowhere, a queer coming-of-age story set in Australia. Boy Fallen is his sophomore book, a crime mystery about a boy who is suddenly found dead.
I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading Boy Fallen. The story pulled me in incredibly fast, and I got hooked from the first page. I wanted to know so badly what happened to Evan, and I couldn’t let go. My eyes were drawn to my ereader over and over, even when I didn’t have time to read. I wanted to get to know Evan as a person, how he struggled with his queerness, and why he befriended Bill and Mick, his former bullies. I wanted to know who killed this beautiful boy who had so many dreams and a bright future ahead of him.
Boy Fallen is written in a dual narrative, mainly Brooke’s, with fragments of Evan’s. Chris’s writing is captivating and so easily readable, and I read the book in just a few sittings even though it’s almost 400 pages. The pacing is spot-on, and the characters are very well fleshed out. The ending was kind of a shocker although I suspected something along the way. Not all though.
I have one minor criticism. I would have given Evan a full narrative instead of a fragmented one. I wanted to know so much more about him. Which internal struggles did he have regarding his sexuality? Why did he decide to befriend Bill and Mick while he had planned a trip to Europe? Why did he start …
Even without an answer to the questions above, Boy Fallen has won a permanent place in my heart, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves (queer) crime mysteries. I can’t wait to read more by Chris Gill. Thanks, Chris, for this awesome story!
I received an ARC from Chris Gill and PRNTD Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
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Chris Gill is the author of The Nowhere, a queer coming-of-age story set in Australia. Boy Fallen is his sophomore book, a crime mystery about a boy who is suddenly found dead.
I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading Boy Fallen. The story pulled me in incredibly fast, and I got hooked from the first page. I wanted to know so badly what happened to Evan, and I couldn’t let go. My eyes were drawn to my ereader over and over, even when I didn’t have time to read. I wanted to get to know Evan as a person, how he struggled with his queerness, and why he befriended Bill and Mick, his former bullies. I wanted to know who killed this beautiful boy who had so many dreams and a bright future ahead of him.
Boy Fallen is written in a dual narrative, mainly Brooke’s, with fragments of Evan’s. Chris’s writing is captivating and so easily readable, and I read the book in just a few sittings even though it’s almost 400 pages. The pacing is spot-on, and the characters are very well fleshed out. The ending was kind of a shocker although I suspected something along the way. Not all though.
I have one minor criticism. I would have given Evan a full narrative instead of a fragmented one. I wanted to know so much more about him. Which internal struggles did he have regarding his sexuality? Why did he decide to befriend Bill and Mick while he had planned a trip to Europe? Why did he start …
Even without an answer to the questions above, Boy Fallen has won a permanent place in my heart, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves (queer) crime mysteries. I can’t wait to read more by Chris Gill. Thanks, Chris, for this awesome story!
I received an ARC from Chris Gill and PRNTD Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
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December 18, 2021
A beautifully written and expertly plotted crime novel with some great representation and killer twists! Highly recommended.
January 31, 2022
Boy Fallen was a twisty web of lies.
Nineteen years ago, in the remote coastal town of Taonga in New Zealand’s South Island, Brooke Palmer’s fifteen-year-old brother Jack was murdered by a local boy – Harry Saunders – who had been bullying him at school.
Now, the broken body of another teen, eighteen year-old Evan Wiley (the son of Brooke’s childhood best friend Lana} has been found at the base of Taonga Falls. At first glance it looks like he jumped, but forensic evidence quickly points to foul play. Like Jack, Evan was horribly bullied throughout his school years. His bully, the son of Harry Saunders.
Is history repeating itself? Brooke, now a detective in Auckland, rushes home to Taonga to be there for Lana, and also her own family for which Evan’s death has dredged up painful memories of Jack. Brooke, also grieving for both her brother, and Evan (who was like a godson to her) soon teams up with the local detective in charge of the case – Tane Collins. Together, the two are determined to track down Evan’s killer, a search which will lead them to some very dark places.
Boy Fallen was a raw and emotional read, with numerous twists and shocks, as well as a small-town mystery, with themes of trauma, family, and friendship. The present was narrated by Brooke, and I would characterise the majority of this book as a police procedural, involving conducting interviews, uncovering Evan’s secrets in the months leading up to his death, and eliminating suspects. There were italicised flashbacks in Evan’s POV, and whenever a piece of the puzzle was unearthed in the present, we then switched to the corresponding flashback. Evan was a sympathetic character who I really felt for. Not only was he dealing with the questioning of his sexuality, first love and exploration, all overwhelming and life defining experiences on their own, but also feelings of worthlessness and loneliness, leading him down a dark desperate path of substance abuse and dangerous experimentation. Boy Fallen was an apt description on so many levels and the perfect title for this novel.
The mood and tone was dark and foreboding, often depressing at times, and the author’s vivid descriptions of weather, the hopelessness experienced by various characters, and a town in crisis, on the brink of poverty and collapse, highlighted this to a tee. Fictitious Taonga was a town torn apart not only by tragedy, but also the huge divide which saw the struggling locals resenting, distrusting, and envying the wealthy outsiders (Brooke and Evan’s families both fell into this category) because they weren’t born in Taronga.
Trigger warnings for homophobia, in the closet, bullying, and gay-bashing.
Boy Fallen was most definitely worth the read.
I’d like to thank PRNTD Publishing, and Chris Gill for the gifted copy.
Publication Date: 22nd March, 2022.
Nineteen years ago, in the remote coastal town of Taonga in New Zealand’s South Island, Brooke Palmer’s fifteen-year-old brother Jack was murdered by a local boy – Harry Saunders – who had been bullying him at school.
Now, the broken body of another teen, eighteen year-old Evan Wiley (the son of Brooke’s childhood best friend Lana} has been found at the base of Taonga Falls. At first glance it looks like he jumped, but forensic evidence quickly points to foul play. Like Jack, Evan was horribly bullied throughout his school years. His bully, the son of Harry Saunders.
Is history repeating itself? Brooke, now a detective in Auckland, rushes home to Taonga to be there for Lana, and also her own family for which Evan’s death has dredged up painful memories of Jack. Brooke, also grieving for both her brother, and Evan (who was like a godson to her) soon teams up with the local detective in charge of the case – Tane Collins. Together, the two are determined to track down Evan’s killer, a search which will lead them to some very dark places.
Boy Fallen was a raw and emotional read, with numerous twists and shocks, as well as a small-town mystery, with themes of trauma, family, and friendship. The present was narrated by Brooke, and I would characterise the majority of this book as a police procedural, involving conducting interviews, uncovering Evan’s secrets in the months leading up to his death, and eliminating suspects. There were italicised flashbacks in Evan’s POV, and whenever a piece of the puzzle was unearthed in the present, we then switched to the corresponding flashback. Evan was a sympathetic character who I really felt for. Not only was he dealing with the questioning of his sexuality, first love and exploration, all overwhelming and life defining experiences on their own, but also feelings of worthlessness and loneliness, leading him down a dark desperate path of substance abuse and dangerous experimentation. Boy Fallen was an apt description on so many levels and the perfect title for this novel.
