An atmospheric, gritty, compelling story of two unlikely companions on-the-lam across 1960's America. Classic mob characters and a chase bring great suspense to the story, as does the growing relationship between the main characters. At the same time, a great exploration of women's roles and societal expectations in that era. A fulfilling read on may counts!
--Jamie
Step closer. Pick up this book, and I swear, you'll be able to feel the heat swirling through the pages. Sharp, sly, and endlessly fascinating, Knecht's writing is as coolly collected and elusive as her main character. From the very beginning, you'll find yourself desperate to know more and more and MORE about Vera Kelly and you won't realize how fast you're turning the pages until its over. This is real writing-- writing that makes you want to taste coffee on your tongue, walk through rain-lashed streets, and hide away in secret Argentinian apartments. Come closer. Read this book.
--Jackie
Tana French's first standalone novel has everything that makes her Dublin Murder Squad novels so compelling: a complicated crime, a twisty investigation, and a narrator with a voice you can't get out of your head. The Witch Elm comes with a twist, though: it's narrated by a victim of a crime, rather than a detective. First Toby Hennessy is almost beaten to death; then a skull is found in a tree on his aging uncle's property. The line between victim and investigator blurs as Toby tries to understand both crimes and the Murder Squad gets involved. Tana French fans will relish the opportunity to play detective, and newcomers won't be disappointed, either.
--Travis
