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Locust Lane
For fans of Mystic River by Dennis Lehane and Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng, Stephen Amidon’s Locust Lane is a taut and utterly propulsive story about the search for justice and the fault lines of power and influence in a seemingly idyllic town. Can anyone be trusted?
On the surface, Emerson, Massachusetts, is just like any other affluent New England suburb. But when a young woman is found dead in the nicest part of town, the powerful neighbors close ranks to keep their families safe. In this searing novel, Eden Perry’s death kicks off an investigation into the three teenagers who were partying with her that night, each a suspect. Hannah, a sweet girl with an unstable history. Jack, the popular kid with a mean streak. Christopher, an outsider desperate to fit in. Their parents, each with motivations of their own, only complicate the picture: they will do anything to protect their children, even at the others’ expense.
With a brilliantly woven, intricately crafted plot that gathers momentum on every page, this is superb storytelling told in terse prose—a dynamic read that is both intensely gripping and deeply affecting.
On the surface, Emerson, Massachusetts, is just like any other affluent New England suburb. But when a young woman is found dead in the nicest part of town, the powerful neighbors close ranks to keep their families safe. In this searing novel, Eden Perry’s death kicks off an investigation into the three teenagers who were partying with her that night, each a suspect. Hannah, a sweet girl with an unstable history. Jack, the popular kid with a mean streak. Christopher, an outsider desperate to fit in. Their parents, each with motivations of their own, only complicate the picture: they will do anything to protect their children, even at the others’ expense.
With a brilliantly woven, intricately crafted plot that gathers momentum on every page, this is superb storytelling told in terse prose—a dynamic read that is both intensely gripping and deeply affecting.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2023
About the author
Stephen Amidon
16 books201 followersStephen Amidon (born 1959, in Chicago) is an American author and film critic. He grew up on the East Coast of the United States of America, including a spell in Columbia, Maryland, which served as the inspiration for his fourth novel The New City. Amidon attended Wake Forest University as a Guy T. Carswell Scholar, majoring in philosophy. He moved to London, UK, in 1987, where he was given his first job as a critic by Auberon Waugh, who invited him to review a novel for The Literary Review. Shortly after this Amidon sold his first work of fiction; the short story "Echolocation" was chosen by Ian Hamilton for inclusion in the Bloomsbury anthology Soho Square II. He was awarded an Arts Council of Great Britain bursary for the short story in 1990. In 1999 he returned to the US. His literary criticism and essays have appeared in many publications in North America and the UK and he has also worked as a film critic for the Financial Times and the Sunday Times. Amidon is the author of a collection of short stories and six novels, the most recent of which, Security, was published by FSG in 2009. His fiction has been published in fifteen countries. The novel Human Capital was chosen by Jonathan Yardley of The Washington Post as one of the five best works of fiction of 2004.[6] A film adaptation of Human Capital is currently in preproduction in Italy for director Paolo Virzi. Amidon has written two non-fiction books. The Sublime Engine with his brother Tom, a cardiologist, and Something Like the Gods which is dedicated to his son, Alexander, who plays football for Boston College.
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January 16, 2023
Locust Lane by Stephen Amidon
Even though this story is listed as a mystery/thriller, I see more as a mystery/domestic drama. We know pretty quickly that someone is dead and we weren't there for what turns out to be a murder. We see the story unfold from the POVs of a lot of people.
Eden is the dead girl. She's had a rough several years but seems to have settled down while living at the place of an older couple. Jack and his friends, Hannah and Christopher, are in high school. Jack is a bully, Hannah and Christopher are bullied. Hannah hates herself so it's fitting she's spending time with Jack. Christopher is invisible unless people are making fun of him so being "friends" with Jack makes him somebody even if he's a bullied somebody.
Jack and Hannah's families are wealthy, Christopher is from another country, the son of a chef, on the outside in every way. So when Eden's death is investigated, the rich circle the wagons and Christopher is the bait to draw attention away from Jack and Hannah. When it comes to Jack, things have happened before, although not this bad. Jack's dad knows how to take care of things.
There are a lot of adults involved in this mess and each one is either grieving a death of a teenager, trying to throw suspicion off a teenager, and/or trying to throw suspicion on a teenager. Money, excellent lawyers, and cops who have already convicted someone in their own heads, rule the day. The truth is that no one is guilt free, even if they didn't kill Eden. These are not good people, this is not a good place. The story is not a happy one and there will be no feeling of resolution or closure at the end. Life will go on for some and not for others.
Pub: Jan 17, 2023
Thank you to Celadon Books, NetGalley, and Edelweiss for the print and digital copies of this ARC.
Even though this story is listed as a mystery/thriller, I see more as a mystery/domestic drama. We know pretty quickly that someone is dead and we weren't there for what turns out to be a murder. We see the story unfold from the POVs of a lot of people.
Eden is the dead girl. She's had a rough several years but seems to have settled down while living at the place of an older couple. Jack and his friends, Hannah and Christopher, are in high school. Jack is a bully, Hannah and Christopher are bullied. Hannah hates herself so it's fitting she's spending time with Jack. Christopher is invisible unless people are making fun of him so being "friends" with Jack makes him somebody even if he's a bullied somebody.
Jack and Hannah's families are wealthy, Christopher is from another country, the son of a chef, on the outside in every way. So when Eden's death is investigated, the rich circle the wagons and Christopher is the bait to draw attention away from Jack and Hannah. When it comes to Jack, things have happened before, although not this bad. Jack's dad knows how to take care of things.
