The Forgotten Hours by Katrin Schumann

​I got this free as an Amazon First Reads, and while I thought Schumann's writing was strong and some interesting story elements were there, the book - as a whole - needed the strong (or perhaps stronger) hand of an editor. I'd give it a 2.5, and while I was unable to complete the book (it just couldn't hold my attention, unfortunately) I'd be willing to give Schumann's next effort a try.
 
Twenty-four year old Katie Gregory's childhood best friend Lulu accused Katie's father of sexual assault, and -- as he is being released after serving years in prison -- Katie must grapple with the truth of the past. There seemed to be pacing issues, in part because there was a wealth of detail and description that didn't always serve the character development or the plot. At times, descriptions were inserted in places that didn't feel organic; they actually slowed down what should have been faster pacing. At times, there were backstories or past events that seemed unnecessary -- once again -- because it didn't serve the plot or the characters.
 
I tend to enjoy slow pacing and deviations from the forward motion of the plot, as long as the author is serving up interesting meditations about the themes of a book. Unfortunately, that didn't seem to be the case with this book, in my opinion, so what I think was lacking were some much-needed cuts so that the story moved faster.
 
I'm definitely glad I gave this book a try though, and I'd be willing to read whatever Schumann writes next.