“Gripping and propulsive, Kristin Koval’s Penitence is an exploration of the struggles and impossible choices of two families linked by tragedy, guilt, blame and love.”
—The Washington Post

"When tragedy strikes in Angie and David's home, the lawyer they ask for help is the mother of Angie's first love. A propulsive, deftly woven story of loss and forgiveness."
—People

"Koval maintains the pacing of a thriller while going deep on themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the toll of keeping secrets. Readers won’t be able to look away."
—Publishers Weekly

"While exploring the complexities of personal and family relationships, this engrossing, emotionally charged novel also examines the way forgiveness comes from acceptance that 'each one of us is more than the worst we’ve ever done.' An intelligent, deftly crafted suspense debut."
—Kirkus

"Fans of Little Fires Everywhere will appreciate this deeply moving novel about what it takes to let go of guilt and find redemption. Koval’s background in law lends realism to her image of America’s broken criminal justice system, and her prose poignantly exposes what it takes to find forgiveness."
—Booklist

“The tension of a suspense novel and the gravitas of a family tragedy… [an] uncommonly impressive debut novel.”
—Shelf Awareness, Starred Review

“This is a gorgeously written story about relationships and the power of forgiveness.”
—The Colorado Sun

“This story begins with a shocking act of violence but unfolds into a tender story of family, long-held secrets, and what ifs. Penitence is both a gripping page-turner and a loving exploration of what it really means to forgive.”
—Mary Beth Keane, bestselling author of Ask Again, Yes and The Half Moon

“Big-hearted, bold, and deftly plotted, Penitence tells a shocking tale of fratricide against the backdrop of two families linked by love, chance, and tragedy. I couldn’t put it down. Kristin Koval emerges as a remarkable new voice in fiction.”
—Adrienne Brodeur, bestselling author of Little Monsters and Wild Game

"Deeply humane, spiky, yearning, heartfelt, rendered in brisk and often stunning prose, Kristin Koval's Penitence poses so many rich and complicated questions about where and how guilt lives."
—Lynn Steger Strong, author of Flight

"Kristin Koval’s prose is crisp and readable and insightful... Penitence will grab you on its first page and hold you tight until the end.”
—Laura Spence-Ash, author of Beyond That, the Sea

“Penitence, riveting as a thriller, is a wise and profound novel. After a shocking tragedy unfolds in a small Colorado community, those intimately affected must grapple with their limitations and their buried histories. Kristin Koval relays their stories with great wisdom and compassion in this remarkable debut.”
—Claire Messud, bestselling author of The Emperor’s Children and This Strange Eventful History