Johnston’s latest literary suspense novel paints a vivid picture of a small Wisconsin town haunted by the mysterious disappearance of three boys in the 1970s. The story centers on Sean Courtland, a drifter who ends up working for Marion Devereaux, a man shrouded in suspicion. Alongside Sean is Dan Young, another wanderer with his own secrets, and Denise Givens, a local waitress whose life becomes entwined with Sean’s after a bar altercation. Detective Corrine Viegas, determined to uncover long-buried truths, watches as these lives intersect and set off a chain of events leading to devastating consequences.
While the premise holds promise, the execution is slow. The first half drags with disjointed scenes that fail to build momentum. I repeatedly waited for the story to take off, but the payoff was minimal. Despite well-crafted, three-dimensional characters, the narrative lacked urgency. The book’s pacing and fragmented storytelling left me frustrated, making it hard to stay invested.
If you appreciate stories heavy on atmosphere and slow-build character interactions—or have a fondness for DIY projects—you might find this worthwhile. However, if you’re looking for a plot with more action or intrigue, this might not satisfy. For me, it was a miss.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
** Thanks to the publisher for an advance copy. The opinions are my own.