The mood and tone was dark and foreboding, often depressing at times, and the author’s vivid descriptions of weather, the hopelessness experienced by various characters, and a town in crisis, on the brink of poverty and collapse, highlighted this to a tee. Fictitious Taonga was a town torn apart not only by tragedy, but also the huge divide which saw the struggling locals resenting, distrusting, and envying the wealthy outsiders (Brooke and Evan’s families both fell into this category) because they weren’t born in Taronga.
Trigger warnings for homophobia, in the closet, bullying, and gay-bashing.
Boy Fallen was most definitely worth the read.
I’d like to thank PRNTD Publishing, and Chris Gill for the gifted copy.
Publication Date: 22nd March, 2022.
July 30, 2022
I do this thing where I put off reading something if I know for sure that the subject matter is going to mess me up. I actually received this book earlier this year and it sounded really interesting, but I knew that a story about a bullied gay kid being murdered (and it possibly being a hate crime), would be a challenging read to get through. My intuition was right, this was a great book, but I found it really depressing. Also, it’s called Boy Fallen because in the months leading to his death, Evan had “fallen” down in the world, and also his body was found at the bottom of a cliff, having literally fallen. Just call me an expert of literary analysis!
I have a couple reservations about the way representation is handled though. The choice of murder suspects is a bit… suspect. You have the closeted teen who hates himself because of his sexuality, the openly gay teacher who’s suspected of being a predator, and then the petty jealous ex-boyfriend of the teacher. I don’t think there’s anything inherently wrong in having characters like this in a story, but it does lean on some harmful stereotypes. Most of these issues are alleviated later in the book so it didn’t bother me in the long-term.
Anyway, on to the things I did like; The atmosphere, the cold and dreary tone of the book serves as an effective backdrop to the seriousness of the story. The weather is seldom discussed, but it’s not hard to imagine a downpour of rain in every scene. I think it’s best to go into this book like it’s a noir film. I was a little weary of the switch from detective Palmer’s pov to Evan’s in every chapter, but it actually makes the whole thing a lot more personal, and often even poignant. I wanted the killer caught just as much as the detective.
I have a couple reservations about the way representation is handled though. The choice of murder suspects is a bit… suspect. You have the closeted teen who hates himself because of his sexuality, the openly gay teacher who’s suspected of being a predator, and then the petty jealous ex-boyfriend of the teacher. I don’t think there’s anything inherently wrong in having characters like this in a story, but it does lean on some harmful stereotypes. Most of these issues are alleviated later in the book so it didn’t bother me in the long-term.
Anyway, on to the things I did like; The atmosphere, the cold and dreary tone of the book serves as an effective backdrop to the seriousness of the story. The weather is seldom discussed, but it’s not hard to imagine a downpour of rain in every scene. I think it’s best to go into this book like it’s a noir film. I was a little weary of the switch from detective Palmer’s pov to Evan’s in every chapter, but it actually makes the whole thing a lot more personal, and often even poignant. I wanted the killer caught just as much as the detective.
February 7, 2024
4.5 Stars
What I loved most was the past narrative of Evan's life, as tragic as it turned out to be -- I would have loved to read more of his story.
What I loved most was the past narrative of Evan's life, as tragic as it turned out to be -- I would have loved to read more of his story.
January 3, 2022
✽ 5 STARS ✽
Boy Fallen is brilliant crime mystery thriller!
Amazing writing style, the plot is complex and the suspense is fantastically done. I liked the pace of the story, there was not a part of story that would be boring (and I am very easily bored).
I can be quite picky when reading thrillers. I am sucker for details, I remember them all or even write them down when I am not sure I can memorize them properly. And details in this story were amazingly developed, as well characters. The author did a really great job with the characters. There was no personality who would irritate me (I hate it when one or more characters are potrayed as bad guys just to mislead you to think this is the murderer), but here characters were realistic and intriguing in natural way.
The story is told by two POVs: mainly by detective Brook, who is also the best friend of the mother of the murdered boy Evan; second POV is told by Evan and events are placed before his murder.
I highly suggest to read this book by yourself and I am pretty sure you will enjoy it and you won't be able to put it down.
I received free copy in exchange for honest review and I would like to thank to author Chris Gill and his publishing company again for this opportunity- thank you!
Boy Fallen is brilliant crime mystery thriller!
Amazing writing style, the plot is complex and the suspense is fantastically done. I liked the pace of the story, there was not a part of story that would be boring (and I am very easily bored).
I can be quite picky when reading thrillers. I am sucker for details, I remember them all or even write them down when I am not sure I can memorize them properly. And details in this story were amazingly developed, as well characters. The author did a really great job with the characters. There was no personality who would irritate me (I hate it when one or more characters are potrayed as bad guys just to mislead you to think this is the murderer), but here characters were realistic and intriguing in natural way.
The story is told by two POVs: mainly by detective Brook, who is also the best friend of the mother of the murdered boy Evan; second POV is told by Evan and events are placed before his murder.
I highly suggest to read this book by yourself and I am pretty sure you will enjoy it and you won't be able to put it down.
I received free copy in exchange for honest review and I would like to thank to author Chris Gill and his publishing company again for this opportunity- thank you!
February 13, 2022
3★
“Dark images plagued Brooke’s mind. A moodboard made up of the photos in her hand and those in the post-mortem report, her imagination filling the gaps in terrifying detail.”
Brooke Palmer has flown from Auckland to Christchurch to support her best friend, Lana. They’ve been close since school days, when Brooke’s younger brother, Jack, was murdered at 15, and now, almost two decades later, the body of Lana’s son Evan has been found at the foot of Taonga Falls.
Taonga is their hometown over near Greymouth, on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island, where the weather can be wild and wet and bitterly cold. The situation is going to be awkward because the news services are all bringing up Jack’s murder now, and everybody knows who Brooke is.
Because she’s a police sergeant herself and a local, or used to be, Detective Collins asks if she’d join the investigation. He himself has come across from Christchurch and is living in a motel room.
“’Once the post-mortem results came through, I was assigned to the case. Packed my bags as quickly as I could and checked into a motel on the way into town. They’re down a senior detective here.’
Brooke peered out at the unrelenting rain. ‘Things have gone downhill then. They at least had a detective living in Taonga when–’ She clipped her sentence short.
‘I heard about your brother,’ Collins said delicately. ‘I’m sorry.’
Brooke fluttered her hand as if to say it was okay. ‘That’s why I’m not completely surprised. About Evan being murdered. My brother’s killer – he bullied him throughout school because of our family’s…’ She looked for a word to soften her privilege. ‘ “Demographic”. I hoped – for the town’s sake – that it was an accident this time. Even suicide. But like the press is already reporting, it looks like a similar scenario. A copycat crime.’”
