Gone

by T. J. Brearton

[layawaydragon]

I received a free copy to review from Netgalley. This is the first novel I’ve read of TJ Brearton’s and I’m up for reading more.

Content Warning: Racism and Ablism, the former is handily put down while the latter is parroted by most characters throughout the book though there is a light under the tunnel.

I was sucked in quick in this mystery thriller. I liked the way the house was described in the beginning. Then it hops straight to setting up our characters and the investigation. I liked getting to know them and their community. Small towns are beasts of their own. The setting came to life as they did.

Our protagonist, Rondeau, is particularly compelling throughout his journey.

Peter, the second narrator and patrolman, was on and off. His incessant justification for worrying about the family because the daughter was the same age as his nephew felt redundant. At one point he has an introspective moment and I liked him better as the story moved forward.

The aptly named Athena is Peter’s partner and was mostly a girlfriend. She is capable but seen through Peter’s loving eyes, she’s a goddess, which doesn’t help her character. I understand why but wish she was a bigger part since she is neck deep in everything with Peter.

Beyond that, the plot did built up smoothly. Looking back, I’m sure it’s convoluted as fuck, but it worked. I kept going, guessing and pumped until the end. Halfway through I was sure of where it was headed and anxious for it to move on. But no, it threw me for a loop. I was left wondering WTF was going to happen for the last half.



However, the conclusion I was left with more questions. The family’s story is wrapped up but there’s details I still want to know like…who the hell was the killer? What about the little old lady? Was it an hallucination or more cover up?



The ending was sweet that everyone got their shit together to appreciate Rondeau. It does have the warm and fuzzies. Their change of heart towards him was justified as they realized the full scope of the situation. But the missing answers left it inadequate to cap off Gone.