A lone gunman stalks the corridors of Stonesmere, randomly killing those before him. Marty Ward is a pupil at the school and witnesses her mother being gunned down before she is able to escape the wrath of the shooter: Rowan Sullivan. There is a media frenzy, and a group of outsiders known as The Truthers, or conspiracy theorists, have the audacity to claim that the event never actually happened. In the midst of all this there is doubt as to the authenticity of Marty’s recollection of the events, and questions about the shooter and his association or not with the school and its pupils. At the heart of this book is a community in mourning, a community that must accept this dreadful happening before it can heal, and learn to live again.

What I did enjoy about “One Day” was the feeling of fear and sadness, the tension, even suspicion that permeated each chapter…who could be believed? The author explores the various accounts in an attempt to establish the truth, and to try to understand why a lone individual would choose to act in such a manner. What I did not enjoy was the fractured storytelling, the constant movement of events before, during and after the incident, and the rather abrupt conclusion. However, having said that, I applaud the directness of the language, and the use of different narrators to tell the story. Thank you to the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The aftermath of a school massacre in which 10 children and their teacher are killed is explored in this strong and powerful story. Told mostly through the eyes of Marty, the young adult daughter of teacher Ava Ward, and Trent, a young man sucked into the spiral of conspiracy theories surrounding the event, the narrative challenges us to question our perceptions of guilt, grief and culpability.
Obviously inspired by the true-life horror of Dunblane, which no-one can ever forget, the story wisely leaves much of the horror to the imagination, concentrating instead on the effects of the massacre on its survivors. The victims have their voice, of course, but it is Marty and Trent who grab and hold out attention,.
Both are characters, carrying burdens almost too hard to bear. But their reactions to tragedy mark out their differences, their strengths and their weaknesses.
The narrative toggles back and forwards in time, and secrets are gradually revealed, adding tension and suspense to a story that is already gripping.
Like Girl A, Abigail Dean's debut novel, the book deals with strong, emotive issues, and may be triggering for many readers, but it is a story well worth reading for its sensitivity, its sure understanding of grief in all its forms, and its message of resolution and maybe, just maybe, forgiveness ...

Such a good read. This book has so many layers to it and all are gripping.
We have various relationships - parent/child, friendships, teacher/pupil, communities, lovers, hero worship.
We have a traumatic event, grieving families and conspiracy theorists,
We have secrets and lies but what are they?
We hear from the POV of different characters from before, during and after the event so you need to take note of each chapter heading to. know where you are. This may sound confusing but it works and the events of the fateful day and the repercussions afterwards are fully explained by the end of the book.

This was an intriguing read and I was keen to keep reading to find out what actually happened which was revealed at the right moment. It was clever and twisty and overall I enjoyed it.

It was interesting getting into different characters heads as to how they felt in relation to the shooting. But all the different character povs did become quite confusing. There were a few that only appeared once which seemed a bit unnecessary? And jumping between times made it even more confusing.

I found Trents character very interesting and seemed a good insight into how people can attach to certain populist groups. I would've loved more on that and more of a foundation as to why they thought the massacre was a hoax. It just seemed a bit random?

All in all, a good book that kept me hooked throughout. It was just a bit confusing at times with certain things needing more explanation.

I liked the whole idea behind this book but struggled with it a bit. I found the characters quite dull and the storyline seemed to have a lot of filler. I will try definitely try more books by this author but this one wasn’t for me I’m afraid

I’m so against conspiracy theorists and the like that I didn’t enjoy this book as I had expected to. So many po’s and changing timescale that made any tension disapate.

Day One is an earth-shattering aftershock of a book. It is moving, messy and dealing with the ongoing reaches of a horror that sends shivers down your spine.

