From one of America’s most acclaimed storytellers comes a powerful, emotionally charged novel of family, redemption and a mother’s love.
What do you do when the person you love best becomes unrecognisable to you? For Thea, the answer is simple and agonising: you keep loving him somehow.
Stefan was just seventeen when he went to prison for the murder of his girlfriend, Belinda, a crime he has no memory of committing. Three years later, he’s released to a world that refuses to let him move on. Belinda’s mother, once Thea’s good friend, galvanises the community to rally against him. Neighbours, employers, even some members of Thea’s own family turn away.
Meanwhile Thea struggles to understand her only son and begins to suspect darker forces are at play. If there is so much she never knew about Stefan, what other hidden secrets has she yet to uncover — especially the shocking truth about the night Belinda died?
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
The Good Son by Jacquelyn Mitchard kept me on the edge of my seat from the very first page, it was filled with mystery and heart-rendering moments that were powerful and emotionally charged. It took me on a journey of exploration, intrigue and in-depth story telling that highlighted the complexity of life and the love of family. Spine tingling, gripping and a brilliant read that left you wondering what would happen next. A pleasure to read and I would happily recommend to others, thank you for the opportunity to preview. Kylie, QLD, 5 Stars
Jacquelyn Mitchard was very clever in her opening line of the first chapter. Direct and to the point, it seemed to draw me in from the get go. Even though at times, the themes and visions were quite confronting, I still could not put it down. I felt drawn to the characters especially Thea and I think being a parent myself, it really makes you think about what you would do if you were in her situation. Even when people around her thought she was crazy, I could relate to her actions having a son myself who is as Thea says ‘My only’. At times the book was emotional and I found myself hoping that there was going to be a positive ending. I began rooting for Stefan, at every positive action he took, and felt sorry for him when he couldn’t catch a break. The mystery along the way with questionable people, had me on the edge of my seat and I just had to find out what happened next. Will definitely be looking up more works of Jacquelyn Mitchard. I was very pleased with the ending as well and it seemed to round out the book perfectly. Karen, NSW, 5 Stars
The Good Son, by Jacquelyn Mitchard, is a tense, gripping read that continually prompts the reader to consider what lengths a parent would go to for their only child. Mitchard creates an intriguing first-person narrative where the reader is told in the very first sentence of the novel that Thea is waiting for her son to walk through the prison gates, only to see that the mother of the girl he has murdered is also there. After the intense first couple of chapters, the world of Thea Demetriou becomes complex and the reader travels on an emotional journey with her as she attempts to understand, heal and protect her son. Protests and threats are immediately present from the tight-knit community; Thea is left feeling isolated as she tries to navigate the horrendous deeds of the past and uncertain future for her son, Stefan. Mitchard expertly creates layers within her multi-facetted characters and builds immense suspense as the events surrounding Belinda’s death and the opportunity to seek forgiveness encircle Thea’s family. Mitchard explores the depths of a mother’s love and raises questions that will remain with the reader long after the end of the novel. Issues surrounding violence, lust and guilt are all raised, making the reader wonder whether there is ever a point in which you would stop loving your own child. Genene, SA, 5 Stars
Imagine the person you love the most becomes a stranger to you. You just continue to love them – as hard as it is. At the age of 17 Stefan was imprisoned for the murder of girlfriend Belinda. Now Stefan has been released but the outside world just won’t let him move on with his life. Stefan is viewed as the very epitome of white privilege and soon his mother Thea’s friends, neighbours, employers and even some of the family turn away from Thea and her son. Stefan tries to make amends – failing as he is met by escalating threats and resistance. What is it about her son that Thea doesn’t know and what is the secret from the night Belinda was murdered? Catherine, NSW, 5 Stars
The Good Son is a fantastic read that pulled at my heart strings. From the perspective of a mother whose only son has committed a terrible crime this book transports you into the shoes of Thea. It leaves you questioning whether you could still see your son as good when the whole world knows he is a monster. A wonderful tale that explores justice, redemption and love while taking us on many twists and turns. Sam, ACT, 5 Stars
