Tomorrow River

by Lesley Kagen

New York Times bestselling author Lesley Kagen makes her hardcover debut with an extraordinary literary thriller, rendered through the eyes of an unforgettable eleven-year-old girl.

During the summer of 1968, Shenandoah Carmody's mother disappeared. Her twin sister, Woody, stopped speaking, and her once-loving father slipped into a mean drunkenness unbefitting a superior court judge. Since then, Shenny-named for the Shenandoah valley-has struggled to hold her world together, taking care of herself and her sister the best she can. Shenny feels certain that Woody knows something about the night their mother vanished, but her attempts to communicate with her mute twin leave her as confused as their father's efforts to confine the girls to the family's renowned virginia estate.

As the first anniversary of their mother's disappearance nears, her father's threat to send Woody away and his hints at an impending remarriage spur a desperate Shenny to find her mother before it's too late. She is ultimately swept up in a series of heartbreaking events that force her to come to terms with the painful truth about herself and her family.

Told with the wisdom, sensitivity, and humor for which Lesley Kagen has become known, Tomorrow River is a stellar hardcover debut.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Southern, Coming Of Age, Adult, Family

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Lesley Kagen is a mother of two, a grandmother of two, an actress, narrator, speaker, essayist, and the award winning, New York Times bestselling author of ten novels, including her newest, EVERY NOW AND THEN. She lives in a charming small town in Wisconsin in a hundred-fifty-year-old farm house with her dog, Gracie.

More about Lesley and reading guides can be found at: www.lesleykagen.com and www.facebook.com/LesleyKagenBooks.

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, I wasn't expecting to actually read the whole book. In order to get ready for author, Leslie Kagen, to make an appearance, time had slipped away and I had one day to read this novel. I was told to read the last few chapters. I have a hard time reading the ending of books, unless they are real stinkers and I am about to give up on them. So, I read the first few chapters. This book was amazing! I was up all night finishing it and I am ready to read it again. It is reminisent of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird in evoking the same type of Southern feeling and style. Deep South, deep traditions and characters who aren't really what they seem. Highly entertaining, heart breaking, yet, amazingly touching at the same time. I loved it!

[Gökçe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yeni yıla harika başladık.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was fast paced with easy readability. I felt the author did a fantastic job of capturing a true sounding 11 year old narrator. I'm always frustrated when an author attempts to portray a child and said child thinks nothing like the given age. Often times authors give the child too much insight or too great an ability to see everyday life from an adult perspective. I thought Lesley Kagen made the main character, Shenny, an obviously bright, gregarious and very verbal 11 year old child. She effectively attributed childlike qualities and naiveté to the character as well. From my reading experience I know that is not easy to do, so kudos to her. However, the "problem" I had with this story was that the plot itself was a bit far-fetched and not entirely plausible. Therefore, it gets three stars. A perfect example of a good book while reading ----but will not hold long in my memory.

[Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing mystery with a protagonist I fell in love with. The story is told by Shenandoah, known as Shen. She's 11 and determined to find her mother who's been missing for one year. Since her mother's been gone, her twin sister Woody, has been mute, communicating only through drawings and odd squawks and flaps. Their father is a drunk, abusive jackass, but Shen loves him with all her heart, even though he often locks her and her sister in a root cellar as punishment and won't let them go to school. What happened to their mother? Did she run away or was it something more sinister? The twists will keep you guessing.

[Book Concierge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone in Rockbridge County knows the Carmody family – they’re the richest and most powerful clan in this part of Virginia. Shenandoah and Jane Woodrow Carmody are 11-year-old twins living at Lilyfield – a large home in rural Virginia – with their father, a judge, and their housekeeper Louise Jackson. As the novel opens, their mother has been missing for nearly a year, and their father has clearly descended into an alcoholic depression. He is keeping the twins virtual prisoners at home, though they manage to get to town when he’s not around. Shenny is most worried about her sister, because Woody hasn’t spoken a word since the night their mother disappeared, and Shenny believes their father is getting ready to send Woody to some sort of asylum. So Shenny decides the time has come to take matters into her own hands and find their mother and bring her home.

This is an interesting premise and Kagen can write a suspenseful thriller (I really enjoyed her debut work Whistling in the Dark ), but she didn’t quite pull it off in my opinion. For one thing I quickly got tired of the “Southernisms” with which Shenny expressed herself. I also grew frustrated with how unreliable she was as a narrator. Yes, I know, she’s only 11 and can’t be expected to understand all that is happening around her, especially with most of the adults specifically trying to keep things from her. Still, as a reader this drove me crazy. I enjoy a suspense/thriller that gives me that sense of dread and “evil lurking in the hearts of men.” But I also want some relief occasionally – the idea that the protagonist has some control and is making headway in finding the culprit or uncovering the truth. I didn’t get that here. So while I was as surprised as Shenny to discover the truth about her mother’s disappearance (not necessarily a bad thing, being surprised), I just didn’t feel that the whole novel quite worked. Sorry I can’t be more specific than that …. If my review frustrates you, that may approximate how I felt about this book.

