Helpful Score: 11
I thought this author's debut novel "King of Lies" was excellent but "Down River" is even better. A very well-written and gripping story that was very hard for me to put down. It has well developed characters, betrayal, and the dysfunctional family drama that always draws me in. I love the way this guy writes and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.
Helpful Score: 11
Down River is one of those books that once you start reading, it's hard to put down. It is full of plot twists, great characters, heroes and villans, deceit and violence. As the secrets are revealed the plot thickens until you just have to know what's next!
Helpful Score: 10
Couldn't put it down. Explores the emotional turmoil and baggage of a North Carolina family. john Hart has created characters that are complex and very human. The plot line kept me engaged the entire time. Really satisfying read.
Helpful Score: 9
This one of the best books I have ever read. The characters and plot are so well developed that you feel their every emotion. The twists and turns are constructed in such a way that when you must put the book down, you find yourself still thinking about them. This is the first book I have read by John Hart. I'm going to order another right now!!!!!
Helpful Score: 5
This was a page turner, with a wonderful twist in the end. A story about perseverance and believing in one's self when no one else does!
Helpful Score: 3
I picked this one up for a change of pace and genre and was pleasantly surprised. A fast paced thriller, with lots of twists and turns, it kept my attention throughout. Reads quickly and intelligently with a host of interesting characters and story line. I was surprised by the ending - I had only guessed a small piece of it. Would definitely recommend.
Helpful Score: 1
I was at a PBS swap when one swapper said to another, "This was a GOOD book." That was it - I was intrigued, so I took it home. I've never read John Hart before, but I LOVED this book. Extremely well written; good characters, great story line, not too terribly cliche', the story moved along really well, but the best part was that I carried it with me EVERYWHERE for 2 days because I wanted to read it every chance I got. I immediately loaned it to my coworker and insisted she read it!
Helpful Score: 1
Great book and an easy read. Full of surprises. Enjoyed it very much.
Helpful Score: 1
Absolutely wonderful. I could not put it down. I read it in one day and I can say this is one of the best books I've read in the last several years. The King of Lies was good and I liked it, but this is far above that. A definite five stars.
Helpful Score: 1
Loved the book. It was one that I had a hard time putting down. The twists and turns kept you guessing until the very end.
This John Hart's second novel and the second one I've read (although I'm reading them in reverse order it seems.) He's a great storyteller - draws you in at every turn. While I had some things figured out near the end, I didn't have the whole picture and was surprised - which was good. I really like how his characters have more than one dimension - like all of us do. :) Highly recommend.
I am reading this book right now and it is one of the best books I have ever read. You immediately feel like you are in the middle of the story. Excellent. I cannot put it down.
It was a great read. Have other books written by John Hart to read now.
I really enjoyed reading this book, couldn't wait to find out who the killer was.
This 2nd book by John Hart won the Edgar Award. And it was a New York Bestseller. Well, it's a good mystery. I'll grant it that. That's what kept me turning pages. But I did not enjoy the author's style. It seems like a man's book written by a man. There is no one "nice" in this book. Every single character, even the female ones, settle every difference and disappointment with their fists, their MANY guns or by drinking copious amounts of alcohol. I did not even like the main character, whom I think we're supposed to feel sympathetic towards. I think the judges that gave out the Edgar Award must have been all male. This novel is as tough as nails and it never softens up. Some people like their characters this way, but I don't. Good mystery, tho, once again.
This was a hard book to put down - the many twists and turns made it a fast read. I will look for more of John Hart's books in the future. One of my favorites.
Loved it! I found the story line engrossing and at times did not want to stop reading this one. This is the 2nd of John Hart I have ready and I already have the 3rd one waiting for me.
I thought "The King of Lies" was a very good book but "Down River" was so much better.
This is the 2nd book of John Hart's that I have read and enjoyed. Hart delivers another thriller of profound insight and psychological complexity. An Edgar award winning novel. I'm adding his name to the list of my favorite Southern contemporary writers.
good read
This is my first time reading John Hart and I have to say I couldn't put this book down! I started it on Friday night and finished by Sunday afternoon! Highly recommended!
I enjoyed this one much more than his first book. It had a surprising plot, solid characters and terrific writing. It was definitely an absorbing, fast read. I will be keeping an eye out for any future works of his, especially if his books keep getting better and better like this!
I liked the book. good story, interesting characters. This was my first J Hart book, and I'm looking forward to reading others by him.
Well written as characters vividly portrayed. Although I was sure I knew the anwwer to the mystery, I found myself doubting it because of some interesting twists and turns.
Good read.
Good read.
Extremely well written book. Character depth and development was excellent. Hart is an above average writer and I feel he will excel as an author. The only reason that I did not give a five star rating was because of the subject matter. The families are so dysfunctional and the overall feel of the book was dark. This is strictly personal taste; I prefer more upbeat stories with some humor throughout to dilute the tragedy. I would still recommend "Down River" because it was written with a skill that often escapes many of today's authors.
Recently found this author - great story lines! Grabbed me from page 1
Great book....will definitely be reading more from this author!
A pretty interesting read with several twists and surprises. Well written and good character development.
Great Hard to put down
Great book. Keeps you wondering "who done it" all the way through. Should read Last Child by John Hart - also a great book.
Another great read by John Hart.........loved it a lot, and hated for it to end. I read a lot, and don't give a 5 very often!
Another great mystery with lots of twists and turns! Keeps you guessing - love it!
Great book - good writer - suspenseful from beginning chapter. I recommend it highly.
well written and strong author
Excellent!! I really enjoyed this one. first time for this author and I'll be looking for others.
lots of twists & turns...I would recommend it!
A good story, solid mystery.
Interesting story of a young man falsely accused of murder. He comes back to town 5 years later and mysterious things begin happening. A story of family and it's complications and misunderstandings.
An absolutely wonderful book filled with great characters and a style of writing that keeps you turning pages. Hard one to put down. Highly recommended.
This book was full of twists and turns and written quite well. It just didn't blow me away, thus only 3.5 stars.
Really good book.
I enjoyed this book more than I expected.