Dramatic story focusing on how to lead an existence after a most horrendous crime. When a crime occurs in a small town you realise who your true friends are. Not just the accused but that of family members left behind while you are serving your sentence. Until one is placed in this position you never really know how unrelenting and unforgiving a community can be. You even question yourself as Jacquelyn so aptly puts it ‘could you still love the one you loved most in the world after he had done the worst thing’. Even when justice had prevailed and punishment served some will always find it difficult to allow others to repent and move on. I found this book relatable and an easy read. It was a book that once you pick up, you don’t want to put down, read over three nights I found that Jacquelyn had a unique way to bring the characters and plot together. The story was told through the different characters and at times it was unsettling to see to different sides of human nature. Unique conclusion which leads you to think that there is hope forgiveness and acceptance for everyone. Kerry, VIC, 5 Stars
The Good Son is an interesting exploration of some big questions…What makes good people do bad things? Can criminals be truly rehabilitated? And, perhaps the most important question of all, can we forgive? An engaging and enjoyable read. Anne, VIC, 5 Stars
This fabulous book raised many important ethical questions, such as: Is it ever possible to atone for the unforgivable? Can someone claim “diminished responsibility” for a crime, after demonstrating a complete lack of responsibility for their own wellbeing? I.e. being out of their mind on drugs. What would it take for you to NOT publicly support your only child? What WOULDN’T you do for your only child? And just HOW bent on retribution would you be, if your only child was murdered by someone who professed to adore them? I am still stuck on these questions, weeks after I finished reading. Heidi, VIC, 5 Stars
A mother’s love is a powerful thing, but it can be complicated and challenging as well. Stefan, at 17 years old has done the unthinkable. How does Thea come to terms with this sweet boy and his actions that have thrown his life and their family into chaos? This is a complex story, much like life itself, and grabbed me from the first page. You will easily get lost in the storytelling and question what would YOU do? Tess, TAS, 5 Stars
I was lucky to win a preview copy of Jacquelyn Mitchard’s The Good Son from Better Reading. This book is amazing. Jacquelyn through her writing evokes vivid imagery. I seriously could imagine this book as a movie. Whilst reading the book it was so real in my head. That shows how good an author she is. The storyline centres on Stefan, Thea and Jep. Stefan has just been released from prison for a horrific crime. It details how hard it is for prisoners to reform and live in the outside world. The family experiences prejudice, anger and hatred daily. Friendships and family are important in this book and really help Stefan’s and Thea’s journey. I scored this book ten out of ten. Surprisingly this is the first book I have read of Jacquelyn’s. I will definitely be tracking down her other books. Yvette, NSW, 5 Stars
This novel is not my usual ‘go-to’ type of book as I tend to always read romances or historical fiction. But I loved it. I should read more of these as I enjoyed the suspense. It made me question: At what lengths would a mother go to, to prove her sons innocence? What lengths would ‘so called’ friends and mysterious people go to, to hide the truth? The Good Son was mysterious and suspenseful, fantastically written in the narrative of Thea. This novel focuses on the aftermath of a murder and the mental and emotional toll that surrounds a family. Following the release of her son Stefan from prison, Thea is protective, supportive and hopeful for her son’s adjustment back into ‘normal’ life. But she’s also trying to cope with her own challenges; bullying protestors, career troubles and most of all a constant feeling of uneasiness due to a mysterious figure and harassing text messages. This novel was gripping and always kept me wanting to find out what was coming next. I could not put it down and would highly recommend it. Julie, VIC, 5 Stars
The love of a mother is a marvellous and strong thing. Thea Demetriou did not recognise the boy she had raised as quiet and loving to be the said monster she now travels to visit in jail where he has done time for the savage bludgeoning of his girlfriend. But as you continue in the book small doubts begin to surface as to his guilt while he commences his rehabilitation. The doubts grow and I found it impossible to put the book down as the author cleverly leads you from one suspect to another. An ending you won’t see coming in this highly readable novel. Sharon, NSW, 5 Stars
