Humber Boy B: Shocking. Page-Turning. Intelligent. Psychological Thriller Series with Cate Austin

Two brothers have served their time in jail after having been convicted of pushing a young boy off the Humber Bridge. Now that they have been released, they have also been granted anonymity and Cate Austin, the probation officer of one of the boys is charged with making sure his identity remains secret. Among the public, there is outrage that the two “killers” are getting special treatment. Even Cate’s friends and co-workers (who know nothing of her involvement) are expressing their dislike of the situation. As Cate tries to work through her own complicated feelings on the matter, and decide whether children are capable of murder, she begins to learn the truth about what really happened on the bridge that day. A suspenseful novel that deals with a sensitive, but timely subject matter

I read and loved the Woman Before Me so I was delighted to be given the opportunity to read this new release Humber Boy B. Ruth Dugdall is a talented writer who has a way with words. This book is an absolute page turner, a fantastic psychological thriller with the perfect amount of suspense and emotion to captivate the reader. Ruth shows real understanding for the psychology behind criminal types and their motivations. Fantastic storytelling, believable characters, dialogue you can almost hear, all wrapped up in a cracking good plot. Definitely recommended and I'm looking forward to the next book from this author already.
Thank you.

This was quite a harrowing and disturbing read, but it was interesting to get an insight into the background and feelings of the perpetrator as opposed to the victim's family. The characters were very believable and the storyline flowed seamlessly. I felt that even though it was a taboo subject, it was handled with great care and sensitivity, and really drew the reader in.

An excellent book which I will be definitely recommending to others and I'll also look out for more by this Author.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

REVIEW: HUMBER BOY B by Ruth Dugdall

Nine years earlier, a ten-year-old boy fell from the bridge spanning the River Humber at Hull, England, and drowned. Three others were present: two brothers, 14 and 10, and a female classmate of the older brother. The boys were charged, and the younger convicted of murder. Names were frequently changed, and upon release, the younger was named in the media as Humber Boy B.

Based on the author's experience in prison work, this mystery ponders the tribulation of an eighteen-year-old incarcerated since age ten, unable to fit into the outside world, and gently unravels the events of that day on the bridge, with a stunning denouement and an unexpected conclusion.

Then Three young boys are on the walkway of the Humber Bridge, one of them climbs over the barrier and the younger of the other two pushes him to his death

Now Eight years after he was imprisoned for murder at the age of 10, Humber Boy B is released back into society. He is given a new identity and a flat in Ipswich and now has to try and rehabilitate himself into society. Given that he has spent his formative years in young offenders institutions this was never going to be easy. It is however made harder by the creation of a Facebook group aimed at finding him. While the group was created by the murdered boy’s mother to seek an answer as to why he killed, another member has a more physical retribution in mind. The question is can Cate Austin his probation officer discover who Silent Friend is before they find Humber Boy B.

This is a thought provoking book, which has echoes of the Bulger case in regard to the release of John Venables and the outcry that it provoked. Humber Boy B is viewed by society as an evil child killer, who will forever be remembered as the 10 year old boy that pushed his friend from the bridge. Cate however tries to see him as the individual that he is and tries to understand why he did what he did.
The author worked as a Probation Officer for almost a decade in high security prisons in Suffolk, including work with children who have been convicted of murder, so she is well placed to write a book on a subject that undoubtedly divides opinion. In this instance I think she has done a good job. Her treatment of Humber Boy B does not try to mitigate the horror of what he did, or suggest that he wasn’t responsible. Instead it seeks so find out why he chose to take the action he did, and to try and understand what drove him rather than accepting the general opinion that he was evil. It is dealt with in a sensitive and balanced way and all the characters are believable and real.

The book progresses by alternating between then and now creating a mounting tension until the details of the murder are finally revealed. However the book has several layers - it’s not just about Humber Boy B, but about the lasting effects of his actions on others and how he is perceived. It is also about Cate and her life. While struggling to do her best against resistance even within her own department she also has demons of her own to face which act as a contrast to the main unfolding story. The book ends with a final twist that is as shocking as it is dramatic and was totally unforeseen.

This was a great read and I’m pleased to read that Cate is to make a re-appearance in Ruth’s next book.

Humber Boy B is the latest case Cate Austin has to deal with. Cate is assigned a young adult, Ben who has recently been released from prison having been convicted at the age of 10 of one of his school friends. The convict has been given a new identity but due to the high emotions residing back in Hull, he can not return to the area. He must start a new life on his own but there is someone determined to find him and dish out their own form of justice.

