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Recommend this book:
Brooklyn Bitters
Sally Saylor De Smet
2019 Honorable Mention
330 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
Brooklyn Bitters by Sally Saylor De Smet follows Kate Hathaway, a sophisticated character as she faces some of the most challenging moments and situations in her life, a gorgeous treat for fans of stories filled with drama and strong female characters. Kate graduates with honors from Emory University and looks forward to an exciting career in publishing. When her brother-in-law dies in an accident, Kate lives with the guilt, blaming herself for his death, because she is the one who invited him to give her a ride. While her younger sister, Stacey, has moved on, this incident haunts Kate, because Glen Lloyd Hastings was also her best friend. Kate spends time helping her ailing mother and on a business trip to New York, she meets an attractive man who wins her heart, but is she ready to step out of her loneliness and what happens when he disappears?
This is a beautifully written story and one of the elements I enjoyed is the way the author explores the themes of love, family relationships, guilt, and loneliness. The family dynamics come out neatly in the narrative and I enjoyed the way the author handles the relationship between Kate and her pampered, domineering sister and their relationship to their ailing mother. The tension grows between the sisters and I was keen to see if Kate could live up to her role as an older sister to Stacey. The romance part of the novel is intelligently handled and nothing is rushed. Brooklyn Bitters is well-paced and deftly plotted with some twists and turns, and characters that are real and relatable.
Brooklyn Bitters by Sally Saylor De Smet follows Kate Hathaway, a sophisticated character as she faces some of the most challenging moments and situations in her life, a gorgeous treat for fans of stories filled with drama and strong female characters. Kate graduates with honors from Emory University and looks forward to an exciting career in publishing. When her brother-in-law dies in an accident, Kate lives with the guilt, blaming herself for his death, because she is the one who invited him to give her a ride. While her younger sister, Stacey, has moved on, this incident haunts Kate, because Glen Lloyd Hastings was also her best friend. Kate spends time helping her ailing mother and on a business trip to New York, she meets an attractive man who wins her heart, but is she ready to step out of her loneliness and what happens when he disappears?
This is a beautifully written story and one of the elements I enjoyed is the way the author explores the themes of love, family relationships, guilt, and loneliness. The family dynamics come out neatly in the narrative and I enjoyed the way the author handles the relationship between Kate and her pampered, domineering sister and their relationship to their ailing mother. The tension grows between the sisters and I was keen to see if Kate could live up to her role as an older sister to Stacey. The romance part of the novel is intelligently handled and nothing is rushed. Brooklyn Bitters is well-paced and deftly plotted with some twists and turns, and characters that are real and relatable.
Recommend this book:
The Broadcast
A Mystery Thriller
Liam Fialkov
2019 Bronze Medal
379 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
The Broadcast by Liam Fialkov is a suspenseful mystery that follows multiple points of view of characters as they witness a newly televised broadcast that is as confounding as it is captivating. Somehow, a network is able to obtain footage of past events that, until the time of broadcast, had been unsolved crimes. The timelines vary, as does the content, but what appears to be satellite feed—despite much of the footage being from a time when no such thing could have possibly existed—has a mixed effect on the general population, both good and bad as crimes are unquestionably solved...but at what cost? Meanwhile, a middle-aged couple with their own tragic pasts finds themselves affected by the broadcast in ways nobody could have predicted or ever imagined.
Liam Fialkov has developed a really unique and tantalizing narrative with The Broadcast. This is an exceptional piece of fiction. I found the premise to be wholly original, which is like a breath of fresh air at a time when many new releases come from the same stagnant plotlines. The story, at least initially, dances between past and present as Fialkov weaves together a backstory. It then plows forward at full speed, unrelenting as new broadcasts are released and the mystery begins to entwine the characters and the reader. It's uncommon for me to read a book and not have any inkling where the next page might take me, but The Broadcast was able to thread the suspense until the very end. I loved this book and would recommend it to all who enjoy excellent speculative, transcendental fiction in the same spirit as Philip K. Dick and Ray Bradbury.
