Out of the Crash

by Susan Poole

After a fatal hit-and-run devastates their close-knit community, author Caroline Beasley and high school senior Ethan Shawver find themselves at a crossroads as their lives intertwine in unexpected ways. Both are left reeling as they try to make sense of the tragedy that has irrevocably changed their lives.

Caroline struggles with the dark implications of her son's role in the crash, feeling the weight of guilt and despair. Meanwhile, Ethan grapples with the sudden loss of his mother and stumbles upon a disturbing family secret that threatens to upend everything he believes. As they each search for truth and healing, they must confront their deepest fears and regrets to find a way forward.

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2025

Reviews

[Stephanie K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Familial drama isn't necessarily my go-to genre, but I was intrigued by the premise of the ripple effect in a small community following a hit-and-run fatality, as well as the author's self-blurb about being interested in exploring moral grey areas; looking at things with respect for the complexity and depth that they warrant.

Well, I ended up really enjoying this. I thought the writing was skillful and the pacing was perfect. It was easy to fly right through these chapters. I may have even teared up at one point. I appreciated the different character perspectives and there were a handful of plot developments that I definitely did not anticipate. I also think writing teenager speak can be tricky and the author nailed it lol.

I hope this novel gets the attention it deserves because I was very pleasantly surprised.

[Kendall Tener · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Out of the Crash” does such a great job of exploring the blurry lines of human nature when faced with a problem that’s not black or white. The different perspectives really kept me on my toes and pulled at my heart in all directions. It makes you think hard about what’s right and wrong, especially as the characters’ relationships get tested. It’s one of those stories that sticks with you and makes you reflect long after you’ve finished it.

I couldn’t be more proud of my mom, she’s such an incredible writer and her dedication to getting a book published was so inspiring!!! I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it as much as I did.

[Sheila's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out now! Congratulations on having your debut published! 🎉

I haven't been so caught up in a book in a very long time. This debut novel is about a fatal hit and run of a cyclist by a 17 yr old boy - a young mom left to die by the side of the road, and the ripple effect it has on the community and the two families involved.

Oh how I was consumed by the story! Poole's writing style just grabs and pulls you in with her easy pacing and characters who feel so real, I connected with them right away.

I enjoyed how she used social media and group texts making it feel fresh and relevant.

I just kept thinking, my son will be driving in a few years. What if this happened to him...how far would I go to protect him? The lines of right and wrong can blur and the different perspectives in this multiple POV story had me literally wondering if I would do the right thing.

It was heartbreaking to read /feel the raw emotion and grief from both families. How does a young boy learn to live with taking someone's life. It shows how fast relationships can be severed, how outsiders can be cruel and how a parent can question their own child in the aftermath of a tragedy.
But at the heart of the story is forgiveness in many forms and healing.

Susan Poole you made me cry and had me reflecting on this story days after finishing it. It was an achingly heartbreaking ,raw and real and I will sing your praises to everyone. I cannot wait to read more of your books.

[Whitney Arnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks so much @katerockliteraryservices for my tour spot for Out of the Crash by @susanpooleauthor.

Out of the Crash is a powerful and emotional story about grief, healing, and second chances. After a fatal hit-and-run devastates a small community, author Caroline Beasley and high school senior Ethan Shauver find their lives unexpectedly intertwined. Both are forced to confront heartbreak, fear, and regret as they search for truth and a path forward.

This one is heartfelt, raw, and deeply moving and story that lingers long after the last page.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susan Poole’s Out of the Crash is a riveting novel that begins with a sudden tragedy and spirals into an emotional reckoning for two families in the small town of Shawnee Springs. Caroline Beasley, a breast cancer survivor and bestselling author, returns from a motivational speaking event only to find her son Kyle in a tailspin. At the same time, Ethan Shawver, a high school senior, learns that his beloved mother, Amy, has been fatally struck by a car while biking, a car driven by Kyle. The book follows the emotional fallout, not just from the accident itself, but from the long shadows of grief, guilt, and family strain that it casts. Told through alternating perspectives, it weaves a tense and heartfelt portrait of trauma and how lives can fall apart and rebuild after a single moment.

