It couldn't happen here. This is what the citizens of the close-knit village of Stonesmere in the Lake District of England would say if asked. They were wrong as it did happen there. On the annual Day One primary school play a lone gunman opened fire in the village hall. As if this isn't horrible enough, what came after makes it even worse. Conspiracy theorists rear their ugly heads, terrorizing the town.
The story focuses on two people. Marty is the daughter of the beloved teacher murdered that day. Because of her family, she holds an elevated status in the community. Trent, who once lived in Stonesmere, once knew the shooter, albeit briefly. He is certain there is more to the story and launches his own investigation. What really did happen that day and why?
The narrative changes time periods seamlessly. It becomes obvious that Marty is harboring secrets expertly and precisely, the author reveals them when we least expect it. While both Marty and Trent are complex characters, I found Trent to be the most perplexing. Living with his widowed mother and her current boyfriend, life becomes unbearable. Needing a cause and a purpose, he becomes almost the perfect poster boy for a conspiracy theorist, not seeing the rabbit hole it takes him down into one he can't dig himself out of.
DAY ONE, by Abigail Dean, is a profound and dark story. Even so, it is so well told that readers are engrossed because we want answers to what did happen that day and why. Highly recommended.