On the face of it, you'd draw similarities with the Jamie Bulger murder but as I got more into the book, the similarities start to drop away.

Ruth Dugdall has a great writing style that keeps you guessing. She switches between the present day with Cate and her ward and the past and the events leading up to the young boy's murder.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Humber Boy B had come to the end of his prison sentence for murdering his friend when they were both just ten years old. He was reintegrated into society following his release by probation officer Cate Austin who had found him an up-market flat and, when he was settled into it, a job in the local aquarium. He had been given a new name, Ben had been told not to return to his hometown or have contact with his family. It was the beginning of a new life for Ben and it was Cate’s job to help him and keep him safe in Ipswich, his new home.

Ben felt lost and lonely. He knew nothing of electricity meter readings, cooking, shopping, housekeeping or the modern niceties of living within a community. My heart went out to him. Desperate to be the son that his mother had always wanted him to be, he broke the rules and sent her his address, which she passed on to his brother Adam, his co-defendant in the trial. As he settled in to his work routine he made friends with his elderly boss and his wife, and when invited into their home for lunch he proved to be polite, grateful and thoughtful. He endeared himself to me and I was full of empathy for him despite what had happened when he was only just over the age of criminal responsibility.

Public opinion was strongly against the short sentence that Ben had served and social media posts were checked regularly by the probation officers and police force that were charged with Ben’s safety. When threatening posts began escalating in their menace, it was time to make a decision about Ben’s well being before sinister forces could track him down. But opinions differed and Cate began to fear that the worst would happen.

I thought this was an engrossing novel full of understanding for Ben’s precarious position whilst showing understanding for the horror of Ben’s crime. Ruth Dugdall was herself a probation officer in Suffolk and worked with child crime offenders for many years. She uses her professional knowledge of procedure to great effect and this enriches this powerfully emotional novel. I would like to thank Netgalley and the Legend Press for my copy in return for an honest review. I absolutely loved this novel and would have no hesitation in recommending it to you to read. I’m sure this will be in my top ten of novels for 2015

One of my stand out reads of 2015 by a long shot!

This book not only had me hooked in from page one but had my emotions in turmoil all the way through it. Such a powerful book with messages that are important if you take the time to look for them. This book made me think, feel and the range of emotions was huge from anger to grief. THIS is one of the MUST READ books of 2015.

A child is killed after falling from the Humber Bridge. Despite fleeing the scene, two young brothers are found guilty and sent to prison. Upon their release they are granted one privilege only, their anonymity.

Probation officer Cate Austin is responsible for Humber Boy B’s reintegration into society. But the general public’s anger is steadily growing, and those around her are wondering if the secret of his identity is one he actually deserves to keep.

Cate’s loyalty is challenged when she begins to discover the truth of the crime. She must ask herself if a child is capable of premeditated murder. Or is there a greater evil at play?

This book will make you feel so much.

With smoothness and a sense of no disconnection at all Ruth Dugdall cleverly has us see timeline slips between then (the event) and now (the aftermath), and it's important I think it's done that way as it's not clear what really happened to the boy who plunged to his death from the bridge. But the story unravels as we go along.

Cate Austin meets Humber Boy B as he has been named since being put in prison at age 10, now 18 he has been released under an intense police relocation and identity protection program. Cate really goes over and above her job as she quickly identifies this young man does not know anything about living in the world, and why would he?

You will develop theories and feelings about not only Humber Boy B, but his brother Humber Boy A, and for all those that the death of a young boy from a high bridge included. The author cleverly take the entire book to let the day of THAT even unfold as we then flick forward to "now" to see what is happening with characters involved today.

With a solid pace that holds you tight, enough psychological twists to keep you guessing and a huge desire to know the truth you won't be able to put this down. I had formed strong feelings for many characters, especially Humber Boy B, very strong feelings. Don't you love it when you think you have a plot all worked out and it smacks you upside the face now and then to remind you that you might not?

It's a book that tackles the impact on children who comes from homes where abuse, neglect, mental illness, alcoholism makes them become children of nowhere, missing out on all the nice things a child should have, it's a little bit of nature vs nurture if you look deeply into this book and into the WHY's of what a group of children got up to on a day when all the Teachers were on strike for better conditions. It was a day that changed the lives of too many.

I am struggling this review as it is so much better than my words can express and it stirred up so much in me, it's really a crime/psych thriller mix and it's done so well. I was immersed in this novel.

