The Boy: A Novel

By Tami Hoag

Now a New York Times bestseller

An unfathomable loss or an unthinkable crime? #1 New York Times bestselling author Tami Hoag keeps you guessing in her most harrowing thriller yet.
 
When Detective Nick Fourcade enters the home of Genevieve Gauthier outside the sleepy town of Bayou Breaux, Louisiana, the bloody crime scene that awaits him is both the most brutal and the most confusing he's ever seen. Genevieve's seven-year-old son, KJ, has been murdered by an alleged intruder, yet Genevieve is alive and well. Meanwhile, Nick's wife, Detective Annie Broussard, sits with the grieving Genevieve. A mother herself, Annie understands the devastation this woman is going through, but as a detective she's troubled: Who would murder a child and leave the only witness behind?
 
When KJ's babysitter, twelve-year-old Nora Florette, is reported missing the very next day, the town fears a maniac is preying on their children. With pressure mounting from a tough, no-nonsense new sheriff, the media, and the parents of Bayou Breaux, Nick and Annie dig deep into the dual mysteries. Is someone from Genevieve's past or present responsible for the death of her son? Is Nora a victim, or something worse? Then everything changes when Genevieve’s past as a convicted criminal comes to light. Could she have killed her own child to free herself from the burden of motherhood, or is the loss of her beloved boy pushing her to the edge of insanity? Could she have something to do with the disappearance of Nora, or is the troubled teen the key to the murder? How far will Nick and Annie have to go to uncover the dark truth of the boy?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Group
• Release date: Dec 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9781101985403

Tami Hoag

TAMI HOAG is the #1 international bestselling author of more than thirty books. There are more than forty million copies of her books in print in more than thirty languages. Renowned for combining thrilling plots with character-driven suspense, Hoag first hit the New York Times bestseller list with Night Sins, and each of her books since has been a bestseller. She lives in California.

Reviews for The Boy

[booklover915 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Nick Fourcade, a detective in Bayou Breaux, Louisiana, is a loose cannon whose tendency to speak before he thinks often gets him into trouble. He is devoted to his wife, Annie Broussard, his colleague on the force. Nick, who has Cajun roots, often lapses into French—with words of affection for Annie and vulgar put-downs of his enemies. Tami Hoag’s latest thriller, “The Boy,” involves the savage slaying of seven-year-old KJ Gauthier. KJ’s mother, Genevieve, escaped from her son’s killer and has been hospitalized with severe bruises and stab wounds. Nick and Annie interview Genevieve, a drug user who has struggled for years to make a living and care for her hyperactive son.

Nick faces numerous obstacles in his search for justice. Genevieve refuses to reveal details about her past; Nick’s obnoxious and overbearing boss, Sheriff Kelvin Dutrow, is an arrogant blowhard who makes no secret that he would relish firing Fourcade; and local reporters are increasingly critical of the police for failing to solve this and other open cases. Later, another youngster disappears, and the pressure builds to find out why this small town has suddenly become a hotbed of crime. Yet another complication is Dutrow’s strained relationship with his fiancée, Sharon Spicer, a widower who worries more about her image than she does about her fourteen-year-old, Cameron.

“The Boy” is a dreary and violent tale about dysfunctional families, poverty, adultery, guilt, betrayal, and retribution. There are few likable characters with whom we can identify. Annie is the kindest and sanest of the lot, but she is perpetually worried about whether Nick’s hair-trigger temper will cost him his job. Adding to the chaos are the Florettes, a large clan who barely get by on a shoestring budget. Their mother, JoJean, allows her kids to run wild, with predictably disastrous consequences. The plot is too convoluted, the dialogue is harsh and profane, and the violent and melodramatic conclusion could not be more over-the-top. Still, the author maintains a high level of suspense, and she inserts compelling and timely psychological elements. Furthermore, Hoag skillfully evokes the colorful atmosphere and culture of Louisiana’s Cajun country. Most readers will be curious to learn who did what to whom and why, but there is so much savagery, rage, and viciousness in this work of fiction that “The Boy” turns out to be more disturbing than entertaining.

