Reviews

Home Before Night by J.P. Pomare

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anseq's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.0

Content Warnings

mackenzieduric's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

charlottelobb_author's review

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mysterious fast-paced

4.0

An easy-to-read, fast-paced novel about a son who goes missing and a mother who can’t go to the police because of her secrets of her own. I’m a huge fan of J.P. Pomare novels and have read them all. Although this may not be my favourite out of his titles, it’s a great summer read that I couldn’t put down…just ask my hubby 😏😁

kvothe_msw's review

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

henrymarlene's review

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3.0

There are still a few pandemic-trope books around, and this one is indirectly linked to the lockdowns that occurred in Melbourne Australia a few year ago. Yet this is not the centre of the story. The back stories of each of the characters are full of clues and references that are almost “blink and you’ll miss it” tasters. This book was more like a novel a to me, one that sped up faster as the chapters progressed. There is a sudden pace that rushes you to the end of the story so being open to those little twists and nuances is important.

What struck me in this book was the fear of disconnection, loss and how to deal with someone or something that seems to become out of reach. The whole premise of this story occurring in a lockdown is desensitizing for Lou and heightens the paranoia she is feeling. Is she being watched? Is it all in her mind? Is her son, Sam, just drifting as a normal teenager does? Is she just drinking too much? Is her ex-husband Marko a selfish idiot? The unease that JP Pomare writes into this story also helps to explore the impact of honesty and lying – what do families to protect the ones they love? What secrets do they keep and what are they willing to take to the grave? There are lots of questions to ponder on and ask as you read this, and that was the beauty of this book for me.

becsbookshelf's review against another edition

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4.0

“She’s right. I know in my heart only the truth can set you free.“

As the next wave of the virus hit Melbourne residents are given until 8pm to lockdown wherever they at 8pm for the next four weeks at a minimum and stay working their five kilometre radios with an hour a day exercise only. Lou’s son Samuel is no where to be found and panic starts to set in.

His phone goes straight to voicemail and his social media is inactive. Lou begins to freak out but with that it’s open to criticism from her ex husband. The police isn’t an option as Lou has secrets she’s not ready to let coke to light. And when her gut feeling is confirmed there’s nothing she won’t do to get her boy back!

Loaded with JP signature style of mystery and suspense this story was so refreshing. While this didn’t knock my favourite off the leader board it’s filled with Easter eggs from previous stories it didn’t disappoint. I cannot wait for Seven years later in 2024.