I challenge you not to be moved, disturbed even by this book. Extremely character driven, they tell the story and as I said my feelings on many of them changed and fluctuated as events unfolded.

I have to say this - the ending left me speechless, I felt ill, I was truly shocked at the ending of this book, it was so well done, so very cleverly last to the very end to have it all come together, but by golly readers, it moved me in a million ways.

I loved this book, it's got everything a good read should have and I can't recommend it more. Five top stars for one of my most memorable reads of the year so far.

I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher in exchange for an honest review, thanks for the opportunity.

Clear the schedule my friends. Once you start Humber Boy B you will be doing nothing else. With pitch perfect pacing and seamless writing you will be so engrossed in this emotional and harrowing tale you won't even notice the hours fly by.

Ruth Dugdall brings us the story of Ben. He was 10 years old when he was sent to prison for the murder of his friend on the Humber Bridge. The prologue will introduce the moment and the rest of the book slowly and methodically lets the true story unfold. The twists will surprise you and the story will jerk your emotions. Ruth Dugdall is certainly a craftsman in story telling.. I recommend highly.

Ruth Dugdall’s new book spins around one striking event.

A child plummets from the Humber Bridge. He is seen by a schoolteacher, who had been fishing on a day when he might have been – some would say should have been – at a union rally. He plunges into the water, in front of his stunned teenage daughter, in a desperate attempt to rescue the child. His cause is hopeless; the boy is lost.

CCTV footage and witness statement led the police to two young brothers, who had fled from the bridge as the boy fell. They were tried, convicted, and imprisoned; but of course that wasn’t the end.

This story begins eight years one, when the younger of the two brothers – who had been known to the media as Humber Boy B – was released. He was given a new identity, and he was expected to start a new life, leaving everything and everyone he had know behind.

Responsibility for the newly renamed ‘Ben’ fell to probation officer Cate Austin. That’s what made me eager to read this book, when the subject matter would usually make me wary. I read Ruth Dugdall’s two earlier novels that followed Cate’s life and work a few years ago, and I was very impressed.

The perspective is interesting, because this is a crime novel about not detection and investigation but the consequences of crime and what happens in the future to the accused and the convicted. It is clear that the author, a former probation officer, knows of what she writes; and I appreciate that Cate is utterly believable as a professional woman. She’s a a single mother, who copes well with her teenage daughter, and her daughter’s relationship with her father, who lives nearby with his new family. And she is good at her job, aware of the importance of the work of the probation service, and of the difference if makes.

Her own story is secondary, but it has similarities with the case she has been assigned without that ever seeming contrived. There are many thoughtful touches like that in this book.

Ben’s is the highest profile case Cate has ever had to manage, and she is apprehensive. She is well aware that there are many who believe that he shouldn’t have a fresh start in life, that he hasn’t been punished enough, and there will be some who to find him. She knows that media coverage and social media pose a threat. She also knows that after eight years – from the age of ten to the age of eighteen – in an institution ‘Ben’ would have a lot of adjusting to do, that it would be difficult, that success was by no means guaranteed.

The story moves, quite naturally, between different perspectives in the past and in the present.

A picture of that day in the past is built up slowly, from the accounts of those who were close to events, or those who crossed paths with those involved. It’s very effective; making it clear that there was a chain of consequence, and that many lives were affected. It was clear that those should have cared and supported ‘Ben’ let him down badly; it was also clear, as his story in the present unfolded, that the system that had been supposed to rehabilitate him and prepare him for his new life had failed.

Cate did what she could, and she wanted to do more, but she was constrained by her superiors who felt that enough time and money had been spent on one undeserving young man, and by changes to the way the probation service was expected to operate.

Even though I knew what he had done, watching ‘Ben’ trying to deal with things was moving. He had no idea how to live in the new flat he had given; he didn’t know what things cost; he didn’t know how buses worked or where to go and what to do; he didn’t know how to be around people, or who he was supposed to be.

And then there were extracts from the Facebook page created by the mother of the dead boy, who wanted to find Humber Boy B. Not, she said, because she wished him harm but because she wanted to meet with him, to talk to him, to try to understand what had happened. There was another poster though – ‘Silent Friend’ – who wanted more for the bereaved mother, who seemed more than ready to act on her behalf.

All of these threads work together to move the story forward, with the question of what happened – and what would happen – always hovering.

The style is understated, the story of what has happened – what is still happening is clear, but it is never sensationalised. And though there is an obvious parallel between this story and Jamie Bulger case, there are enough differences and enough respect for this story not to feel exploitative. The understatement was very effective, because it made the tragedy, the horror, of what had happened all the clearer.. The ending was unexpected; it turned everything on its head, and it still has me thinking.

