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.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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