Reviews

Down River by John Hart

88ashleymae88's review against another edition

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4.0

This is like a 3.85 for me. Real specific I know... but I can't give it a 4 with that ending! Ugh! But its better than a 3.5.

This story grabbed my attention 10 pages in. It was fast paced and kept my attention. Instantly intrigued by why this man was reliving a horrific ordeal all over again. Bad went to worse. And there were so many plausible conclusions that I came too that I had to finish it.

Adam Chase goes home after 5 years of running away from his family and his small town life, which was ruined by a murder trial which nearly tore his family apart and could have potentially cost him his life. After being acquitted he had a falling out with family, friends and towns people and left for NY.

He came home after a frantic call from his one time best friend and was greeted with a not so warm welcome. Adam finds himself yet again in the cross hairs of the local law enforcement who may or may not have it out for him. While trying to protect his family, his family farm and his innocence he goes digging for answers.

Adam bites off more than he can chew and uncovers every ones secrets. Which, in my opinion ended up costing him more than I think he ever imagined.

The author did a good job of tangling the webs, so to speak. He didn't really dive into details of each character in a way that I prefer, but for as little I knew of the characters it was oddly enough.

There came a definite point in the plot where I pieced together the 'who done it' portion of the plot line however the conclusion dug in deeper than I originally thought when drawing my final conclusions.

Over all , it was a good book and quick easy read if you want a good mystery that isn't too gory or over the top with a mostly happy ending.

paigeken's review against another edition

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4.0

Loved this. His take on family dynamics is great.

shelflife's review against another edition

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2.0

I actually enjoyed this book and would give it 3 1/2 stars if I was able. It was a fast-paced page-turner, who-done-it that if you had a long, leisurely afternoon, could most likely finish in one sitting. However, the reason I didn't give it more stars was that I didn't really connect with any of the characters. I felt no attachment to them as they were not developed well, pretty flat, cardboard people. When writing about dysfunctional families, there are so many areas to build your characters and enrich them that this author failed to do.

There were also a couple of holes in the story that were never addressed.

It was a by the numbers formula who-done-it style that I find easy to write, easy to read. Great beach book. I would definitely read this author while on vacation, it's a perfect read for that.

agoodaudiobooklistener's review against another edition

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4.0

Took to 50% to realize it was not predictable and one of those injustice scenarios.

angrycroak555's review against another edition

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5.0

I really enjoyed this book. Great story. Great characters. Great dialogue.

kevincarroll's review against another edition

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dark emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

marie_nesci's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious fast-paced

4.0

brookesbooks842's review against another edition

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4.0

Not as good as "The Last Child" but still very good. I am from N.C., so the fact that it was set in Salisbury helped me to get into the story. It kept me guessing until the end. I do recommend!

juniveve's review against another edition

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5.0

The plot of this book takes you on more twists than a river winds through the mountains.

emilia128's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5