Reviews

The Hush by John Hart

slucy13's review against another edition

4.0

I was excited to see this book after reading The Last Child. While The Hush was just as beautifully written and it kept me wanting to see what happened, it had an odd element to it. While it is the same characters from the first book, but 10 years later, the story took a different turn than I was expecting. Still worth the read!

rebecca_isreading's review against another edition

3.0

Thank you to the publisher (via Netgalley) for an advance e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you're a long time reader of John Hart, The Hush is going to require that you set aside some of what you expect from his books. The author's distinct writing style is here, and the southern setting is more vividly described and integral than ever before. However, if you're expecting a typical mystery, you're going to be surprised. Sure, the story is mysterious, but I'd definitely take issue with calling this one a mystery. Magical realism doesn't seem to quite fit, and it's not quite scifi or fantasy... it's just unusual. The last 10% or so of the book really lost me as when the final bits of the story came together it just didn't make a ton of sense. It's an interesting departure from the author's previous work, but may leave some readers a little baffled.

synne's review against another edition

Leaving this unrated for now. I have enjoyed all the previous John Hart novels I've read and although I do read magical, fantasy, supernatural, paranormal etc. books I was not prepared for it here and I didn't particularly like that aspect.

jodimcdonald's review against another edition

3.0

Close to a four star, just a bit to drawn out. The story was interesting, just took a bit too long. The end of the book was where all the action was, and it was pretty good. History, ancestors and the supernatural.

kristinrob's review against another edition

4.0

This was a departure from the usual John Hart. It was nice to se our old friends grown up and getting on with life, but I think I wanted more happiness for my old friends.

elizabeth75's review against another edition

2.0

I am a HUGE fan of John Hart but I really did not like this book. Very weird. I like a good ghost story, but did not like anything about this story. The main characters were ones from a previous book, but I read it so long ago, I had a hard time remembering the story. I wish the author had spent more in depth time on the back story. Plus the editors missed some mistakes. Johnny’s mom was referenced as Katherine on one page and Catherine on the next. I still will read Hart’s books, but this one wasn’t for me.

scottk1222's review against another edition

4.0

I have not read a book by this guy yet that I have not loved. His pacing is great, his plots are unique and original. I did not want to put this book down, and thought about it on many occasions that I did have to break away for a bit. Putting the Ol' Hart spin on themes of family, friendship, power, bloodlines etc how could Mr. Hart go wrong? He definitely knows how to take something mundane, and give it a unique spin. If you have yet to pick up one of his books, I'd give them all very sparkling recommendations,he is one of my auto buy authors. Actually the next book is on my shelf at home already. Most are in stand alone novels, but for this one to have it's complete impact, The Last Child should be read first.

anneaustex's review against another edition

5.0

In his newest thriller, John Hart has created the perfect blend of mystery, adventure, suspense, and supernatural events. I suppose some might find portions of this novel scary but I didn’t feel scared at any point. Rather I felt an intensity and a sense of suspense about where the action was going next. Never once did I figure out what was guiding Johnny, nor what secrets ruled Hush Arbor. Gratefully, in the end, Hart gives us just enough to feel the big questions have been resolved while leaving a few gaps for the reader to ponder.

I could go on but this is one of those books you need to begin without any introduction (other than Hart's earlier book with characters, Johnny and Jack: The Last Child.
Read it! Read them both!

jenlhawes's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars... I love the way John Hart writes, but the supernatural edge to this story was a little over the top for me. I still enjoyed it and thought it was an entertaining read.

jayesbear's review against another edition

2.0

I loved the first Johnny Merrimon book and was totally pulled into to his world and all of the mystery and suspense. These book is very different. Before I say anymore I will state I usually do not like super natural fiction. I would rate the first 3/4ths of this book as 4 stars. John Hart is an amazing author with a rare power with words. The last quarter of this book I would only rate a 1 star. The ending seemed ridiculous. Is it horror, supernatural, is there some allegory or message I am missing? I'm not sure what, but it seemed so drawn out and pointless. Luckily the epilog sort of fixes some awkwardness in the last few pages so it does not leave a bad taste.

THIS IS NOT A MYSTERY but rather a supernatural/fantasy story.