I was completely pulled in by Poole’s style. Her writing has a natural rhythm, unforced and full of small, familiar details that make the characters feel like people I know. The dialogue felt real, awkward, warm, and messy, and the use of social media and group texts to open the story made it like something from the present day. Caroline’s complicated: resilient but vulnerable, confident but riddled with guilt. Watching her struggle with motherhood, ambition, and marriage felt all too real. Ethan’s side of the story was just as gripping. His pain was raw, unfiltered. The scene when he finds out about his mother’s death actually made me tear up. There’s something honest in how Poole handles grief. Not in a grand way, but in the everyday chaos it causes.

The middle dipped slightly as characters circled the same emotions, and I found myself wanting more movement in the plot. But then again, real grief doesn’t follow a tight arc, and maybe that’s the point. The book is strongest when it focuses on the interior lives of its characters. It doesn’t rely on big twists. It leans into emotional honesty, which is brave and a little brutal. There are moments when I didn’t like the characters much, Kyle’s denial, Jordan’s detachment, Caroline’s self-righteousness, but I never stopped caring about them. That’s the magic. Poole makes it hard to look away even when things get uncomfortable.

I’d recommend Out of the Crash to readers who appreciate layered family stories that don’t shy away from hard truths. If you liked Little Fires Everywhere or Ask Again, Yes, this one will be right up your alley. It’s a book for people who aren’t afraid to sit in the middle of the storm and wait for the quiet to come. And if you’ve ever been a parent, a child, or someone trying to hold it together when your world is falling apart, this story will resonate with you.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Out of the Crash, Susan Poole has captured the essence of small-town life, and how one devastating incident causes waves of reactions.

A fatal hit-and-run accident instantly changes the direction of the life of Caroline Beasley, a breast-cancer survivor, well-known speaker, and the mom of the youth involved in the collision.

And Ethan Shawver, a high school student, grapples with the sudden, unexpected death of his mother, exacerbated by the fact he knows the person who hit her.

But more than that, the accident forces both Caroline and Ethan to take a second look at their lives.

This well-written, compelling story is equal parts narrative and character study. Poole does a fabulous job detailing the thoughts, feelings, and actions of both Caroline and Ethan. Caroline reevaluates her life while Ethan discovers long-held secrets about his family—especially his mother.

The author has not only created the main characters with depth but masterfully weaves the secondary characters into the story. She leaves the reader no choice but to feel the rushes of the adrenaline-charged emotions as the entire town deals with a horrendous accident.

Out of the Crash is a fascinating and thoughtful look at what happens when life changes in a blink of an eye, and how individuals navigate their new reality. It’ll have you reading well beyond your bedtime.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Terry

This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...

[dianas_books_cars_coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a debut, and it was really good! I will definitely be on the lookout for the author's next book.

In the wake of a fatal hit-and-run incident that has shaken the small town of Shawnee Springs, two families are forced to navigate the difficult aftermath. Caroline Beasley, a breast cancer survivor and author, is grappling with the fact that her son fled the scene. Ethan Shawver, a high school senior, is mourning the loss of his mother. Both are experiencing profound devastation, and their lives have been irrevocably altered.

Told in the dual POVs of Caroline and Ethan, this was a captivating read. It was emotional and raw. The pacing was good and I loved reading both viewpoints. Caroline struggled with being there for her family and her career. The tragedy gave her a whole new outlook. Ethan's relationship with his father was already strained, and with the passing of his mother, the question of their future coexistence looms large, especially with the revelation of a hidden family secret. The unfolding drama held my attention completely, and I couldn't wait to see what happened. There was even a touch of a "Romeo & Juliet" style romance. If you're looking for a family drama that deals with grief and the gray areas of life this is the book for you! I definitely recommend this one!🩷

[Teresa Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Out of the Crash
Susan Poole @susanpooleauthor
7/28/2025
Wild Rose Press

Out of the Crash hit me on an emotional level I wasn’t expecting. The alternating perspectives made the characters feel so real—every chapter peeled back another layer, showing how one moment of tragedy rippled through an entire community. I found myself completely pulled into the lives of these two families, watching how heartbreak and buried secrets slowly surfaced in a town where everyone is more connected than they realize. The story is rich in emotional tension but told with such sensitivity that I couldn’t help but ache for each character, even when they were at odds.

