When a book is so much more than what you thought…

Shortest Summary Ever: There were 3 brothers. The eldest died in Vietnam. The 2nd – Jason, fought, came home, and wound up in jail. The 3rd – Gibby, has just turned 18 and been sheltered from most of this. Jason returns from prison and reconnects with his brother. Their parents have written Jason off, mostly, as a lost cause, but Gibby wants to understand him. Family drama. Then… a murder and everyone is looking at Jason. Where will his loyalties lie? What is it we just don’t know about Jason?

Thoughts: I’ve read almost every Hart book and I’ll say this – he is versatile and unpredictable. His writing is like a sewing needle that weaves a perfect tale though it zigs and zags. You don’t realize it at the tone but he’s sewing a masterpiece. Solid. Captivating. The family dynamic of this story is timeless and universal even though Vietnam plays a specific role. It’s about the black sheep. It’s about brothers. It’s about parents. It’s about how those roles can be one of the biggest assets, yet the largest curses at the same time. Hart has a way of making the real SO real, it hits close to home no matter your background. The star here for me is Jason. As his story unfolds, peeling back the layers of his life, I started to see so much more to his character and good or bad an understanding grew in my mind. One I never saw coming.

All my reviews available at scrappymags.com around time of publication.

Genre: Mystery/Historical Fiction

Recommend to: This one is a home run for all. I can’t think of a single reason why you shouldn’t read this. Perfect for the book clubs! Lots to discuss.

Not recommended to: Eh… maybe if you hate mysteries, but then I can’t be your friend.. lol.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my advanced copy in exchange for my always-honest review and for making my winter break this year!