Overall Take:
If you are looking for a moody and atmospheric read grab a copy of this one. I’d borrow a copy, but it’s a gorgeous cover so would look nice on your shelf too.
Star Rating:
4 stars
Genre:T
hriller, Mystery
Synopsis:
Eli is not okay; he’s struggling with PTSD and surviving by drinking. After he lost his job, his mom offered him a position as a police officer in the small town of Shaky Lake. Their budget is constantly dwindling and the town is struggling from the fallout of the opioid epidemic.
When the body of a teenage boy is found in the lake it sets in motion that leads Eli into a tangled web. Will he be able to solve the case and get the redemption he so desperately needs? Or will this be something else that eludes him?
Thoughts:
This book deals with some very heavy and dark topics including PTSD, addiction, and the opioid epidemic. While the issues were well written, I struggled a little with some of the attitudes towards those with mental health and addiction struggles. While they were very realistic, I struggled with reading it as it hit very close to home for me as not only do I have mental illness, but many around me do also, and my mom died from addiction issues. So, it’s always hard to read about these struggles, but like I said they were well written.
This book was very atmospheric and drew me into the surroundings. I enjoyed how it was written and I could imagine everything along the way, I felt like I was right there next to the characters. The characters were well developed. Eli, was multi-faceted and really grew as a character throughout the book. His mom was also a fantastic supporting character, and I loved their relationship. It was a great example of a mother-son relationship.
The one area that was a little distracting to me and why this was a four star read over a five star was the pacing. The pacing was a uneven and this became a little distracting. However, overall, this story worked, and I did enjoy.
This was a really enjoyable book, and it was well written, I couldn’t believe that it was a debut. Sometimes an author will come out of nowhere and just surprise you and that is what happened here.
If you are looking for a well written and atmospheric novel, then check this one out.
Thanks for my copy to:
Thank you to Atria books, Emily Bestler Books and Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date:
January 9, 2024
Page Length:
288 pages
Publisher
Atria, Emily Bestler Books
Link to buy:
Affiliate link