There are a lot of adults involved in this mess and each one is either grieving a death of a teenager, trying to throw suspicion off a teenager, and/or trying to throw suspicion on a teenager. Money, excellent lawyers, and cops who have already convicted someone in their own heads, rule the day. The truth is that no one is guilt free, even if they didn't kill Eden. These are not good people, this is not a good place. The story is not a happy one and there will be no feeling of resolution or closure at the end. Life will go on for some and not for others.
Pub: Jan 17, 2023
Thank you to Celadon Books, NetGalley, and Edelweiss for the print and digital copies of this ARC.
September 19, 2023
The premise sounded so good: In a wealthy suburb of Boston, a local girl is found murdered. As the investigation unfolds, the elite families involved start to close ranks. But what is the truth?
Locust Lane has shifting perspectives. All of the sections are from the perspectives of one of the parents. However, the parents weren’t directly involved in the events of the night in question.
Why didn’t we hear directly from Eden, Christopher, Jack, and Hannah?
Also, the author tried to give each one of the parents an interesting backstory. However, it was too broad. When an author goes wide instead of deep, it rarely works out. Who was I supposed to cheer for in this novel?
But the thing that I just couldn’t get over in this book is the prose. It was painful.
There were so many over-the-top similes. I read a printed ARC of this book (so the final version might be different), but I would be extremely curious to know how many times “like” or “as if” were mentioned. There was one short paragraph which had 2 similes in it. Once I was aware of the problem, I could not look away, and all of the similes just made me cringe, hard.
Who wants to read a mystery/thriller bogged down by a bunch of similes?
And the names! Geoff, MaryAm, Noone pronounced “Noon”, and Procopio.
*Thanks, Celadon, for a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and unbiased opinion.
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Locust Lane has shifting perspectives. All of the sections are from the perspectives of one of the parents. However, the parents weren’t directly involved in the events of the night in question.
Why didn’t we hear directly from Eden, Christopher, Jack, and Hannah?
Also, the author tried to give each one of the parents an interesting backstory. However, it was too broad. When an author goes wide instead of deep, it rarely works out. Who was I supposed to cheer for in this novel?
But the thing that I just couldn’t get over in this book is the prose. It was painful.
There were so many over-the-top similes. I read a printed ARC of this book (so the final version might be different), but I would be extremely curious to know how many times “like” or “as if” were mentioned. There was one short paragraph which had 2 similes in it. Once I was aware of the problem, I could not look away, and all of the similes just made me cringe, hard.
Who wants to read a mystery/thriller bogged down by a bunch of similes?
And the names! Geoff, MaryAm, Noone pronounced “Noon”, and Procopio.
*Thanks, Celadon, for a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and unbiased opinion.
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February 9, 2023
Such a gripping, tense, engaging psychological thriller, whodunnit mystery with multi POVS!
A twenty years old girl, dogwalker, taking care of elder couple after having a break with her relationship of her mother: Eden Perry has found death! Emerson, Massachusetts is an affluent, peaceful suburban with low crime rates! This brutal crime shakes the entire neighborhood to the core!
Last three people who has seen Eden were three teenagers she’s partying with! Jack Parrish is the third and youngest son of powerful Parrish family. They also get their way with the help of intimidating family leader and breadwinner Oliver who is quiet fixer and his wife Celia who can play dirty to take care of her children. They even paid for shutting up a girl who thought Jack had abusive tendencies.
Hannah: a sweet girl, dating with Jack, living with her mad scientist dad Geoff who is mostly spending his time in his study and her stepmother Alice who is secretly in affair with charming Parisian restaurant chef Michel. Hannah has self harm tendencies, in a questionable relationship with Jack! Is she his punch bag? Why does she sometimes let him walk over her?
And Christopher: an outsider, a wallflower, recently moved to the states with his dad, carrying Lebanon heritage who slowly starts building his close inner circle with the help of Jack even though Jack treats him like a garbage. Christopher had a crush on Eden but he was too shy to come clean about his feelings. Did I also mention he was also son of Michel!
The POVs are the parents of the kids including Danielle who was the mother of Eden, tattooed, tough, resilient, questioning what she’s done wrong and resenting herself for not protecting her own daughter and we also have Patrick’s POV who recently lost his daughter who was overdosed. He might be the key witness of the events. The night when the murder committed, he hit a dog and when he left his car, he saw a shadow hiding in the woods. Later he realizes he has seen the killer!
The slow burn mystery and building high tension pick your interest, hooking you up! And the flawed parents who justify their actions to save their kids to cross the lines and things get so heated!
The ending was unconventional, thought provoking and also heart wrenching! It was the most realistic and honest wrapping up I could ever imagine.
I loved this argumentative, heart throbbing mystery and I’m looking forward to read more works of the author!
I’m so thankful to Celadon Books for providing the physical arc copy of this marvelous book in exchange my honest opinions.
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A twenty years old girl, dogwalker, taking care of elder couple after having a break with her relationship of her mother: Eden Perry has found death! Emerson, Massachusetts is an affluent, peaceful suburban with low crime rates! This brutal crime shakes the entire neighborhood to the core!
Last three people who has seen Eden were three teenagers she’s partying with! Jack Parrish is the third and youngest son of powerful Parrish family. They also get their way with the help of intimidating family leader and breadwinner Oliver who is quiet fixer and his wife Celia who can play dirty to take care of her children. They even paid for shutting up a girl who thought Jack had abusive tendencies.
