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Editorial Review:
'[Hart] explores betrayal and forgiveness in indelible prose'
‘I don’t always agree with the Richard & Judy recommendations, but this time I am with them all the way. This book is a really classy thriller, with a plot that is complex and beguiling without being too convoluted … Whenever I thought that I had unravelled the plot, another twist left me flummoxed, and the solution had me blinking with surprise and admiration’
(Matthew Lewin, Guardian ) '[Hart] explores betrayal and forgiveness in indelible prose' (Observer ) 'Hart spins a clever mystery and keeps skilful control of his plot' (Sunday Telegraph )
‘A gripping thriller full of twists and turns’
(Oldham Evening Chronicle ) 'The story works both as a suspenseful whodunit and as a sensitive rumination on the emotional force of family dynamics' (Washington Post ) 'If you value Harper Lee, James Lee Burke, Truman Capote and Michael Malone, its time to add John Hart to your bookshelves' (New York Sun ) 'A novel about the power of family, how it defines and follows us, no matter how far or fast we run . . . Evocative storytelling and lush prose' (Boston Globe ) 'Splendid . . . a beautifully constructed story of personal redemption, family secrets and murder a small-town epic, if there is such a thing' (Booklist (starred review) ) 'A taut, entertaining thriller . . . there are few books published that can legitimately be called a must-read, but this is one of them' (Chicago Sun-Times ) 'This pacy, well-written mystery grabs you from the first page and keeps you there until the last.' **** (MX Sydney Magazine )
‘The ‘current hot kid of American crime fiction’
(TNT Magazine )
‘Hart builds the suspense of this whodunit expertly’
(Douglas Wight, News of the World )
'There are few books published that can legitimately be called a must-read, but this is one of them'
'This pacy, well-written mystery grabs you from the first page and keeps you there until the last.' ****
Going back is never easy . . . Adam Chase has spent the last five years in New York trying to forget. When he left North Carolina, Adam left for good. Now he has no choice but to return – and being remembered as a murderer doesn’t help. Within hours of arriving, Adam is beaten up, accosted and has to face the hostility of those closest to him, including Grace, the young woman he cannot forget. Nothing has changed. And then people start turning up dead. For a man only just acquitted of murder, Adam’s homecoming does not go well. And he has a dark streak, a history of violence. Everyone doubts. No one trusts him. And as the past threatens to overshadow the present, Adam becomes the prime suspect for the new murders. He alone can clear his name . . .
Going back is never easy ...Adam Chase has spent the last five years in New York trying to forget. When he left North Carolina, Adam left for good. Now he has no choice but to return -- and being remembered as a murderer doesn't help. Within hours of arriving, Adam is beaten up, accosted and has to face the hostility of those closest to him, including Grace, the young woman he cannot forget. Nothing has changed. And then people start turning up dead. For a man only just acquitted of murder, Adam's homecoming does not go well. And he has a dark streak, a history of violence. Everyone doubts. No one trusts him. And as the past threatens to overshadow the present, Adam becomes the prime suspect for the new murders. He alone can clear his name ...
John Hart was born in North Carolina in 1965, and lives with his wife and two young children in Rowan County. He has degrees in French, accounting and law, and worked as a banker, stockbroker and attorney before beginning his writing career.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Unimpressive and tedious Often I read reviews on Amazon, where people have generally liked a novel, and there is one where the reviewer writes 'I must be missing something', or words to that effect. Well in the case of this novel, I must be that person, because I don't understand all the hype about it at all. I just about forced myself to finish it as I was (just) interested enough to read the end, but only just. I kept thinking there must be some amazing twists in the plot to come, but they never arrived, and I had already... more info
perfect summer read!! This book is the perfect book to have on holiday with you, the only problem is that you seriously risk to spend the first couple of days with your eyes stuck on the written words of Mr Hart!!, I don't advice to read it on the train unless you do want miss your stop, or if want read it sitting comfortable in your sofa, get a good pot of coffee ready because you will not want go to bed before the last page of this book.
I really enjoyed this book the plot is good, the characters are very real.
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A good, thick, full thriller... I think in order to write a fantastic thriller, it's not just about a complex multi-layered plot, though obviously this is important; I think the characterisation has to be spot on and the ending clever. And for the most part 'Down River' hit the nail on the head.
The central characters - Adam Chase and his (wonderfully dysfunctional) family - are diverse and interesting and there's a couple of sub-plots thrown in should you become in any way bored with what's going on. It all makes for pretty good... more info
Some clever twists There isn't much product information available on Amazon so to give you an idea what it's about, Adam Chase lives in New York having left his home town five years following an acquital from a murder charge - all this is revealed within first and second chapter so it isn't a plot spoiler - but his friend from home calls him and he has to go back. When he gets home people start turning up dead and unfortunately Adam looks like number one suspect with only him being able to clear his name. The writing... more info