The Broadcast by Liam Fialkov is a suspenseful mystery that follows multiple points of view of characters as they witness a newly televised broadcast that is as confounding as it is captivating. Somehow, a network is able to obtain footage of past events that, until the time of broadcast, had been unsolved crimes. The timelines vary, as does the content, but what appears to be satellite feed—despite much of the footage being from a time when no such thing could have possibly existed—has a mixed effect on the general population, both good and bad as crimes are unquestionably solved...but at what cost? Meanwhile, a middle-aged couple with their own tragic pasts finds themselves affected by the broadcast in ways nobody could have predicted or ever imagined.
Liam Fialkov has developed a really unique and tantalizing narrative with The Broadcast. This is an exceptional piece of fiction. I found the premise to be wholly original, which is like a breath of fresh air at a time when many new releases come from the same stagnant plotlines. The story, at least initially, dances between past and present as Fialkov weaves together a backstory. It then plows forward at full speed, unrelenting as new broadcasts are released and the mystery begins to entwine the characters and the reader. It's uncommon for me to read a book and not have any inkling where the next page might take me, but The Broadcast was able to thread the suspense until the very end. I loved this book and would recommend it to all who enjoy excellent speculative, transcendental fiction in the same spirit as Philip K. Dick and Ray Bradbury.
Recommend this book:
The Last Van Gogh
Will Ottinger
2019 Bronze Medal
285 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Adam is a struggling art dealer in Chicago. His most recent show promises to bring him some luck and fame, but the artist, Vasily Sorokin, is murdered outside the gallery. To make matters worse, Vasily’s uncle is part of the Russian mob. Adam’s brother, Wes, shows up with some letters and an unlikely story that their father had smuggled an unknown Van Gogh painting, a rather large one, out of France at the beginning of the Second World War. A hidden and undocumented painting. Adam hesitates to believe it. Their father, after all, was a drunk and a con man. But, with people all around Adam being killed and the Russian mob boss interested in financing a search, Adam begins an adventure that reads like a James Bond exclusive. In the end, though, he wonders if this painting, or any work of art for that matter, is worth so many deaths.
Will Ottinger’s thriller mystery novel, The Last Van Gogh, takes the reader on an exciting adventure that spans two continents and two centuries. Written primarily in the first person, from Adam’s point of view, the author also incorporates multiple points of view in the third person, including the famed artist himself. The action-packed plot develops with rising tension and sporadic looks into Van Gogh’s troubled life from the artist’s perspective. The painting captures the attention of multiple evil powers and the plot thickens. The author uses powerful descriptive passages to set the scene and develop the characters with efficiency. Not only are the notations on Van Gogh credible and well researched, but the author has created a very plausible situation that will make the reader wonder what other missing masterpieces are hidden around the world. A fascinating read.
Adam is a struggling art dealer in Chicago. His most recent show promises to bring him some luck and fame, but the artist, Vasily Sorokin, is murdered outside the gallery. To make matters worse, Vasily’s uncle is part of the Russian mob. Adam’s brother, Wes, shows up with some letters and an unlikely story that their father had smuggled an unknown Van Gogh painting, a rather large one, out of France at the beginning of the Second World War. A hidden and undocumented painting. Adam hesitates to believe it. Their father, after all, was a drunk and a con man. But, with people all around Adam being killed and the Russian mob boss interested in financing a search, Adam begins an adventure that reads like a James Bond exclusive. In the end, though, he wonders if this painting, or any work of art for that matter, is worth so many deaths.
Will Ottinger’s thriller mystery novel, The Last Van Gogh, takes the reader on an exciting adventure that spans two continents and two centuries. Written primarily in the first person, from Adam’s point of view, the author also incorporates multiple points of view in the third person, including the famed artist himself. The action-packed plot develops with rising tension and sporadic looks into Van Gogh’s troubled life from the artist’s perspective. The painting captures the attention of multiple evil powers and the plot thickens. The author uses powerful descriptive passages to set the scene and develop the characters with efficiency. Not only are the notations on Van Gogh credible and well researched, but the author has created a very plausible situation that will make the reader wonder what other missing masterpieces are hidden around the world. A fascinating read.
