Customer Reviews:
 Strength and Persistence June 13, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Excellent book (though at times tough to read because of the stark descriptions of reality of farm life in difficult times). Apparent underlying themes of value of strength and calm persistence in overcoming adversity (though surprisingly not emphasized by author in the author interview at the end of the book). Wonderful depiction of strong female protagonist.
An unexpectedly great novel June 8, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I listen to quite a few audio books, but because of the limited selection of unabridged recordings in our library system (a challenge compounded by the fact that I have sworn off Stuart Woods and James Patterson - two very prolific authors), I often listen to some mediocre stuff. Most of what I listen to doesn't even warrant a review (most recently I listened to a rather silly Laura Lippman novel and an unremarkable -though not terrible - effort by CJ Box called Blue Heaven). I picked up Down River because it was there (although I had seen a positive reference to it in another review) and was unexpectedly impressed. This is a great novel.
Down River is an ambitious crime novel that evokes the atmosphere of a Southern Gothic melodrama. The plot: Adam Chase returns to his North Carolina home after a five year absence, following his acquittal for murder. Before long, dead bodies start to appear and Adam quickly becomes a suspect. His quest for the truth reveals some dark family secrets.
This is a well written, complex novel. Hart has a great ear for dialogue and while some of his characters are a little stereo-typed (all the better to deliver the Southern Gothic melodrama) Hart breathes life into them. While I can't say that I saw all the twists and turns coming, the central plot twist is telegraphed well in advance. Critics may complain that the story is melodramatic (it is melodramatic) and the plot contrived (obviously), but in this case: melodramatic and contrived = highly entertaining novel.
I highly recommend this novel. It stands head and shoulders above others in the genre. I haven't read King of Lies, but will add it to my reading list. By the way, if you are considering listening to this as an audio book, this version is exceptionally well-read.
 Tough to Categorize June 3, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I had trouble deciding, throughout this book, whether I was reading an emotional roller coaster book or a murder mystery. If I were convinced this was a murder mystery, it would defintely be a four star.
The main character was tried and acquitted for murder five years earlier. His stepmother was the primary witness against him. He was tossed off the family farm (plantation) by his father who had to choose between wife and son. Upon his return, he is angry, to say the least. Most of the town believes he was the killer. His family and old lover are torn by his absence and the rift in the family. When he returns home after five years of being in communicado, he learns that his father is holding up the building of a huge power plant that most of the town wants to bolster the economy. There are threats and violence meant to convince his father to change his mind.
This is the backdrop for the emotional heart tugs. Everyone seemingly wears his or her emotions on their sleeves and virtually every other page has an analysis of someone's emotion. It got dark, tedious and melodramatic.
Against this, however, is a really, really good mystery. He was coaxed home by his former best friend who is no where to be found. The killer of his supposed victim has never been found, leaving him the number one suspect in the police's minds. A girl, almost like a kid sister to him, is beaten near to death and then there are murders. It seems everyone has a motive and everyone could be a suspect. This is the best part of the book - the pure mystery.
If asked how I could improve this novel, I would say to remove the heavy emotional overlay. It distracted from a terrific mystery plot. Mr. Hart's writing is very good and most of the characters are good. Some are predictable, but there are so many closely involved, it would be near impossible not to have one or two who are not stereotypical.
Overall, a good book. I wish much of the emotional turmoil had been toned down, however. If you can get by that and read it as a straight mystery, it will be thoroughly enjoyable.
 WOW June 1, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I read his first book and immediately downloaded this one. This book is darker than the first, but the story told and the way he tells it are simply superb. Absolutely could not put it down. Can't wait to see more from Mr. Hart.
A Beautiful Mystery! May 31, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Down River by John Hart is a mystery story that is packed with much more than its intended. As I breezed through this carefully woven tale, I found myself falling in love with the characters of the tale. Hart has not only crafted an intelligent, simple, mystery but has also crafted some finely drawn characters that really add real literary substance to the pages. When reading the book I felt a combination of Larry McMurtry and James Patterson only better.
Adam Chase is a main character brimming with light even though he has nothing but sorrow and hatred for the people he left behind. Declared not guilty for a crime he was framed for, Adam decides he's had it with the town. His own father took his step wife's word over his, causing Adam to not only leave the people he now despises, but the people who still believe in him and love him.
Five years pass and Adam is called back by his good friend Danny Faith while living in New York City, telling him to come home to set things right. Adam reluctantly comes home to Rowan County only to be face with more bloodshed than when he left, causing those around him to stare in his direction. He ends up gaining assistance from Detective Robin Alexander, his longtime girlfriend he left behind. One of the victims ends up being his friend Grace who still holds a grudge against him for leaving her. Grace ends up being knocked out by an unknown assailant, but lives causing Adam to investigate what's happening. One thing leads to another when Grace's father, Dolf Shepard and him end up finding his friend Danny dead in hole raising even more shouts. He realizes there is more going on in his rich family and county than he's ever suspected, bringing about old and new blood with his father and step siblings all while trying to redeem the past he has dreaded for five years of being alone.
I loved all the themes Hart threw into the story. Adam's rekindled romance with Robin, how far friendships can last for years, the idea of love for one's family in any time of need, and also the purpose of making choices in life and how they affect our future. John Hart shows with his book that he knows how to combine a a simple, intelligent, mystery story with simple loving yet complex characters. Down River is a mystery tale unlike any other that immediately grabs onto your heart and never let's go, even after you've turned that last page. It also has some truly affecting twists that you'll never see coming. Just go buy it! Now! You won't regret this Beautiful mystery.
It is also a worthy winner of the Edgar Award for best novel.
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