“29 Seconds” by T.M. Logan is a thriller that attempts to tackle the timely #MeToo subject matter, but ultimately falls short of its potential. The story follows Sarah Haywood, an English professor facing persistent sexual harassment from her department head, Alan Hawthorne. When offered a chance to make someone “disappear,” Sarah contemplates using it against her tormentor.

While the premise is intriguing and the initial setup creates tension, the novel suffers from several weaknesses. The characters lack depth, with Hawthorne quickly devolving into a caricatured villain rather than a nuanced antagonist. Sarah, the protagonist, frustratingly lacks agency throughout much of the story.

The plot, which starts promisingly, takes implausible turns and relies on far-fetched twists to propel the narrative forward. Although the short chapters maintain a brisk pace, the abrupt conclusion fails to provide a satisfying resolution to the story’s central conflicts.

Logan’s exploration of the #MeToo theme feels superficial, missing an opportunity for a more thoughtful examination of workplace harassment and its consequences. While the book touches on important issues, it doesn’t delve deep enough to make a lasting impact.

My Verdict:

Overall, “29 Seconds” cannot resonate strongly in my heart. Though I can relate to the struggles and problems of Sarah, I expected more maturity in the author’s presentation of the plot. Most of the time things appear too improbable and forced. The villain character is a stereotyped character with no dynamics. Even the person who proposed to Sarah with his plan to disappear the abuser seems not so realistic. But the only thing that kept me hooked till the end was Sarah’s journey, how singlehandedly she struggles with her life. for that reason, you can give it a try.

Buy the book