Customer Reviews: Read 56 more reviews...
 Quite brilliant, yet again July 17, 2008
This is the second book by Hart I have read and he has maintained the standard set in his debut novel.
It revolves around the return of a son to his dysfunctional family after 5 years. He left under suspicion of having committed a murder, although he was acquitted.
There are further murders, a lot of family trouble, deceit and twists and turns in this novel which a Robert Goddard would have been proud of. It is reasonably well-written, plausible, fast-moving and packed with intrigue.
The story sucks you in straight away and I managed to finish the book in two sittings in one day.
There was a small, consistent grammatical error which will annoy some, but that would be petty criticism in light of how strong the book otherwise is.
Keep 'em rolling Mr. Hart!
Recommended July 14, 2008
I purchased this book based on favorable reviews and I was not disappointed. The story has enough twists and turns to keep the reader involved. As the book progresses the author cleverly unveils details of the principal character's early life, slowly opening a curtain that enlightens our understanding of his anger and motivation, almost like a parallel plot. The past contributes to the evolution of the plot in a way that captured my attention. The ending was a surprise yet with hindsight very logical. John Hart is literate, his characters are credible and his metaphors satisfying. I was left wanting to read more of his work so I've ordered "The King of Lies", Hart's first book.
Amazing New Author July 1, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I'm not going to go into detail of the story line as several reviews have already done that but just to say that I not sure if enjoyed is the right word (it's not a light enjoyable type of book)but the storyline kept my interest because it is so different than most novels I've read. Mr. Hart has a gift of being able to weave the lives of the characters in such a way you are surprised and perhaps even shocked by them. It's not your typical hero and heroine type of story and refreshing though somewhat dark at times. I also read Mr. Hart's first book though I think I liked this one better. Possibly that means he will only get better or that could have just been my personal view. At any rate I hope we will see many more books by this author.
 Kept me coming back for more June 19, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
A very good book with some nice twists and turns to keep you guessing. I will continue to read John Hart's novels.
Tightly written June 16, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The thriller/mystery is one of my favorite genres. I love to get lost in a great page turner, but hate being let down by a sloppy ending. Some books build to a great climax, only to fall apart in the resolution. It's disappointing when writers get themselves stuck in a corner and use some ridiculous device to get out, rendering the plot implausible. So I am delighted when a writer creates a complex set of characters and situations and manages to smoothly wrap up all the loose ends. "Down River" is so successful in this way. It is very complicated and absorbing. Interesting characters are also a strength here. Thrillers and mysteries often have very black and white characters, but these are people with many dimensions. I also hate the over-written book, with too much explanation telling the reader what to think. Hart spares the reader of excess writing, putting in only the necessary. I like having to do some work to figure things out, instead of sitting back and watching things blow up. If you like this genre, then read this book!
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