Hannah: a sweet girl, dating with Jack, living with her mad scientist dad Geoff who is mostly spending his time in his study and her stepmother Alice who is secretly in affair with charming Parisian restaurant chef Michel. Hannah has self harm tendencies, in a questionable relationship with Jack! Is she his punch bag? Why does she sometimes let him walk over her?
And Christopher: an outsider, a wallflower, recently moved to the states with his dad, carrying Lebanon heritage who slowly starts building his close inner circle with the help of Jack even though Jack treats him like a garbage. Christopher had a crush on Eden but he was too shy to come clean about his feelings. Did I also mention he was also son of Michel!
The POVs are the parents of the kids including Danielle who was the mother of Eden, tattooed, tough, resilient, questioning what she’s done wrong and resenting herself for not protecting her own daughter and we also have Patrick’s POV who recently lost his daughter who was overdosed. He might be the key witness of the events. The night when the murder committed, he hit a dog and when he left his car, he saw a shadow hiding in the woods. Later he realizes he has seen the killer!
The slow burn mystery and building high tension pick your interest, hooking you up! And the flawed parents who justify their actions to save their kids to cross the lines and things get so heated!
The ending was unconventional, thought provoking and also heart wrenching! It was the most realistic and honest wrapping up I could ever imagine.
I loved this argumentative, heart throbbing mystery and I’m looking forward to read more works of the author!
I’m so thankful to Celadon Books for providing the physical arc copy of this marvelous book in exchange my honest opinions.
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January 17, 2023
He swerved, but he clipped the hindquarters of the dog. After getting out to make sure that the dog was ok, he thought he saw someone in the woods. But, he had been drinking and already didn’t have the best relationship with the Cops…so he didn’t report what he saw…
Now, over the course of EIGHT days, we will learn about what happened at the Bondurants-both the CRIME and it’s AFTERMATH, told through the multiple POVs of the parents- who will do anything to protect their own…
EVEN AT THE EXPENSE OF THE TRUTH
Because Social Media, Power and Influence, Race and Prejudice, do shape the OUTCOME-and the truth, isn’t always enough, anymore.
ONE murdered teen-Eden Perry
TWO words, that will cause everything to spiral out of control.
THREE suspects- Hannah, Jack and Christopher.
And, once these TWO WORDS, have been said, this SLOW BURN, CHARACTER DRIVEN plot takes off, like a roller coaster car that has reached the top of its climb, and has now started plummeting down its hill.
I personally PREFER Crime and Suspense novels which feel authentic to the over the top variety, so this highly anticipated 2023 novel, is everything that I hoped it would be!
But, just because I said it’s NOT over the top, DOESN'T mean that you won’t find some twists and surprises between its covers!
It reminded me of a Kia Abdullah novel, in that regard. Or, “No Hiding In Boise” by Kim Hooper.
And, it landed on my favorites shelf-for books read in 2022.
A buddy read with DeAnn and MarilynW. Be sure to check out their reviews for additional thoughts!
4.5 ⭐️ rounded UP!
AVAILABLE NOW
Thank You to Celadon Publishing for the physical copy and adorable bookmark that I received in the mail. Celadon is a division of Macmillan founded in 2017, which only publishes a highly curated list of twenty to twenty-five new titles a year, and focuses and discovering and nurturing talent.
I look forward to their selections each year!
Now, over the course of EIGHT days, we will learn about what happened at the Bondurants-both the CRIME and it’s AFTERMATH, told through the multiple POVs of the parents- who will do anything to protect their own…
EVEN AT THE EXPENSE OF THE TRUTH
Because Social Media, Power and Influence, Race and Prejudice, do shape the OUTCOME-and the truth, isn’t always enough, anymore.
ONE murdered teen-Eden Perry
TWO words, that will cause everything to spiral out of control.
THREE suspects- Hannah, Jack and Christopher.
And, once these TWO WORDS, have been said, this SLOW BURN, CHARACTER DRIVEN plot takes off, like a roller coaster car that has reached the top of its climb, and has now started plummeting down its hill.
I personally PREFER Crime and Suspense novels which feel authentic to the over the top variety, so this highly anticipated 2023 novel, is everything that I hoped it would be!
But, just because I said it’s NOT over the top, DOESN'T mean that you won’t find some twists and surprises between its covers!
It reminded me of a Kia Abdullah novel, in that regard. Or, “No Hiding In Boise” by Kim Hooper.
And, it landed on my favorites shelf-for books read in 2022.
A buddy read with DeAnn and MarilynW. Be sure to check out their reviews for additional thoughts!
4.5 ⭐️ rounded UP!
AVAILABLE NOW
Thank You to Celadon Publishing for the physical copy and adorable bookmark that I received in the mail. Celadon is a division of Macmillan founded in 2017, which only publishes a highly curated list of twenty to twenty-five new titles a year, and focuses and discovering and nurturing talent.
I look forward to their selections each year!
October 18, 2022
Heck of a Prologue!
I felt uneasy from the first sentence, on edge as I quickly flipped through the pages with bated breath! It really set the tone for the rest of this tension filled snowball ride.
Very early, we learn there has been a shocking murder, too close for comfort in this wealthy neighborhood. My intense curiosity, along with the slow burn suspense, roped me in. The whodunnit aspect had me questioning motives, watching for signs and collecting the bread crumbs!