[gpangel_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Boy by Tami Hoag is a 2018 Dutton publication. Wow! This is one of Hoag’s best and I’ve read many of her books over the years!!When a young single mother is the victim of a late night home invasion which leaves her hospitalized, and her young son dead, Broussard and Fourcade must tiptoe through the murky waters of law enforcement politics and worrisome circumstantial evidence to find the truth. The hot and steamy Louisiana humidity is almost palpable as the restless tension between the married detectives, Annie Broussard and Nick Fourcade, ebbs and flows. But it is nothing like the tension between Nick and his new boss, who is keeping Nick on a tight leash, threatening to cut him loose at any moment. However, it is this puzzling case that keeps the reader on the edge of their seats. The murder of a child sets the emotional tone right from the start. The child’s mother, Genevieve Gauthier, seems to have a sordid past, and has made a few questionable parenting decisions, including the selection of an unreliable teenage girl to babysit her son.Seeking answers from the babysitter, the detectives become concerned when the girl hasn’t been seen in a few days. The investigation is also stymied by a lot of political wrangling and jockeying for position within the law enforcement arena. This combination of events kept me riveted to the pages, watching in horror as events spiraled completely out of control. I love this detective team. Annie is more even tempered, but she’s also more emotional. However, her powers of observation are amazing. Nick, on the other hand, with his French vernacular and Cajun slang has a bit of a temper and he has a very hard time keeping it under control. Although the couple is experiencing some tension in their relationship, they are a sexy couple, and I enjoy watching them interact. They also make a good detective team, even though they often clash and have a vastly different approach to their jobs. There is another storyline in the book which is very heart wrenching, making this not only a great crime thriller, but also a very thought- provoking piece of fiction. The shades of gray, and the high pitch emotions had my heart up in my throat. I’ve been a fan of this author for many years. Hoag writes very solid, atmospheric stories and really knows how to ramp up the suspense. She outdid herself with this one, I must say. I’d been waiting to read this one for a long time as the publication date kept getting pushed back and my review schedule prevented me from getting to it as quickly as I’d hoped. However, the wait was well worth it. If you like tense, atmospheric thrillers, with complex characters and personalities, and mysteries that will keep you guessing to the bitter end, this one is for you. Plus, despite being ‘Team Annie’ for most of this story, that audacious, but very principled, Frenchman- Nick Fourcade, really grows on you.

[kempka-2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Tami Hoag has been a favorite author of mine for many years, starting with the first book I read by her, Cry Wolf. And that was many years ago. A few weeks back, I was snooping around Wal-Mart and found The Boy. Looked interesting; haven’t read her in a while, yeah, why not. I am so glad I caved to that little splurge.When I first listed it on GoodReads as “currently reading”, I posted a comment claiming to know who the killer was very early on. I was completely wrong. And I’m glad I was wrong. There are hints as to who the real killer is in this book, and I did get it right about halfway through the book. Well, I had strong suspicions but when I updated my progress on GR, I kept my fingers quiet this time.Anyway, getting back to the book; since I hadn’t read Hoag in a few years, I had forgotten how beautifully written some of her sentences were, especially when she verbally paints a scene or the atmosphere of a bayou. One sentence struck me as particularly poetic and I read it over and over again enjoying its simplicity while marveling at its gravity. The last sentence in a descriptive paragraph carried the weight of an anchor. To make better sense, I will include the sentence before it simply because it enhances the impact of that final sentence I love so much.“Peace had settled in a temporary hush over the basin. Nature’s held breath before the new day could begin” (313).I mulled that sentence over for several minutes, and I remember thinking how utterly awesome that sentence was. Nature, being a living thing, does not need personification, but somehow Hoag collected all parts of a living nature and combined them into one “thing.” A “thing” that breathes, yet pauses, and allows the rest of its ‘parts’ to pick up and carry on. “Nature’s held breath…” a silent pause. Bravo! That’s the great thing about being a slow reader; well-written sentences don’t go unnoticed.I highly recommend this book

