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A review by cnorbury
Nothing More Dangerous by Allen Eskens
5.0
An engrossing coming-of-age mystery that is beautifully written and crafted. Eskens creates a nuanced, realistic world in Jessup Missouri circa 1976. Boady Sanden is one of the more likable young protagonists I've ever read. The mystery of the disappearance of Lida Poe is well constructed and developed as Boady and Thomas build their friendship and face down their enemies as they get closer to discovering the truth.
The plot flows perfectly, building step-by-step as new information comes to light. The antagonist--presented mainly in the high school bully Jarvis Halcom, who represents the racist subculture that lives in Jessup--are formidable in the eyes of a 15-year-old boy, especially when he becomes best friends with the black son of the man who's been hired to straighten up the biggest industry and town by getting rid of the deadwood and corrupt employees.
Eskens' writing is lyrical and insightful, and his dialogue is crisp and realistic. He draws the reader into the story and characters as well as the best in the business. Many times in the book I was reminded of similar writing by two of my favorite authors, William Kent Krueger (Ordinary Grace and This Tender Land) and Pat Conroy (Beach Music, Prince of Tides).
Nothing More Dangerous is definitely a candidate for my "Best Book I Read in 2021" award.
The plot flows perfectly, building step-by-step as new information comes to light. The antagonist--presented mainly in the high school bully Jarvis Halcom, who represents the racist subculture that lives in Jessup--are formidable in the eyes of a 15-year-old boy, especially when he becomes best friends with the black son of the man who's been hired to straighten up the biggest industry and town by getting rid of the deadwood and corrupt employees.
Eskens' writing is lyrical and insightful, and his dialogue is crisp and realistic. He draws the reader into the story and characters as well as the best in the business. Many times in the book I was reminded of similar writing by two of my favorite authors, William Kent Krueger (Ordinary Grace and This Tender Land) and Pat Conroy (Beach Music, Prince of Tides).
Nothing More Dangerous is definitely a candidate for my "Best Book I Read in 2021" award.