What struck me most was how both mothers—Caroline and Amy—were driven by the same fierce instinct: to protect their children, whether it was from public shame, grief, or the consequences of past mistakes. In a small town, nothing stays hidden for long, and this book captured that sense of tangled intimacy perfectly. It’s a quiet kind of powerful—less about the crash itself, and more about the aftermath, the healing, and the reckoning. I closed the book thinking not just about the characters, but about how we all carry pieces of each other’s stories.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Kate Rock Book Tours for having me along on this books journey.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the Crash is a story any parent — or any family — can recognize, especially if you’ve lived in a small town where opinions travel faster than facts. Susan Poole pulls back the curtain on the messy, complicated dynamics that shape families behind closed doors. The two families at the center of the novel are flawed in ways that feel painfully real, and their missteps only deepen the authenticity of the story.

When a teenage boy hits and runs the mother of a classmate, the town’s quirks and fault lines come rushing to the surface. Everyone has something to say, even as no one truly understands what’s happening inside the homes at the heart of the tragedy. Poole lets you peer into those windows, reminding you that no family is exactly what they seem and no life is as tidy as it appears from the outside.

The novel wrestles with moral ambiguity in a way that lingers. It quietly asks: What would you do if it were your family? Your child? Your mistake? And before you know it, you’re reflecting on the choices parents make every day and the thin line between good intentions and unintended consequences.

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy exploring family dynamics, complicated relationships, and the poor choices teenagers are destined to make. It’s a thoughtful, reflective read for anyone who appreciates stories that live in the gray areas.

[Janis Daly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of the Crash is a gripping, emotionally layered novel that explores how a single, tragic moment can splinter lives. Told with authenticity and depth, the story winds like a fast-moving river, showing how the accident and subsequent decisions related to the accident carve and shape each character.
As a mother, I found myself grateful my sons' teenage years are behind me, those days when so much lies beyond a parent’s reach. This story doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does offer empathy to uncover the troubling emotions when one is overwhelmed by guilt or grief. It strikes deep and personal as we follow the arc of each character through strength and a well-paced unveiling of each one’s inner turmoil.

What stands out most is the way Poole shows how one moment can unite and sever. Relationships collapse. Parents question every decision. Teenagers stumble through the ruins of who they thought they were. And yet, amid the pain, there are glimmers of hope and redemption that feel earned rather than imposed.

Out of the Crash is the kind of book that lingers long after the final page—intimate, intense, and achingly real.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young man, a senior in high school with his whole future ahead of him, is involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident with a cyclist. A mother is left to die on the side of the road. A small community and two families are shaken to their core.

🚲 🚲 🚲 🚲 🚲

This story got my anxiety up! As a mother, I was tense and heartbroken for both families. The author made this so up close and personal, as the families involved both have teenagers who attend the same high school; they know each other, and now their lives become entangled by grief.

Told through alternating perspectives, it was hard to watch the grief and anger tear apart the families from within. I would have liked to have been inside the head of these characters a little more, but you can’t mistake their pain and suffering - I couldn’t begin to imagine being in this type of situation. While a few secrets are revealed, there are no big, shocking twists. They aren’t needed; it’s emotional and raw enough. And the ending was truly satisfying.

3.5 ⭐️

Thank you KateRockLiteraryServices and susanpooleauthor for the #gifted book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @susanpooleauthor @KateRockLiteraryServices 
for my complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

SUMMARY: In the aftermath of a terrible hit-and-run, Caroline Beasley and high school senior Ethan Shawver find their lives intertwined in unexpected and deeply challenging ways. Caroline wrestles with guilt over her son's involvement in the tragedy, while Ethan copes with his mother's death and uncovers a troubling family secret. As both navigate their grief and seek truth, they are forced to confront their fears and regrets, ultimately striving for healing in a changed world.

MY THOUGHTS: This is a layered narrative that delves into the complex emotions surrounding a devastating tragedy. Ethan and his father grapple with the loss of their beloved wife and mother, the heart of their family, while Caroline and her husband contend with the overwhelming fears, guilt, and sorrow that come with being the parents of the individual responsible for the accident. The author skillfully examines the intricate dynamics of grief and responsibility in this poignant story. If you enjoy women’s fiction and family drama, this book may resonate with you!