[darcia_10 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely one of my favorite books of 2018!I've been a fan of Tami Hoag's writing since I first discovered her work about 20 years ago, and I've never been disappointed. 'The Boy' is a standout for a variety of reasons. It's one of those books that had me so engrossed, when I looked up, I was surprised by my surroundings. I felt like I was right inside the story.The characters are all well developed, complex, realistic, and interesting. I wanted to spend time with them and know them better. The plot is intense and emotional. This story makes you feel things, whether you want to or not.While this is the second book in a series, it reads perfectly as a stand-alone. Have I mentioned that I loved this book? The only complaint I have is now I have to wait for the next Tami Hoag novel.*I received an advanced ebook copy from the publisher, via NetGalley.*

[carol420 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have read Tami Hoag's work for many years and always enjoyed them. Her latest...[The Boy] was no exception. This author has the ability to take the reader out of their favorite armchair and place them right into the story. Her two lead characters of Nick and Annie are very strong and extremely likable as well as excellent at their careers as detectives. it was a real "whodoneit" but I was a little disappointed...not because it was a let down but because I also liked that person. Great book...wonderful, readable author.

[susan.macura · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Detectives Nick Fourcade and Annie Broussard, husband and wife, find themselves in the middle of a case involving the brutal murder of a seven-year-old boy where the mother suffered severe injuries but escaped in an attempt to find help. As they work to solve this case, more deaths accumulate that are combined with issues of domestic abuse, sexual abuse and bullying to lead to an ending that is a complete surprise. It was a fascinating tale of good and evil, things that are not mutually exclusive.

[joannemonck · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A book that keeps you guessing. A young single mother, an autistic child (who is killed) and all the people involved in finding the killer. Rather disturbing book about the capabilities of children but will keep you guessing to the end

[juju2cat · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a thrill of a book! I had this on audiobook and found myself taking lunch breaks in my car and sitting in the car after work to listen. After things got really dicey I had to run out to buy a CD player to finish it in one fell swoop. It's a great police procedural and I loved Annie and Nick. Hopefully there will be more. This book has it all (besides murder); there was a great deal of compassion and heartache and wisdom. I'm a bit at sea right now since finishing it. I hated for it to end.

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Boy
4 Stars

Homicide detectives Nick Fourcade and Annie Broussard investigate the horrific attack on a young single mother and her small son, which left him dead and her struggling with severe injuries. As Nick and Annie question who would kill a child and leave a living witness, they must also contend with the disappearance of the boy's 12-year-old babysitter. Are the events connected and is someone targeting the children of Bayou Breaux?

Series note: As the events take place 6 years following the previous installment, it is possible to read this as a standalone. Nevertheless, readers interested in Nick and Annie's past should definitely read book #1.

Although the narrative is slow to start with the build-up of the details surrounding the crime and the introduction of the various characters and their motivations, the tension soon ratchets up and the climax and resolution are intense and exciting.

Once again, the setting is immersive and Hoag is skilled at drawing out the nuances of a small community with a diverse population as well as providing detailed descriptions for each and every character whether major or minor.

The updates on Nick and Annie's life are one of the highlights of the book. While it is clear that they love each other deeply, their conflicting personalities and the issues they must contend with in their daily lives provide a realistic portrayal of marriage being hard work.

The case itself is gripping with numerous twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. That said, there comes a time when the identity of the killer becomes glaringly obvious and all that remains is to follow along as the detectives reach the same conclusion.

In sum, an enjoyable sequel and I look forward to reading the next book, which comes out in June.

[zmagic69 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is really a 3 1/2 star book.
The story premise was great but my god how this book dragged on. One problem with female authors I’ve noticed is there is the tendency to add way to much detail around relationships and feelings of the characters in the story. That was true with this book and it added about 100 unneeded pages.
This is only the second book by this author I have read but I definitely like the twists the stories take and her use of misdirection.