rbharath 's review for:

The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson

3.75

mysterious relaxing fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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I read ‘The Kind Worth Killing’ last month, liked it, and got to this quickly. The feel is similar (a good and bad thing I suppose) – fast paced with some devious characters. 

The last book left off with Henry Kimball being in hospital. He is now recovered, dismissed from the police force and is a private detective. Joan, who was once his student in school, when he was a teacher, comes to him seeking help. She is near certain that her husband Richard Whalen is having an affair with his office manager Pam O’Neil. Henry follows Richard and Pam, and it does seem like what Joan is suggesting is correct. But there are some odd aspects which Kimball is thoughtful about, especially since a couple of murders are to follow. There are also past events in school which prey on Kimball’s mind. He thinks it would be good to get Lily’s opinion and goes to meet her. The two are on friendly terms now despite the events in the past (in the previous book). 

The fast pace and the characters score, as in the earlier book. It does feel a little like more of the same from the earlier book though. Kimball, a late character in the earlier book, gets full play in this one. Lily’s character and involvement, in contrast is later, but impactful. The new characters of Pam & Richard are interesting. While the end is very good, the sections just prior do not the use the tempo built up that well, and could have been better. 

A good follow-up story to ‘The Kind Worth Killing’.