Reviews

Dead Man Dancing: A Novel by John Galligan

dangerprone's review against another edition

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1.0

This series is bad. I'm trying not to abandon any books this year and it really tried me. I wish I had.

From the odd pov choices (common in this series) to the abundance of arsonist (in two books way too many arsonists in Bad Axe county to be believable and not an epicenter of firebugs) the series lacks authenticity. It feels like it scratches on issues of sex, pride, and race in such a hollow way it's pointless.

rbweb3's review against another edition

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tense medium-paced

4.0

jenndoesbooks's review against another edition

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5.0

Absolutely love this series. Heidi Kick is the heroine everyone needs.

randyrasa's review against another edition

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5.0

[b:Bad Axe County|43218140|Bad Axe County|John Galligan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1561293832l/43218140._SX50_.jpg|67061750] was one of the best mystery/thrillers I read last year, and this one is even better: dark, gritty, and tense. The novel reflects the hollowing-out of rural America, with the left-behind consumed by hatred, bitterness, grievances, and despair. The communities I know well, not so different from Farmstead WI, are populated by some good people, for sure, but there is a yawning darkness just under the surface, as we can see reflected in recent national politics. The white nationalism and racial animus depicted in Dead Man Dancing are very real, and very dangerous, as is the reluctance of many rural residents to recognize and confront those ugly realities. But despite the dark characters and themes, there is some brightness as well: small-town traditions, the simple joy of polka, even an unexpected and heartwarming LGBTQ subplot. This is simply a terrific book.

roq's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

annarella's review against another edition

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4.0

This books it totally out of my comfort zone but I appreciated the style of writing and the character development.
It's gripping, gritty and kept me hooked.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

annarella's review

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4.0

This books it totally out of my comfort zone but I appreciated the style of writing and the character development.
It's gripping, gritty and kept me hooked.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

sophial's review

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dark mysterious fast-paced

3.5

sarahlw96's review

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4.0

Dead Man Dancing is a completely gripping sequel to Bad Axe County. Sheriff Heidi Kick is back and just as brilliant as before.

There is always a fear with a sequel, that it will never quite live up to its predecessor. Rest assured friends, this is not a problem for Galligan. This book had my heartbeat pounding (yes, really) from the very beginning and I didn't put it down until I had turned the very last page. Fair warning though, this book is not for the faint of heart, there is extreme violence, racism and sexism throughout.

But, oh my, is it worth it.

Check out the synopsis below:

It’s a time for celebration in Bad Axe County as the town gathers for the annual Syttende Mai—or Norwegian Independence Day—festival. During this rollicking family-oriented event filled with dancing and food, Sheriff Heidi Kick discovers a dark and shocking event—a migrant worker has been savagely beaten but refuses to explain what happened. Then, a sudden murder of a band member shatters the festival. Something is deeply wrong in Bad Axe County.


*I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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