Sam@WLABB
I have complicated feelings about this one. It was dark and gritty and there are a lot of sad parts with murder, addiction, and a community seemingly at the mercy of a demented man, who is poisoning their land. But there were these lovely bright spots, like the Draughns, Omie, Tennessee, Nuna, and even Red, and I was absorbed in Harlowe finding the answers to all his questions regarding his brother's murder. Given the darkness that surrounded a majority of this book, I was grateful that the ending was hopeful. I just wanted a little bit more there. I spent way too much time worrying about Harlowe, Tennessee, and Omie to have it end like that. I feel like it I had gotten that jump ahead or just a little bit extra at the end, I would have given this 4-stars.
Overall: A compelling read incorporating the Appalachian setting with mystery, romance, and story of survival.