A review by jocepatey
The Brother by N.V. Peacock

4.0

Fallon Hurley is a psychologist who has recently undergone a traumatic incident of her own; as she learns to cope with her survival guilt she also learns that she was not biologically related to her family, instead she is the sister of a serial killer. Fallon tells the story of her traumatic survival all while trying to uncover which of her four brothers has prolifically murdered over twenty people.

The Good:
There is something so absolutely fascinating about forensic DNA; I was obsessed with the case of the Green River Killer, and was very intrigued by this element of The Brother. I especially enjoyed how the author wove in the complications legally of this type of evidence, and the realistic reactions of the police. As a new science, it is complicated and Fallon is right to morally question how her connection was uncovered. She did not put heer DNA on the website, and it was obtained without her consent. I think these elements really humanized the story and made it interesting.

The Bad:
There was just a lot happening to Fallon!! She was a relatively reliable narrator, and it was very interesting how she would weave her understanding as a psychologist with her experiences but at times it felt like a lot to have her as a witness in a murder trial all while trying to solve the mystery of her brother, the serial killer. As her boss tells her throughout the story, she was trying to do just a little too much!

The Verdict:
A unique and intriguing thriller! I couldn’t put it down and was anxiously awaiting the reveal of which brother was the serial killer. I loved his POV alternating with Fallon’s as it gave a bit of edge and momentum to the story. Definitely one to read!