Down River
by John Hart
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Book Reviews of Down River
Book Review: Stand by your Man
Summary: 3 Stars
This is a confidently written novel that deftly balances an engaging family history and well-paced mystery. The characters are generally interesting, there is a real sense of place, and the sins of these particular fathers are all too human.
Unfortunately, it's an unsatisfying read for women. The main character is self-centered and immature. In his mind, it's all about him. The woman in his life are all expected to sublimate their lives to his. He asks his fiance, a cop, to set aside her career, her roots, her life--for him. And, in the tradition of subservient women every where, she stands by her man.
Book Review: Couldn't put it down...gripping
Summary: 5 Stars
Mystery, Suspense, Murder.....loved this book..lots of surprises at the end. :)
Adam Chase returns to North Carolina after five years and his acquittal of murder.
Little does he know that his troubles haven't disappeared and the mysteries of family members and friends is overwhelming.
He finds things out that he never knew...most of them not good. The characters pull you in and make you want to keep reading to find out what makes them "tick," what they are about, and what they are experiencing.
Excellent writing...I want to read more of his books.
Book Review: TEDIOUS!!!
Summary: 2 Stars
At page 118 I skipped to the last chapter and spared myself a night of anxiety producing boredom. I cared about nobody. Everybody takes themselves VERY seriously. The female cop is oh so earnest and righteous about her work. The protagonist is also an earnest drag. He is the righteous wronged. The writing is T-E-D-I-O-U-S. The author and his characters are humorless. There is no poetry or evidence of talent on the pages of this melodrama. If Down River is a "great example of Southern Gothic", I hate Southern Gothic, and I don't. Two stars because writing even a bland droner isn't easy.Book Review: Suspense and Suspects and Bodies. . .Oh MY!
Summary: 4 Stars
John Hart wrote "Down River" early in his career--it was some of his later books that hooked me, and I'm glad that I retrieved this one from the shelves.
He writes thrillers / police procedurals, but always with a heart. His settings in the South, his families in crisis, and above all, the twists and turns his plots take keeps the reader guessing.
The New York Times said "Grisham-style intrigue and Turow-style brooding." I'd add Greg Iles to the "if you liked this" category for Hart.
I agree--great summer read.
Book Review: Great First Novel; Become Invested in the Family Dynamics
Summary: 4 Stars
In his debut novel, John Hart made me automatically order his sophomore attempt.
I fell in love with the family dynamic and found myself caring what happened while wanting to drive to North Carolina myself and help him out.
Come for the mystery, but stay for the characters and the family. Each character was carefully plotted including all the gems: crazy neighbors, whimsical childhood crushes, competitive brothers, past lover, and a past he's trying to escape.