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book_dreamblog's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.5
billymac1962's review against another edition
4.0
You know what's refreshing about John Hart? He's got three novels out now and there are no recurring characters. The standalone crime novel. What a concept.
I was really in the mood for a good legal thriller. I had read a very positive review a while back for his Down River, I think it was, and it had mentioned The King of Lies has his impressive debut.
So, naturally, I like to hit a guy's debut effort first.
The King of Lies is not without flaws. There were a few passages where I found some of the sentence structures a little awkward, but this didn't happen very often (and it could have been just me). Also, there was much self-analysis of the lead character that seemed a little forced, but I probably wouldn't even bring that up if not for Greg Iles having shown how it's done brilliantly in works like Mortal Fear and The Quiet Game.
But!
I couldn't put this book down.
John Hart can sure pull you through a mystery that has you burning through pages as quickly as you can. There are so many unknowns from the beginning of the story, and these are revealed a little at a time. Very well done.
(I must say, though, that I was right early on as to who the killer was. I'm never that smart.)
His pacing and story construction is perfect, and the setting of North
Carolina with its old money society seemed genuine. The great news
is that it seems he has gotten more polished with his next two novels. I will definitely read more of him.
I was really in the mood for a good legal thriller. I had read a very positive review a while back for his Down River, I think it was, and it had mentioned The King of Lies has his impressive debut.
So, naturally, I like to hit a guy's debut effort first.
The King of Lies is not without flaws. There were a few passages where I found some of the sentence structures a little awkward, but this didn't happen very often (and it could have been just me). Also, there was much self-analysis of the lead character that seemed a little forced, but I probably wouldn't even bring that up if not for Greg Iles having shown how it's done brilliantly in works like Mortal Fear and The Quiet Game.
But!
I couldn't put this book down.
John Hart can sure pull you through a mystery that has you burning through pages as quickly as you can. There are so many unknowns from the beginning of the story, and these are revealed a little at a time. Very well done.
(I must say, though, that I was right early on as to who the killer was. I'm never that smart.)
His pacing and story construction is perfect, and the setting of North
Carolina with its old money society seemed genuine. The great news
is that it seems he has gotten more polished with his next two novels. I will definitely read more of him.
corinnab's review against another edition
4.0
It was a good book. Definitely held my attention. There was a lot that irked me about the main character but it was an enjoyable read. Although, I guessed who had done it mid-way through the book and was right. I wish I could give half stars. I would have given this 3.5.
darlings's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this one. My mom gave it to me, and, despite the dubious title (which my boss has adopted as a nickname) it is a tight, well-written mystery. Flaws: the dialogue was occasionally trite and the ending was obvious to me by the time I got two thirds into the novel, which is a red flag because I'm never able to guess where mysteries are going. Despite its flaws, it is a very quick, accesible, entertaining, and satisfying read for a weekend at the beach.
barbaraskalberg's review against another edition
3.0
The main character annoyed me a little, but given his horrible father, I shouldn't have expected him to be stronger. I was pleased to be wrong about a couple of things I thought I had figured out.
captyar's review against another edition
3.0
My mom recommended this writer. It was ok, I'm not a huge fan of law stories. The prose is good and it finally picked up halfway through. I found the lead to be totally unlikeable, the locations squalid and the characters grotesque. Not sure what it is, some legacy of Faulkner or something but why is every southern writer obsessed with wrist slittingly depressing characters and topics, or is the south really such a crappy place to live full of malevolent people? I'll probably not read any more of this writers fiction.
sandin954's review against another edition
2.0
Another nominee for Edgar best first. The main character completely got on my nerves but the story was compelling enough that is made me want to find out what happened.
mrslaww612's review against another edition
5.0
A new author for me, and I really enjoyed this book! Planning on reading his two other books!
justwanna2read's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
neumanzoo's review against another edition
4.0
The Last Child was my introduction to John Hart. Now I've read four of his novels, each as compelling as the other. He is a master wordsmith, and his storytelling vibrant and full of imagery that leaps off the page. While I figured it out at the very beginning, I still read with eagerness to watch the story unfold. Even knowing the big reveal didn't dampen the pursuit. His debut novel simply sets the stage for what has and what will come from one of my favorite authors of all time. 4-stars