There are teenagers involved, multiple POV's, a shadow lurking in the woods, domestic drama, secrets with agendas, unexpected turns and a thought-provoking end.
An intense slow-burn that didn't push the limits to the point of "that could never happen". The intrigue is high, and the twists convincing. Some parts were a bit heavy on backstory, but kept my interest overall.
I did guess the killer in the last third, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment. The end baffled me, it wasn't tied up in a neat bow (and that was okay). I wanted more closure, but it made me think, "Oh, this could blow up in someone's face"!
What a way to start and finish a novel!
Thanks Celadon for my arc. OUT January 17, 2023
I felt uneasy from the first sentence, on edge as I quickly flipped through the pages with bated breath! It really set the tone for the rest of this tension filled snowball ride.
Very early, we learn there has been a shocking murder, too close for comfort in this wealthy neighborhood. My intense curiosity, along with the slow burn suspense, roped me in. The whodunnit aspect had me questioning motives, watching for signs and collecting the bread crumbs!
There are teenagers involved, multiple POV's, a shadow lurking in the woods, domestic drama, secrets with agendas, unexpected turns and a thought-provoking end.
An intense slow-burn that didn't push the limits to the point of "that could never happen". The intrigue is high, and the twists convincing. Some parts were a bit heavy on backstory, but kept my interest overall.
I did guess the killer in the last third, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment. The end baffled me, it wasn't tied up in a neat bow (and that was okay). I wanted more closure, but it made me think, "Oh, this could blow up in someone's face"!
What a way to start and finish a novel!
Thanks Celadon for my arc. OUT January 17, 2023
January 17, 2023
When twenty-year-old Eden Perry is found murdered in a house on Locust Lane in an affluent Boston suburb, three teenagers Hannah, Jack, and Christopher who were the last to see her alive are suspected to be involved. While Eden’s mother wants justice for her daughter, the families of the teens scramble to protect their children, often turning against one another while juggling their own complicated family issues. Added to the fray is an unreliable witness who might have seen the killer. Who killed Eden and why? Drugs, money, love or is there more to the story?
Stephen Amidon’s Locust Lane has its share of murder, lies, indiscretions, cover-ups, and a whole lot of family drama. The narrative is shared from the perspectives of Patrick, an alcoholic who is grieving the loss of his own daughter due to a drug overdose and who might have seen the killer while driving on Locust Lane, Danielle (Eden's mother), Alice (Hannah's stepmother), Michel (Christopher's father), and Celia (Jack's mother). I liked the plot structure and found the writing in tense moments quite compelling. Realistic characters (most of whom are flawed and unlikable), strong dialogue (in parts) and a powerful ending (the final 25% was a gripping read) are the strengths of this narrative. Please note, however, this is more of a family drama with a murder mystery at its core than a “thriller” in the true sense of the term. On that note, I found the writing a tad too descriptive and more than mildly repetitive. I generally have no problem with multiple perspectives but I think the pacing suffered due to the same in this book while also contributing to the repetitiveness. I was surprised that we do not get much insight into what’s going on in the minds of the teenagers barring their individual versions (often more than one) of the events from the night of the murder that they share with the adults. I do feel that the mystery angle was well-executed but the “drama” was a bit too much and often took the focus away from the mystery. I do enjoy domestic thrillers only when there is a balance between “domestic” and “thriller” which sadly was not the case with this story.
In short, while I did not dislike Locust Lane, I did not love it.
Many thanks to Celadon Books and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Stephen Amidon’s Locust Lane has its share of murder, lies, indiscretions, cover-ups, and a whole lot of family drama. The narrative is shared from the perspectives of Patrick, an alcoholic who is grieving the loss of his own daughter due to a drug overdose and who might have seen the killer while driving on Locust Lane, Danielle (Eden's mother), Alice (Hannah's stepmother), Michel (Christopher's father), and Celia (Jack's mother). I liked the plot structure and found the writing in tense moments quite compelling. Realistic characters (most of whom are flawed and unlikable), strong dialogue (in parts) and a powerful ending (the final 25% was a gripping read) are the strengths of this narrative. Please note, however, this is more of a family drama with a murder mystery at its core than a “thriller” in the true sense of the term. On that note, I found the writing a tad too descriptive and more than mildly repetitive. I generally have no problem with multiple perspectives but I think the pacing suffered due to the same in this book while also contributing to the repetitiveness. I was surprised that we do not get much insight into what’s going on in the minds of the teenagers barring their individual versions (often more than one) of the events from the night of the murder that they share with the adults. I do feel that the mystery angle was well-executed but the “drama” was a bit too much and often took the focus away from the mystery. I do enjoy domestic thrillers only when there is a balance between “domestic” and “thriller” which sadly was not the case with this story.
In short, while I did not dislike Locust Lane, I did not love it.
Many thanks to Celadon Books and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
July 19, 2023
Have you ever fallen hard for a book and you can’t put your finger on exactly why? It’s not an overall fan favorite, and the content isn’t anything to write home about, per se, but all you know is that you couldn’t put it down the entire time you were reading it, and once you finished it was difficult to move onto the next book because you couldn’t stop thinking about this one? That’s the only way I can describe my experience with Locust Lane. It’s your standard, run-of-the-mill crime fiction murder mystery, and yet it kind of isn’t.