This is a book that works as a human drama, it works as a social study, while remaining a very good – and very readable – piece of crime fiction.

I didn't realise until after I started reading this book that it features the same character as Ruth Dugdall's first two books, being the probation officer, Cate Austin. However, it didn't matter and this book can be read as a standalone novel. I have the other two books so will read them at some point.

Humber Boy B is an 18 year old, just leaving prison after 8 years behind bars for the murder of his friend, Noah. Noah was thrown off the Humber Bridge but there's more to it than there seems. HBB has been given a new identity, a flat and a new life, and Cate is his probation officer who takes a real interest in his case.

I enjoyed this book very much. It kept me turning the pages and as it's told from various different perspectives, both now and back when the murder happened, it kept its pace throughout. I really liked Dugdall's style of writing and I thought she brought all of the strands together cleverly. Great book!

WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT THIS BOOK ONE OF MY FAVOURITE READS OF THE YEAR UP TO NOW I really enjoy this book is a very chilling psychological thriller i read in a day i was laying in my hospital bed moaning on the phone to my mum i been told by doctors i got stay in bed no walking around for the day omg i would never do that well that was before i started to read this book i really could not put it down It was so shocking and gripping.The Humber bridge was so symbolic throughout this story yes it was the scene of the crime but i felt it also represented Humber Boy B past life his unhappy childhood his mum and brother

Humber Boy B was found guilty of the murder of his 10 year old friend Noah . He was imprisoned for it now he been released with a new identity his probation officer Cate has got to keep him safe this was not a easy job as Noah mum has started up a facebook page asking for help to track him down who was the silent friend ? Did you guess ?

I was so grip by this fascinating read it was a emotional read too we get to hear all about how Humber Boy B is coping how he is feeling and how he was dealing with things I found it a very thought provoking story The Humber boy B was view by people as a evil child killer but was he ? I like how Ruth tried to found out why he chose to do what he did that day and how his actions effort him i felt she told his tale in a very sensitive way All the characters felt so real to me i like now the book goes back to that day and now it builds up the tension so slowly over the course of the book till that day is revealed in full i liked all how all the different perspective were told It a page turner it just capture you Ruth a very talented author i like her writing style she know how to bring all the subplots together so cleverly i was not expecting the end Wow Thank you netgalley for letting me read

An interesting complex novel which will stay with you long after you've finished it.

At the young age of 10, "Ben" is found guilty of murder. After 8 years he is realised and given a new identity. Sent to live in Ipswich, he is forced to live his life again but doesn't really know where to begin.

Told from the perspective of "Ben", his probation officer Cate, various persons from that fateful day and posts on the Facebook page "Find Humber Boy B", including one from "Silent Friend" threatening violence , this book will keep you hooked and have you questioning just what did happen?

With a plot that has shades of a real-life incident (which is referred to in the novel) I found Humber Boy B ever so slightly uncomfortable reading - and that's not necessarily a bad thing. The storyline is handled sensitively, and I don't think it would be possible for anybody reading this novel to not feel a little disturbed at some parts.

Although I felt like I shouldn't be, I was sympathetic towards "Ben", a child accused of murder and now facing his release and consequent adjustment to life in the outside world, although I didn't particularly like his character, nor other characters related to the murder, and I feel that this shows quite how well-written the characters are. I've read Ruth Dugdall's previous novels, so I had already "met " Cate before, and it was good to catch up with her, however the book can get away with being a standalone novel quite easily.

I have previously read and thoroughly enjoyed The Woman Before Me so I was quite excited when I saw this was available. My usual stock-in-trade reading wise is Police Procedurals, usually with a psychological or thriller bent, so it is refreshing to stray away from this genre and into the fascinating world of the Probation Service.
Like the author's previous book, I read this pretty much in one session. Not wishing to put it down, desperate to see what was going to happen next - I was so drawn into the story. The story is told in the present with flashbacks into the past. Again this works very well as the two threads converge at exactly the right point in time to the final exciting climax. We see what happened on the fateful day in small doses which makes it all the more harrowing than reading it all in one go (indeed if it could be any more harrowing) and what transpires is a cast of characters that could all have influenced things differently, Certainly it could be another case of "there but for the grace go I". It was an emotional read, the characters are all so real and very easy to emote with. As with the story, I swapped and changed my feelings towards certain characters as all was revealed. The ending was another one of those that was uncomfortable but befitting. Whatever my personal views may be, it is a horrid outcome although the motivation of all parties concerned was totally credible and fitted perfectly.
I said before that Ms Dugdall is on my watch list, this book has reaffirmed her eligibility for this!!!

