A review by kaywhiteley
Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book really took the southern gothic vibe and ran with it. It gave me the same sort of thrill and chills as the classic southern gothic stories I read in AP English class. But, Mandelo also acknowledges the nastiness of southern history and has it contribute to the horror of the whole story which I think puts a delightful spin on the southern gothic theme. Plus, I love when racists and elitists get what they deserve and are seen as the ugly monsters they are. 

Truly I was unsure about this book for a long time. The first 300 pages felt like the slowest burn mystery with also the slowest burn queer romance you have ever seen. Truly the sexual tension combined with the denials of being queer was so infuriating. I also truly did not understand what was going on for a long time. That plus the street racing made me wonder if this book was for me.

That being said, I’m glad I held on. As slow as the first part of the book was, the second part was quick paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. I think that the slow burn actually enhanced the pace at the end and made it all the more satisfying.

I liked how messy Andrew’s investigation was because, let’s all be honest with ourselves, we would not be that much better when trying to break a curse while being haunted by the ghoul of our best friend. I also just loved the messiness of Andrew’s (and really everyone’s) character in general. He was so so fucked up throughout the book but I couldn’t help but root for him and his happiness.
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