Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Review Tour & Giveaway: Day of Reckoning Seisan no hi by Don S. Hunter


DAY OF RECKONING SEISAN NO HI

by

Don S. Hunter

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Mystery
Publisher: Tellwell Talent
Publication Date: February 26, 2025
Page count: 216 pages


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SYNOPSIS:

Day of Reckoning Seisan no hi 清算の日​ follows a group of psychotherapists guiding six individuals through the aftermath of unsolved murders that took their loved ones. As they grapple with grief, justice, and a flawed legal system, hidden tensions emerge, leading to unexpected revelations. Inspired by real-life experiences, this gripping novel delves into loss, resilience, and the pursuit of closure, keeping readers on edge with its twists and psychological depth.

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ENJOY AN EXCERPT:

This present support group of six members was meeting in an old Baptist church basement on Dupont Street, and it ran for two hours.
 
Corey Samuels, a twenty-six-year-old Jewish man who worked in human resources for the Toronto Dominion Bank, was about five foot eight, and in that first meeting, he was dressed in a tweed sports jacket, shirt, tie, and beige cargo pants; Michael thought he looked a little like the actor Jeremy Renner. His brother Jamie had just turned nineteen when he was murdered three months ago while walking through the Ryerson buildings just south of Gerrard at Gould and Victoria Streets.
 
Corey shared with the group that he was at home that evening with his girlfriend, Monica, who is thirty and a TD bank manager – they have been dating for just over a year. That night, they were enjoying a quiet evening by the fire when the phone rang at about 1.30 am.
 
Corey spoke well that evening, expressing, “I knew that the phone ringing at 1.30 in the morning was never a good sign, and when I answered, it was my mom’s faint, broken voice … She said, ‘Jamie’s … gone, Corey!’ And I immediately asked, ‘What do you mean, he’s gone?’ Then I heard my dad’s voice explain, ‘Jamie was on his way home when he was jumped by a gang of young boys, beaten, robbed, and stabbed … and a witness called 911, but by the time the paramedics arrived … Jamie was dead.’ I was in shock … now, thinking back, it felt like a nightmare …” Corey had leaned forward in his chair, arms resting on his knees. “My dad said the police should be arriving soon to speak to me … but … ah ….” Corey took a deep breath, swallowed with a gulp. “I had to see him … I had to see Jamie … I’m not even sure why….” Corey had tears welling from his eyes and a hand on his stomach, “I felt it … in here …” He rubbed his stomach. “And my heart …” His hand slid up to his chest. “I had never felt anything like that before – li
ke I had been kicked hard in the gut. I knew the police were coming, but I couldn’t wait.”
 
Another member of the group, Jason, had then spoken up. “I can understand that need completely.”


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Don is retired from his psychotherapy practice and lives in Toronto with his wife and partner of over fifty years and a nine-month-old Great Dane. His two grown sons, their partners, and four grandchildren all live close to each other and visit often.

 

REVIEW:

5 stars!

Riveting reading, saturated with raw emotion. 

Day of Reckoning Seisan no hi by Don S. Hunter is the riveting story of a grief support group specifically for those who have lost a loved one to violence. Led by therapist Michael O’Donnell, whose beloved younger sister was murdered one night while walking to his home, the diverse group of six members reveal their stories, pain, and anger over their losses and the lack of closure from the apprehension and conviction of those responsible. Five of the victims’ murderers were never identified, while the sixth, a pair of killers, was released due to a technicality. 

The story unfolds from Michael’s point of view during the group sessions, as each member shares their story, discusses how they have been impacted by what has happened and participates in guided exercises. The emotional outpouring throughout the book is both hard to read and hard to look away from; the feelings are authentic and conveyed perfectly. I was completely drawn into these characters’ lives, pain, and struggles, especially when the group shifts toward considering personal actions or revenge to achieve their own closure. The lack of compassion, diligence, and follow-up with those left behind after a murder on the part of the police (who, frankly, lack the staffing and the mission to do all this) was particularly disturbing and disappointing for the grieving family members, leaving them feeling abandoned and forgotten. So, it was easy to imagine them wanting to exact their own day of reckoning. 

With its unique and riveting plot, relatable characters, and emotional impact, I recommend DAY OF RECKONING SEISAN NO HI to readers of psychological dramas.


GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!

Don S. Hunter will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.


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6 comments:

  1. Thank you for hosting and reviewing today.

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  2. The blurb and excerpt sound good.

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  3. I liked the excerpt.

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  4. The book sounds very intriguing. Great cover. Sure sets the mood!

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  5. Sounds like a good read.

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  6. This looks like a great read. Thanks for sharing.

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