I loved Girl A and as soon as I heard the premise for Day One, I knew I needed to request this title. This was such a claustrophobic read – the type that slithers under your skin and just stays there. Unfortunately the type of incident is one ripped from the headlines but it is such a devastating one – one of the worst horrors we can imagine. The impact it has on the local community is staggering. Stonesmere will forever be changed by this and Dean’s exploration of this, intertwined with the media fascination and the sinister community of the ‘truthers’, is fascinating and deeply moving at the same time. There is a lot of focus on the idea of forgiveness and the ripple effects of a single bad decision, but the heart of the book is always with the senselessness of violence and the wreckage of grief.

Dean’s writing is just incredibly captivating and reads like your favourite thriller TV series brought to the page. I really liked the detail of how the shooter was rarely named – he is characterised in certain narrative sections, but he isn’t given the spotlight. Instead the focus is on the shockwaves sent through a small community and how these ripple out into broader political conversations. The threads Dean explores here are timely and heart-pounding, with a creeping sense of dread and horror throughout. At the same time, we sit in the ambiguities and explore why people might react the way they do. It is a complicated scenario with little answers to give. We get to build these fraught relationships with these three-dimensional and fraught characters as they stagger through some of the worst times of their lives. Grief is messy and grief in a microscope of public attention is an unforgiving, relentless experience.

Day One is a complex, devastating and emotionally arresting look at the fallout of a tragedy on the local community and people involved. Dean holds no punches back.

Despite the very sensitive subject of a school shooting, the author has written about this extremely well. I was intrigued and invested in the story by the various characters and timeline. The plot pace does stall a little for my preferences in the middle, but picks up towards the conclusion.

The various points of view were both interesting and thought provoking, making this a read I was eager to finish.

This new release would make an ideal book club read as there is plenty to discuss and can easily promote deep discussions.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked how the author introduced the idea of a horrible situation not being perceived as real by a section of society who feel that grieving parents and families are crisis actors. This is something that is far too real and becoming far too common in the states but thankfully we haven’t seen it as much in the UK.
The book is based around a school shooting on Day One, the first day that pupils start at secondary school. We follow the survivors and affected families of the tragedy and how they deal with the aftermath and the conspiracy theorists. We also get the PoV of the conspiracy theorists which I thought was good!

Big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this.So sorry but i did DNF this at 22%. It just was not for me, not my kind of storyline and needing to be be thrilled more!

When I started this book, I didn't know what to expect. It follows the aftermath from a school shooting. The daughter of one of the teachers who died, Marty, has inconsistencies in her story, so the book is about unravelling that. There are the families who have lost members, conspiracy theorists who deny the shootings ever occurred, the paparazzi, the police and Marty.

The story does make you think about human nature, the good, the bad and how people react differently to tragedy. Also what humans do to protect themselves and hold onto hope after a tragedy. So the thoughts on human nature will be the thing I take away from the book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a free copy in return for an honest review!

A school shooting and its aftermath told through different accounts of the people who were (or weren’t there) that day.
The story is told through a lot of peoples POV’s I actually lost count and switched between the day of the shooting to differing amounts of time afterwards. Normally I would find it incredibly difficult to keep up with all the narrators and times but the author has titled the chapters with the narrators name and the time the account relates to. The use of the constant swapping between narrators and times helped to ramp up the tension as it prolonged the reader finding out the truth of what happened on day one. All in all a good read.

Gosh I knew this would be a tough read with the plot revolving around a primary school shooting during a special assembly. But I actually wanted the truthers to be correct as It was hard going.
I struggled with the characters and following the plot from the past to current day and back again left me lost at times.
I would usually read a book and have an image of the character in my head but Marty I could not take too. The Lake District setting is beautiful and my heart was breaking for the parents of this children who were shot. But there was never any answers as to why and I finished with more questions than answers.

At Stonesmere Primary, teacher Ava Ward is preparing her class to perform their traditional ‘Day One’ performance. That is until a lone gunman massacres them before they can finish. Told from various perspectives in the aftermath, the Stonesmere Massacre is not what it seems: a local community barely holding it together and truthers on the internet saying that it never happened at all, in fact, none of the people even existed.

