Assessment:

Plot/Idea: Holland does a stellar job of setting up tension throughout this gripping mystery while also crafting a compelling story that revolves around unexplained killings happening in 1960s Arkansas. Chief of police Ray Elmore is launched into the heat of the investigation, and, before long, discovers he may be more involved than he suspected. The suspense is carved out from short, intense chapters that keep the story on pace and dynamic.

Prose: The prose paints a clear picture of the story's events, and Holland's compact style meshes well with the main character's personality.

Originality: Though Holland's concept may not be brand new, the novel's nail-biting pressure and threads of uncertainty give it a fresh feel. 

Character/Execution: Ray is presented as a flawed but well-meaning protagonist who is forced to confront his past in the worst way imaginable. His wife, Ellen Mae, serves as another compelling character who tries to be a source of comfort for Ray, but is burdened by her own issues.

Date Submitted: August 16, 2024