“This wasn’t some bizarre coincidence. I don’t believe in coincidences. Coincidences are just situations that we can’t figure out.”

Genre: Thriller
Pages: 232
Published: 8th October, 2020
Rate: 3 ⭐⭐⭐

Goodreads Synopsis
Henry Attkinson’s life as an attorney is slow, predictable, and lonely, given his divorce and his ex-wife’s custody of the kids. He recently took up geneology as a hobby to fill the time, but it doesn’t do much to spice up his mundane routine. Until the day he prods at a dead end of one of the branches of his family tree. Who is this cousin Shelley, whom he’s never met or even heard of in years? Ignoring a warning to leave well enough alone, Henry still doesn’t find much in his deeper delve into the mystery–just a concerning criminal record for the man that finally convinces him to drop the matter. But Shelley is a man who doesn’t want to be found or even looked for. And now he knows someone has been looking. Faster than he knows what’s hit him, Henry is propelled into sudden mayhem, receiving ominous threats, meeting mysterious strangers, and running for his life. Second Cousin Once Removed is a fast-paced, sweaty-palm thriller that will keep you hooked until the last page.

Disclaimer
A copy of the book was provided to me for the tour but all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own

My Take

Can I say that Kenneth L. Toppell is such a good story teller. That’s how I found this book, a well told story. Second Cousin Once Removed is a fast-paced book that has action happening from the word go. Its really interesting to follow along the mystery, with the Henry and Shelley in the middle of it. The book has really vivid descriptions and takes time with the plot.

“I did have a plan. It was predicated on dread and fueled by anticipation.”

I was confused in the beginning with the fast moving relationship and so much is happening as the book starts but the story unfolds really well in a way that clears that confusion.

If you’re looking for a mystery thriller then Second Cousin Once Removed is for you!

What’s the last Thriller you read?