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wulfwyn's review
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It was interesting but not a compelling read. I was expecting more from the story. From the title I thought we would hear more of the murders. I was hoping the story would be a bit richer. It is suppose to be fiction based off of fact. I felt like the author was trying to make a story and state facts resulting in a book that doesn't feel satisfying in either. I'm not sorry I read it. I just wish the author would have chosen one or the other and made a compelling story. The narrator was easy to listen to.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Murder, and Suicide
libraryjo62's review against another edition
2.0
Save your money. On Amazon, this author got good reviews because many of the people who read it grew up in the area or are his friends, not because the author is a good writer or a good storyteller. He was a politician at one point in Minnesota. I'm not sure writing is one of his talents. The books spend much time on details but not enough time on character development. It's not that long, but it was a chore to finish it.
1998firebird's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
gracevetter's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.75
eshink117's review against another edition
2.0
"Sundown at Sunrise is not a horrible book and there are some highlights, but much of it seems unnecessary and it falls short too often to reach its full potential. The disclaimer at the beginning begs the question, “Since most of this is made up except for the ending, why isn’t it do better?” This is a book that doesn’t know what it wants to be; it is part period piece, instruction manual, stereotypical love story, and true crime novel, though it lacks dedication to any one area. It is a genuine attempt by an author to tell a story they have put passion and love into; unfortunately, trying isn’t always enough." - https://thepastduebookreview.com/2017/07/05/sundown-at-sunrise-review/
trautmiller's review against another edition
3.0
I understand why he had what I consider "supernatural" occurrences in the book but I'm not sure they were needed in the story. I also personally prefer fact over fiction. What was the real reason for the final act? I'd also like to know where the author got the "fictional" names for some of the people since he used a family name of mine in the book.
kenny_reads's review against another edition
2.0
I loved that this book took place in an area close to home. It is always fun to read an recognize the town names. I also enjoyed that there was so much detail about the appliances and farming equipment from the time period. It really set up the scene. However, I found my self wanting more. It is based on one of the "Most Notorious Ax Murder in American History" yet that was such a small portion of the actual book.
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