What does a parent do when a child is found guilty of manslaughter? How can we help that child find a way back into the world after serving time in prison? These are some of issues confronting Thea Demetriou when her son Stefan Christiansen is released on parole after serving three years of his sentence. While he has no memory of it, Stefan was found guilty of beating to death his girlfriend Belinda McCormack. Returning to life outside prison is made more difficult by community outrage and vigilante activity, partly fuelled by Belinda’s mother, Jill. At the same time, Thea receives text messages from someone who claims they knew what happened on the night Belinda was killed. This novel held my attention from beginning to end. I found myself wondering how I would feel if I was Thea or Jill. I found myself wondering how I would feel if I was Thea, or Jill. And, at the very end, I wondered about Stefan. Highly recommended if you are interested in a violent crime from a different perspective. Jennifer, ACT, 5 Stars
From the first intriguing sentence to the very last line, is a novel that keeps readers totally captivated considering the aftermath of violent crime from a perspective not previously contemplated. Part human drama, part crime thriller, Jacquelyn Mitchard’s latest is a powerful and thought-provoking read. Marianne, NSW, 5 Stars
Interesting book, how would you feel if your son was in prison for committing a murder, which he has no relocation of doing, The family is under constant strain from vandalism threats and protesters outside their home, and when Stefan is released from prison the situation gets worse, Thea struggles to understand her son at times but Stefan is determined to make a better life for himself which he does. A surprise ending I never saw coming. Deborah, NSW, 5 Stars
The Good Son is an emotionally charged story about Thea, a college professor, whose only son, Stefan, is released from prison after serving his sentence. He was convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Belinda, something he claims not to remember as he was high on drugs. However, not everyone is happy about his release as the term of his sentence seems too less for the extent of the crime. There is a deep insight into what happens to the people convicted for their crimes and their family. It doesn’t end with admitting guilt and serving the jail term for it. It is another struggle to pick up your life once back from prison and deal with all the judgement and bias. The rehabilitation of people released from prison is something this book discusses in detail. The premise of the book is intriguing. Stefan’s character was very appealing, as was his desire to better himself after coming out of prison. What did not appeal to me was that it felt a bit drawn out and became slow-paced at some places. Despite some slow spots, The Good Son makes a compelling read. Divya, NSW, 4 Stars
As a mother, this book was heart breaking. Your children don’t always take the path that you want them to, but how do you navigate loving a child who has committed a serious crime? Thea had to support her son Stefan when he was released from prison after 3 years in jail for killing his teenage girlfriend. With the entire community against them, Thea struggles to both understand and support her son. Gail, WA, 4 Stars
I enjoyed this book. It was a heavy read and you couldn’t skim read the pages like you can with some books. I sometimes found the descriptions of the environment to be a bit too long. It was definitely a slow burn, but worth the wait to get to the end. Kay, QLD, 4 Stars
This book was an interesting insight into the emotional journeys associated with crime, incarceration and life post incarceration. The characters and their interactions and relationships were well portrayed and explored and I enjoyed how the story unfolded. The idea behind the story and initial plot development were strong, but sometimes I felt could have been executed better. The inner thought life and emotions of the main story teller really brings you into the story and into a range of emotions that she experiences. The writing style and portrayal of family emotions seemed realistic and for me this is where the strengths of this book really are. There are themes of changing parenting roles, life stage adjustments, unanswered questions, public reputation and community acceptance are touched upon but could have been developed in a deeper way. But overall a solid read into a relatively under explored area of life post incarceration. Helen, QLD, 4 Stars
A really powerful and heartfelt crime read, kept me engaged and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next. Intense at times, pulls at heart strings and shows how a community can turn, a fast paced really good read. Julie, NSW, 4 Stars
