The Sacrificial Man by Ruth Dugdall
Thanks @netgalley @ruth_dugdall and @legendpress for my arc
Ebook Publication date 29th Nov
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The story of a woman charged with murder for her role in her partners’ suicide and the Probation Officer who is in charge of this woman’s fate. Investigating the loophole that that lies between murder and euthanasia, this is the perfect psychological thriller. Dark, edgy and thought provoking this is a must read.

This is the second book in the Cate Austin series by author Ruth Dugdall but works as a stand-alone novel.
I love the writing of Ruth Dugdall and I am yet to be disappointed. I first read her novel 'Humber Boy B'and was totally hooked and since then have eagerly awaited the next book. 'The Sacrificial Man' is another book featuring probation officer Cate Austin who is given the task of recommending a sentence for Alice Mariani, who is charged with assisted suicide. Investigating the loophole that lies between murder and euthanasia, Cate must meet the woman who agreed to her lover's dying wish.

A much under rated author who certainly deserves more plaudits.

I like revisiting Cate Austin, and I didn’t envy her the puzzle of figuring Alice out. I couldn’t decide on her, whether she deserved to be punished, was she genuinely evil (the way she thinks nasty things about people made her seem slightly psychotic)? However, was she just helping Smith out by being with him when he died?
The small twists and turns that unfold as the story develop are brilliant and shocking. I didn’t know what to expect from this book. From the blurb, I was expecting it to be similar to John Marrs’ ‘The Good Samaritan’ where it was going to have numerous aided suicides. However, this was completely different, and I didn’t see the end coming.
In true Dugdall style, the book ends in a very abrupt fashion. You are reading one page, turn over, and the book has ended. I always have to go back to read that last page to truly get the impact that it was the end of the book — trying to soak up as much as possible. She always leaves you wanting just a little bit more, and I forget this every time!
Overall, a really gripping and enjoyable book. I can’t wait to read more of Cate Austin, although I wish she’d cheer up a bit, as she’s just so solemn!