First Impressions

From the first few pages, the emotional weight is heavy. The way Gitsham opens with the mystery of the fire immediately draws in tension, and the non‑linear timeline teases at hidden motives. I found myself unsettled, intrigued, and turning pages fast.

---

Narrative & Characters

Told from shifting viewpoints and across different timelines, the story unpacks slowly, which really works for the kind of layered tension it’s building.

---

Themes & Tone

As the title suggests, this is a story about what comes after—after the tragedy, after the choices, after the truth. It deals with themes like trauma, sibling loyalty, memory, grief, and how far people will go to protect those they love. The tone is dark and uneasy throughout, but never hopeless. It’s unsettling in a way that keeps you hooked.

---

Twists, Pacing & Payoff

The pacing is pitch-perfect: just when you feel grounded, the story shifts.

---

Writing Style

Gitsham has a powerful writing style, full of emotional intensity and psychological depth.

---

Perfect For Fans Of:

• Lisa Jewell
• T.M. Logan
• Ruth Ware

These authors likewise explore domestic suspense, buried secrets, and fractured relationships.

---

Final Thoughts

The Aftermath is a slow-burning but powerful thriller, full of atmosphere and moral complexity. It asks you to sit with discomfort, question your assumptions, and look closely at what people hide—even from themselves. A smart, emotionally layered story that lingers after you turn the last page.