[Linda Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first 3/4ths of this book was just wonderful. I read w/o taking a break, but then the ending kind of fell apart. I was disappointed ... kind of like the sky rocket that starts out with all the colors, and then just fizzles. :(

This is a mystery with several twists. Set in a small Southern town which is dominated by the men in one family (a little Cat on a Hot Tin Roof-ish) and the ensuing disappearance of the wife of one of the sons in this family. She, Eve, is also the mother or the narrator, Shenny, and her twin, Woody. Actual names : Shenandoah WILSON Carmody, and Jane WOODROW Carmody ... can you guess the political persuasion ? At the disappeance of their Mother, Woody becomes mute, so Shenny, frustrated by the inability of anyone to find their Mother, sets upon her own investigation.

At first, I thought this storyline would be similar to Flavia in Bradley's books with a child detective as the lead. It is anything but ! Shenandoah is definatly the lead, but as she becomes so your love of her innocence grows. She is supported by cast of characters which are incredible. The plot weaves itself through them and their necessary additions to the lives of the girls in such a way that each becomes so important to the central that I felt like these cameo appearances became storylines in their own right. Don't you love it when everyone in the story is that fleshed out ?

It was a book I very much enjoyed all along thinking it would be a five star ... laughing aloud, wiping a tear, pulling my brows together in question, and so appreciating the clever writing that when the final 2-3 chapters let me down, I was sad.

[Cathe Fein Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

12-year-old twin girls try to deal with the disappearance of their mother in different ways. Woody (Jane) retreats into herself, no longer talking or caring for herself. Shen takes care of her sister and tries to solve the mystery by secretly interviewing townspeople. Meanwhile, both girls have to deal with their father's increasing drunkenness and unpredictable moods.

I found this book intriguing and definitely wanted to keep reading to find out what really happened on the night of the carnival when the mother disappeared. The writing was good, however, the father seemed kind of stereotypical and I had a hard time understanding, especially at the end, this undying love Shen had for her dad after he repeatedly locked her in the root cellar and allowed his family to mistreat her. I also didn't like the way Shen was made to be so dumb sometimes--when people said something she didn't believe she though they were addled . . . I means seriously, other than the grandmother who was definitely off, why would others keeping coming down with mental illness. The ending was also a little too much as one reviewer described it, Nancy Drew-like, where we suddenly get everything explained to us in a neat package tied up with a ribbon.

All in all though, an enjoying and satisfying read.

[Anya Tsinko · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the first half of the book a little slow. It was hard to get to know the characters as I found their development quite slow. I understand that the story is told from the point of view of a 11 year old and some things she just can't understand, still some parts were really frustraiting. For example, Shenny realized that Woody's drawings have changed over the past year to have a darker tone and depicted mainly the events around her mother, still it would take Shenny over half of the book to realize that her sister is trying to tell her something and not just show her drawings to recieve praise. It's those little parts, where I just wanted to shake Shenny and tell her to stop being so oblivious that frustraited me. As well as Woody's muteness. I am sure the author did a lot of research, but still it did not seem entirely believable. It made me question her developmental state before her mother's dissapearance.
This book did make me frustraited at times, and at one point at time I just wanted to shut it and throw it out, yet I went through with it and at the end I found it did get better.

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book by Lesley Kagen. In this story, during the summer of 1968 in the Shenandoah Valley, the mother of the 11- year -old Carmody twins, Shenandoah and Jane Woodrow (Woody), disappeared. From that moment on, Woody no longer spoke. Their father, the Honorable Wallace Carmody, was in a terrible state of drinking and being mean to the twins because he missed his wife so much. Shen then decides she needs to find out what happened. It's an interesting story as she moves from suspect to suspect and learns more and more about her father and his father and brother. The actual person whom Woody saw hurt their mother was a surprise to me. Well done.

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.

[Samantha Terrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me this book started out slow and was difficult to become attached to. However, the plot does pick up and I became hooked on the story and characters. The ending was masterfully written to be heart-wrenching and heartwarming at the same time. It was a great book!

[Brandee B · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was one I definitely need to talk with someone about. It always amazes me the harshness of the 1960's. So much hate and spoiled white men. I have so much admiration for Shenny protecting her sister and the way she deals it all. She has a fierce soul and a fighting spirit. My heart literally breaks for her and her devotion to her dad. I just don't understand. So much evil and chaos and yet they come out but how much damage has already been done?