Maybe it was the gripping prologue. Perhaps it was the fact that, even though the story is about a group of teens who are suspects in a murder investigation, it’s the adults belonging to these teens that we get all of the POVs from. It could even be the fact that, as I age, I have a greater appreciation for a thoroughly constructed, character driven novel of slow burning suspense than I do for the flashy, OMG A TWIST YOU WON’T SEE COMING type of novel. *although let’s be honest, we almost always see the twist coming a mile away, amiright? Whatever the reason, this one will stay with me along my reading journey forward.
The story begins with a gripping prologue with a driver hitting a dog (don’t worry, the dog is totally fine), and ends with an ominous stand off. After that, we kind of hit reverse on the pacing and gently ease into introductions of the characters telling this story. The murder really doesn’t become the main focus of the book until the second half of the book, so the first half is spent on revealing many juicy secrets that each family is hiding. Once I got past the 50% mark, the pages practically turned themselves and I couldn’t race to the end quickly enough to see how it all wrapped up. Speaking of, I was wrong about who the killer was. In hindsight, it makes perfect sense, but I was so sure that the author was trying to make me think it wasn’t one particular character, that I went all in in my guess, and I was pleasantly bamboozled. The ending was superb; plenty of closure but also a little door left open to let us wonder how the next phase might be handled.
Big thanks if you made it this far, and I hesitate to recommend this book to just anyone, because it will definitely require a patient and special reader to enjoy it, but if you enjoy slow burning novels of suspense with juicy, wealthy people’s secrets and deep character studies, give this one a try.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
Maybe it was the gripping prologue. Perhaps it was the fact that, even though the story is about a group of teens who are suspects in a murder investigation, it’s the adults belonging to these teens that we get all of the POVs from. It could even be the fact that, as I age, I have a greater appreciation for a thoroughly constructed, character driven novel of slow burning suspense than I do for the flashy, OMG A TWIST YOU WON’T SEE COMING type of novel. *although let’s be honest, we almost always see the twist coming a mile away, amiright? Whatever the reason, this one will stay with me along my reading journey forward.
The story begins with a gripping prologue with a driver hitting a dog (don’t worry, the dog is totally fine), and ends with an ominous stand off. After that, we kind of hit reverse on the pacing and gently ease into introductions of the characters telling this story. The murder really doesn’t become the main focus of the book until the second half of the book, so the first half is spent on revealing many juicy secrets that each family is hiding. Once I got past the 50% mark, the pages practically turned themselves and I couldn’t race to the end quickly enough to see how it all wrapped up. Speaking of, I was wrong about who the killer was. In hindsight, it makes perfect sense, but I was so sure that the author was trying to make me think it wasn’t one particular character, that I went all in in my guess, and I was pleasantly bamboozled. The ending was superb; plenty of closure but also a little door left open to let us wonder how the next phase might be handled.
Big thanks if you made it this far, and I hesitate to recommend this book to just anyone, because it will definitely require a patient and special reader to enjoy it, but if you enjoy slow burning novels of suspense with juicy, wealthy people’s secrets and deep character studies, give this one a try.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
January 17, 2023
This thriller starts out very well for me. Locust Lane has just about everything I like; (bad) group of friends, dysfunctional families, money and power, secrets and lies, and an affluent neighborhood where nothing bad ever happens until someone is murdered.
I like the pace. I've seen others say that this is a slow burn, interesting enough that this time it didn't bother me. Maybe because I enjoyed the wonderful audio. But keeping up with the characters was a challenge, especially for some of the parents. I keep forgetting which parents go with which kid. 🤷♀️
Twenty-year-old Eden was with three of her friends on Locust Lane, a nice area in Emerson, MA. She was found dead and it was ruled a homicide. Three friends are now at the heart of the investigation and it's only natural that their parents will do whatever it takes to protect their own child.
The story is realistic. I find that the ending wasn't OTT and believable, like cruise control to the finish line. It was close to my prediction but I still got it wrong. But wait, the epilogue, like what? I don't understand it at all, I listened to it more than five times and I don't get it. 🤔
A solid read with a "whaaat?" ending.
I really enjoyed the narrator. Cassandra Campbell did a wonderful job reading all these PoVs!
Thank you Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for my ALC.
Released January 17, 2023!
I like the pace. I've seen others say that this is a slow burn, interesting enough that this time it didn't bother me. Maybe because I enjoyed the wonderful audio. But keeping up with the characters was a challenge, especially for some of the parents. I keep forgetting which parents go with which kid. 🤷♀️
Twenty-year-old Eden was with three of her friends on Locust Lane, a nice area in Emerson, MA. She was found dead and it was ruled a homicide. Three friends are now at the heart of the investigation and it's only natural that their parents will do whatever it takes to protect their own child.
The story is realistic. I find that the ending wasn't OTT and believable, like cruise control to the finish line. It was close to my prediction but I still got it wrong. But wait, the epilogue, like what? I don't understand it at all, I listened to it more than five times and I don't get it. 🤔
A solid read with a "whaaat?" ending.
I really enjoyed the narrator. Cassandra Campbell did a wonderful job reading all these PoVs!
Thank you Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for my ALC.
Released January 17, 2023!
December 4, 2022
4.5⭐️
Family first!
Within Emerson Massachusetts, is an upscale neighborhood where parents constantly striving to “keep up with the Jones’” Kids studying hard to get into the best colleges. Just another day in paradise.
But that’s only a well-crafted façade. Now we’re about to be exposed to a big dose of reality.
I absolutely love neighborhood thrillers, don’t you? This one delivered everything and more of what I hope for when I pick one up! As the storyline unfolded I became more and more enthralled. And couldn't wait to make my way back to the audio whenever I had to step away.