I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tragic story which makes you think about society and upbringing. This book was so hopeful and tragic in equal measures and at times you wanted to scream with frustration at the situation. A brilliant, yet tragic book which carries the story without judgement and lets the reader come to their own conclusions- highly recommended.

I was delighted to be accepted by Net Galley to read and review Humber Boy B by Ruth Dugdall.

Ruth Dugdall has chosen to write about a very emotive subject, the murder of children by children. The story is very well structured, written in the present day with flashbacks to past events and told from the perspectives of the child who was found guilty of murdering his friend, his Probation Officer and other key characters from the day of the murder. We learn about how neglect and the disdain of a parent can make a child feel that their life has far less value than others, and also how broken relationships and disappointments in life can hurt and embitter children. The story unfolds and shows how a sequence of events can lead to a tragic end and where just one intervention or different decision could have changed the course of so many peoples lives. This book made me question my thoughts on nature v nurture and how our justice system, press and society thinks about and treats child murderers.

I absolutely loved it and will be recommending it to anyone who will listen to me - 5 stars!

WOW, I have read a few outstanding books this year and keep thinking that there's no way another book will blow me away like they have done, but then along comes Ruth Dugdall with Humber Boy B and does just that!

Humber Boy B had me gripped as soon as I started it. I found the story itself heartbreaking and emotional but I couldn't put it down. Even though Humber Boy B is a fiction story we have all seen stories in the news of child killers that have us reeling in shock and makes us question how on earth they could do what they did, this book to me covers every aspect of all the questions that we have running through our heads.

The story itself swaps between 'Ben' (Humber Boy B) past and present, Cate his probation officer and a little further on the Facebook page that has been set up by Noah's mum. To start with I really wanted to dislike Ben but as the story unfolds you find yourself going through the same emotions that Cate his probation officer is going through and by the end all I wanted to do was hold him and mother him.

Emotionally this book really does take you through the mill but it is a fantastic read and so well written and truly is a must a read!

Humber Boy B is one book I will not forget in a hurry and will be raving about this book to family, friends and anyone else who will listen to me.

Will certainly be looking forward to seeing what else Ruth Dougall has in store for us.

I would like to thank Netgallery, Legend Press for the copy of this book and my Goodread friend Maxine for recommending it to me. I have had some wonderful book recommendations over the years and this was another one. This book is a real page turner and I was instantly taken in by it and just couldn't put it down.A dark story subject that is told over several timelines, keeps you guessing throughout and ultimately makes you continue to read in an effort to unravel the mystery. This is my first read of a Ruth Dugdall book but I will be looking out for more of her work if they are as good as this one. I read many books throughout the year and often they are forgotten fairly quickly but this is one that stays with you and makes yourself questions.

I was absolutely gripped by this novel. It is shocking, chilling and intelligent with a final chapter that was completely unexpected.
The story is based around a child murderer, Humber Boy B, and his return to society after prison. It is a situation with which we are all sadly familiar. There are, on the face of it, some similarities with the James Bulger murder, which the author does reference but she obviously draws on her own experience as a probation officer and therefore the story feels both original and authentic.
The characters drive the story and all are flawed and realistic. The story is written in the present day with flashbacks from each character telling their story of the day the murder took place. There is also a hate filled Facebook campaign to find Humber Boy B that flows through the book which is incredibly chilling.
This is an incredibly sad story of how neglect and poor parenting can affect a child and whether their return to society is possible. It made me question my beliefs on the issue of nature v nurture as well as making me think about how we as a society deal with this most awful of crimes. Having said all that, it is also a really twisty psychological thriller with unexpected turns, gasp out loud shocks and an ending that just blows you away!
An outstanding book that I will be recommending far and wide.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Humber Boy B – Ruth Dugdall

Two young brothers are caught and convicted when a ten year old child falls of the Humber Bridge. When the culprits are released from prison, their identities are kept a secret from the world.
We then meet Cate Austin, the probation officer that has to find a new life for one of the boys – aptly named Humber Boy B. He was also ten years old when the boy died. Now he is 18 and supposedly an adult.
Austin gets more involved than she probably should, not only with Humber Boy B’s new life, but also with what transpired in his old one.
During the course of this excellent thriller, writer Ruth Dugdall moves between Humber Boy B’s voice, Cate’s point of view and the day of the crime.
Technology like Facebook is also used to tell the story in a very unique way.
Is everything as clear cut as you would think? Perhaps not!
I thoroughly enjoyed being challenged by Ruth Dugdall – my immediate knee-jerk reaction to the crime is soon replaced with sympathy with both the victim and the perpetrators. But soon that sympathy is again twisted into revulsion. It’s a wild ride!
_______________________________

Humber Boy B is a novel I won’t forget in a hurry. It is heart-breaking, horrific, and at times, absolutely unsettling, but it is one of the most gripping novels I’ve read this year.

