Study Guide

This thriller drew me in right from the beginning with a dual murder in the first few pages and an introduction to a troubled refugee named Ahmed. A local woman Sally and her young son are murdered in a cornfield and all the neighbors are shocked. As the murder investigation progresses, the author delves deeper into all the characters, including the victim and we are left with numerous possible suspects. Ahmed is a refugee with a lot of painful history and the author does a fantastic job of showing the reader his pain through her words. The writing is sharp and vivid and I was able to feel the raw grief of so many of the characters. I thought I knew who was responsible for this murder, but of course, there was a twist! And that twist made me rethink everything I read before!

"The Refugee" is a twisted thriller that will keep you guessing. Hopkinson does a great job at vivid scene depiction. You can't help but feel the emotions as the story unfolds.; leading to a shocking ending.

This short story delivers an emotional punch as Allie tries to piece together a night she’s terrified to remember. The St. Patrick’s Day backdrop makes her isolation hit even harder, with the world celebrating while she’s stuck in the same unanswered question.

For such a quick read, JC packs in a lot—steady tension, sharp pacing, and a reveal that lands exactly where it needs to. A fast, gripping look at guilt, memory, and finally facing what’s been hiding in the dark.