When a young woman is found dead the police have questions for the group of teens who were last seen with her. The parents close ranks and will do whatever it takes to protect their own.
Who could have killed the young woman? Who has the most to lose? What family secrets are about to be exposed?
I had both the physical and audio versions of this book. Cassandra Campbell did an outstanding job with the narration.
A buddy read with Susanne that we both really enjoyed!
Thank you to Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio
Family first!
Within Emerson Massachusetts, is an upscale neighborhood where parents constantly striving to “keep up with the Jones’” Kids studying hard to get into the best colleges. Just another day in paradise.
But that’s only a well-crafted façade. Now we’re about to be exposed to a big dose of reality.
I absolutely love neighborhood thrillers, don’t you? This one delivered everything and more of what I hope for when I pick one up! As the storyline unfolded I became more and more enthralled. And couldn't wait to make my way back to the audio whenever I had to step away.
When a young woman is found dead the police have questions for the group of teens who were last seen with her. The parents close ranks and will do whatever it takes to protect their own.
Who could have killed the young woman? Who has the most to lose? What family secrets are about to be exposed?
I had both the physical and audio versions of this book. Cassandra Campbell did an outstanding job with the narration.
A buddy read with Susanne that we both really enjoyed!
Thank you to Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio
January 7, 2024
**4.5-stars**
The suburban town of Emerson, Massachusetts, seems like the ideal place to live and raise a family, but we all know that a lot drama goes on in such towns. It may hide below the surface, but trust, it's there.
In Stephen Amidon's Locust Lane, the death of a young woman, Eden, opens up a crack through which the more unsavory sides of this town can be viewed.
After her body is discovered, it is clear that Eden was a victim of foul play. The police investigation into her death includes three local teens discovered to have been partying with Eden that night, Jack, Hannah and Christopher.
This narrative follows multiple perspectives of the adults in the town tied to Eden's death. These include Jack's Mom, Celia, Hannah's Step-Mom, Alice and Christopher's Father, Michel, as well as Patrick, a man who inadvertently ended up near the crime scene on the night in question. We also get the perspective of Eden's Mom, Danielle.
This might sound like a lot, but it wasn't difficult to follow. I think Amidon did a really great job of presenting all of these different perspectives in a distinct and important way.
Each one added to the building-out of this story. Sometimes I feel like, when there are this many perspectives, some are not as important, or interesting as the others, but that wasn't the case here at all. In fact, I can't imagine this story being told any other way.
I found the connections amongst the adults so interesting. Their relationships, whether mere acquaintance, friendship, or something more, had a very tight-web feel. Emerson is a small, wealthy town, and Eden was an unwealthy outsider. She didn't grow up there like the rest of the kids. This definitely had an impact.
How could the truth ever come to light with the parents involved to the extent that they were?
The kids felt more like pawns in a game the adults were playing, as the parents scrambled trying to make sure their kids came out of this incident okay. Very little thought was given to the dead girl. Honestly, this felt real as heck.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narration. It was so well-done, truly bringing the story to life. I definitely recommend it. The story itself is super intriguing, but I felt the quality of the narration really took it to the next level for me.
The tone and feel of this story reminded me of a gorgeous blend of some of my favorite Crime Thrillers and Domestic Dramas. I'm thinking, for example, of books such as Take It Back by Kia Abdullah, A Nearly Normal Family by M.T. Edvardsson and Such a Quiet Place by Megan Miranda, to name a few.
If you enjoyed any of those novels, you should absolutely have this one on your TBR!!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. I was hooked by this story, beginning-to-end. This was my first Amidon novel and I'm looking forward to many more!!
The suburban town of Emerson, Massachusetts, seems like the ideal place to live and raise a family, but we all know that a lot drama goes on in such towns. It may hide below the surface, but trust, it's there.
In Stephen Amidon's Locust Lane, the death of a young woman, Eden, opens up a crack through which the more unsavory sides of this town can be viewed.
After her body is discovered, it is clear that Eden was a victim of foul play. The police investigation into her death includes three local teens discovered to have been partying with Eden that night, Jack, Hannah and Christopher.
This narrative follows multiple perspectives of the adults in the town tied to Eden's death. These include Jack's Mom, Celia, Hannah's Step-Mom, Alice and Christopher's Father, Michel, as well as Patrick, a man who inadvertently ended up near the crime scene on the night in question. We also get the perspective of Eden's Mom, Danielle.
This might sound like a lot, but it wasn't difficult to follow. I think Amidon did a really great job of presenting all of these different perspectives in a distinct and important way.
Each one added to the building-out of this story. Sometimes I feel like, when there are this many perspectives, some are not as important, or interesting as the others, but that wasn't the case here at all. In fact, I can't imagine this story being told any other way.
I found the connections amongst the adults so interesting. Their relationships, whether mere acquaintance, friendship, or something more, had a very tight-web feel. Emerson is a small, wealthy town, and Eden was an unwealthy outsider. She didn't grow up there like the rest of the kids. This definitely had an impact.
How could the truth ever come to light with the parents involved to the extent that they were?
The kids felt more like pawns in a game the adults were playing, as the parents scrambled trying to make sure their kids came out of this incident okay. Very little thought was given to the dead girl. Honestly, this felt real as heck.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narration. It was so well-done, truly bringing the story to life. I definitely recommend it. The story itself is super intriguing, but I felt the quality of the narration really took it to the next level for me.