A child is killed after falling from the Humber Bridge. Despite fleeing the scene, two young brothers are found guilty and sent to prison. Upon their release they are granted one privilege only, their anonymity. Probation officer Cate Austin is responsible for Humber Boy B’s reintegration into society. But the general public’s anger is steadily growing, and those around her are wondering if the secret of his identity is one he actually deserves to keep. Cate’s loyalty is challenged when she begins to discover the truth of the crime. She must ask herself if a child is capable of premeditated murder. Or is there a greater evil at play?

The novel tells the story of Humber Boy B, who killed another child when he was ten years old, and the difficulties of reintegrating him into society eight years later.

Cate Austin, is his probation officer, and it is her job to keep his identity secret, against a society that is outraged at his early release. Some of the Facebook posts, skilfully woven throughout the story, are chilling.

It is told from the different viewpoints of the characters involved, not only after his release, but also at the time of the killing.

Ruth Dugdall, was herself a probation officer, and she deals with this harrowing subject with a great deal of sensitivity.

It is a very thought provoking novel, full of twists and turns, it’s one that will stay with you for a long time after you’ve reached its disturbing conclusion.

I have never read Ruth Dugdall before, but I will be reading her books in the future. She is an excellent story teller. Her characterisation is faultless, and her plot draws you in from the start.

This is a definite five star read. I loved it, and thoroughly recommend it.

I loved this book . It was very emotional and very well written . The characters were very moving and at times it was a disturbing read . I give this book the 5 stars it deserves.

What an outstanding, authentic, realistic, compulsive book this was!

When I first requested to read this from Legend Press via Net Galley, I just wasn't prepared for the emotional, thought provoking ride this would take me on. What a journey.

Imagine a young child of 10 years old being convicted of murder. Pushing another child over the bridge and falling to their death. Would this be an accident? Premeditated? Is this child full of 'Evil'

Uproar surrounds this tragic event with domino effects on a lot of different peoples lives.

One man sitting fishing with his young daughter underneath the Humber bridge who happens to be a teacher. His daughter who happens to know the boys.
One of the boys being Noah, the child of her Fathers ex girlfriend who he still loves.

The two brothers who are friends of Noah's there on the bridge with him at the time.

And lastly but not least, the Mother of the child who fell to his death.

The younger of the brothers was taken to prison.

He is known by the media as Humber Boy B.

Its time for his release, he is now 18 years old.
What does he know, how well adjusted is he for the outside world now that he is a teenager?

Cate has been assigned as his probation officer. She has sympathy for him as he was ONLY 10 when this tragic event took place.

Now out of prison and free, he has to be protected, so he is set up in a totally different part of town to where he came from. He has to have nothing to do with his past. His name is now BEN. That's the name he needs to by.

This is not a straight forward story. It has many underlining issues in its pages, many shocks, many surprises and many adjustments you need to make as the story progresses.

I was like "What?"
Then
"Hey, that's not right"

Then we learn how a Facebook page was set up by the parents of the murdered child. HE is released, THEY have no release from their pain. They want to know WHY.

I was so enthralled by this book, its easily UP THERE among my top books so far this year. I see that this author has another book out soon so I am going to get it! Oh yes, because this has had to have one of my TIGHT FISTED 5 full mark stars!!

I loved Cate. She was having problems herself, lots of issues in her life which we learn about along the way.

This book is PACKED with wonderfulness.

It made me think, it made me ponder on things, it made me wonder about the media, it made me wonder about the times when I have read stories of children committing crimes.

The ending of this book left my jaw dropping to the floor, it really did. As I closed my kindle, I had to reflect on the ending. I am satisfied with the ending, I can see why what happened.......happened.

My hat goes off to this author for am AMAZING read.

Thank you.

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Psychologically suspenseful, this book kept me interested from beginning to end. Blurs the lines between bad and good and what exactly that means. Starts slowly but than layer by layer, with the different narrators, the story is revealed. Although I did guess some of it the ending was a shocker but pure genius, a perfect ending that fit with the rest of the story.