[Devons book corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book when I dived into it, but holy moly was it good. This debut novel will tug at all of your feelings, and it makes you really stop and think. When a 17 yr old boy hits a young mom and leaves her to die on the side of the road, not only does it talk about the effect that it has on the two families, but it also talks about what it did to the community as a whole as well. This book is extremely heartbreaking, very raw and real, and really makes you stop and think about things. Two family's lives were changed forever, and it gives you a deeper look into humans as a whole, and why we do the things that we do (even though they may not be right). For a debut novel, I thought this story was very descriptive and really knew what it was doing when it came to making the reader feel a lot of different ways. This is a story that once you start it, you won't be able to put it down.

[Ag · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book with remarkable psychological depth, emotional complexity, and themes of family dynamics in the wake of trauma, perfect for those who love reading about social justice, particularly concerning legal and health-related issues.
The book might be perfect for younger audiences, specifically those in their late teens to mid-twenties, who may connect with the book’s characters who are navigating the complications amid significant life challenges. It might also be the perfect book club read – if you have others who read the same books you do and then actually want to talk about what you have all read.
The book reflects complex feelings surrounding grief, loss, and resilience; it’s filled with relationships, personal struggles, and psychological nuances. It’s complex, introspective, heartbreaking, realistic, and emotional, with a lot of grief, anger, sadness, and hope spilling from its pages.

[Brenda Haas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Poole’s wonderfully complex fiction features two neighboring families embroiled in an emotional legal conflict following a fatal hit-and-run. I LOVE that Out of the Crash is told from opposing points of view, allowing readers to hear the story from a member of each family. Caroline, a cancer survivor, must come to terms with her teenage son’s actions, which lead to the death of a much-loved and respected community mom. Meanwhile, the victim’s son, Ethan, must reconcile his own fractured relationships and family secrets while processing the loss of his mother. Poole does an exceptional job of leaving the reader to question just how many shades of gray can be created from black and white. I look forward to more from this author. Great debut effort and well worth the read!

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Susan Poole’s first novel is an absolute standout! I was hooked from the beginning, thanks to her clever use of a neighborhood social media page to kick off a story brimming with moral quandaries, family drama, high school interactions and intense emotions. The core of the story revolves around two families whose lives are irrevocably changed by a tragic accident, and Poole brilliantly explores the blurred lines between right and wrong. I found myself reflecting on the believability of the characters and their situations, making me think of “what if” moments that could happen in anyone’s life. While reading, the novel gave me a strong Jodi Picoult vibe - the writing is authentic and engaging, making you not want it to end. Cannot wait to see what Susan Poole writes next!

[Robin Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two families struggle through the after-math of a tragedy when a teenage driver accidentally hits and kills a bicyclist.
The best part of this book is that the author covers both sides of the story. Of course we empathize with the family who lost a loved one, but this book also gets readers to think about the teen and his family. How tragic that a young man, about to go to college on a full scholarship, is facing vehicular homicide charges and prison time after a split-second accident.
The author explores how tragedy can tear families apart or bring them closer together as well as cause people to reevaluate what's important in life. It's also a warning how people often jump to judge without knowing the entire picture. The story feels realistic without becoming too heavy.

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of the Crash by Susan Poole is a thriller about a hit and run that takes the life of a mom and community member in a close town. Caroline is a mom to one of the young people involved in the crash and Ethan and his family are also involved in the car crash as well. This is such an emotional story about a small community and an accident that divides a community and several families. I really liked the story overall and it is such an interesting message about human beings and how we all react and deal with crisis. The writing was engaging and a quick read you can not put down until you finish the story and find out what happens to all involved and the fallout of their actions. I highly recommend this one to fans of thrillers and family issues along with emotional reads!

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed how the author told the story from both families POV. I was excited to open the book to a neighborhood chat page as this is a very fun way to read the book. I would have liked to see more chats in the book but it is an excellent read without it also. It’s heartbreaking in so many ways. The family grieving the loss of a wife and mother and a family grieving the loss of a child’s innocence and struggling to face what he did. The family dynamics are a huge part of the story as each family had internal struggles also. As a mother this book left me thinking of my kids and what I would do in both families situations.

[Susan Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sort of novel I most enjoy, with a page-turning plot, interesting moral dilemmas, and writing so good that the characters come alive on the page. Right up to the end, I wondered what choices the characters would make. In this story, Susan Poole excelled at showing us the ups and downs of family life and the challenges of parenthood.

