The Accident (Katie McMahon, Echo)

In this second general fiction offering from the author of The Mistake, Katie McMahon provides a tangled web of 30- and 40-something characters, with overt crumbs leading to a trail of rising tension. As our band of characters face adultery, adolescence, stalkers, first love, mental health challenges, ticking biological clocks, parenting and romance, there is an explicit sense of inevitable doom. The dramatic entwining of these mostly first-world problems is told through three female perspectives: Grace, a vet and single mother of a troubled teen; Zoe, a newly in love and slightly quirky teacher; and Imogen, a socially awkward doctor-in-training. Those familiar with Hobart will appreciate occasional glimpses of the mountain in the novel’s picturesque southern setting. Primarily, this Moriarty-esque suspense explores the value of friendships and intimate relationships and how the formative experiences of our youths shape our lives. The Accident is a gripping read, brimming with relevant contemporary issues and identifiable characters. While some aspects of the ending feel a bit too neatly resolved, others are surprising. Quality examples of popular fiction such as this make sure-fire recommendations for holiday and escapist reading, and play a valuable role in upholding the view of reading as a pleasurable leisure activity—akin to binge-watching Netflix.

Joanne Shiells previously worked as a book buyer and Books+Publishing editor. She now teaches high school English.

Category: Reviews