John Hart (1) (1965–)

Well-written but disturbing historical thriller set in the South during the Vietnam War that explores the brutality of family relationships, the effects of war, as well as violence and murder seen through the eyes of serial killers and a soul-less, incarcerated crime boss. This book isn't 5 stars for me because one of my triggers is violence against women, especially through a serial killer's eyes. And there's another subject that gets to me--Vietnam war. I usually avoid those books but in show more this case--John Hart kept whispering "read this--read this"! The exploration of relationships between father and sons (and to a lesser degree mother and sons) was so good it saved the story for me. I won't forget Jason and Gibby for a while. The twisty ending was oddly satisfying.

Here's a quote I read somewhere: “We the unwilling, led by the unqualified to kill the unfortunate, die for the ungrateful.” —Unknown Soldier. I hope not to be one of the ungrateful. show less

Redemption Road is a powerful, intoxicating tale that manages to be both disturbing and beautiful at the same time. Elizabeth Black is a cop under pressure. She just pumped 18 bullets into two black suspects while rescuing a young girl and refuses to talk to investigators. In the meantime, Adrian Wall, another North Carolina cop whose career went even further off the tracks, is released from prison after 13 years of torture. He still claims innocence, but few believe him. A young boy wants show more revenge, a young woman struggles to deal with her abduction and rescue, and behind the scenes evil is everywhere.

The characters make this novel a fascinating read. They’re all broken in different ways and trying very hard to hold themselves together. If you're looking for a book that will emotionally capture you with both story and characters, this fits the bill. I thought it was a great story and an excellent audio narrated by Scott Shepherd. show less

William Faulkner, another Southern writer, said, "The past is never dead. It's not even past." Adam Chase, the protagonist of Down River, learns that the hard way when he returns to his North Carolina home after a five-year absence. It doesn't completely surprise Adam that he doesn't get the warmest welcome -- he left after being acquitted of a brutal murder, but there are still many townspeople who believe him guilty. Even those who are essentially glad to see him are still resentful of his show more abrupt departure.

Then there are more troubles -- the boyhood friend whose phone call brought Adam home seems to be missing, and a young woman who lives on the Chase farm is brutally attacked. Adam is both suspect and investigator, aided by Robin, his old girlfriend who is a local police detective.

I'd term this an excellent example of the Southern Gothic genre. It has all the hallmarks -- family dysfunction, mysteries out of the past, and violence ready to break out at any minute. I'm not sure who the other nominees were, but I'd find it hard to quarrel with Down River's selection as Edgar Best Novel of 2008. Then again, my husband absolutely hated it. Give it a try and see what you think. show less

Some books, like this one, feel like the author is juggling story lines. Sometimes it’s an unmitigated disaster and then there’s this story. Former cop Adrian Wall is being released from prison early, after being convicted of killing a woman. Enamored with him, younger cop Elizabeth Black thinks he’s innocent. But she has her own nightmare to contend with, being investigated for torturing suspects in a kidnap and rape case. Their victim, Channing—daughter of one of the wealthiest men show more in town—has her own devils to contend with even though her torturers are dead. There is so much going on in this book, I’ve barely tapped the surface. And John Hart makes it look like child’s play, expertly and smoothly telling the interweaving parts of the many storylines. Practically unputdownable. And thankfully every loose end somehow finds a conclusion. So impressed and enjoyable, if that’s an appropriate way to describe such dark gritty novels. Be aware of multiple trigger warnings, including sexual assault, detailed descriptions of torture, kidnapping, murder, serial killings, child neglect, alcoholism, etc. I felt the torture scenes were the most graphic and gruesomely so. The assaults were not nearly as detailed, thank heavens. But if you can stomach all that, this one is worth the ride. show less