None of us know how we will respond in times of crisis, or how our feelings for someone else might affect our moral compass. This book emphasizes how some decisions that may seem black or white are often influenced by many factors, making them more gray.

[Brit W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an emotional ride that I wasn’t expecting! The multiple perspectives showed how each family navigated their grief and attempted to heal. I didn’t feel like I was being swayed to feel for one family versus the other, but to consider how both sides were impacted as their lives were uprooted in completely different ways.

As a mother, this book had me all out of sorts and my heart ached for both families at the center of this story. This was emotionally charged and a heart-wrenching read, but deeply shows the depth of grieving, healing, and forgiveness.

I appreciate the opportunity have received a gifted copy and my review is honest and voluntary.

[Leah Ratchford · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a fatal hit and run accident leaves a beloved mother and member of town dead, two families lives are torn apart forever. This story explores how this tragedy affected an entire town and how the two families deal with heartbreak.

One tragic moment can both unite and sever, bringing families closer, and tearing another apart. What once was reality, has come crashing down. But the only way through ends up being together. So many emotions are expressed in this novel. As a mom it ripped at my heartstrings, having put myself in both positions in this book, really helped me put into perspective how fleeting life is, and just how quickly everything can change forever.

[Ellen Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I can’t praise the author enough for this book. A tragedy can affect many people beyond the victim and their family and this was a great example of that. I found myself shocked and emotional for every character on all sides. The way the book shows the aftermath of the tragedy and its effect on every character in different ways was a great reminder for all readers that we are all human and nothing is black and white. Also this book was a great lesson in forgiveness and self love.

[Kat Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The three major themes in this novel are ones which could happen to any of us—male or female, middle-aged or young adults just starting their lives. Each is frightening in their own right and often too horrendous to consider the ‘what would I do if. . .’ situation.
Caroline and Ethan find themselves shoved into the unthinkable, with little to no support, then battle their paths toward surviving the unthinkable.
This is a powerful novel written by a powerful author.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Out of The Crash merits an 8.

Veronica Lynch, Wild Women Reviews

[Hijabi_booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book, that’ll have you all in your fields. If you like family drama, newfound family recommitment after grief this book is for you. There was parts in it that will make you sad. There are parts of it that will make you smile. There are Parts that’ll make you rethink your life choices and the way you live your life. There’s a few parts that raise your blood pressure cause you’re like. Wait a minute don’t even think about it so if any of that sounds appealing to you I highly recommend this book. It’s definitely one that will stick.

[Diane Berick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book. The characters are very well developed.The author was able to realistically adopt the voice of teenage boys and girls, as well as women and men. The central characters were believable and touched my heart in many ways. It’s rare to find one’s self sympathizing with opposing sides, but that was my experience with this novel. It’s a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

[Sarah Kaminski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, because I felt the premise was a good one. How does a fatal car accident shake up a close-knit small town? Unfortunately, I didn't. I couldn't get into the writing style, I had very little emotional connection to the characters. One of the main characters was so unlikeable that her redemption arc couldn't land for me. Overall, I think the story was good but the writing itself didn't work for me. However, I think the writing style will resonate with many readers who will enjoy the story more than me, so I'm giving it 3 stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t write many reviews but felt compelled to write one for this book about a horribly tragic event that affects so many. From Dan and Ethan to Jordan, Caroline, Kyle and Grace….all directly impacted but in very different ways. While I felt empathy for all the characters, I felt it the most for Caroline. At times her struggles were so much for me that I had to put the book down for a few days.

[Tifany · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a son grappling with the loss of his mother to a mother torn over her son’s role in a tragic accident, Out of the Crash explores how a single event can ripple through the lives of those closest to it.

It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel. The characters are deeply human, and the story is compelling. Not every character is likable, but that’s part of what makes it feel so real.

This novel examines family dynamics and does a particularly strong job of showing how grief shapes the path forward.

If you’re a fan of women’s fiction, Out of the Crash should definitely be on your radar. This is easily one of my top reads of 2025.

Big thanks to The Wild Rose Press for a copy of this book.

[Brenda Wittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Out of the Crash” explores the difficult relationships between humans and human nature. Thought provoking from start the finish, the author welcome you into a small town and causes you to think about what you would do if this was your town,your family. It’s a beautiful story of the messiness of life.