Mary McGarry Morris

The Silence by Mary McGarry Morris began very well. Two children in the woods. One reveals a terrible secret. They have an argument. One leaves. Later the second child is found murdered.

Unfortunately, as the story jumps to twenty eight years later with the surviving child, Ruth, now a cop, the story becomes frustrating and repetitive. Ruth’s actions are irrational and, frankly, annoying. But, in fairness, none of the characters are particularly likeable. Perhaps it’s the subject of this tale but I really felt it needed a better protagonist and, well, if I’m honest, a better story. However, I should note that many other reviewers disagree so this is one I leave to potential readers to decide for themselves. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Cassandra Campbell who does an admirable job.

Trigger warnings: child abuse, both sexual and physical, alcoholism, ptsd

I received an audiobook of this novel from Netgalley and Highbridge Audio in exchange for an honest review… (altro)

Eight year old Ruth and her best friend, Ceely have just had a big fight. Ruth runs off and leaves Ceely in the woods. The next thing you know, Ceely is dead. The police arrest a town drunk. But, Ruth knows he did not do it. So, now as an adult, she has decided to do something about it and find the real murderer.

I was so excited when I saw that this author had a new book coming out. I have read quite a few of her books and enjoyed them. However, this book was very slow and a bit repetitive.

Ruth is a character that frustrated me on so many levels. She oversteps on more than one occasion and just does not play it smart on others.

All of that being said, there are parts of this story which I found compelling. As a reader, you knew Ruth was on to something and it needed to be brought into the light.

This novel is narrated by Cassandra Campbell. She did a very good job. I enjoyed her cadence and her seriousness.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.… (altro)

Light from a Distant Star is a first-person coming-of-age story in the voice of 13-year-old Nellie, an inquisitive, talkative people-pleasing middle child who feels responsible for her struggling family and for their reputation in their gossipy small town when a scandalous murder is committed close to home, but also feels a responsibility to defend the man the rest of the town believes is guilty.
The novel does better with family dynamics than with developing a suspenseful storyline, but succeeds in creating a memorable character in Nellie.… (altro)