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a mystery, the book is highly predictable. But that's okay, really, since the narrator is an eleven year old and it makes sense that an adult reader would piece things together faster than she would. I enjoyed the narrative voice, although I never could buy the twin character (Woody). I understand she was recently mute and psychologically fragile, but she was portrayed as being so developmentally stunted that I couldn't believe she hadn't been that way before the incident. Shen makes it seem like Woody is incapable of putting on her own shoes or combing her hair. Woody flaps and runs when agitated. Even when she does want to communicate with Shen, she doesn't write or rationally act out her message, she just points to her unclear drawings. Perhaps this character was based in mountains of psychological research. I don't know. All I know is I didn't buy it. Overall, though, an entertaining quick read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third I've read by Lesley Kagen. This is filled with so many characters (and some of them similar) that it takes a while to catch on. The protagonists are twin girls--Shenandoah and Woody. Shenandoah is taking care of Woody since she has gone mute due to a trauma. Both girls are trying to sort out the death of their mother and the cruelness of their father. Even though the subject matter is tough, Kagen again manages to brings a lighthearted attitude to the topic by creating an atmosphere where the girls are on an adventure. Kagen's language play in this book is that the girls have a secret twin language--that is very cool. In this book I very much enjoyed the southern rural setting and the intertwining of race relations.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a GREAT story. I have read all of Lesely's books and enjoyed them, but in my opinion, this is her best work. She truly captures the emotions of the twin sisters as they try to solve the puzzle of their missing Mother, and endure the hardships placed upon them by their troubled Father--and twisted evil Grandparents and Uncle. The books has some outstanding support characters and a great ending. Kudos to Lesley--and I hope you've started your next book!!

If you havent' read it yet--do so!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been almost a year since Shenandoah Carmody’s mother disappeared, taking with her their idyllic life as a prominent family in their late-1960’s Virginia town: her twin sister has stopped speaking, and her father is withdrawn. Shenny is convinced that her mother is out there somewhere, and her return will restore their family life to the way it was. Her memories, and the actions of the narrative, however, reveal that issues of race, class, and gender were – and still are – at work. And Shenny, a bit later than the reader, realizes that things are not the way she thought.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

After I got this book home, I wondered whatever possessed me to pick it up. I'm glad that I did, as I thouroughly enjoyed every minute of this story. I fell in love ith the twins - one weak and needy, and the other one strong and resilient.
The twins' mother disappears. Shenny wants to find her. Woody refuses to talk. Their father, the judge is abusive to them, and is going to wed another. What really happened to their mother? Is she dead like everyone imagines? Lots of story lines. I was surprised at the ending. Goodread, indeed...

[Gayle Wingerter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Kentucky during 1969, this well-written story of twin girls hooked me from the first page. Their mother has been missing for a year, and the effect on the two very different 11 year-olds is devastating. As one twin tries to solve the mystery of her mother's disappearance, the other has withdrawn and become mute. Little by little the reader learns about family dynamics and secrets. I read the book in about 3 days, unusual for me.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a page-turning novel of suspense and intrigue with interesting characters that come alive. Things are not what they appear. Shenandoah Wilson and Jane Woodrow are 12 year old twin girls living in West Virginia. Seeing the world through the eyes of a 12 year old child brings a sense of honesty and understanding that will leave you touched and tearful. This novel has a number of unexpected twists, which makes turning each page a delight. I truly enjoyed this one! I recommend!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this story, but was a bit confused about the 11 year old's point of view - sometimes it is too advanced to be realistic, and at other times I found myself getting frustrated by how dense and overly innocent she seemed. (maybe this is realistic? I only know a few 11 year olds!)

The plot moves along quickly enough and is interesting. I couldn't put the book down once I was halfway through. Great ending.

[Jessica Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started and finished this in under 24hours, I almost put it down in the first 2 chapters but Lesley wrote beautifully authentic characters and this story captivated me, I had this book open on the counter while I flipped fritters, took it to bed with me and then to physical therapy. I could not bring myself to step away, being fully captivated by her characters! Great summer read, I will definitely be passing this along.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love Lesley Kagen. This book had it all-a mystery, a suspense tale a love story, a family drama...The story is told from the innocent-eye point-of-view which helps create some dramatic irony. As for the mystery part, I thought I had that all figured out a third of the way into the book. Which of course I didn't! I was sorry when I had to put this one down.

[Nan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book club book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author does a great job processing events through the eyes of a young girl while still giving enough information so that as an adult you understand what's really happening. I also love that the ending is well done, no unanswered questions or sudden endings here.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I liked this book for most of the book, it's the Knight on a shining horse ending. Two 11-year old twin girls against the adults (and one emotionally damaged who can no longer speak), with a couple plot twists and suddenly it's solved totally out of left field. Rather disappointing given the writing to that point.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of her books so far. The story follows two twins investigating the disappearance of their mother. The book starts out simple and charming, but turns progressively darker--not in a scary way though.

[Holly Cartier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read 'Whistling in the dark" because of the Milwaukee connection--and I loved this story. The end was a complete surprise, and the atmosphere the author invokes is so engrossing. Sit down with time to read it all.

[Katrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book reminded me of a Nancy Drew or Scooby Do mystery; and not in a good way. In the end, everyone is related and someone is not who they said they were. So dumb. I probably would not read another book by this author.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read Review here:
http://mysterysuspence.blogspot.com/2...

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a phenomenal book all the twists and turns are totally amazing. I cant wait for her next book to come out.

[Mechele McDaniel Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!