Megan Abbott’s You Will Know Me arrived at the top of my reading pile with perfect timing. Although I have no interest in the Olympics, it’s fairly much impossible to ignore the associate hype and media coverage.

So a book centred around a gymnast – oft described by her parents as extraordinary (and more!) – and her family and supporters’ push for her success was an apt reading choice.

You Will Know Me
by Megan Abbott
Published by Picador
on July 26th 2016
Genres: Thriller / Suspense
ISBN: 9781509817276
Pages: 344

Goodreads

Katie and her husband Eric have made their daughter Devon the centre of their world. Talented, determined, a rising gymnastics star, Devon is the focus of her parents' lives and the lynchpin of their marriage. There is nothing they wouldn't do for her.

When a violent hit-and-run accident sends shockwaves through their close-knit community, Katie is immediately concerned for her daughter.

She and Eric have worked so hard to protect Devon from anything that might distract or hurt her. That's what every parent wants for their child, after all. Even if they don't realize how much you've sacrificed for them.

As noted in the blurb, Katie and Eric’s world revolves around Devon – who, on all accounts seems to be a good kid. Though unflinchingly driven and somewhat self-centred. Indeed, I felt impossibly sorry for their younger whippet-smart son Drew, whose life is planned around his sister’s commitments.

The hit and run accident lays bare the supportive but competitive gymnastic community and its fallout has vast repercussions.

We’re in Katie’s head throughout the novel, and though she’s willingly supported Eric and Devon’s ambitions in the past, she now can’t help but wonder if she’s doing the right thing by her daughter.

I very much enjoyed most of this book. Abbott builds the suspense well, so you know something is coming but not quite sure what. And after the hit and run, we aren’t sure who to trust. We have our suspicions but Abbott unfurls secrets slowly, causes us to doubt almost everyone, and emotions run high.

For me there was a little dip when a secret is revealed and I wondered what else there was to say… but thankfully Abbott adds another triple twist or double pike or two (see what I did there?!) and we’re left with some ethical dilemmas.

This is the first book I’ve read by Abbott and book blogger friends assure me I’d enjoy the rest of her work, so I’m looking forward to more from the Edgar-winning author.

You Will Know Me by Megan Abbott was published in Australia by Pan Macmillan and is now available.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.