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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
astridcb's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Page turner!
knitwgrace's review against another edition
2.0
I was disappointed with this, especially after really really liking The Last Child. It looks like this is his first book, so hopefully he will continue to get better after the last child. Some parts read well, and others were just choppy and awkward. Parts were a little graphic and crass. I didn't really like the main character much, either. That said, it did finish strong.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
4 STARS
"When Work Pickens finds his father murdered, the investigation pushes a repressed family history to the surface and he sees his own carefully constructed façade begin to crack. Work’s troubled sister, her combative girlfriend, his gold digging socialite wife, and an unrequited lifelong love join a cast of small town characters that create no shortage of drama in this extraordinary, fast-paced suspense novel. Hart’s mastery of prose and plot belie his newcomer status as he explores the true heart of a man." (From Amazon)
If you like the old John Grisham or Greg Iles you will LOVE this novel. I love the gothic southern theme mixed with law, politics and murder.
"When Work Pickens finds his father murdered, the investigation pushes a repressed family history to the surface and he sees his own carefully constructed façade begin to crack. Work’s troubled sister, her combative girlfriend, his gold digging socialite wife, and an unrequited lifelong love join a cast of small town characters that create no shortage of drama in this extraordinary, fast-paced suspense novel. Hart’s mastery of prose and plot belie his newcomer status as he explores the true heart of a man." (From Amazon)
If you like the old John Grisham or Greg Iles you will LOVE this novel. I love the gothic southern theme mixed with law, politics and murder.
mmk4725's review against another edition
1.0
I found this book depressing. No desire to read beyond chapter 9
gingersnapdragon's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Lesbophobia, and Fire/Fire injury
coreyinscoe's review against another edition
3.0
John Hart's first novel. He's always a quick and exciting read, but this read like a first novel, like he was still trying to find his voice.
I still enjoyed the book, but it's not as good as The Last Child or Iron House. Predictable characters and plot. Even then, it was hard to put down.
Centers on Work, a Salisbury lawyer, his sister Jean, wife Barbara and girlfriend (?) Vanessa and the investigation into his father's death.
I still enjoyed the book, but it's not as good as The Last Child or Iron House. Predictable characters and plot. Even then, it was hard to put down.
Centers on Work, a Salisbury lawyer, his sister Jean, wife Barbara and girlfriend (?) Vanessa and the investigation into his father's death.
readers_block's review against another edition
4.0
This book is proof that a mystery can be literature.
Hart's writing reminded me so much of Conroy in The Prince of Tides, which I loved. It's beautiful writing with an interesting storyline.
My one issue was that I often wanted to slap Work upside the head to knock some sense into him. It didn't interfere with my love for the book though.
Hart's writing reminded me so much of Conroy in The Prince of Tides, which I loved. It's beautiful writing with an interesting storyline.
My one issue was that I often wanted to slap Work upside the head to knock some sense into him. It didn't interfere with my love for the book though.
annat's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
dkrueger34's review against another edition
4.0
A quick, entertaining mystery. Not great literature, but I enjoyed it.