My Review of “Ill Will” by Dan Chaon

I would like to thank NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an ARC of “Ill Will” by Dan Chaon for my honest opinion. The Genres of this book are Literary Suspense, Thriller and Mystery. The plot is supposed to revolve around two different crimes, and timelines. Psychologist Dustin Tillman has survived a bloody family massacre. His stepbrother Rusty originally accused of this crime has been released from prison ,with new evidence of DNA proving his innocence .The author describes satanic rituals and the timeline responsible for Rusty being accused of this crime, in the first place.
Dustin, the psychologist becomes involved with a patient that is obsessed with the news stories and the timeline of the disappearance and drowning of college age boys. There is a mention of this possibly being done by a serial killer.
The author describes in different characters, the failures of memory. Dustin, at times feel that he is in a trance.
All of the characters are flawed and complex. Some characters are evil. Many of the characters seem like they are or could be criminals. There is a prevalence of drugs discussed and creepy shady characters.
There are twist and turns in this novel. At times, the storyline seems disjointed and choppy, and at other times the story is very slow and confusing.
I think the real question the author asks is “What is real or not real?”. Who is responsible for the crimes and why? I was left feeling confused and would have liked more of a conclusion.