I was a big fan of Girl A so I was really excited to read Day One, and it did not disappoint. I loved the tone: dark with a heavy air of suspicion for all the narratives you are being told as a reader. I liked the characters of Trent and Marty, equally flawed yet vulnerable in their own ways. The story flips narratives and times to reveal details in a way to keep readers in the loop as the story progresses. I admit that though I liked this technique and thought it was done well, I did get a bit confused at times. I wasn’t sure how it was going to end, but whereas I usually focus on what happens, I was left surprised by the tone and the feeling I had when I finished it.

A must-read for fans of thrillers, especially for Abigail Dean’s previous work novel Girl A.

"Day One" by Abigail Dean presents a narrative labyrinth that initially poses a challenge to penetrate. My journey into its depths was marked by a sense of disconnection, as though Dean was conversant with a profound narrative truth that remained just beyond my grasp. This initial barrier stirred a feeling of frustration, akin to grappling with a puzzle without all the pieces.
As the story unfolded, however, a realisation dawned upon me: perhaps the initial vagueness, the sense of being adrift in a sea of ambiguity, was a deliberate narrative strategy. It mirrors the experience of the 'truthers' within the novel, inviting readers to question the reality presented to them and doubt and speculate alongside the characters. While disorienting, this technique deepens the engagement with the narrative, transforming readers from passive observers to active participants in the quest for truth.
Despite its intriguing premise, "Day One" is marred by peculiarities that persist throughout the narrative. The timeline is a convoluted tangle, weaving between periods with a fluidity that can disorient. Memories and events intertwine, blurring the lines of chronology and challenging the reader's ability to maintain a cohesive understanding of the narrative progression. This stylistic choice, while innovative, may not cater to those who prefer a linear storytelling approach.
The climax of the novel eschews the expectation of a dramatic revelation, opting instead for a resolution that ties up the narrative threads in a manner both comprehensive and satisfying. While some may yearn for a more explosive outcome, the strength of "Day One" lies in its methodical unravelling of the story's complexities, providing clarity and closure to the intricate web of events.
In retrospect, my initial struggle to immerse myself in Dean's world eventually gave way to appreciation. The novel, with its intricate plot and character dynamics, rewards perseverance with a richly layered narrative experience. Though the path to engagement was fraught with challenges, the journey culminated in a rewarding exploration of narrative depth and complexity. "Day One," with its unconventional structure and deliberate obfuscation, ultimately proves to be a compelling read, albeit one that demands patience and attentiveness from its audience.

What an awesome read!!
I loved Girl A, but this was even better!
It is a fast-paced read that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The narrative unfolds in the quaint town of Stonesmere, a charming and peaceful place where the residents share a close-knit bond. Each year, as the academic year draws to a close in July, the eldest children of the primary school undertake a special tradition. They prepare and present a play for the four-year-olds who are eagerly anticipating their enrollment in September, a day fondly referred to as Day One.

This year, however, events took a horrible turn, resulting in Stonesmere becoming a topic of widespread discussion, not always in a positive light.
A former employee of the school, locked all the doors, and shot and killed 11 people before killing himself.

Ten children and their teacher, who bravely attempted to protect them, fell victim to a senseless act known as the Stonesmere Massacre. This tragic event left everyone in shock and disbelief.

We delve into the lives of those who lost their lives and those left behind, seeking answers to the haunting questions that linger. Why did this tragedy occur, and can we truly trust the accounts of that fateful day?

Conspiracy theories begin to circulate, fueled by a group known as the Truthers. Doubts arise, casting a shadow over the accuracy of the events.

This narrative illustrates the profound impact of the Internet, showcasing its potential to disseminate both truths and falsehoods. It serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting how individuals can be manipulated and swept into a frenzy by unscrupulous individuals. Moreover, it underscores the devastating consequences that can arise when one resorts to concealing the truth in an attempt at self-protection.

The two primary protagonists of the story are Marty, the daughter of the deceased teacher, and Trent, a former resident of the town who was acquainted with the perpetrator.
This story contains multiple perspectives and timelines, and I recommend reading it in one sitting to avoid losing track of the narrative.

