Richard R. Becker’s Born on Monday is a contemporary suspense novel that grabbed me from the very first chapter and refused to let go. Set against the backdrop of a historic nor’easter in Augusta, Maine, the storm isn’t just a physical threat—it becomes a mirror for the chaos, corruption, and violence brewing beneath the surface of the town.
About the Book: Born on Monday
In Augusta, Maine, a historic nor’easter unearths sins buried deep in the town’s past. With time running out, three lives collide in a desperate fight for survival, where truth becomes a casualty and redemption comes at a cost.
Billy Stevens, a quarry worker haunted by loss, is drawn into a web of betrayal when a brutal crime pins him as a suspect. Jessica Michaud returns home to escape a vengeful ex whose chilling threats awaken old wounds. And journalist Andrea Kearney digs into a local dynasty’s corruption as the storm’s fury mirrors the rising tide of violence.
BookHookup Review: Born on Monday
Born on Monday delivers nonstop suspense and emotional depth in equal measure. Becker skillfully weaves together three perspectives, giving each character both heart and urgency. The tension builds like the storm itself—layer by layer—until the final, breathtaking reveal.
What stands out most is Becker’s pacing. The story moves quickly, but not at the expense of character or heart. Billy’s grief, Jessica’s fear, and Andrea’s determination make for a trio of voices that feel both real and raw. The antagonist—a chillingly misogynistic abuser—is one readers will despise, while the protagonists remain sympathetic and deeply human.
Another standout feature is the author’s restraint. The book is fast, tense, and filled with danger, but it isn’t bogged down with profanity or gratuitous scenes. Instead, Becker relies on mood, setting, and emotion to keep readers on edge, a mark of mature, confident storytelling.
If you enjoy gritty literary thrillers that focus on small-town secrets, moral ambiguity, and deeply buried pasts, such as A Painted House by John Grisham, you'll appreciate Born on Monday's gritty narrative. It is one of the best thrillers I’ve read in 2025 so far. Fans of fast-paced suspense that still digs deep emotionally will love this one. I’ll be eagerly following Becker’s future work, especially if he returns to this hauntingly rich setting.
BookHookup Note
I focus on YA and clean fiction, including suspense, crime, and mystery. Born on Monday is not weighed down with excessive profanity or gratuitous content, making the suspense and tension feel all the more authentic. Instead, it relies on atmosphere, psychological tension, and human conflict to drive the story forward. Recommended for adult and mature teen readers who enjoy tightly written thrillers with heart.
As BookHookup, I received an ARC of this book through Black Tide Book Tours. I have not received compensation for this review or for recommending the book. All thoughts are my own. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to affiliate sites.
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I focus on clean fiction across genres—historical romance, fantasy, suspense, crime, children’s, and more. When books include content that may not be suitable for all readers, I provide clear disclaimers so you can choose wisely.
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