We learn later (it’s not a spoiler) that Brooke’s family “demographic” is that they are considered rich by the locals, because her stepfather is well-off. So the kids were bullied for being “privileged”.
The story is told from Brooke’s point of view with long italicised sections that are flashbacks from Evan’s point of view before he was killed. It’s the only way we really learn what his life was like.
It’s a pretty good story which I ended up enjoying, but I nearly didn’t read it because of the many instances of phrases like “returning his mahogany-eyed gaze to the road” and “[he] gave her his eyes. They were a hypnotic hazel.” and “A sense of foreboding clasped the air.”
This hasn’t been published yet, so I won’t quote more in case someone edits them out (I hope), but there are so many, that I think this is the author’s style. I find it more prevalent in romance novels than mysteries, (which is why I read so few romances), but it's obvious there must be readers who like these kinds of descriptions. Really, with a slightly tighter edit, this could have been so much better.
Thanks to the author and PRNTD Publishing for the copy for review.
“Dark images plagued Brooke’s mind. A moodboard made up of the photos in her hand and those in the post-mortem report, her imagination filling the gaps in terrifying detail.”
Brooke Palmer has flown from Auckland to Christchurch to support her best friend, Lana. They’ve been close since school days, when Brooke’s younger brother, Jack, was murdered at 15, and now, almost two decades later, the body of Lana’s son Evan has been found at the foot of Taonga Falls.
Taonga is their hometown over near Greymouth, on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island, where the weather can be wild and wet and bitterly cold. The situation is going to be awkward because the news services are all bringing up Jack’s murder now, and everybody knows who Brooke is.
Because she’s a police sergeant herself and a local, or used to be, Detective Collins asks if she’d join the investigation. He himself has come across from Christchurch and is living in a motel room.
“’Once the post-mortem results came through, I was assigned to the case. Packed my bags as quickly as I could and checked into a motel on the way into town. They’re down a senior detective here.’
Brooke peered out at the unrelenting rain. ‘Things have gone downhill then. They at least had a detective living in Taonga when–’ She clipped her sentence short.
‘I heard about your brother,’ Collins said delicately. ‘I’m sorry.’
Brooke fluttered her hand as if to say it was okay. ‘That’s why I’m not completely surprised. About Evan being murdered. My brother’s killer – he bullied him throughout school because of our family’s…’ She looked for a word to soften her privilege. ‘ “Demographic”. I hoped – for the town’s sake – that it was an accident this time. Even suicide. But like the press is already reporting, it looks like a similar scenario. A copycat crime.’”
We learn later (it’s not a spoiler) that Brooke’s family “demographic” is that they are considered rich by the locals, because her stepfather is well-off. So the kids were bullied for being “privileged”.
The story is told from Brooke’s point of view with long italicised sections that are flashbacks from Evan’s point of view before he was killed. It’s the only way we really learn what his life was like.
It’s a pretty good story which I ended up enjoying, but I nearly didn’t read it because of the many instances of phrases like “returning his mahogany-eyed gaze to the road” and “[he] gave her his eyes. They were a hypnotic hazel.” and “A sense of foreboding clasped the air.”
This hasn’t been published yet, so I won’t quote more in case someone edits them out (I hope), but there are so many, that I think this is the author’s style. I find it more prevalent in romance novels than mysteries, (which is why I read so few romances), but it's obvious there must be readers who like these kinds of descriptions. Really, with a slightly tighter edit, this could have been so much better.
Thanks to the author and PRNTD Publishing for the copy for review.
April 18, 2022
BOY FALLEN by Chris Gill is a compelling story of a young man and his journey of self-discovery interweaving a police procedural that stuns with its climax.
Brooke Palmer’s return back to the small town of Toanga is not a happy one, for starters, she has lost a boy who was almost a son to her, her best friend, Lana is devastated by the loss, and adding to the trauma is the memories of a past that she doesn’t want to recollect. Author Chris Gill has captured the essence of grief so brilliantly that Lana’s pain of losing her son and coming to terms with his murder was tangible. The small-town claustrophobia was also conveyed wonderfully as a vivid picture of the animosity of the locals shown against Brooke’s and Lan’s family could be felt leaping off the pages.
As Detective Collins requests Brooke���s help with the inquiries, we get to see Evan Wiley thru small snippets. As Brooke and Collins investigate the murder and the interrogation takes them to Evan’s contacts, the story opens up thru the POV of Evan and honestly, had me wanting more of his thought process. The questions about his sexuality and coming to terms with it, the need for drugs to be accepted into a group of friends, the bullying that has destroyed his confidence, the love that he discovers, his desperate need for at least one friend to talk things over, everything is laid bare and the author makes the reader experience the whole gamut of emotions thru Evan. However, I would have loved to know the reasoning behind his decision to use his savings to establish friendships just when the world was at his call. Just a minor point in an otherwise excellent story by Chris Gill.
Brooke and Collins make a good pair and I loved the easy camaraderie they share during the investigation. Both of them take strength from each other as Brooke has to relive the loss of her brother in a similar fashion to Evan, and Collins is fighting the custody of his daughter. The climax came out of nowhere as I had no inkling of the murderer so plainly hidden.
Boy Fallen is not a fast-paced adrenaline rush thriller, but if you are a fan of a cleverly conceived crime thriller with a heartfelt story of a young man, then BOY FALLEN is definitely a book to be read.
Many thanks to PRINTD publishing and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
Apologies to the publisher for the delay in posting this review.
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
Brooke Palmer’s return back to the small town of Toanga is not a happy one, for starters, she has lost a boy who was almost a son to her, her best friend, Lana is devastated by the loss, and adding to the trauma is the memories of a past that she doesn’t want to recollect. Author Chris Gill has captured the essence of grief so brilliantly that Lana’s pain of losing her son and coming to terms with his murder was tangible. The small-town claustrophobia was also conveyed wonderfully as a vivid picture of the animosity of the locals shown against Brooke’s and Lan’s family could be felt leaping off the pages.
As Detective Collins requests Brooke���s help with the inquiries, we get to see Evan Wiley thru small snippets. As Brooke and Collins investigate the murder and the interrogation takes them to Evan’s contacts, the story opens up thru the POV of Evan and honestly, had me wanting more of his thought process. The questions about his sexuality and coming to terms with it, the need for drugs to be accepted into a group of friends, the bullying that has destroyed his confidence, the love that he discovers, his desperate need for at least one friend to talk things over, everything is laid bare and the author makes the reader experience the whole gamut of emotions thru Evan. However, I would have loved to know the reasoning behind his decision to use his savings to establish friendships just when the world was at his call. Just a minor point in an otherwise excellent story by Chris Gill.
