Search This Blog









2023 Literary Escapes Challenge
- Alabama (2)
- Alaska (1)
- Arizona (2)
- Arkansas (1)
- California (18)
- Colorado (1)
- Connecticut (3)
- Delaware (1)
- Florida (2)
- Georgia (1)
- Hawaii (1)
- Idaho (1)
- Illinois (1)
- Indiana (1)
- Iowa (1)
- Kansas (1)
- Kentucky (1)
- Louisiana (1)
- Maine (5)
- Maryland (3)
- Massachusetts (4)
- Michigan (4)
- Minnesota (1)
- Mississippi (1)
- Missouri (1)
- Montana (2)
- Nebraska (1)
- Nevada (1)
- New Hampshire (1)
- New Jersey (1)
- New Mexico (1)
- New York (16)
- North Carolina (4)
- North Dakota (1)
- Ohio (4)
- Oklahoma (1)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (1)
- Rhode Island (1)
- South Carolina (1)
- South Dakota (1)
- Tennessee (2)
- Texas (4)
- Utah (1)
- Vermont (4)
- Virginia (2)
- Washington (6)
- West Virginia (1)
- Wisconsin (2)
- (1)
- Washington, D.C.* (1)
International:
- Australia (3)
- Barbados (1)
- Canada (9)
- Chile (1)
- England (26)
- France (2)
- Ireland (2)
- Italy (1)
- Nigeria (1)
- Norway (1)
- Scotland (3)
- South Korea (1)
- Sweden (1)
- The Netherlands (2)
- Ukraine (1)
-Vietnam (1)





2023 Build Your Library Reading Challenge







Friday, October 04, 2019
In a Word: Meh
7:08 AM
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
When a body is found in the small town of Portland, Pennsylvania, it's obvious the dead man has been the victim of a brutal murder. The crime bears an eerie resemblance to a 20-year-old killing, a cold case that has never been solved. Since the locals are notoriously unwilling to talk to outsiders, Portland native Parker Reed is assigned as lead detective on the case.
Becca Kingsley, another native, returns to her hometown around the same time to care for her estranged father, who is now dying of cancer. As she rekindles her friendship with Parker, her best friend and unrequited high school crush, old feelings quickly surface. But with the murder investigation turning up old rumors and long-buried secrets, Becca begins to question everything and everyone she's ever known. The killer is likely someone local. But, who? The more Parker and Becca uncover, the more dangerous life in Portland becomes for them ...
I usually love thrillers like River Bodies, the first in a new series by Karen Katchur, but sadly, this one left much to be desired. The characters are mostly unlikeable, which makes them difficult to connect and empathize with. I found the motorcycle gang, both its members and its activities, especially cliché and far-fetched. In addition, since we know from the outset who the murderer is, the book lacks suspense—a key element in a compelling thriller. The novel's overall vibe is sad, depressing, and overall, kind of pointless. That being said, I did find myself invested enough in the story to finish the book, but I can't say it was a satisfying read because it just ... wasn't. Needless to say, I won't be moving on with the series.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other small-town mystery/thriller series, although no specific titles are coming to mind)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a few F-bombs, plus milder expletives), violence, blood/gore, and sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
5 comments:
Comments make me feel special, so go crazy! Just keep it clean and civil. Feel free to speak your mind (I always do), but be aware that I will delete any offensive comments.
P.S.: Don't panic if your comment doesn't show up right away. I have to approve each one before it posts to prevent spam. It's annoying, but it works!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments
(Atom)




Reading
Tethered to Other Stars by Elisa Stone Leahy

Listening
Amelia Gray is Almost Okay by Jessica Brody



Followin' with Bloglovin'



-
Lost in Time by A. G. Riddle36 minutes ago
-
Stacking The Shelves7 hours ago
-
-
-
A Victorian Grimoire By Patricia Telesco12 hours ago
-
-
Bookish Quote of the Day!!!!17 hours ago
-
-
Sunday Post #53422 hours ago
-
Favor: Parnell Hall22 hours ago
-
-
-
-
This Other Eden - Paul Harding1 day ago
-
-
-
-
-
Lay Them to Rest by Laurah Norton3 days ago
-
-
The Mandeville Shadow by Callie Langridge4 days ago
-
Audiobook: Bookshops & Bonedust5 days ago
-
Spell the Month in Books ~ December5 days ago
-
-
-
-
-
-
Books read in November1 week ago
-
-
-
Grounds for Murder by Tara Lush1 week ago
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
What Happened to Summer?2 months ago
-
-
6/25/23 Extra Ezra5 months ago
-
-
Dotty Beanie with Ears7 months ago
-
-
-
-
Are you looking for Pretty Books?1 year ago
-
-
-
-
-

Grab my Button!



Blog Archive
- ► 2021 (159)
- ► 2020 (205)
- ▼ 2019 (197)
- ► 2018 (223)
- ► 2017 (157)
- ► 2016 (157)
Not connecting with characters is a death sentence for a book!
ReplyDeleteToo bad. Sounds like this one could have been good.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...I think I've been aware of this one vaguely. It looked like one I'd enjoy. If I remember, I probably won't try it. That being said, I might because I might forget your thoughts on it. LOL
ReplyDeleteThe words "that being said" are a sure sign that there's a whole lot more wrong with a book than right with it. I have used the phrase often when grasping for some kind of a positive thing to say. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love that you said "Meh." That pretty much sums it up. P.S. I do like the cover, though.
ReplyDelete