Kept me coming back for more

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	• Down River John Hart St. Martin's Minotaur, 2007 - 336 pages average customer review:based on 74 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

An unexpectedly great novel

I listen to quite a few audio books, but because of the limited selection of unabridged recordings in our library system (a challenge compounded by the fact that I have sworn off Stuart Woods and James Patterson - two very prolific authors), I often listen to some mediocre stuff. Most of what I listen to doesn't even warrant a review (most recently I listened to a rather silly Laura Lippman novel and an unremarkable -though not terrible - effort by CJ Box called Blue Heaven). I picked up Down River because it was there (although I had seen a positive reference to it in another review) and was unexpectedly impressed. This is a great novel.

Down River is an ambitious crime novel that evokes the atmosphere of a Southern Gothic melodrama. The plot: Adam Chase returns to his North Carolina home after a five year absence, following his acquittal for murder. Before long, dead bodies start to appear and Adam quickly becomes a suspect. His quest for the truth reveals some dark family secrets.

This is a well written, complex novel. Hart has a great ear for dialogue and while some of his characters are a little stereo-typed (all the better to deliver the Southern Gothic melodrama) Hart breathes life into them. While I can't say that I saw all the twists and turns coming, the central plot twist is telegraphed well in advance. Critics may complain that the story is melodramatic (it is melodramatic) and the plot contrived (obviously), but in this case: melodramatic and contrived = highly entertaining novel.

I highly recommend this novel. It stands head and shoulders above others in the genre. I haven't read King of Lies, but will add it to my reading list. By the way, if you are considering listening to this as an audio book, this version is exceptionally well-read.

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Amazing New Author

I'm not going to go into detail of the story line as several reviews have already done that but just to say that I not sure if enjoyed is the right word (it's not a light enjoyable type of book)but the storyline kept my interest because it is so different than most novels I've read. Mr. Hart has a gift of being able to weave the lives of the characters in such a way you are surprised and perhaps even shocked by them. It's not your typical hero and heroine type of story and refreshing though somewhat dark at times. I also read Mr. Hart's first book though I think I liked this one better. Possibly that means he will only get better or that could have just been my personal view. At any rate I hope we will see many more books by this author.

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Tightly written

The thriller/mystery is one of my favorite genres. I love to get lost in a great page turner, but hate being let down by a sloppy ending. Some books build to a great climax, only to fall apart in the resolution. It's disappointing when writers get themselves stuck in a corner and use some ridiculous device to get out, rendering the plot implausible. So I am delighted when a writer creates a complex set of characters and situations and manages to smoothly wrap up all the loose ends. "Down River" is so successful in this way. It is very complicated and absorbing. Interesting characters are also a strength here. Thrillers and mysteries often have very black and white characters, but these are people with many dimensions. I also hate the over-written book, with too much explanation telling the reader what to think. Hart spares the reader of excess writing, putting in only the necessary. I like having to do some work to figure things out, instead of sitting back and watching things blow up. If you like this genre, then read this book!

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Kept me coming back for more

A very good book with some nice twists and turns to keep you guessing. I will continue to read John Hart's novels.

Strength and Persistence

Excellent book (though at times tough to read because of the stark descriptions of reality of farm life in difficult times). Apparent underlying themes of value of strength and calm persistence in overcoming adversity (though surprisingly not emphasized by author in the author interview at the end of the book). Wonderful depiction of strong female protagonist.

reviews: 1, 2, 3, page 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

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