Recommend this book:
Butterfly Hill
Brendan le Grange
2019 Silver Medal
258 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Butterfly Hill by Brendan le Grange is a novel that falls proudly into the adventure, suspense, and thriller genres, in a follow-up to le Grange's debut work of fiction, Drachen. Butterfly Hill reads beautifully as a work of fiction, set in bustling Hong Kong and its largest outlying island, Lantau. Told from multiple points of view, the narrative shifts primarily between an Indiana Jones-esque Hiko Shimuzu, a mentally unstable soldier named Teapot Lee, and two agents hot on Hiko's tracks, Matthys and Elaine. When the hunt for Hiko, “a Europol-wanted art thief and an HKPF-wanted bank robber,” begins to dredge up more than just jade crescents, it becomes clear that a deep-rooted and twisted conspiracy is in play...and the protection of such an ancient and covert secret must be conserved at any price.
Butterfly Hill is an extraordinary, fast-paced story that keeps the heart rate pumping and the fingers flicking through pages at a harrowing speed. Brendan le Grange has crafted his thriller with all of the right ingredients for a perfect brew with just the right bite. Hiko is an anti-hero with many, many layers, humanized by some pretty shameless flaws—imperfections that lend to a perfect character arc, a bit of redemption, and a heck of a lot of energy. What I loved most about this story is that, while I knew who I was rooting for, I wasn't terribly disappointed when Elaine was given some right of way also. She is exactly the type of strong, fierce, intelligent dynamo we need to see, regardless of motive. Overall, this novel delivers everything one hopes for in an action-suspense tale, and I'm excited to see where le Grange takes us next.
Butterfly Hill by Brendan le Grange is a novel that falls proudly into the adventure, suspense, and thriller genres, in a follow-up to le Grange's debut work of fiction, Drachen. Butterfly Hill reads beautifully as a work of fiction, set in bustling Hong Kong and its largest outlying island, Lantau. Told from multiple points of view, the narrative shifts primarily between an Indiana Jones-esque Hiko Shimuzu, a mentally unstable soldier named Teapot Lee, and two agents hot on Hiko's tracks, Matthys and Elaine. When the hunt for Hiko, “a Europol-wanted art thief and an HKPF-wanted bank robber,” begins to dredge up more than just jade crescents, it becomes clear that a deep-rooted and twisted conspiracy is in play...and the protection of such an ancient and covert secret must be conserved at any price.
Butterfly Hill is an extraordinary, fast-paced story that keeps the heart rate pumping and the fingers flicking through pages at a harrowing speed. Brendan le Grange has crafted his thriller with all of the right ingredients for a perfect brew with just the right bite. Hiko is an anti-hero with many, many layers, humanized by some pretty shameless flaws—imperfections that lend to a perfect character arc, a bit of redemption, and a heck of a lot of energy. What I loved most about this story is that, while I knew who I was rooting for, I wasn't terribly disappointed when Elaine was given some right of way also. She is exactly the type of strong, fierce, intelligent dynamo we need to see, regardless of motive. Overall, this novel delivers everything one hopes for in an action-suspense tale, and I'm excited to see where le Grange takes us next.
Recommend this book:
Don't Dare to Dream
Dan Friedman
2019 Gold Medal
392 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
David is at an all-time low after a failed startup that had been a lifetime dream and, with relationships going bad, he is on the edge of committing suicide when a life coach moves in next door. Rick offers to help David reclaim his life. There is only one thing he asks for in return, that David mentors him in developing a new app. A fair deal indeed, only David starts falling for Angela, Rick's young and beautiful wife. Things get complicated when the money given to them by an investor (and it is millions) disappears. David needs to find the money, but there are dangerous people out there who will kill for it. And David is clueless about who they might be.
