3.5 stars rounded up to a 4
Becca Kingsley has returned to her hometown after being away for ten years; although she wasn't too far away, she was just across the river. When she receives word that her estranged father is dying, she returns home, mainly for some time away from the troubles in her personal life, but also to say goodbye. Returning home always brings back memories as does contact with those from our past. When Becca returns home, she remembers why she has not returned, becomes reacquainted with those she left behind and walks into a police investigation.
A body has washed up- a body that reminds the local authorities of a cold case and a victim that was killed in the same manner. Becca's father was once the Police Chief and her childhood friend, Parker is now the lead detective on the case. The murders, both past and present, open old wounds, bring forth memories, and question loyalties of various characters in the book.
I agree with other reviewers who point out that this book is more about relationships, family dynamics, and loyalty more than it is a thriller. As a reader we know more than some of the characters in the book. We are shown various POV's that give us insight and tell us what happened. Yes, there is some mystery here but for me it was about Becca and her relationships with others. We also see several other characters, such as John and Parker and their relationships with others as well.
This book also examines loyalty. The choices people make to protect others. A choice a parent might make to protect their child. The choice a member of a group may make to protect the group and to show loyalty. The loyalty (or lack thereof) in intimate relationships. The book looks at what people do to survive and how turning a blind eye happens in the name of survival.
I enjoyed the writing and the descriptions in the book. The Author sets the stage for small town life in Pennsylvania near the Delaware river. I found the book to be a fast read but it did leave me wanting more. Maybe I missed something, but I do not feel I was given the reason for the first murder. If I missed it, then that is one me. I wanted more of the rationale and reasons for why one character did things. We do get some explanation and things do make sense, but I also feel there were some gaps in the plot. There was a couple of characters that I wished had been fleshed out a little more. The book is dubbed a mystery, a suspenseful thriller, etc. I feel it would do better if it were marked as a character study on relationships. If you are looking for a book heavy on mystery and suspense, this may let you down a little. I did appreciate how the Author showed how Becca remembered some buried memories, the mystery in the book was really for her to come to an understanding about her childhood, her past, why her father made the choices he did and why she grew up to repeat some patterns she witnessed in her youth.
This is the first book in a series and I believe that the characters will be fleshed out more in the next book. Overall this was an enjoyable read that although did not have me on the edge of my seat, I was intrigued and wanted to see how the book was going to end. The Author drew me in with her descriptions and hints at buried secrets. I found this book to be on the lighter side. For me it was not a heavy book, the reader knows whodunit, so there is not much need to do any detective work while reading, it was nice to kick back and enjoy the book. For some there might be a scene or two that is a little cringe worthy but otherwise the book dealt with the characters and their secrets.
Thank you to Thomas and Mercer, goodreads and Amazon for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.