Brooke and Collins make a good pair and I loved the easy camaraderie they share during the investigation. Both of them take strength from each other as Brooke has to relive the loss of her brother in a similar fashion to Evan, and Collins is fighting the custody of his daughter. The climax came out of nowhere as I had no inkling of the murderer so plainly hidden.
Boy Fallen is not a fast-paced adrenaline rush thriller, but if you are a fan of a cleverly conceived crime thriller with a heartfelt story of a young man, then BOY FALLEN is definitely a book to be read.
Many thanks to PRINTD publishing and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
Apologies to the publisher for the delay in posting this review.
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
April 1, 2022
Okay, so a couple of disclaimers:
@PRINTD publishing contacted me and offered me a copy of this book for review. Thank you to them and the author, Chris Gill.
I am from New Zealand, albeit from a larger place than the fictional Taonga, so I *get* completely the sense of the town, the divides, and the attitudes.
I’m not going to précis the storyline, you can read it for yourself in the blurb.
This is my first Chris Gill novel, and it’s an absolute cracker of a …what? It’s a police procedural, certainly, with likeable and realistic characters. It’s a love story, romantic love, and love for family and friends. It’s the feelings of a heart and first love put to words, and it’s a description of being different in a place where it’s not encouraged. It’s a ‘slap you in the face’ when you realise what is coming at the end of the book. It’s an examination of small town attitudes, and, even if you’re not from there, imagine, the place you’ve lived in has a divide - the rich, and the poor. It’s not anyone’s fault, maybe the mill/abattoir/car manufacturer/insert town-supporting business here closed down, the circumstances change, and the tensions start bubbling. A chain of events, centered around two murders and the families affected by them forms an engrossing narrative (complete with interspersed flashbacks from one of the victims).
This is a true insight into a crime that never happened, but could. The writing puts the reader right there, shivering in the cold and grey, experiencing that stomach drop at the realisation hits, aching for the sad and bereaved. I really didn’t guess at all as to the final part, and that kept me reading, waiting to see what happened next. This also scores a solid 5/5 for the mind movie - it played in full colour and description in my head as I read along. How could you not picture a prison with barbed wire coils ‘like a menacing Slinky’?. How could you not picture someone whose hair is ‘two weeks too long’?. Superb usage of the English language to relate to your readers.
@PRINTD publishing contacted me and offered me a copy of this book for review. Thank you to them and the author, Chris Gill.
I am from New Zealand, albeit from a larger place than the fictional Taonga, so I *get* completely the sense of the town, the divides, and the attitudes.
I’m not going to précis the storyline, you can read it for yourself in the blurb.
This is my first Chris Gill novel, and it’s an absolute cracker of a …what? It’s a police procedural, certainly, with likeable and realistic characters. It’s a love story, romantic love, and love for family and friends. It’s the feelings of a heart and first love put to words, and it’s a description of being different in a place where it’s not encouraged. It’s a ‘slap you in the face’ when you realise what is coming at the end of the book. It’s an examination of small town attitudes, and, even if you’re not from there, imagine, the place you’ve lived in has a divide - the rich, and the poor. It’s not anyone’s fault, maybe the mill/abattoir/car manufacturer/insert town-supporting business here closed down, the circumstances change, and the tensions start bubbling. A chain of events, centered around two murders and the families affected by them forms an engrossing narrative (complete with interspersed flashbacks from one of the victims).
This is a true insight into a crime that never happened, but could. The writing puts the reader right there, shivering in the cold and grey, experiencing that stomach drop at the realisation hits, aching for the sad and bereaved. I really didn’t guess at all as to the final part, and that kept me reading, waiting to see what happened next. This also scores a solid 5/5 for the mind movie - it played in full colour and description in my head as I read along. How could you not picture a prison with barbed wire coils ‘like a menacing Slinky’?. How could you not picture someone whose hair is ‘two weeks too long’?. Superb usage of the English language to relate to your readers.
January 26, 2022
What a page-turner. Had me trying to figure out the killer until the very end, and I still didn't get it!
January 25, 2022
Thank you to Team PRNTD for reaching out and sending me a review copy of this book. Boy Fallen is not a book I would have found on my own. With that said, you can expect a gripping whodunnit mystery when you reach for this title. The author tells a story of a young man, living in a small backwater town, who is struggling with his sexuality. Set in New Zealand you are carried away to beautiful scenery while reading this book and left with a chill as you turn the pages.
The author tells the story slipping between various timelines and various characters, allowing the reader to experience the various character’s emotions. These changes sometimes occur within the same chapter, yet you are never left unsure of where you are or with whom. The transition between past and present is smooth and easy to follow.
When the body of Evan Wiley is found at the bottom of a waterfall, it does not take authorities very long to establish that he did not jump. Detective Brooke Palmer returns home at the news of Evan’s death to support his mother, her best friend. Brooke assists with the investigation and discovers that there are a lot she did not know about Evan. This wonderful young man that she has seen growing up is not who she thought he was. Met with ghosts from her past, Brooke must put her emotions aside to find out what happened to Evan. No one appears to be completely honest. As Brooke and Detective Collins retrace Evan’s steps to put the puzzle pieces together Brooke discovers a truth she never expected.
I raced through this book in two days. I found myself completely engrossed and eager to find out what happened to this troubled young man. The author did a brilliant job at keeping me intrigued and I absolutely loved how I did not predict the ending.
Evan Wiley appears to have everything. He comes from a wealthy family and lives a comfortable life in a small town. He has finished school and is heading to Europe for a gap year, where he plans to build a photographic portfolio. As you read you learn more and more about young Evan, and it is soon clear that things are not as they appear. Evan is a troubled young man who is suffering with his sexuality, he has no friends and will do anything to connect with his peers. His desperation for acceptance leads him down a dangerous path that eventually gets him murdered.
Detective Brooke Palmer has a past that haunts her and returning to Taonga is not easy. This character is forced to face her demons and put her past behind her as she searches for the truth behind Evan’s death. What she discovers will change her life forever.
The author highlights the struggles of a young man trying to come to terms with his sexuality in a small town where people are not open-minded. He works this into the storyline beautifully, allowing the reader to understand how important it is to support young men in this situation. I was completely engrossed while reading this book and the final twist was a huge surprise. So, yes, this book has made it onto my loved list.
Boy Fallen will appeal to readers who enjoy a nail-biting whodunnit mystery, but you can also expect beautiful scenery and a subtle message. I do not doubt that you will love this one.
The author tells the story slipping between various timelines and various characters, allowing the reader to experience the various character’s emotions. These changes sometimes occur within the same chapter, yet you are never left unsure of where you are or with whom. The transition between past and present is smooth and easy to follow.