A brilliantly plotted and enthralling thriller, Don't Dare to Dream by Dan Friedman is a huge literary achievement for a debut novel, with sophisticated characters, a strong premise, and fascinating twists. Dan Friedman doesn't just keep the reader riveted to the pages as they follow this emotionally-charged story but keeps them guessing as well from page to page. David catches the attention of the reader immediately, a man who is broken when the reader encounters him and who seems driven by a fate that is very unfortunate. Don't Dare to Dream is the story of a man struggling to succeed in a vicious and dangerous world, an emotionally rich story imbued with psychological depth. A great read told in a smooth, irresistible voice. It kept me awake through the night.
David is at an all-time low after a failed startup that had been a lifetime dream and, with relationships going bad, he is on the edge of committing suicide when a life coach moves in next door. Rick offers to help David reclaim his life. There is only one thing he asks for in return, that David mentors him in developing a new app. A fair deal indeed, only David starts falling for Angela, Rick's young and beautiful wife. Things get complicated when the money given to them by an investor (and it is millions) disappears. David needs to find the money, but there are dangerous people out there who will kill for it. And David is clueless about who they might be.
A brilliantly plotted and enthralling thriller, Don't Dare to Dream by Dan Friedman is a huge literary achievement for a debut novel, with sophisticated characters, a strong premise, and fascinating twists. Dan Friedman doesn't just keep the reader riveted to the pages as they follow this emotionally-charged story but keeps them guessing as well from page to page. David catches the attention of the reader immediately, a man who is broken when the reader encounters him and who seems driven by a fate that is very unfortunate. Don't Dare to Dream is the story of a man struggling to succeed in a vicious and dangerous world, an emotionally rich story imbued with psychological depth. A great read told in a smooth, irresistible voice. It kept me awake through the night.
Recommend this book:
Dangerous Deeds
Lizzie. Book 1, The Westport Mysteries
Beth Prentice
2018 Finalist
306 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Dangerous Deeds by Beth Prentice is the first book in the Westport Mysteries series. Lizzie has taken a big chance and bought her own house. The bliss is short lived once she realizes how much work needs to be done to make the house a home. She hires the handsome handyman, Riley, to renovate, and is surprised when he finds an engagement ring and love letters hidden in the attic. Turning to her family and Riley for help, Lizzie is determined to find the rightful owner, but doesn't expect to unearth a forbidden romance, have her house broken into, or find a stalker following her wherever she goes. Can this be a coincidence or does everything connect to the mysterious items from the attic?
Beth Prentice has created realistic and unbelievably charming characters that you'll want to spend time and wish to be friends with. Lizzie is snarky, flawed, insecure, and completely amazing. She perfectly fits with her crazy family and somehow grounds their exuberance. Her family meddles and teases, but they're never over the top, and instead they pull you along for the fun. I couldn't get enough of their playful personalities and eccentricities, or the bond that Lizzie has with them. The mystery dips into the past, revealing secrets and a forbidden romance, a lighter balance to the creepiness of the stalker. The potential romance for Riley and Lizzie is sweet, endearing and compelling. Dangerous Deeds is funny and witty, with flirting, friendship, and sleuthing. A true delight and an addictive read!
Dangerous Deeds by Beth Prentice is the first book in the Westport Mysteries series. Lizzie has taken a big chance and bought her own house. The bliss is short lived once she realizes how much work needs to be done to make the house a home. She hires the handsome handyman, Riley, to renovate, and is surprised when he finds an engagement ring and love letters hidden in the attic. Turning to her family and Riley for help, Lizzie is determined to find the rightful owner, but doesn't expect to unearth a forbidden romance, have her house broken into, or find a stalker following her wherever she goes. Can this be a coincidence or does everything connect to the mysterious items from the attic?
