The written word can convey a whole series of different emotions; it can be as nurturing as a warm embrace or as damaging as a dagger to the heart, that’s what makes reading so exciting and entertaining. And Someone to Blame, the second novel by Irish author J. J. Green, is a thrilling exploration of the written word in the form of poison pen letters and their devastating effects.
Poison pen letters, anonymous messages designed to inflict pain, have a long and sordid history, dating back to when the written word first became a tool for personal vendettas. These letters, often filled with vitriol and accusations, can tear apart communities, ruin reputations, and even drive individuals to despair. The term “poison pen” itself suggests a weaponisation of communication, turning the pen into a conduit for venom. In recent times, such letters have caused turmoil in tight-knit communities, leading to paranoia, suspicion, and a breakdown of social trust – all of which you will find in the novel Someone to Blame.
Someone to Blame is an exciting contemporary thriller based around a poison pen and the damage they inflict on a small close-knit Irish village where everybody knows each other. It captures the essence of this malicious practice with an gripping storyline.
Shay Dunne is struggling with a devastating personal tragedy and in its wake wants someone to blame. Venting her anger, she becomes a reluctant poison pen, sending letters to the two people that she deems responsible for the events that have unfolded. Her intention is to punish those she holds responsible through vague accusations to cause them worry and upset. But her letters spark a series of unintended, sinister consequences, revealing the dark underbelly of a community still reeling from the aftermath of Covid. A community where long buried secrets are now coming to the surface.
Overall, Someone to Blame is an excellent gripping thriller where the venom of a couple of sentences cause havoc through a small community; anxiety, stress, guilt, paranoia, mob mentality and even violence. It is a novel that weaves its dark tapestry around grief, anger, needing someone to blame and a poison pen into a thrilling unputdownable story.
Someone to Blame is a masterclass in suspense. A tale that is as much about the psychological impact of anonymous accusations as it is about the mystery of who is sending the letters and for what purpose. J. J. Green brilliantly portrays the ripple effect of Shay’s actions, as one person’s quest for retribution inadvertently exposes the hidden secrets of an entire village.
While it is a fictional story, an exciting novel that builds slowly, introducing the reader to the village characters before unleashing a fast-paced series of thrilling events, it is also a mirror reflecting the potential havoc that words can wreak when wielded with malice. It shines a light on the fragility of human relationships and how a close-knit community can be turned on its head and shattered with mistrust and paranoia due to a few simple words on a page.
With a collection of characters that represent small village life perfectly; from the village gossip to the lord of the manor, they bring this tense thriller to life. While Shay Dunne is the central character dealing with her grief in more ways than one, the other characters help create a richer story as they all interact differently to the letters and their consequences.
Someone to Blame is a pulsating, exciting and gripping thriller that is a must-read for those who appreciate a thriller that not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the power of words and the importance of empathy in our interactions. An excellent well-crafted story with some great characters that is both a page-turner and a thought-provoking commentary on the human condition. It’s a story that will linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page, a testament to the enduring impact of a well-told tale.
A fascinating and exciting tense thriller that is a fantastic read, a story that is perfect for curling up with on the darker winter nights.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £9.49 (Paperback) / £4.49 (Kindle)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