Despite its complexity, it remains a brilliant and thought-provoking read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

Read if you like;
-Tragedy in small town
-Grief. Fiction
-Multiple POV
-Before and after

Thank you to NetGalley and HarpercollinsUK for proving me with this proof.

I don’t think I’ve read any books by Abigail Dean before but I will definitely be reading more!

Wow, this was truely a riveting read, I was so engrossed. It was such a page turner, that I just need to know what the truth was,

The story is taken straight from the headlines, as the author explores the aftermath and the effects a horrific school shooting has on the community and the victims!

I really loved that we hear about the crime from different perspectives and it was fascinating to go on that journey and find out what each person experienced that day and how it differs to others!

One point of view I was desperate to find out more about was Martha! She was such a deeply troubled girl, that has obviously gone through her own trauma and confusion. Some of the things she said throughout the book had me questioning her and wanting to know more!

Abigail did an amazing job of talking about the media frenzy and obsession which follows such a terrible event! We look at how conspiracies are born, how they evolve and the effects they have on the victims and the families who are forced to relive those moments again.

One of those thrillers that I sadly failed to appreciate.

Thanks HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction , Hemlock Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Day One had a brilliant premise and a great setting in the small idyllic town of Stonesmere. I am not sure if it's the audio, but the initial part didn't grab me as I expected it to, although it was a high octane scene where a gunman ends up killing teachers and students during the school's flagship play being acted out.

The timelines in the alternating narratives were a bit confusing as I found it hard to shift between the character POVs and the day of the Day One play. Also, there were quite a few characters that get introduced and it was tough to keep track of them and interpret who was who.

In my view, the threads with the conspiracy theorists and the debate with the truthers didn't add much value to the plot and resulted in me losing interest as the book progressed.

The other major issue for me was that I couldn't connect or get invested in any of the characters, be it Marty, Larkin or Trent. This is very important in my view, as my enjoyment depends on how much I care about the characters and how much I feel a part of the storyline.

Unfortunately, I couldn't form a coherent visualisation of the reason behind the shooting, the connection of the gun man with the characters. The what and the whys felt unreasonable and immaterial towards the end.

I am sure other readers would still enjoy this, but it was just not for me.

Set in the beautiful location of the Lake District we are dragged into and extremely ugly world. At Stonesmere Primary School an assembly known as Day One is disrupted by a crazed gunman who changes the lives of everyone who lives here. Marty loses her mother, who was the teacher of the class performing in the assembly, many parents lose a child, then after this they find themselves dragged in to controversy destroying their chance to grieve and heal. What really happened that morning, who knows the truth?

I found the book a little hard to get in to at the beginning but once I did I found I was captured by the want to know what happens next. This being said I have only given 3 stars, my rating is because I didn’t find that I had a connection to the characters (except zombie, I worried what happened to her) as the book drew to an end I didn’t find myself think oh no please don’t say that person did that. I wholeheartedly wanted to know what happened and why but I felt the “why” was kind of rushed, this character wasn’t written very well and could have done with more of the backstory to feel like the end worked.

It was an interesting idea I just felt like it could have done with a lot more depth to the characters.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reading copy.

This book by Abigail Dean was based around a small town where everyone knew everyone , but outsiders had to work hard to get accepted into the fold!. An awful event happened at the local school that would change people’s lives forever.
. There are multiple characters telling parts of their story throughout this tragedy, and so it jumps from character to character. Coming to a final conclusion which tells all.
It was a good story, which I must admit I struggled with the idea of what happened, but as the tale unfolded, it started to get more interesting. I can’t say as I enjoyed the to-ing and fro-ing between characters either. So, it started a bit flat, but seemed to have more substance as the end became close. I wasn’t sure about the ending either! Not what I expected!!.
Thanks to Harper Collins for the opportunity to read this arc copy for review consideration via Netgalley.
#Netgalley, #HarperCollins, #AbigailSDean.