Beth Prentice has created realistic and unbelievably charming characters that you'll want to spend time and wish to be friends with. Lizzie is snarky, flawed, insecure, and completely amazing. She perfectly fits with her crazy family and somehow grounds their exuberance. Her family meddles and teases, but they're never over the top, and instead they pull you along for the fun. I couldn't get enough of their playful personalities and eccentricities, or the bond that Lizzie has with them. The mystery dips into the past, revealing secrets and a forbidden romance, a lighter balance to the creepiness of the stalker. The potential romance for Riley and Lizzie is sweet, endearing and compelling. Dangerous Deeds is funny and witty, with flirting, friendship, and sleuthing. A true delight and an addictive read!
Recommend this book:
The Golden Peacock
Lauren Grossman
2018 Finalist
287 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Karen C. Webb for Readers' Favorite
The Golden Peacock by Lauren Grossman centers around Rainee, a bestselling author who is stuck on her next novel idea. When she finds a ticket from the Holocaust Museum in her desk drawer, she decides to visit London and track down the survivor, Jana Bowman. Finding Jana in a nursing home in London, Rainee also meets the handsome director, John. Realizing that Jana is in a state of Alzheimer's and deathly afraid of a doctor who visits the home weekly, Rainee decides to visit every day and try to reach her. She also does research on the disease and on Nazi Germany in her spare time, while engaging in a relationship with John. Finding out the doctor's father was possibly a Nazi soldier during World War II, Rainee uncovers a nest of long-buried secrets, which causes her to dig deeper and deeper, all the while placing her in ever-increasing danger from an unknown source.
I found the tale of Jana and Rainee touching and intriguing. Told in alternating viewpoints, the story gives Jana's account of life during the Holocaust, as well as Rainee's point of view in 1997. The ending was especially touching and, while somewhat predictable, it still held my interest until the last page. The author's knowledge of historical facts and the insertion of words or sentences in German gave credibility to the story. It was very clear that this author had done her homework, which increases the readability and enjoyment of the story. I thought the characters were slightly mundane, and the dialogue a tad pedestrian, but overall, The Golden Peacock by Lauren Grossman is a well told, well thought-out story.
The Golden Peacock by Lauren Grossman centers around Rainee, a bestselling author who is stuck on her next novel idea. When she finds a ticket from the Holocaust Museum in her desk drawer, she decides to visit London and track down the survivor, Jana Bowman. Finding Jana in a nursing home in London, Rainee also meets the handsome director, John. Realizing that Jana is in a state of Alzheimer's and deathly afraid of a doctor who visits the home weekly, Rainee decides to visit every day and try to reach her. She also does research on the disease and on Nazi Germany in her spare time, while engaging in a relationship with John. Finding out the doctor's father was possibly a Nazi soldier during World War II, Rainee uncovers a nest of long-buried secrets, which causes her to dig deeper and deeper, all the while placing her in ever-increasing danger from an unknown source.
I found the tale of Jana and Rainee touching and intriguing. Told in alternating viewpoints, the story gives Jana's account of life during the Holocaust, as well as Rainee's point of view in 1997. The ending was especially touching and, while somewhat predictable, it still held my interest until the last page. The author's knowledge of historical facts and the insertion of words or sentences in German gave credibility to the story. It was very clear that this author had done her homework, which increases the readability and enjoyment of the story. I thought the characters were slightly mundane, and the dialogue a tad pedestrian, but overall, The Golden Peacock by Lauren Grossman is a well told, well thought-out story.
Recommend this book:
Lara's Journal
A Sizzling, Psychological Suspense (Hidden Motives Book 2)
A. Gavazzoni
2018 Honorable Mention
615 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Lara's Journal: A Sizzling, Psychological Suspense - Hidden Motives Book 2 by A. Gavazzoni can be fitted into two of my favorite genres i.e. romance and thriller. Picking up the story after Behind the Door, Simone is taking a much-needed vacation after she was kidnapped by a deranged serial killer. She believes good company and a bit of sunshine will heal her mind and body and help her live in the moment, rather than think about that horrible time in her life.
