Enjoyed this book very much. Easy to read, smoothe and full to twists. I hope to read The King of Lies.

Our book club actually gave this book a 4.2 rating. I was a little surprised it wasn't a little bit higher because everyone thoroughly enjoyed the book. And our group was excited to hear that it had just won the Edgar award for this year. If you're a mystery fan it's a must read!

Without giving away too much of the story, I'll say that John Hart's Down River centers on a young man, Adam, who had been accused of murder five years before, was acquitted, moved out of town for five years, and is now back in his hometown. I won't say why because that's one of the mysteries that makes the book enjoyable.

Back in Adam's hometown are his father, a very, very rich farmer, who owns millions of dollars worth of farmland; his stepmother, who testified against him at his trial five years before; his stepbrother and stepsister, twins; his father's best friend and foreman of the farm and the "grandaughter" he is raising; some of the townspeople, including the police, who remember and hate Adam; and Adam's former lover. All these lives, we learn, are entwined.

Half the town wants Adam's father to sell his farmland to a power company; some want it desperately because it means money for them. Adam's stepmother still resents him, probably hates him. The stepbrother and stepsister don't hate him but they each have serious issues that have affected Adam in ways that the reader will come to see. And the reader will find mystery upon mystery upon mystery with all the characters.

Down River is a mystery and thriller, but it's more than that. It's also literature. I loved this book.

My words aren't adequate to describe how good this book is. Do yourself a favor and read it.

Dramatic! GETS READER INVOLVED IMMEDIATELY.