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lisagmayo's review
4.0
If She Wakes, by the same author, introduced me to his incredible character development. This novel solidified my respect for him. I found myself worrying about people in the book, and not wanting to finish it. My only disappointment had to do with part of the ending, something I knew would happen did, and it was a little too tidy. I will be reading more by Michael Koryta!
lrconnol's review
3.0
This is not a book I would have chosen for myself. It was the pick for a bookclub, but I am glad it was. It offers insight into the lives of survivors of family tragedy, in this case the abduction and murder of a teenaged sister. Fast forward 22 years into the lives of her 2 brothers when a similar abduction and murder happens in the small town where they live and it touches both their lives.
The reason I would not have chosen this book is that it is full of action packed football sequences and I am not a football fan. In fact I never watch it and don't understand the game. I found the football sequences to be well written and fairly straightforward so that even this non-fan could follow most if not all of what was happening on the field. I did not understand some of the terminology and didn't bother to look up things like "the slot" and the individual plays. I guess I sort of skimmed these scenes, but they were necessary to advance the plot. In all it was a satisfying read that did not plod along, and I had no problem finishing the book.
I would, and did, recommend this book to a male reader who knows more about football and who also likes thrillers.
The reason I would not have chosen this book is that it is full of action packed football sequences and I am not a football fan. In fact I never watch it and don't understand the game. I found the football sequences to be well written and fairly straightforward so that even this non-fan could follow most if not all of what was happening on the field. I did not understand some of the terminology and didn't bother to look up things like "the slot" and the individual plays. I guess I sort of skimmed these scenes, but they were necessary to advance the plot. In all it was a satisfying read that did not plod along, and I had no problem finishing the book.
I would, and did, recommend this book to a male reader who knows more about football and who also likes thrillers.
hcothran's review
4.0
More like a 4.5...it's a very engrossing, readable book, that drewme in emotionally as well. Not quite a 5 because it's not the most artfully-phrased novel I 've ever read, and I kinda just skimmed all the football action scenes, but it was thoroughly enjoyable. I read a review that called it a mix of Dennis Lehane and Friday Night Lights; I agree, and that's pretty good.
lindage's review
4.0
Layered, creepy, suspenseful, moving, inevitably tragic. Page-turner with a particularly cinematic third act. Full review to come.
tscompton's review
4.0
First Koryta book for me and it was a great read. Well written. Intense & fast-paced. As the oldest of four boys I totally bought and loved the relationship between the brothers. Wanted more in the end which is better than wishing for it to have been over sooner.
dalidja's review
3.0
I'm not sure about all the high ratings and reviews for this one, because personally I was not impressed. In fact, I was bored. Very bored. Only when I reached the climactic ending was I not. For like 2 pages of 400. Okay, I'm being a little harsh here, I did after all give this three stars.
Here's the thing, Koryta actually did a very good job building up the stories and personalities of the strong-willed Austin brothers. He even did a great job showing the progression of relationships between the story's characters. Koryta is not a bad author, but his novel was set at an extremely slow pace. What did not help was the early reveal that leaves the reader with the assumption that all they are doing throughout the book is waiting for the characters to catch up.
For those considering reading this, I must warn of two things first. One, it was much more about the brothers than it is ever about the present-time murder. And two, those unfamiliar with football be prepared for pages of skimming over jargon.
(Goodreads: First-Reads Giveaway)
Here's the thing, Koryta actually did a very good job building up the stories and personalities of the strong-willed Austin brothers. He even did a great job showing the progression of relationships between the story's characters. Koryta is not a bad author, but his novel was set at an extremely slow pace. What did not help was the early reveal that leaves the reader with the assumption that all they are doing throughout the book is waiting for the characters to catch up.
For those considering reading this, I must warn of two things first. One, it was much more about the brothers than it is ever about the present-time murder. And two, those unfamiliar with football be prepared for pages of skimming over jargon.
(Goodreads: First-Reads Giveaway)
readbydusk's review against another edition
3.0
I finished this book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down! The mystery actually takes backstage to the drama of two brothers who suffered a loss when they were younger, and who are pulled back together in the present. I like the writing here, it's concise and economical. Between the two brothers I loved Adam more and I wish we got more of him, but a lot of the book dealt with the other brother Kent and his job as a football coach. I didn't expect this and considering the extent of my knowledge on that subject solely comes from 5 seasons of Friday Night Lights, I didn't care for it. I would've given a higher rating if the book had focused more on the mystery and the brothers.