Cole tries so hard to be the perfect husband to Mel, and when the marriage fails, he’s shattered. Is he one of the good guys as he believes? To try to regroup he accepts a job on the south coast as a wildlife ranger and there he meets artist Lennie. Will he find the soulmate he craves in her? When two women go missing in the area while on a “Walk for Women“, protesting against gender violence, Cole and Lennie find themselves at the heart of the unfolding story.

This is a hard book to review as I have such mixed feelings about it. The first half is extremely good as much of this is Cole’s perspective and he becomes a real conundrum. Can we buy into his view of himself as one of the good guys? It gets even more interesting when Mel’s perspective begins as she is very illuminating both on Cole and on their relationship. Is she telling the truth? Fascinating! Lennie is intriguing but I realise fairly early on that things with her aren’t entirely as they seem. The characterisation is extremely good, it’s one of the strongest elements of the book as all three are very well fleshed out and each point of view is so compelling.

The plot is certainly suspenseful, dark and unpredictable though I do guess part of what is revealed. Through the various characters in the novel it makes valid points about the issues that women frequently have to face and it’s excellent on male accountability, or lack of. It’s a brave book, it asks a lot of very difficult questions. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but I admire how it makes you think and reflect on things in your own life experiences.

However, I don’t care for the second half as much as the first as it gets a bit slow in places. In this section there are a lot of social media discussions of the type
I’m sure we’re all too well aware of. Although they definitely reinforce the points the author is making, I think it halts the flow of the Cole/Mel/Lennie scenarios and I think there’s too much of it. Does it actually lead to some points being overdone and repetitive in tone?? I’m not keen on the big twist either, I could see it coming and it can be viewed in two opposing ways. Perhaps that’s the point!

Overall though, it’s a well written psychological thriller and it certainly engages and challenges the mind. It’s a very pertinent issue which is thoroughly explored and I admire the way it ends as it hits exactly the right note and does so in a creative way.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Pan Macmillan, for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

"One of the Good Guys" by Araminta Hall is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of relationships, gender dynamics, and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Cole's character is meticulously crafted, embodying the archetype of a "good guy" while gradually revealing his complexities and flaws. As he navigates the aftermath of his wife's departure and forms a connection with the enigmatic Lennie, the narrative delves into the intricacies of human nature and the masks people wear.

Hall's narrative takes an unexpected turn as the story intertwines with the disappearance of two young women, shedding light on issues of gendered violence and the pervasive fear that many women experience. The author skilfully raises questions about the perception of men as "good guys" and the reality that women often live with.

The novel is a masterful blend of psychological suspense and social commentary, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of modern relationships and societal expectations. Hall's writing is evocative and immersive, drawing readers into a gripping tale that keeps them guessing until the very end.

"One of the Good Guys" is a thought-provoking and timely read that challenges traditional notions of goodness and explores the intricacies of human behaviour and relationships. It's a book that will linger in your thoughts long after you've finished reading.

I began reading this book wondering if I’d finish it- it seemed badly written and I couldn’t get to like the main character. However- everything was turned on its head pretty swiftly, and I raced through this brilliant book. What a glorious, furious, rage of a read highly recommend