When the body of Evan Wiley is found at the bottom of a waterfall, it does not take authorities very long to establish that he did not jump. Detective Brooke Palmer returns home at the news of Evan’s death to support his mother, her best friend. Brooke assists with the investigation and discovers that there are a lot she did not know about Evan. This wonderful young man that she has seen growing up is not who she thought he was. Met with ghosts from her past, Brooke must put her emotions aside to find out what happened to Evan. No one appears to be completely honest. As Brooke and Detective Collins retrace Evan’s steps to put the puzzle pieces together Brooke discovers a truth she never expected.
I raced through this book in two days. I found myself completely engrossed and eager to find out what happened to this troubled young man. The author did a brilliant job at keeping me intrigued and I absolutely loved how I did not predict the ending.
Evan Wiley appears to have everything. He comes from a wealthy family and lives a comfortable life in a small town. He has finished school and is heading to Europe for a gap year, where he plans to build a photographic portfolio. As you read you learn more and more about young Evan, and it is soon clear that things are not as they appear. Evan is a troubled young man who is suffering with his sexuality, he has no friends and will do anything to connect with his peers. His desperation for acceptance leads him down a dangerous path that eventually gets him murdered.
Detective Brooke Palmer has a past that haunts her and returning to Taonga is not easy. This character is forced to face her demons and put her past behind her as she searches for the truth behind Evan’s death. What she discovers will change her life forever.
The author highlights the struggles of a young man trying to come to terms with his sexuality in a small town where people are not open-minded. He works this into the storyline beautifully, allowing the reader to understand how important it is to support young men in this situation. I was completely engrossed while reading this book and the final twist was a huge surprise. So, yes, this book has made it onto my loved list.
Boy Fallen will appeal to readers who enjoy a nail-biting whodunnit mystery, but you can also expect beautiful scenery and a subtle message. I do not doubt that you will love this one.
February 16, 2022
Chris Gill has written a new spine-tingling book called Boy Fallen. Yes! This is a curvy new whodunnit, but it is so much more. It is a hard-hitting coming-of-age story that is honest and raw. The topics are tough and relatable for young people exploring sexuality, drugs, and peer pressure. This is for anyone who has ever ask themselves "where do I fit in"?
Synopsis:
Brooke Palmer and Lana Wiley are lifelong best friends. Brooke is devastated when she receives a call that Evan (Lana's only child) has been found brutally murdered at Tsonga Falls. Brooke has been a detective for 10 years and is determined to find Evan's killer.
Boy Fallen is beautifully written. The author includes many plot twists that keep readers guessing. The ending is mind blowing. Boy Fallen is a must read and will be published March 22, 2022.
Thank you PRNDT Publishing and Chris Gill, for allowing me to review this fantastic e-book! Chris Gill, I can't wait to read more from you!
Synopsis:
Brooke Palmer and Lana Wiley are lifelong best friends. Brooke is devastated when she receives a call that Evan (Lana's only child) has been found brutally murdered at Tsonga Falls. Brooke has been a detective for 10 years and is determined to find Evan's killer.
Boy Fallen is beautifully written. The author includes many plot twists that keep readers guessing. The ending is mind blowing. Boy Fallen is a must read and will be published March 22, 2022.
Thank you PRNDT Publishing and Chris Gill, for allowing me to review this fantastic e-book! Chris Gill, I can't wait to read more from you!
December 30, 2021
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
Boy Fallen is a beautifully written murder mystery that manages to keep the reader just as confused as the detectives through out. The narrative alternates between the POV of Palmer, one of the detectives investigating the murder, and Evan in the days leading up to his death.
I greatly enjoyed the plot twist at the end and did not even remotely guess who the culprit was. I liked only being given information as the detectives were; however, that did make the plot twists feel completely out of left field and instead of having a big "YES!!" moment, it felt more like a "huh!" moment.
That being said, I highly recommend this book to mystery-crime fans and I hope we get to read more books with Detective Palmer in the future!
Boy Fallen is a beautifully written murder mystery that manages to keep the reader just as confused as the detectives through out. The narrative alternates between the POV of Palmer, one of the detectives investigating the murder, and Evan in the days leading up to his death.
I greatly enjoyed the plot twist at the end and did not even remotely guess who the culprit was. I liked only being given information as the detectives were; however, that did make the plot twists feel completely out of left field and instead of having a big "YES!!" moment, it felt more like a "huh!" moment.
That being said, I highly recommend this book to mystery-crime fans and I hope we get to read more books with Detective Palmer in the future!
January 6, 2022
⭐️💕💯💕😻😍 It's a beautiful day. 👑😻💕💕💕🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️💫❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😍
🤞🏾❤️🥺🤳📸 well don't u just ⭐️🌟look beautiful in ur icon ♡ 🙏🙏🙏
🤞🏾❤️🥺🤳📸 well don't u just ⭐️🌟look beautiful in ur icon ♡ 🙏🙏🙏
March 22, 2022
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 Boy Underground, and Alex Finlay's The Night Shift. I just purchased his The Nowhere 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
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 Boy Underground, and Alex Finlay's The Night Shift. I just purchased his The Nowhere 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
March 31, 2022
3 1/2 stars. I want to thank the author & publisher for providing a free copy of this book to me. Overall, I enjoyed this story and the protagonists but it didn’t really sink its hooks into me. I’m not quite sure what was lacking or if maybe it was my mood. Liked but didn’t love. I will definitely give the author another read though.
April 1, 2022
WOW. How have I never heard of Chris Gill before?
Boy Fallen is a LQBTQ+ crime novel and it had me captivated from the first page. Historically, crime novels take a while for me to get into… I’ve too often found them to be too clinical and the characters not relatable, but not this book. From the very beginning I found myself entranced with not only the small town politics that surrounded the case but the characters themselves.
Brooke, a detective, who returns to her home town to support her childhood best friend who’s son tragically passed away in a suspicious manner. She teams up with Collins, the detective working the case, and in search of the truth in a town full of secrets.
This story is heartbreaking not only in the tragic death of a young man but in the all too real aspects of small town homophobia. I absolutely can’t recommend this enough, Gill had me asking myself ‘who did it?’ until the very end. Thanks again to Chris Gill and yPRNTD Publishing for the opportunity to read this! Looking forward to your future work!
Boy Fallen is a LQBTQ+ crime novel and it had me captivated from the first page. Historically, crime novels take a while for me to get into… I’ve too often found them to be too clinical and the characters not relatable, but not this book. From the very beginning I found myself entranced with not only the small town politics that surrounded the case but the characters themselves.
Brooke, a detective, who returns to her home town to support her childhood best friend who’s son tragically passed away in a suspicious manner. She teams up with Collins, the detective working the case, and in search of the truth in a town full of secrets.
This story is heartbreaking not only in the tragic death of a young man but in the all too real aspects of small town homophobia. I absolutely can’t recommend this enough, Gill had me asking myself ‘who did it?’ until the very end. Thanks again to Chris Gill and yPRNTD Publishing for the opportunity to read this! Looking forward to your future work!
April 1, 2022
I've been in a bit of a reading doldrums until I read this. I am new to Chris, and I love finding a new author. I'm also a little partial to books set in New Zealand, so all in all this book was perfect for me.