The tone and feel of this story reminded me of a gorgeous blend of some of my favorite Crime Thrillers and Domestic Dramas. I'm thinking, for example, of books such as Take It Back by Kia Abdullah, A Nearly Normal Family by M.T. Edvardsson and Such a Quiet Place by Megan Miranda, to name a few.
If you enjoyed any of those novels, you should absolutely have this one on your TBR!!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. I was hooked by this story, beginning-to-end. This was my first Amidon novel and I'm looking forward to many more!!
November 4, 2022
A powerful, gripping slow burn.
The town of Emerson, a beautiful suburb in Massachusetts, is rocked by the news of a young woman’s death. It’s revealed that 3 teenagers were with her on the night of her death, but all three claim to have left her while she was still alive. The parents of the teens in question will do anything to keep them safe, but each one ultimately wants to find out the truth of what happened that night. That goes for the dead woman’s mother as well.
As POVs switch and timelines bounce around, you will be hooked! I know I was…even though it’s definitely a slow burn. I’ll point out that the story was always interesting, and it’s the kind where I didn’t want it to end even though I was rapidly turning the pages to see how everything would end.
This novel is moving, thought-provoking, intense, and heartbreaking. The only MINOR downside for me was the ending. I wanted a bit more.
I would highly recommend this one. 4.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Celadon Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 1/17/23.
The town of Emerson, a beautiful suburb in Massachusetts, is rocked by the news of a young woman’s death. It’s revealed that 3 teenagers were with her on the night of her death, but all three claim to have left her while she was still alive. The parents of the teens in question will do anything to keep them safe, but each one ultimately wants to find out the truth of what happened that night. That goes for the dead woman’s mother as well.
As POVs switch and timelines bounce around, you will be hooked! I know I was…even though it’s definitely a slow burn. I’ll point out that the story was always interesting, and it’s the kind where I didn’t want it to end even though I was rapidly turning the pages to see how everything would end.
This novel is moving, thought-provoking, intense, and heartbreaking. The only MINOR downside for me was the ending. I wanted a bit more.
I would highly recommend this one. 4.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Celadon Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 1/17/23.
January 13, 2023
When a young woman, Eden, is found dead, the community of wealthy residents close ranks to protect their own.
Teenagers Hannah, Jack and Christopher are the main suspects, but the story is told mainly from the POV of their parents.
The themes are familiar: race, privilege, and addiction, but at this point in my reading life, these themes are a bit too familiar and growing old and tiresome.
Cassandra Campbell narrates the audio but, with multiple POVs, the book would have benefitted from a full cast of narrators. The middle of the book bogged down from repetitiveness.
I appreciate an ending that makes me think, but this one left me unsatisfied. These are not people you can get behind or support in any way. I’m no prude, but the author’s gratuitous sexual details and language was off-putting.
I don’t mind unlikable characters, and, in fact, many of my favorite novels have an unlikable cast of characters, but they need to be relatable, sympathetic, or funny. These were none of the above. So 2 stars from me.
I received a digital copy for review from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Teenagers Hannah, Jack and Christopher are the main suspects, but the story is told mainly from the POV of their parents.
The themes are familiar: race, privilege, and addiction, but at this point in my reading life, these themes are a bit too familiar and growing old and tiresome.
Cassandra Campbell narrates the audio but, with multiple POVs, the book would have benefitted from a full cast of narrators. The middle of the book bogged down from repetitiveness.
I appreciate an ending that makes me think, but this one left me unsatisfied. These are not people you can get behind or support in any way. I’m no prude, but the author’s gratuitous sexual details and language was off-putting.
I don’t mind unlikable characters, and, in fact, many of my favorite novels have an unlikable cast of characters, but they need to be relatable, sympathetic, or funny. These were none of the above. So 2 stars from me.
I received a digital copy for review from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 9, 2023
2.5 stars, decent story but very slow burn and melancholy feel.
This book starts with a startling incident. Patrick is intoxicated and driving one night when he hits a dog (dog is fine). He sees a man standing in the shadows, but ends up leaving. In the morning, it is discovered that 20-year-old Eden is dead, later determined to be murder.
Three young adults are found to have been present: Hannah, her boyfriend Jack, and their friend Christopher. The novel is told from the perspectives of many of their parents. Secrets are kept, brought to light, lies are told, and all through the lens of privilege and power.
There are some fascinating themes throughout, with privilege, power, race, and addiction as backdrops to the incidents that occur. However, I just didn't feel like the multiple perspectives gave any one of them the justice they deserved. Some characters are much more fully fleshed out than others, and this provides an uneven feel to the narrative.
The book is also very repetitive. Same conversations held over and over by various characters as one, then the other finds out about something. The teenagers all keep secrets until part of it is revealed, then they all add that small bit to their stories and so on. I didn't completely have buy in for the conclusion of the book either. There's a bunch left up to the reader's imagination, which works in a way because we do know who did it, but not who will ultimately be held responsible. It's just overall so very sad. No one gets a satisfying ending, much less a happy one.
I listened to much of this as an audiobook before switching to print, and while Cassandra Campbell does a good job, this is an audiobook that really cries out for a full cast narration. With both male and female points of view, there should have been at least two narrators to distinguish them.
This book has really resonated with many people, so be sure to read some positive reviews for this book as well. It would make an excellent book club choice because there's much here to promote discussion.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
This book starts with a startling incident. Patrick is intoxicated and driving one night when he hits a dog (dog is fine). He sees a man standing in the shadows, but ends up leaving. In the morning, it is discovered that 20-year-old Eden is dead, later determined to be murder.
