The Evidence by K.L. Slater

While investigating a case of a woman imprisoned for killing her controlling husband, a podcaster journalist has to deal with the sudden disappearance of her sister. There isn't much evidence in either case and as the pressure mounts, the protagonist has to cope with her disabled son and her estranged husband.

Often the narrative is repetitive in the hunt for evidence, which drags the story down a little, especially at the beginning, but as things start to take shape it's clear what this book is about. Ultimately it is about control, from the blatant stereotypical male dominance to the subtle controlling behaviours people unwittingly carry out. Not forgetting the caricature of a domineering mother-in-law.

The Evidence is undoubtedly a psychological thriller and has a couple of surprises, one of which I didn't foresee, but the book is far too long in its preamble. Plus, the only likeable character who seemed to show any sympathy for anyone other than themselves is the woman imprisoned for murder. Perhaps that is the point but there needs to be  a hero to root for.

Easy to read if the jumbled timeline doesn't get in the way.

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Published by Bookouture on 1 July 2021.
​Advanced review copy supplied by the publisher.