dez_behm26's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Fantastic book. A perfect blend of mystery, crime, and emotion.
nathanslinkard's review
4.0
Exciting, suspenseful, gut-wrenching, Mystic River explores how upbringings and experiences change people’s lives and contribute to their actions in times of stress, healing, and doubt.
totalsassreads's review
5.0
This is not my usual kind of book but the writing is so good I'd read more Lehane just for his use of rhythm and language. Excellent, absorbing read.
A more in depth review is on my blog: https://ghostsinside.com/2019/03/15/mystic-river/
A more in depth review is on my blog: https://ghostsinside.com/2019/03/15/mystic-river/
maeclair's review
4.0
This book alternated between being plodding and sucking me in at various times. Overall, I found the characters and the story depressing. What this book does have going for it is incredible writing. The author has a fantastic way of turning a phrase and setting a scene. Even when the I felt the pace was slow and I wanted things to move ahead, the writing held me mesmerized. I figured out the killer halfway through the book but not the motive (which seemed a bit of a stretch to me).
I think one of my main issues with the story is that I couldn't connect with any of the characters, even the lead. They all felt remote, but maybe that's exactly what the author intended. I prefer books were I become emotionally invested in the lives of the characters, and that didn't happen with this novel.
I think one of my main issues with the story is that I couldn't connect with any of the characters, even the lead. They all felt remote, but maybe that's exactly what the author intended. I prefer books were I become emotionally invested in the lives of the characters, and that didn't happen with this novel.
tmariereads's review
5.0
I love a dark, gritty mystery and this one did not disappoint. Jimmy, Sean, and Dave were once childhood friends. Then one day a car stopped and tried to pick them up. One of the boys got in the car, but he didn’t come back the same and their friendships ended. Years later, the death of Jimmy’s daughter reunites them, but for very different reasons. This book had me hooked from the first page and Dennis Lehane impressed me with what he did with the story.
okenwillow's review against another edition
5.0
Premier livre que je lis de Lehane, et sûrement pas le dernier !
L’intrigue est intéressante, noire, bien développée, et les personnages sont approfondis et tourmentés. C’est une histoire humaine autant qu’un thriller, l’ensemble se dévore, le style de Lehane se savoure.
L’intrigue est intéressante, noire, bien développée, et les personnages sont approfondis et tourmentés. C’est une histoire humaine autant qu’un thriller, l’ensemble se dévore, le style de Lehane se savoure.
chloebear21's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Child abuse
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Cancer
shondawanders's review
5.0
I found his writing to be superb. What a great novel. A character study for sure. Highly recommend.
leighanneslit's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this one up on a whim, not knowing anything about it and not having seen the film adaptation, and I was really impressed.
First of all the emotion from the family members in this book just absolutely killed me. Sometimes reading those types of descriptions don't really do much for me, but I found myself almost in tears a few times, really feeling this family's grief.
There are a lot of twists and turns throughout the book and right when you think you have arrived at the right conclusion, you're shown evidence of why you're wrong. I personally love books that keep you guessing until the very end and this one did just that. I didn't figure it out until right as it was being revealed. Excellent mystery and I would definitely recommend. Though, there is definitely some racism/misogyny in this, so be warned. Otherwise, excellent.
First of all the emotion from the family members in this book just absolutely killed me. Sometimes reading those types of descriptions don't really do much for me, but I found myself almost in tears a few times, really feeling this family's grief.
There are a lot of twists and turns throughout the book and right when you think you have arrived at the right conclusion, you're shown evidence of why you're wrong. I personally love books that keep you guessing until the very end and this one did just that. I didn't figure it out until right as it was being revealed. Excellent mystery and I would definitely recommend. Though, there is definitely some racism/misogyny in this, so be warned. Otherwise, excellent.