On the surface, Emerson, Massachusetts, is just like any other affluent New England suburb. But when a young woman is found dead in the nicest part of town, the powerful neighbors close ranks to keep their families safe. In this searing novel, Eden Perry’s death kicks off an investigation into the three teenagers who were partying with her that night, each a suspect. Hannah, a sweet girl with an unstable history. Jack, the popular kid with a mean streak. Christopher, an outsider desperate to fit in. Their parents, each with motivations of their own, only complicate the picture: they will do anything to protect their children, even at the others’ expense.
With a brilliantly woven, intricately crafted plot that gathers momentum on every page, this is superb storytelling told in terse prose—a dynamic read that is both intensely gripping and deeply affecting.
LOCUST LANE
Stephen Amidon
I’m still on a reader high just having finished LOCUST LANE a few hours ago. It comes out in January, and I think you should add it to whatever list you’ve got started for 2023.
Locust Lane is about a group of families all affected by the death of Eden Perry which occurs on Locust Lane. A street located in a wealthy neighborhood in Emerson Massachusetts.
This book doesn’t read like your average thriller or mystery, it’s rich and deeply layered, and feels very different from others I’ve read. It explores themes of class, racial stereotyping, power dynamics, small-town politics, and familial inheritances. It feels part literary, part mystery, I enjoyed my entire time listening, let’s talk about it…
The prose was the first thing that jumped out to me. I was listening to the audiobook edition of this title and the prose combined with the expert narration made me pay full attention. I knew from the beginning I was in for an experience.
The second thing I noticed was the details and features ascribed to each character. They were unique in what they focused on making the character formation feel, unlike other reading experiences. Their different point of view provided a confessional booth quality that voyeuristic readers will love and will make voyeurs out of the rest of us.
The third thing that I noticed which lasted throughout the book was the storytelling pattern of the novel. I loved this more than anything and I think this is what pushed it from a good book to a great book. There were several times I got lost in the book, wrapped up in the mystery, guessing wrong, and being surprised at the lengths people will go to if given the opportunity.
I’m so glad I picked this book up and suggest you do the same!
Coming January 17, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, and Celadon Books for the advanced copies in exchange for an honest review!
LOCUST LANE…⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