There is a really great writing style here. I can see Chris Gill will be one of those authors who new books I'll automatically buy without looking at the blurb.
This book personally touched my heart as my grandson is gay and I, of course, worry about the ignorance of people that he'll have to face. I loved the fact it was told in two voices, and I really hope there will be a Brooke and Collins series.
Between the storyline, the characters, and the writing style, you can't miss with this book or this author. I rarely give 5 stars but this one really earned and deserved it.
There is a really great writing style here. I can see Chris Gill will be one of those authors who new books I'll automatically buy without looking at the blurb.
This book personally touched my heart as my grandson is gay and I, of course, worry about the ignorance of people that he'll have to face. I loved the fact it was told in two voices, and I really hope there will be a Brooke and Collins series.
Between the storyline, the characters, and the writing style, you can't miss with this book or this author. I rarely give 5 stars but this one really earned and deserved it.
March 20, 2022
In this deeply moving story combining a young man's coming to grips with his sexual identity with the mystery of who murdered him, Chris Gill deftly weaves a tale of love, loss and grief with an equally engrossing whodunit.
Set in a small, remote town in New Zealand, Detective Brooke Palmer takes leave from her job to return to the town where she grew up and where the body of her best friend's son, Evan, has been found. This brings back memories of a similar tragedy when, 19 years earlier, her brother had been murdered in a similar fashion. All leading to fears of a copycat killer. Brooke offers to help Detective Collins, who has been assigned to the case. Together they set out to find the killer before he strikes again.
Switching between the current investigation and flashbacks of Evan's life leading up to his murder, the story explores Evan's coming to terms with his sexuality and his first love. Palmer's and Collins's investigation leads them into the gay community exploring leads that maybe Evan's sexual identity may have played a role in his murder.
This is a tightly-plotted murder mystery that kept me guessing. The writing is excellent and the narrative so compelling I quickly finished the book in record time. The scenes with the detective characters bouncing ideas off each other and their obvious chemistry were spot on. Fortunately, the author dangled the possibility for another book teaming these two. I certainly hope so.
Thank you PRNTD Publishing for offering me an advance copy of this book. The publication date is March 22, 2022.
Set in a small, remote town in New Zealand, Detective Brooke Palmer takes leave from her job to return to the town where she grew up and where the body of her best friend's son, Evan, has been found. This brings back memories of a similar tragedy when, 19 years earlier, her brother had been murdered in a similar fashion. All leading to fears of a copycat killer. Brooke offers to help Detective Collins, who has been assigned to the case. Together they set out to find the killer before he strikes again.
Switching between the current investigation and flashbacks of Evan's life leading up to his murder, the story explores Evan's coming to terms with his sexuality and his first love. Palmer's and Collins's investigation leads them into the gay community exploring leads that maybe Evan's sexual identity may have played a role in his murder.
This is a tightly-plotted murder mystery that kept me guessing. The writing is excellent and the narrative so compelling I quickly finished the book in record time. The scenes with the detective characters bouncing ideas off each other and their obvious chemistry were spot on. Fortunately, the author dangled the possibility for another book teaming these two. I certainly hope so.
Thank you PRNTD Publishing for offering me an advance copy of this book. The publication date is March 22, 2022.
March 23, 2022
Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired and on Bookstagram.
Evan Wiley is found dead and the talk of the town is that it's a copy cat of young Jack's death nearly twenty years ago. Brooke, older sister of Jack and best friend to Lana, Evan's mother, return to town to pay her respects, but is soon swept up in the case. Alongside the assigned inspector, Brooke and Collins take a walk in Evan's shoes in the prior months leading to his death. He was coming to terms with his identity and finding his footing after years of bullying. Brooke sees herself in Evan and uses her previous experiences of bullying and the loss of her brother to fuel her to find Evan's killer.
While it's easy to classify Boy Fallen as an LGBTQ+ mystery, it's more of a police procedural with a coming of age story within. Evan Wiley is gone, but the real story is the journey he was on leading up to his death. He had friends and he was discovering his identity, something the small town of Taonga always seemed to want to keep from him. Brooke, both a friend and a detective assisting on the case, fears the worst, that the bullying caught up to him too, but instead she discovers that Evan was coming into his own. Evan was happy, all signs point to it, so what happened? As Brooke dives into solving the homicide readers are gifted with glimpses into the past from Evan's perspective. We see the aftermath of the loss of Evan and the impact it has across family, friends, and the entire town. We also see the grip that adolescent insecurity can have on you, even well into adulthood.
Boy Fallen is a stunning sophomore novel from Chris Gill that new fans and prior fans of The Nowhere will love. There's so much heart in this book that I almost forgot I was reading a mystery and seeking out a killer.
ARC provided by PRNTD Publishing.
Evan Wiley is found dead and the talk of the town is that it's a copy cat of young Jack's death nearly twenty years ago. Brooke, older sister of Jack and best friend to Lana, Evan's mother, return to town to pay her respects, but is soon swept up in the case. Alongside the assigned inspector, Brooke and Collins take a walk in Evan's shoes in the prior months leading to his death. He was coming to terms with his identity and finding his footing after years of bullying. Brooke sees herself in Evan and uses her previous experiences of bullying and the loss of her brother to fuel her to find Evan's killer.
While it's easy to classify Boy Fallen as an LGBTQ+ mystery, it's more of a police procedural with a coming of age story within. Evan Wiley is gone, but the real story is the journey he was on leading up to his death. He had friends and he was discovering his identity, something the small town of Taonga always seemed to want to keep from him. Brooke, both a friend and a detective assisting on the case, fears the worst, that the bullying caught up to him too, but instead she discovers that Evan was coming into his own. Evan was happy, all signs point to it, so what happened? As Brooke dives into solving the homicide readers are gifted with glimpses into the past from Evan's perspective. We see the aftermath of the loss of Evan and the impact it has across family, friends, and the entire town. We also see the grip that adolescent insecurity can have on you, even well into adulthood.
Boy Fallen is a stunning sophomore novel from Chris Gill that new fans and prior fans of The Nowhere will love. There's so much heart in this book that I almost forgot I was reading a mystery and seeking out a killer.
ARC provided by PRNTD Publishing.
January 13, 2022
BOY FALLEN by Chris Gill. ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 Releasing 22 March 2022 from @prntdpublishing
•••••
Set in a gloomy New Zealand town with a bleak history, filled with a cast of compelling characters, and with some wonderful twists, this is a fantastic whodunnit filled with queer themes that explores important ideas and asks some even more important questions. Chris' debut THE NOWHERE (highly recommend!) was an exceptional book, so it was a tough act to follow, but with BOY FALLEN, Chris has proven himself a terrific writer with a keen eye for detail and a brilliant understanding of character. You'll want to keep this one on your list; it had the atmosphere of THE DRY with the character study of SCRUBLANDS, and combined the best elements of detective fiction with some classic crime-thriller elements, but remained unique and with its own strong voice.