However, when Carl asks her to take a look at Lara’s journals, she cannot say no. So she agrees, starts reading Lara’s journals and discovers all of her deepest secrets. She does so in order to find out more about this enigmatic woman and to figure out the reason behind her unusual life. However, Simone’s vacation is cut short when one of her clients is in trouble and she has to go back. Only, she has no idea that she is going back to a big surprise. People are getting murdered and they all have one thing in common: Simone. What can she do? Can she save the people she loves? Is she next?
I had some seriously high expectations from A. Gavazzoni after reading Behind the Door and I am delighted that the author lived up to it and then some. Simone is changed, as one would expect, and she has developed beautifully. I think the author loves creating a gripping story arc and actually nails it. The story held my interest until the last word and I didn’t want the novel to end. Her attraction to Carl and her conflicted emotions for Edward added a personal touch to the story. This is yet another masterpiece by Gavazzoni that I absolutely loved! Thrilling, exciting and wonderful!
Lara's Journal: A Sizzling, Psychological Suspense - Hidden Motives Book 2 by A. Gavazzoni can be fitted into two of my favorite genres i.e. romance and thriller. Picking up the story after Behind the Door, Simone is taking a much-needed vacation after she was kidnapped by a deranged serial killer. She believes good company and a bit of sunshine will heal her mind and body and help her live in the moment, rather than think about that horrible time in her life.
However, when Carl asks her to take a look at Lara’s journals, she cannot say no. So she agrees, starts reading Lara’s journals and discovers all of her deepest secrets. She does so in order to find out more about this enigmatic woman and to figure out the reason behind her unusual life. However, Simone’s vacation is cut short when one of her clients is in trouble and she has to go back. Only, she has no idea that she is going back to a big surprise. People are getting murdered and they all have one thing in common: Simone. What can she do? Can she save the people she loves? Is she next?
I had some seriously high expectations from A. Gavazzoni after reading Behind the Door and I am delighted that the author lived up to it and then some. Simone is changed, as one would expect, and she has developed beautifully. I think the author loves creating a gripping story arc and actually nails it. The story held my interest until the last word and I didn’t want the novel to end. Her attraction to Carl and her conflicted emotions for Edward added a personal touch to the story. This is yet another masterpiece by Gavazzoni that I absolutely loved! Thrilling, exciting and wonderful!
Recommend this book:
City of Grudges
Rick Outzen
2018 Honorable Mention
256 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
The truth must prevail whatever the cost, even if that means being ostracized by the very community you live in. This is Walker Holmes’s mantra in City of Grudges written by Rick Outzen. When he discovers Bo Hines’s fraudulent activity at the Art Council, Holmes makes this the focus of his weekly paper, the Pensacola Insider. Not many are impressed, in fact, many are infuriated by the allegations. Bo Hines is one of the most respected and esteemed people in the small town. The attacks start coming and so do the angry comments that leave the newspaper struggling to survive. When Bo Hines’s wife is found dead at their house, Holmes’s condemnation by people takes an even stronger turn. When some residents threaten total boycott of the weekly paper, this becomes the least of Holmes’ problems as he tries to dodge death threats and complete financial ruin. In the end, what he unravels has everyone reconsidering what they think they know.
Thought-provoking and compelling, City of Grudges by Rick Outzen offers an engrossing story presented against a fitting background. Pensacola, a town that contains a varying range of old grudges and whose occupants have a strong sense of community, has little time for an outsider who constantly stirs up trouble and targets the elite. Walker Holmes surprises readers by his strong-mindedness and passion for truth as he fights for the disadvantaged. Outzen also investigates some contemporary issues existing in the town such as the plight of destitute African American communities living in Pensacola, as well as the rampant trend of child sexual exploitation. Informative and captivating, City of Grudges is definitely a worthwhile read.
