A review by ajnel
Don't Know Tough by Eli Cranor

dark emotional funny mysterious reflective sad 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? Yes

4.0

Eli Cranor's Dagger (New Blood) nominated debut novel truly is a tour de force in the effective use of pacing and the power thereof esp in Southern noir. Though not yet on the same level as SA Cosby,  "Don't know Tough" despite its slightly obvious whodunit, deals with the impact of a number of "personality forming" events and philosophies in the lives of the principal cast and leaves substantial food for thought for the reader.  Bravo!