•••••
The story centres around Brooke, an Auckland detective who returns to her wealthy hometown after her family friends lose their son; but when it becomes apparent that Evan - found faceup at the base of Taonga Falls - was murdered, Brooke suddenly finds herself wrapped in the case, and pulled back to her own traumatic history. From two perspectives, Brooke in the present and Evan in the past, we learn more about these characters, their secrets, and what a small town might do to keep things buried.
••••
The novel succeeds in how well it keeps its secrets, and in how well it develops its characters - we're given a deep look into a troubled set of individuals, and though at times the novel is gut-wrenching, it is also beautiful and hopeful, and it offers an important message. If you enjoy crime fiction and want something unique, well written, and with exceptional characters, then please keep an eye on BOY FALLEN. It's really quite wonderful, and you'll probably find yourself as enraptured in its tale as I was, desperate for answers and satisfied by the end.
•••••
Thank you Chris and PRNTD Publishing for the eARC, in exchange for an honest review. Again, out March 22!
•••••
#BoyFallenNovel #ChrisGill @chrisgillbooks #prntdpublishing #crimefiction #crime #thriller #amreading #bookstagram #bookish #booknerd #australianauthor
•••••
Set in a gloomy New Zealand town with a bleak history, filled with a cast of compelling characters, and with some wonderful twists, this is a fantastic whodunnit filled with queer themes that explores important ideas and asks some even more important questions. Chris' debut THE NOWHERE (highly recommend!) was an exceptional book, so it was a tough act to follow, but with BOY FALLEN, Chris has proven himself a terrific writer with a keen eye for detail and a brilliant understanding of character. You'll want to keep this one on your list; it had the atmosphere of THE DRY with the character study of SCRUBLANDS, and combined the best elements of detective fiction with some classic crime-thriller elements, but remained unique and with its own strong voice.
•••••
The story centres around Brooke, an Auckland detective who returns to her wealthy hometown after her family friends lose their son; but when it becomes apparent that Evan - found faceup at the base of Taonga Falls - was murdered, Brooke suddenly finds herself wrapped in the case, and pulled back to her own traumatic history. From two perspectives, Brooke in the present and Evan in the past, we learn more about these characters, their secrets, and what a small town might do to keep things buried.
••••
The novel succeeds in how well it keeps its secrets, and in how well it develops its characters - we're given a deep look into a troubled set of individuals, and though at times the novel is gut-wrenching, it is also beautiful and hopeful, and it offers an important message. If you enjoy crime fiction and want something unique, well written, and with exceptional characters, then please keep an eye on BOY FALLEN. It's really quite wonderful, and you'll probably find yourself as enraptured in its tale as I was, desperate for answers and satisfied by the end.
•••••
Thank you Chris and PRNTD Publishing for the eARC, in exchange for an honest review. Again, out March 22!
•••••
#BoyFallenNovel #ChrisGill @chrisgillbooks #prntdpublishing #crimefiction #crime #thriller #amreading #bookstagram #bookish #booknerd #australianauthor
January 13, 2022
Didn't see that coming! A nail-biting, gripping, touching crime novel that kept me guessing till the end. Boy Fallen is a whodunit fiction about Evan Wiley, a wealthy teen found dead at the base of Taonga Falls, New Zealand. Was it an accident, a suicide, or murder? This is what you'll find out and more (another teenage boy murdered two decades ago in the same town). It's also a coming-out story of Evan in a town that's not very accepting.
The characters, the plot, the setting, everything was well drawn and vivid, even picturesque. Detailed yet fast-paced, profound, FULL of suspense. A wide spectrum of emotions, grievances, losses and strained relationships.
I received an advance review copy from PRNTD Publishing. Thank you.
The characters, the plot, the setting, everything was well drawn and vivid, even picturesque. Detailed yet fast-paced, profound, FULL of suspense. A wide spectrum of emotions, grievances, losses and strained relationships.
I received an advance review copy from PRNTD Publishing. Thank you.
February 5, 2022
A compelling, page-turner of a mystery that I think fans of the genre will truely enjoy. Plus, this one is set in New Zealand (which I'm always on the lookout for) so definite bonus points for that!
Boy Fallen follows our main character Brooke Palmer as she returns to her hometown after the sudden death of her oldest friend's son. Brooke is a great character to follow- she's smart, driven, and empathetic- and I found myself really rooting for her throughout the story.
All the characters in here were well fleshed out, had distinctive voices and clear motivations. Even with a large cast of characters I never found myself confused or forgetting who was who (always a danger in mystery/thrillers).
I found the reveals, twists and turns of the story to be well paced, the writing kept me engaged, and I really flew through this one!
My only real complaint is the end reveal (which I won't talk about too much to avoid spoilers!) felt a little rushed, and while I was happy to have finally guessed the person/people involved, I found the motivations behind it a little hard to believe.
Overall, I would highly recommend checking this one out!
Huge thanks to PRNTD Publishing for sending me an eARC for review!
Boy Fallen follows our main character Brooke Palmer as she returns to her hometown after the sudden death of her oldest friend's son. Brooke is a great character to follow- she's smart, driven, and empathetic- and I found myself really rooting for her throughout the story.
All the characters in here were well fleshed out, had distinctive voices and clear motivations. Even with a large cast of characters I never found myself confused or forgetting who was who (always a danger in mystery/thrillers).
I found the reveals, twists and turns of the story to be well paced, the writing kept me engaged, and I really flew through this one!
My only real complaint is the end reveal (which I won't talk about too much to avoid spoilers!) felt a little rushed, and while I was happy to have finally guessed the person/people involved, I found the motivations behind it a little hard to believe.
Overall, I would highly recommend checking this one out!
Huge thanks to PRNTD Publishing for sending me an eARC for review!
March 11, 2022
PRNTD publishing reached out to me to give an honest review of this book by Chris Gill, thank you for this ARC!
did i hear someone say small town mystery?? well then, count me in. i've had fun jotting down my suspicions and details that in the end, wasn't really relevant. praise to the author for successfully misleading me countless times. i was painting this character as the suspect then all of a sudden, i'll be keeping my eye on the other character that's acting suspicious.
i think it's intentional for the real culprit to be left in the dark. the writing is notable, i thought i was watching a movie because of how detailed it was. i didn't expect to enjoy this as much as i did, especially while reading evan's pov and the interrogation.
the only thing lacking for me was towards the end, i hope it showed the other main characters reaction to the big revelation (i'm not going to name them to avoid spoilers) it could've been wrapped up with the needed closure.
did i hear someone say small town mystery?? well then, count me in. i've had fun jotting down my suspicions and details that in the end, wasn't really relevant. praise to the author for successfully misleading me countless times. i was painting this character as the suspect then all of a sudden, i'll be keeping my eye on the other character that's acting suspicious.
i think it's intentional for the real culprit to be left in the dark. the writing is notable, i thought i was watching a movie because of how detailed it was. i didn't expect to enjoy this as much as i did, especially while reading evan's pov and the interrogation.
the only thing lacking for me was towards the end, i hope it showed the other main characters reaction to the big revelation (i'm not going to name them to avoid spoilers) it could've been wrapped up with the needed closure.