The truth must prevail whatever the cost, even if that means being ostracized by the very community you live in. This is Walker Holmes’s mantra in City of Grudges written by Rick Outzen. When he discovers Bo Hines’s fraudulent activity at the Art Council, Holmes makes this the focus of his weekly paper, the Pensacola Insider. Not many are impressed, in fact, many are infuriated by the allegations. Bo Hines is one of the most respected and esteemed people in the small town. The attacks start coming and so do the angry comments that leave the newspaper struggling to survive. When Bo Hines’s wife is found dead at their house, Holmes’s condemnation by people takes an even stronger turn. When some residents threaten total boycott of the weekly paper, this becomes the least of Holmes’ problems as he tries to dodge death threats and complete financial ruin. In the end, what he unravels has everyone reconsidering what they think they know.
Thought-provoking and compelling, City of Grudges by Rick Outzen offers an engrossing story presented against a fitting background. Pensacola, a town that contains a varying range of old grudges and whose occupants have a strong sense of community, has little time for an outsider who constantly stirs up trouble and targets the elite. Walker Holmes surprises readers by his strong-mindedness and passion for truth as he fights for the disadvantaged. Outzen also investigates some contemporary issues existing in the town such as the plight of destitute African American communities living in Pensacola, as well as the rampant trend of child sexual exploitation. Informative and captivating, City of Grudges is definitely a worthwhile read.
Recommend this book:
Lullaby Road
James Anderson
2018 Honorable Mention
320 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Justine Reyes for Readers' Favorite
Author James Anderson captures the tension and beauty of the Utah desert in his novel, Lullaby Road. Lullaby Road is the sequel to his first novel, The Never-Open Desert Diner, featuring series protagonist Ben Jones. In Anderson's sequel, readers follow another of Ben's adventures and misadventures as an ordinary truck driver going about his route on the long stretch of desolate road known as Highway 117. Of course, nothing is ever as ordinary as it seems.
The moment I read the first line in Lullaby Road, I was hooked. I know the novel isn't supposed to be scary and it isn't, but there is a small element of horror in Anderson's novel which comes from the way he slowly builds up suspense. "Real silence is more than the absence of sound: it is something you feel." Word after word, I found myself unable to put Anderson's novel down. His main character, Ben Jones, is somewhat of a jerk, but he is decent enough to be easily likable. I think that is what made him so real to me when I was reading; there is always something tangible and pleasant about cranky men who help kids with dogs.
The thing I most enjoyed about Lullaby Road was the deeply absorbing atmosphere. Anderson makes a place as barren and potentially dangerous as the desert seem so appealing, and that is something only true wordsmiths are able to do. I would recommend this novel to anyone looking to lose themselves in an unforgettable and immersive narrative.
Author James Anderson captures the tension and beauty of the Utah desert in his novel, Lullaby Road. Lullaby Road is the sequel to his first novel, The Never-Open Desert Diner, featuring series protagonist Ben Jones. In Anderson's sequel, readers follow another of Ben's adventures and misadventures as an ordinary truck driver going about his route on the long stretch of desolate road known as Highway 117. Of course, nothing is ever as ordinary as it seems.
The moment I read the first line in Lullaby Road, I was hooked. I know the novel isn't supposed to be scary and it isn't, but there is a small element of horror in Anderson's novel which comes from the way he slowly builds up suspense. "Real silence is more than the absence of sound: it is something you feel." Word after word, I found myself unable to put Anderson's novel down. His main character, Ben Jones, is somewhat of a jerk, but he is decent enough to be easily likable. I think that is what made him so real to me when I was reading; there is always something tangible and pleasant about cranky men who help kids with dogs.
The thing I most enjoyed about Lullaby Road was the deeply absorbing atmosphere. Anderson makes a place as barren and potentially dangerous as the desert seem so appealing, and that is something only true wordsmiths are able to do. I would recommend this novel to anyone looking to lose themselves in an unforgettable and immersive narrative.
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