reader's review: down river

I haven't posted a book review in a LOOOONNNGG time. I'm way overdue.

I read this book a few months ago, but I just recently re-read it because it was so...stirring.

The book is called Down River by John Hart. A friend introduced me to this author and I was a little skeptical about it at first. I generally don't read a lot of modern crime/drama books but because this one took place in North Carolina (where I live) I gave it a try.

Oh man. I actually scared my sister while I was reading it because I gasped out loud in so many parts. The plot is full of twists and turns (but not enough to make you nauseous or confused) that were so unexpected. I can usually guess how things will turn out once I get a little way into a book, but not with this one.

The story is about Adam Chase who returns to his hometown of Salisbury, NC (it's a real place) after years of having been gone to live in the big city. He was accused and acquitted of murder when he was in high school of another high school boy and returns after 20 years to deal with his family drama, town skeptics, old flames and even some frenemies. (friend-enemy)

I was astounded at how well the author was able to capture the complexity of human emotion and the strength of family ties. Like many good books, I was able to identify with some of the characters in some fashion.

I will warn you that there is some strong language in this book. But it honestly does create life-like dialogue between the characters. Overall, I would recommend this book to those who like reading about family dynamics, history, mystery and Southern literature.