ARC from NetGalley.

I really enjoy Ruth Dugdall's books and the latest outing for probation officer Cate is another gripping read. The plot concerns child killers; where one youngster kills another and the aftermath. I was reminded of the James Bulger case, in part and although fiction, the story has a genuine ring of truth to it. The narrative switches between past and present and the pace is consistently fast. Present day events are given a sense of urgency by short chapters of Facebook transcripts where it's clear that the killer is being hunted. The mother of the deceased child wants answers but others have different interests and there's a real sense of threat and menace.

It's not always a comfortable read; those familiar with Dugdall's books will know that she's capable of tackling the truly gritty and unpleasant side of human behaviour. But she writes with honesty and compassion, presenting her characters and facts without judgement. Humber Boy B works well as a stand alone. Well developed characters, dialogue with vernacular which gives a sense of place and a plot with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged from start to finish. I really enjoyed it and my thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy.

Wow, did I luck out when I was approved to read and review, “Humber Boy B” by Ruth Dugdall, through the publisher, Legend Press via Netgalley. Ruth Dugdall is an award-winning British crime writer, a CWA Dagger-winning author presenting another chilling psychological thriller. This was a very emotional and powerful read. I was totally involved in this novel from page one…I couldn’t put it down! I am now a new fan of this talented author.

“A kid murdered a kid.”

“All I want to know is why… I’ve been living a nightmare for eight years, said Jessica, whose ten-year-old son, Noah, was thrown from the Humber Bridge to his death. A group of children were on the bridge, and two brothers received convictions. Humber Boy B, (Ben) who was ten when he went on his murderous rampage, served an eight year sentence for Noah’s murder.”

Cate Austin is a probation officer and is responsible for Ben’s anonymity, his release at age eighteen and reintegration back into society. But the general public are outraged and Jessica wants help to find her son’s killer-Humber Boy B. How could he be set free, while she will suffer an eternity of pain? Jessica set up a Facebook face, and posted childhood pictures of Ben, when Noah and Ben had been friends, in order to find her son’s killer.

Richard Palmer, a primary school teacher was fishing on the Humber River, and had brought his teenage daughter Cheryl along for the day. They were witnesses to the attack, and tried to rescue Noah. Cheryl recognized the two boys from school on the bridge. Humber Boy A (Adam), fourteen years old and his half-brother Humber Boy B (Ben), ten years old were arrested.

This book will haunt you and surprise you, and force you to reflect on how children are treated in the criminal justice system. Can they ever recover? But most of all…Why would a ten year old boy commit murder, while his older brother avoids conviction? In this book we get a glimpse of what makes Ben tick as well as the other characters. I can only sympathize with all the characters, but mostly Ben. As the novel progresses, we understand why more and more.

The story is told from the perspectives of Ben and Cate, as well as Jessica (on Facebook). This allows the tension and suspense to steadily grow, until the day of the crime is revealed in full detail. This is a character-driven novel, fast-paced and one that will stay with you for a long time to come.

I found myself continuously building different scenarios, trying to work out the clues, guessing the outcome, but when the ending came it was a real surprise, but acceptable.

This novel is about damaged people, (dysfunctional families, mental and physical abuse, alcoholics), and their actions. Is this boy just messed up or is he “Evil”.

All I can say is READ THIS BOOK…You will not be disappointed. Be prepared to hold up a “Do Not Disturb Sign” or “On Strike” while you enjoy this novel. I loved it so much I will read her other novels including her new novel, “Nowhere Girl”.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book. This was an interesting read. A mystery wrapped in the challenges faced by a young man released from prison after ten years and learning to cope with the world. Well-defined characters that draw you in and engage you, whether you like them or not. A different sort of mystery where the search is for the reason behind the murder and not the murderer himself. Well-written with a tiny twist at the end that changes the whole tenor of the book, I recommend it.

This is a compelling story that explores the complexities and entanglements of crime and justice when the 'bad guys' are children. The chapters alternate between the day of the incident on the bridge and the current time, eight years later. It's important to pay attention to the chapter headings, so you'll know where you are in the story's timeline.

The book is written from multiple viewpoints, mostly third person, with Humber Boy B's part told in first person. As the story unfolds, we question whether this boy is truly guilty of murder. And, if so, why did he kill his friend that fateful day on the bridge? We also explore the parents' roles, and how a sort of butterfly effect brought these children together with a perfect storm of circumstances.

