Day One by Abigail Dean
Publisher: Harper Collins UK
Release date: 28 March 2024
Back cover blurb: Marty told the reporters that she saw it happen. She saw the gunman enter the hall. She saw her mother die trying to protect them all. That’s the version of Day One Marty wishes was true. But strange inconsistencies in her story begin to surface. Details that don’t add up. Questions she can’t answer. The story ignites. Amidst the media frenzy, conspiracy theorists become obsessed with exposing what really happened. And at the epicentre of it all is a small community changed forever. Survivors crushed by guilt. Families torn in half. Outsiders consumed by the hunt for truth. Each has their own version of Day One. Each must grapple with this tragedy, even as fanatics question whether it ever really happened at all. But what did Marty really see? And why would she lie? As events spiral out of control, the true story is revealed, piece by shocking piece. Day One is an unflinching and heart-breaking exploration of our obsession with tragedy – and what it really means to live it.
Day One is the day that the local primary school is famous for, showcasing it's pupils talents class by class, delighting the local community. It's a day that every remembers and talks about, for all the right reasons.
Until it's not.
One fateful Day One, a lone gunman enters the hall and aims at the stage where the young performers and their teacher are in the middle of their performance. There are gunshots, screaming, chaos and then its over. People are dead and nothing will ever be the same again.
Marty was there, saw what happened. At least that's what she tells the local Police. Her Mother was among the victims and Marty cannot bear to face the truth of the tragedy.
Trent Casey, an inspiring journalist sees an opportunity amongst the tragedy, a place to make his name. In his search for the truth about what really happened on that day, having realised he knew the shooter long ago, he becomes entangled in the world of conspiracy theorists and begins peddling some awful content.
This novel is full of interesting characters, some interesting, some dangerous, and some not at all what they seem, but the author forces us to invest time in each and every one of them to get to the bottom of what really happened on Day One.
This isn't an easy read by any stretch of the imagination, but it deals with it's subject matter sensitively and thoughtfully. It certainly isn't a fast paced thriller, more of a literary slow burner. But worth it for those who persevere.
Day One is available now via Amazon online and all good book shops.
Thank You to the publishers who approved my request via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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