Walking Through Needles by Heather Levy

Walking Through Needles
☆☆☆☆
.ePUB, 242 pages
Expected Publication: June 29th 2021 by Polis Books

About the Book:
From an early age, Sam Mayfair knew she was different. Like any young girl, she developed infatuations and lust—but her desires were always tinged with darkness. Then, when Sam was sixteen, her life was shattered by an abuser close to her. And she made one shocking decision whose ramifications would reverberate throughout her life. Now, fifteen years later, Sam learns that her abuser has been murdered. The death of the man who plagued her dreams for years should have put an end to the torture she's endured. But when her stepbrother, Eric, becomes the prime suspect, Sam is flung back into the hell of her rural Oklahoma childhood. As Sam tries to help exonerate Eric, she must hide terrifying truths of their past from investigators. Yet as details of the murder unravel, Sam quickly learns that some people, including herself, will do anything to keep their secrets buried deep.

My Review:
Oh wow, this book was a punch in the gut. Very dark and raw with real flawed humans ( some that make your skin crawl). The characters are amazingly fleshed out, it's got amazing tension and pacing, and the story-telling carries the day. Walking Through Needles is a powerful and intense read that takes an unflinching look at sexual assault. It’s handled delicately and with care, and it’s very evident that author Heather Levy did a great deal of research and really cared about the story she was writing.

The novel is a slow burn as it weaves between 1994 and 2009. It paints an honest picture of the emotional impact the assault has caused Sam and those who loved her. It’s difficult and relevant, and has moments of suspense that lead to a darkly satisfying conclusion that I didn’t see coming. I really enjoyed the mystery aspect and the investigation into the murder of Sam's step-father. This was an amazing, hard-hitting debut by an author who knows how to make you squirm.

Disclosure:
Thank you NetGalley, Heather Levy and Polis Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an impartial review; all opinions are my own.

#WalkingThroughNeedles #NetGalley

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