Review of 'Something He Did' by SK Lynch

The story is set in the bustling streets of Melbourne and begins with a moment of road rage leading to a car accident. This event propels two characters onto divergent paths—one finding unforeseen success, while the other descends into chaos. Detective Sergeant Claudia Russo, the focal point of the investigation into a missing eighteen-year-old girl, is embroiled in her own struggles, grappling with loss and a complicated romance that threatens her career.

Lynch's writing delves into multiple perspectives, including Claudia, a hard-edged police officer, and Amber and Jake, who are caught in the aftermath of the accident. As the narrative shifts between Day 1, when their lives are altered, and Day 480, when Jake is reporting his daughter Brooke missing, the complexity of their circumstances unfolds. Amber is working through personal challenges, including chemotherapy and custody issues, while Jake's double life complicates his identity and responsibilities.

As the plot develops, the urgency intensifies—Claudia is initially dismissive of Brooke's disappearance, assuming she is merely enjoying herself, but external pressures force her and her colleague Ivan to pursue the case. The introduction of a second-person narrative from the kidnapper adds further complexity, revealing their motivations and inner conflicts.

Lynch's skillful plotting keeps readers engaged, blending devastating twists with moments of bleak hope. The characterization, particularly of Jake, evokes both disdain and empathy, highlighting the duality of human experiences. While the narrative multiple timelines and viewpoints might require careful attention, the reward is a richly woven tale that challenges initial assumptions.

'Something He Did' ultimately reveals unexpected resolutions and the intricate web of life choices leading to karma. This review was based on an advance copy provided for evaluation.