The Good Son is a beautifully written novel that tells the heart-wrenching story of a mother’s quest to help her son, Stefan, return to ‘normal’ life after he has served a jail sentence for murdering his girlfriend. Stefan, not yet 21, has no memory of the night it happened, but is tormented by guilt and the desire to make some kind of atonement. The girl’s mother and Stefan’s surrounding community don’t believe he has served an adequate sentence; they picket the house, make threats, call in the media. Even old friends and family turn away. Threats escalate, strange events occur, and resolution and redemption seem to move further and further from Stefan’s grasp. As readers, we wonder if anyone can atone for murder, and yet we can empathise with Stefan’s mother’s belief in her ‘sweet boy’ and recognise the counter-productiveness of the community’s activism. The story is powerfully written, tense, full of twists and turns – yet ultimately uplifting. I even cried reading the acknowledgements (don’t skip them). It’s a bit long, but recommended, especially if you are interested in the nature of punishment and what it’s for. Susan, VIC, 4 Stars
This book was easy to read and captures your attention from the very start. It is an emotional journey that as a parent is confronting in parts. This book questions your feelings and beliefs as to how you would handle circumstances not only involving your child but of those loved ones around us. The momentum of the story does stall in the middle section to diverge which seems frustrating at first, however open mindedness allows you to think about the secondary people affected by the event. The ending does not follow traditional story lines however again challenges one’s beliefs. A great book to teach compassion and forgiveness. Kerrie, VIC, 4 Stars
A story about a mother’s love for her son, even when he has done the most unthinkable thing possible. We meet Thea and her son Stefan as she is picking him up from the prison gates on the day he is being released. They head back to a town that hasn’t forgotten nor will let him move on after only 3 years incarceration. Stefan is accused of killing his girlfriend & long time childhood friend, Belinda, in a drug fuelled rage that he has no memory of doing. We see Stefan through his mothers eyes, the boy he was when he went into prison & the young man he has now become. Stefan not only has to contend with the town and being a prisoner within his own home but also has to learn to grow up & learn about the changes in the world in the last 3years. There are times that Thea doesn’t recognise who he is anymore whilst all the time trying to work out who he’s become. The story does make you think about how you would react & if you would sympathise with Stephan or would you want him to do more time for his crimes. I haven’t read any of Jacquelyn Mitchard’s books before but found that the writing style was very detailed and descriptive, unfortunately I think for this reason I found the pace a bit on the slow side for me personally. This book would be enjoyed by those on a winters holiday, in front of a fireplace with a nice big cup of coffee to get in the mood & then enjoy the slower pace & the twists & turns the story takes! Alli, VIC, 3 Stars
A great thriller about guilt and forgiveness following a crime in a small town. It was a bit drawn out towards the middle but a compelling book overall. Vanessa, NSW, 3 Stars
I was so excited to receive a copy of The Good Son, I really thought I’d enjoy this book. Unfortunately the story was too slow and drawn out. I actually found the plot twist at the end to be disappointing. The book would have been so much better if it was about Stefan’s crime, how he dealt with it and the effects it had on the people around him. Trudy, SA, 3 Stars
Page 1 had me intrigued, however as the story developed, the ending was becoming predictable, although I kept page turning, hoping for a ‘plot twist’! Mandy, VIC, 3 Stars
While I enjoyed this book with the mystery and pace ramping up towards the end I found it a little longer than necessary. However it can’t have been an easy book to write either as it was quite confronting to read and consider. How would you cope with your only child being convicted of and serving time for the murder of his girlfriend? This book compels deep thinking about this scenario and how humans react to challenging situations in life. It was certainly well written but a few of the scenes seemed a bit far fetched to me. Thanks to Better Reading and Harper Collins for the opportunity to experience this tale. Karan, VIC, 3 Stars
This book opens with a mother picking her 20 year old son up from prison. He served time for killing his girlfriend. How the family and the community copes with Stefan returning is the first section. Stefan works hard on himself and comes up with a project to give back to the community. This section seemed too long and slow for me. The book ends with an explosive finish. Overall I found this an engaging read. This is a new author for me. I will explore other books of hers. Lisa, QLD, 3 Stars
The Good Son gives a view of what it is like when a loved one is released from prison and you live in a small town. Jacquelyn Mitchard writes in a way that the reader feels everything that the character is feeling. The way that the reader doesn’t know who was the killer till the end makes it the perfect ending. Anne, NSW, 3 Stars
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