The author of this book could be talking about himself when he writes, "But the best writers, of course, are equal parts imagination and observation." Authentic, detailed scenes from New England life are the setting for an over the top (I hope!) plot about people who murder as a problem solving strategy. In this lovely sequel that also references his previous books, the author proposes a hierarchy of cold blooded killers: Lily, the incredibly interesting murderous character from The Kind Worth Killing, feels superior to Joan, the (also interesting) murderous character from this book, because for the latter, "it wasn't meaning she was after, but the thrill of transgression." Lily, on the other hand, feels that she kills for good reasons (like several characters in the author's other books). Recommended for all libraries. ( )

Henry Kimball changes careers like most people change socks. In this sequel to The Kind Worth Killing, the former teacher/police detective is now barely supporting himself as a private detective. Both of his previous jobs do come into play, however, when an ex-student hires him to follow her cheating spouse. This reunion with Joan causes Henry to recall his last day as a teacher, marked by a traumatic experience that drove him into police work. Although they have that horrible memory in common, the now-adult Joan barely resembles the girl Henry remembers. As Kimball doggedly pursues what should be a straightforward assignment, his discoveries draw him into a much darker and more complicated search. Swanson always delivers an elaborately layered plot filled with unexpected twists and cheeky references to classic mysteries. Here he also impressively juggles the novel’s many timelines and subplots without causing confusion or spoiling his nail-biting ending. The Kind Worth Saving continues Swanson’s examination of the banality of violence, vigilante justice, and righteous punishment. Fans of the series will be grateful for the return of Lily, with whom Henry enjoys an unconventional relationship. This fledgling series offers a trove of possibilities, leaving readers in suspense about what Henry Kimball might become embroiled in next. ( )

Did not realize this was the second book in a series until I went to write this review. With that said, I will go back and read book #1 The Kind Worth Killing but I did not need to read book #1 before book #2 for it to make sense. This was an interesting book and I loved the ending, way to go Lily! Looking forward to reading more of Peter Swanson's books in the future. ( )

Peter Swanson has a penchant for sudden, and almost seismic, twists in his novels, but although I now know this from experience, somehow he still catches me out. This book was no exception.

This book picks up from one of his previous novels, The Kind worth Killing, which was also memorable for a major twist that had me fooled. I don’t want to offer much of a synopsis for fear of inadvertently letting a spoiler slip through, I did, however, enjoy the novel.

Swanson doesn’t concern himself with developing his characters in any complex or deep manner, but the plot is fast paced, and the various actions were all plausible, if initially surprising.

All in all, this was very entertaining. ( )

This is a sequel of sorts - Henry and Lily from Swanson's 2017 "The Kind Worth Killing" thriller reappear - but it works well as a standalone, with the introduction of a few new and intriguing characters. The author has always done the psychopaths among us really well and usually provides jarring plot twists along the way. This novel, a bit more subdued, is told from the point of view of Joan and Richard (one of two Richards, nice touch), who recognize each other as comrades who come alive only when scheming to kill. Lily and Henry, previously adversaries, are also two who deeply understand each other. The novel is filled with slow boil suspense and surprises, another success for Swanson. ( )