The issue of dealing with child killers from a legal standpoint is more of an undercurrent than the focus here. I don't know much about the UK legal system, and I was interested to learn about the process of reintegration after prison release. Since I'm not familiar with the system, I can't comment on whether or not the author got the details right.

I was intrigued by all of the characters. Much like real people, they have their secrets and hidden motivations. The author does an excellent job of showing us what shaped each of them into the people they became.

The plot kept me slightly off balance, in a good way, so that I was never sure how the events would play out. I wanted to hate the ending, which caught me off guard and made me uncomfortable. But it also made perfect sense. I was left wondering who to blame for my discomfort. Not the author, who only dared to show me the outcome on this collision course I'd followed.

My one complaint is small but worth noting. After being convicted of murder, Humber Boy B is given a new name for his protection. In the current timeline, his name is Ben. Yet, in the flashbacks he is also called Ben, rather than his real given name. This jarred me each time. Reading those past scenes with his new name felt wrong. His mother wouldn't have called him Ben. Nor would his brother or his friends at that time. This is a minor point but, because of the alternating timeline, it has a major effect.

Overall, this is a well written, unique story that will stick with me for quite some time.

5 Heartbreaking Stars Now and again a story will come along and even after you finish it, it still stays in your mind Humber Boy B was that story.....

Heartbreaking, compelling....

It is one of the best written stories I have come across this year Noah Watts is a sweet 10 year old boy left in charge of a neighbour Yvette. Yvette has other things on her mind that morning so her two boys Ben who is also 10 years old and Adam his brother is 14 decide to include Noah in there outside activity. Bored to know what to do they walk to the bridge for some fun.

But that fun results in a boy falling off the Humber bridge and changing everyone's lives for ever.

Fast forward 8 years and Humber Boy B is now released from prison and back into society.
He struggles to adapt and with his new identity and place to live about to be compromised, there is a race against time to stop whoever is about to find him.

Cate Austin is Humber Boy B probation officer and after reading his case notes thinks there is more to what happened on that Bridge than was revealed in court and tries to coax the boy to remember what really happened that afternoon....

My Thoughts The story is told in multiple POV and I felt that really worked to bring the characters lives together.
The writing just flowed and in between the different POV's we find out what really happened that day upon Humber Bridge.
I had all kind of emotions with this story. Maybe that is why it had such an impact on me whilst reading it.
This story makes you think...
Can a child be born evil or do events determine their lives...

Excellent story and very heartfelt...

A child falls to his death from the Humber Bridge; ‘Ben’ aged ten is charged with his murder. Eight years on Ben is released from Prison and struggles to rebuild his life. Jessica wonders, but how do you rebuild your life when you know your son’s killer is free?
This is the background of this excellent novel, told with a clever mingling of the fatal day and the present. The reader is swept along with the tragedy that had such an impact on so many lives.
Thanks to Netgallery for the chance to read or review this excellent book. Definitely worth five stars- I couldn’t put it down.

Top notch story telling with strong characters and an intricate plot that the author manages to weave together beautifully at the end.

This is my first read by author Ruth Dugdall and it certainly won't be my last. This book is definitely in my top 10 favorites of all year.

Ben (Humber Boy B)is only 10 years old when he is convicted of throwing his friend Noah over the Humber Bridge. Upon release, to the notoriety surrounding the case, Ben has been given a new identity and relocated to another town where he is placed under the guidance of probation officer Cate Austin.
What unfolds upon his release sets off the anger and hatred of a nation lead by Noah's tortured Mother, who has never been able to move past her son's senseless death. Is Ben as evil as he was portrayed in trial or is there more to the story?

The story is told from many viewpoints and from different timelines, all seamlessly leading up to a very dramatic ending. The characters are flawed but realistic and well developed. The story is one that made me FEEL the sadness of the grieving Mother, feel the hatred from an angry nation, yet still feel sympathetic to Ben who just never felt he was worth anything.

A truly memorable story that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. I highly recommend this book not only to lovers of mystery/thrillers, but to all genres...With technology and social media just a click away, we're all gotten caught up and outraged in a story we've read whether it takes place in our own backyard or across the sea's. We form our opinions based on what we read. We decide who's guilty and who's not...based on what we read. This book shows us all just how little we actually do know about what it is we've read...scary!!

From page one this Book had me breathless. I couldn't get from Chapter to Chapter quick enough. A stunning....hold your breath..fingers crossed Story with characters you'll remember long after you turn the first page.