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elliedegarmo's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
eyreibreathe's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
What was the last book that shattered you? When I added Long Bright River to my TBR back in 2019, I knew I would need to emotionally prepare for this read. It took me nearly five years and a little nudge from Moore's recent release (The God of the Woods - one of my favorites this year!) to finally pick up this long-neglected book. It was well worth the wait, friends. This book was simply stunning.
Through Long Bright River, I gained a visceral, first-hand glimpse into the opioid crisis. The narrative follows two sisters on opposite sides of the epidemic: Mickey, a Philadelphia beat cop who witnesses the devastation daily, and her younger sister Kacey, long trapped in the grips of addiction. Seeing both sides allows readers to fully experience the destruction, despair, and agony that permeate this crisis - for both the addicts and their anguished families.
Gritty, dark, and profoundly eye-opening, Long Bright River is a book I will not soon forget.
Through Long Bright River, I gained a visceral, first-hand glimpse into the opioid crisis. The narrative follows two sisters on opposite sides of the epidemic: Mickey, a Philadelphia beat cop who witnesses the devastation daily, and her younger sister Kacey, long trapped in the grips of addiction. Seeing both sides allows readers to fully experience the destruction, despair, and agony that permeate this crisis - for both the addicts and their anguished families.
Gritty, dark, and profoundly eye-opening, Long Bright River is a book I will not soon forget.
oliviahoffmann's review against another edition
5.0
Read this book in one day and loved it so much. The author pulls the reader into a multifaceted mystery, layered with emotion, assumptions, and surprises. I also love that the end was satisfying, not saccharine - not leading the reader to the false assumption that everything would easily be OK.
meghanbuchanan's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
caseyc91's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
grimdark_dad's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Murder, and Pregnancy
lefttoread's review against another edition
Long Bright River by Liz Moore is a refreshing departure from the typical thriller, a book that defies the conventions of the genre and emerges as a powerful piece of literary fiction. At first glance, I expected a straightforward thriller, but Moore delivers so much more. The novel is a beautifully written exploration of family, love, loss, and the complexities of the human experience, all set against the backdrop of Philadelphia's opioid crisis.
The writing is nothing short of exceptional. The narrative is split between the suspenseful search for a missing sister and a profound reflection on the bonds that tie people together, and it flows seamlessly between these two elements.
The characters in Long Bright River are incredibly well-rounded and realistic, especially the protagonist, Mickey Fitzpatrick. Mickey's journey is deeply emotional and compelling; she's flawed yet fiercely determined, a character who is easy to root for despite (or maybe because of) her imperfections. The relationship between Mickey and her estranged sister Kacey is the beating heart of the novel. It’s messy and painful, marked by betrayal and love, capturing the essence of what it means to care for someone who’s self-destructive.
What I loved most about this novel is how it transcends the boundaries of a typical thriller. Yes, there is mystery and suspense, but the story also offers a richly detailed, empathetic portrait of a community struggling with addiction and poverty. It’s a social commentary wrapped in a mystery.
If you're looking for a thriller with depth, nuance, and beautifully crafted characters, Long Bright River is a perfect choice. It’s different from the usual fast-paced, plot-driven thrillers—it’s more contemplative and haunting, lingering in your mind long after you turn the final page. I found myself unexpectedly moved and engrossed in this story, and I’m eager to read more books like this—thrillers that offer not just twists and turns, but also emotional depth and literary elegance. Highly recommended!
The writing is nothing short of exceptional. The narrative is split between the suspenseful search for a missing sister and a profound reflection on the bonds that tie people together, and it flows seamlessly between these two elements.
The characters in Long Bright River are incredibly well-rounded and realistic, especially the protagonist, Mickey Fitzpatrick. Mickey's journey is deeply emotional and compelling; she's flawed yet fiercely determined, a character who is easy to root for despite (or maybe because of) her imperfections. The relationship between Mickey and her estranged sister Kacey is the beating heart of the novel. It’s messy and painful, marked by betrayal and love, capturing the essence of what it means to care for someone who’s self-destructive.
What I loved most about this novel is how it transcends the boundaries of a typical thriller. Yes, there is mystery and suspense, but the story also offers a richly detailed, empathetic portrait of a community struggling with addiction and poverty. It’s a social commentary wrapped in a mystery.
If you're looking for a thriller with depth, nuance, and beautifully crafted characters, Long Bright River is a perfect choice. It’s different from the usual fast-paced, plot-driven thrillers—it’s more contemplative and haunting, lingering in your mind long after you turn the final page. I found myself unexpectedly moved and engrossed in this story, and I’m eager to read more books like this—thrillers that offer not just twists and turns, but also emotional depth and literary elegance. Highly recommended!
gabrielarose's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
bmanatee_reads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
smilesgiggle's review against another edition
4.0
This is a story about addiction. Family. Hope. Regret. Poor decisions. Loss of faith. Young girls and women abused, hooked on drugs - their loss of standing.in society. Does anyone actually care?