When they were children, Sae, Maki, Akiko and Yuko were tricked into separating from their friend Emily by a mysterious stranger. Then the unthinkable occurs: Emily is found murdered hours later.

Sae, Maki, Akiko and Yuko weren't able to accurately describe the stranger's appearance to the police after the Emily's body was discovered. Asako, Emily's mother, curses the surviving girls, vowing that they will pay for her daughter's murder.

Like Confessions, Kanae Minato's award-winning, internationally bestselling debut, Penance is a dark and voice-driven tale of revenge and psychological trauma that will leave readers breathless. - Goodreads

Kanae Minato has written a psychological thriller that will stay with readers long after they finish the book. Penance follows the lives of four young girls and the aftermath of their friend's murder. The book is written from each of the girls' perspectives as well as from the murdered girl's mother. The mother's perspective is particularly heartbreaking as she tries to grapple with her guilt and grief due to how she handled the situation.

The chapters are all incredibly well written, and they build dread in the reader as they wait to see how the aftermath of the murder will play out. The characters are all incredibly believable, and their voices ring true. As the girls grow up and more time has passed since the murder, the more the murder haunts them. Each chapter builds on the previous one, making for a gripping read that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Minato's writing is beautiful and haunting. She expertly explores the psychological effects of trauma and grief. This is a book that will stay with readers for a long time.

If you're looking for a gripping psychological thriller, look no further than Penance by Kanae Minato. You won't be able to put it down.
Rating: 10/10