September 27, 2022
A solid detective novel. Chris Gill immerses you fully in Aotearoa New Zealand without it feeling like a cliché of the country, and adds a level of rapt interest to the quotidien motions of grief and bereavement. The pacing feels a little off, but perhaps that could be chalked down to me racing through to the climax as I do most mystery novels. The ending left me breathless, a little heartbroken, and quite angry for the families involved.
February 3, 2022
Boy Fallen,
GENRE- Mystery/Crime Drama
IF YOU LIKE- Tana French, Bath Haus
NOTES-
Who killed Evan Wiley?
A young man is murdered (or was it suicide, accident?) in a gloomy atmospheric small town in New Zealand = EVERYONE is a suspect. Told through alternating POV’s of Evan/ events leading up to his death and the fabulous Detective Brooke investigating in the present. I love a solid whodunnit and this one shocked me with the killer reveal which is rare for the crazy amount of thrillers I read. Jam packed with twists, interesting character development, and queer themes this is a murder mystery that stands out in the crowd!
GENRE- Mystery/Crime Drama
IF YOU LIKE- Tana French, Bath Haus
NOTES-
Who killed Evan Wiley?
A young man is murdered (or was it suicide, accident?) in a gloomy atmospheric small town in New Zealand = EVERYONE is a suspect. Told through alternating POV’s of Evan/ events leading up to his death and the fabulous Detective Brooke investigating in the present. I love a solid whodunnit and this one shocked me with the killer reveal which is rare for the crazy amount of thrillers I read. Jam packed with twists, interesting character development, and queer themes this is a murder mystery that stands out in the crowd!
May 7, 2024
3.5 rounded up
January 15, 2022
I was sent a free copy of this book from PRNTD Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Boy Fallen is about the murder of a teenage boy and the journey to find his killer.
If you enjoy a crime/mystery/detective story, definitely pick this one up.
It had many twists and the end one actually surprised me.
There were many layers to this book, as well as the murder it also dealt with small town gossips, money, drugs and homophobia.
I liked how the two detective characters worked together. I would be happy to see more of them together in future books.
This is set in a small town on the West Coast in New Zealand. I enjoyed the setting, I don’t seem to read many NZ based books lately. I loved the rainy atmosphere and the nature that the setting brought to the story.
As someone who grew up in a small town on the West Coast, I was excited to read and see if I recognised anything.
Instead I mostly found myself annoyed with inaccuracies about the location. They were small things, the presence of traffic lights and a bus network, and the time it takes to drive between places. I’m sure that this wouldn’t be noticed by the average person but for someone familiar with the area, it bothered me.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good detective story.
Boy Fallen is about the murder of a teenage boy and the journey to find his killer.
If you enjoy a crime/mystery/detective story, definitely pick this one up.
It had many twists and the end one actually surprised me.
There were many layers to this book, as well as the murder it also dealt with small town gossips, money, drugs and homophobia.
I liked how the two detective characters worked together. I would be happy to see more of them together in future books.
This is set in a small town on the West Coast in New Zealand. I enjoyed the setting, I don’t seem to read many NZ based books lately. I loved the rainy atmosphere and the nature that the setting brought to the story.
As someone who grew up in a small town on the West Coast, I was excited to read and see if I recognised anything.
Instead I mostly found myself annoyed with inaccuracies about the location. They were small things, the presence of traffic lights and a bus network, and the time it takes to drive between places. I’m sure that this wouldn’t be noticed by the average person but for someone familiar with the area, it bothered me.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good detective story.
February 19, 2022
Wow 👌, What a great book!
Boy Fallen by @chrisgillbooks delivers in the suspense, the mystery and all the feels.
Set in New Zealand, you the reader immediately get the sense that in this smalltown, history never dies and has a way of repeating.
Det Brooke Palmer comes back to the town where she used to live but couldn't wait to escape. But she needs to be there for her best friend, as her best friend's son Evan has been found dead face up at the local waterfall. It's obvious this is foul play.
In a book that weaves mystery, suspense, history repeating, lgbtq themes, and a cast of great characters, follow Brooke as she tries to solve who killed Evan but also has her confronting her own past. Could this really be happening again?
A great read, fast paced and full of potential guilty people. I just wanted a bit more history detailing Evan and this would have been a five star read. But that is just me being greedy for more pages.
Kindly gifted by @printdpublishing and @chrisgillbooks
Boy Fallen by @chrisgillbooks delivers in the suspense, the mystery and all the feels.
Set in New Zealand, you the reader immediately get the sense that in this smalltown, history never dies and has a way of repeating.
Det Brooke Palmer comes back to the town where she used to live but couldn't wait to escape. But she needs to be there for her best friend, as her best friend's son Evan has been found dead face up at the local waterfall. It's obvious this is foul play.
In a book that weaves mystery, suspense, history repeating, lgbtq themes, and a cast of great characters, follow Brooke as she tries to solve who killed Evan but also has her confronting her own past. Could this really be happening again?
A great read, fast paced and full of potential guilty people. I just wanted a bit more history detailing Evan and this would have been a five star read. But that is just me being greedy for more pages.
Kindly gifted by @printdpublishing and @chrisgillbooks
March 22, 2022
Boy fallen by Chris Gill.
When the body of wealthy teen and aspiring photographer Evan Wiley is found faceup at the base of Taonga Falls, one thing is immediately clear: he didn’t jump.Detective Brooke Palmer races down to the struggling New Zealand town she once called home to comfort her oldest friend – Evan’s mother.But when Brooke learns Evan had been hanging out with a boy who used to bully him, she quickly gets drawn into the case. She fears this dangerous new friendship may have cost Evan his life – or at the very least, his heart.And as Brooke confronts her own past, she is reminded that in Taonga, even those who have it all can hit rock bottom.
A very good read with good characters. I liked the story and cover. 4*.
When the body of wealthy teen and aspiring photographer Evan Wiley is found faceup at the base of Taonga Falls, one thing is immediately clear: he didn’t jump.Detective Brooke Palmer races down to the struggling New Zealand town she once called home to comfort her oldest friend – Evan’s mother.But when Brooke learns Evan had been hanging out with a boy who used to bully him, she quickly gets drawn into the case. She fears this dangerous new friendship may have cost Evan his life – or at the very least, his heart.And as Brooke confronts her own past, she is reminded that in Taonga, even those who have it all can hit rock bottom.
A very good read with good characters. I liked the story and cover. 4*.
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