Believe by S. M. Govett

 

Natalie has never fully recovered from the trauma of being raped by her boss ten years ago. Her life revolves around routines to protect her fragile mental health. When her husband, Ryan, is accused of raping his assistant, her life begins to spiral out of control.

It's always a little unnerving starting a novel that has had tons of brilliant reviews; you're filled with apprehension, hoping that the book will live up to expectations. This is exactly how I felt when I started Believe by S. M. Govett; thankfully, I had nothing to worry about, as it certainly deserves all the praise it has received.

The slow opening builds the backstory. We learn of Natalie's rape ten years earlier, and the trial in which the accused was acquitted. Shortly after the trial, Natalie started receiving anonymous hate mail, resulting in her having to move house and take out a restraining order. When the letters suddenly start up again after eight years, you immediately feel sympathetic towards Natalie as you realise how much the traumatic event continues to impact her life. You also feel anger directed towards the sender.

When Ryan is accused of rape by a colleague, Natalie's fragile hold on reality is shattered. She knows deep down that her husband would never commit such a terrible crime, but she struggles to comprehend why any woman would fabricate lies. As I read, I could understand the turmoil Natalie felt, wanting to support her husband, but also wanting to accept his accuser's version. Within twenty-four hours, the colleague is dead, and the case becomes even murkier.

The storyline alternates between Natalie and DI Helen Stratton. Natalie is desperate for understanding, fiercely trying to push through her mental health crises to uncover the truth about her husband, all while the police are looking for evidence to prove his guilt. The two perspectives keep the pace moving rapidly; you can feel the elation of the police as they uncover clue after clue, while also feeling Natalie's rising panic in her search for answers. Both women are equally driven, and at times their quest for answers blinds them. Natalie, in particular, is an unreliable narrator; her grasp on reality is tentative to the point where she isn't even sure about her own actions, and we begin to doubt her.

As the tension builds, shocking secrets are uncovered. Natalie loses trust in those she has always relied on, and we begin to question her actions. The twists come thick and fast towards the conclusion, and the big reveal will have your heart racing as the police narrow in on the guilty.

Author Details

S.M. Govett read Law at Trinity College, Oxford, before qualifying as a solicitor in the City. After realising that didn't suit her, she started tutoring before turning her hand to writing, which she discovered was her true calling. She has since authored several bestselling YA novels, including The Territory trilogy and We Go On Forever. She also co-wrote the screenplay for the feature film, T.I.M., which was the no. 1 film on Netflix upon release. Believe is her debut adult thriller.