Three young adults are found to have been present: Hannah, her boyfriend Jack, and their friend Christopher. The novel is told from the perspectives of many of their parents. Secrets are kept, brought to light, lies are told, and all through the lens of privilege and power.
There are some fascinating themes throughout, with privilege, power, race, and addiction as backdrops to the incidents that occur. However, I just didn't feel like the multiple perspectives gave any one of them the justice they deserved. Some characters are much more fully fleshed out than others, and this provides an uneven feel to the narrative.
The book is also very repetitive. Same conversations held over and over by various characters as one, then the other finds out about something. The teenagers all keep secrets until part of it is revealed, then they all add that small bit to their stories and so on. I didn't completely have buy in for the conclusion of the book either. There's a bunch left up to the reader's imagination, which works in a way because we do know who did it, but not who will ultimately be held responsible. It's just overall so very sad. No one gets a satisfying ending, much less a happy one.
I listened to much of this as an audiobook before switching to print, and while Cassandra Campbell does a good job, this is an audiobook that really cries out for a full cast narration. With both male and female points of view, there should have been at least two narrators to distinguish them.
This book has really resonated with many people, so be sure to read some positive reviews for this book as well. It would make an excellent book club choice because there's much here to promote discussion.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
January 22, 2023
Locust Lane is a neighbourhood thriller set in Massachusetts.
A young woman turns up dead in the wealthy suburb of Emerson, Massachusetts. Three teens, suspects in the investigation, were partying with Eden Perry the night she died, but all claim to have left before she passed. The parents of these teenagers will do anything to protect them, including throwing the easiest target under the bus.
This slow-burn thriller has multiple POVs, all from the parents’ perspectives.
I was not into this at first, but eventually, I became more interested in the tangled web of lies.
The character development could have been better. I kept getting two of the female characters mixed up. Their names were anagrams of each other, which did not help me keep them straight. Also, some of them made silly choices thinking they were being super clever.
There are tons of more positive reviews for this title, so you may have better luck with it than I did.
Thank you to Celadon Books for providing me with an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
A young woman turns up dead in the wealthy suburb of Emerson, Massachusetts. Three teens, suspects in the investigation, were partying with Eden Perry the night she died, but all claim to have left before she passed. The parents of these teenagers will do anything to protect them, including throwing the easiest target under the bus.
This slow-burn thriller has multiple POVs, all from the parents’ perspectives.
I was not into this at first, but eventually, I became more interested in the tangled web of lies.
The character development could have been better. I kept getting two of the female characters mixed up. Their names were anagrams of each other, which did not help me keep them straight. Also, some of them made silly choices thinking they were being super clever.
There are tons of more positive reviews for this title, so you may have better luck with it than I did.
Thank you to Celadon Books for providing me with an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
January 17, 2023
4.5 New England stars *now available
Set in Massachusetts, this neighborhood tale was the perfect read for this time of year. It starts out with a bang and then throw in shadowy scenes, murder, families who close ranks for protection, and pitch-perfect pacing. Can you tell I liked it?
We know early on that there has been a murder in idyllic Emerson. It takes the whole book to get the truth and I was not right in my guesses! However, it all made sense in the end.
Eden Perry is the murdered young woman and my heart ached for her grieving mother. As we learn that there were teens partying with Eden that night, my thoughts pivoted back and forth as to who was guilty. Was it Christopher, he’s in love with Eden, did she reject him? Or was it Jack, from one of the families that is a pillar in the community? His girlfriend Hannah was also there. Did all three of them do something to Eden?
There is also an unreliable witness who saw someone that night in the woods. This cast of characters was complicated and created a realistic portrait of what can happen in towns like this. People turn on each other to protect themselves and their families.
And the ending! I loved it!
This one made for a terrific buddy read with MarilynW and Jayme.
My thanks to Celadon for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one.
Set in Massachusetts, this neighborhood tale was the perfect read for this time of year. It starts out with a bang and then throw in shadowy scenes, murder, families who close ranks for protection, and pitch-perfect pacing. Can you tell I liked it?
We know early on that there has been a murder in idyllic Emerson. It takes the whole book to get the truth and I was not right in my guesses! However, it all made sense in the end.
Eden Perry is the murdered young woman and my heart ached for her grieving mother. As we learn that there were teens partying with Eden that night, my thoughts pivoted back and forth as to who was guilty. Was it Christopher, he’s in love with Eden, did she reject him? Or was it Jack, from one of the families that is a pillar in the community? His girlfriend Hannah was also there. Did all three of them do something to Eden?
There is also an unreliable witness who saw someone that night in the woods. This cast of characters was complicated and created a realistic portrait of what can happen in towns like this. People turn on each other to protect themselves and their families.
And the ending! I loved it!
This one made for a terrific buddy read with MarilynW and Jayme.
My thanks to Celadon for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one.
November 8, 2022
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This is my first book by this author and it was obvious right from the prologue that Stephen Amidon is a gifted writer. The story of unrequited love gone astray is interesting. Despite their flaws, there was an effort to make the characters seem likable and human but I found I could not stand them. The story also carries a lot of suspense and is very much character driven.
Stephen Amidon knows how to create hugely realistic characters and a finely woven plot that keeps the pages turning. Tense, tough, and powered by brilliant dialogue Amidon is a writer who sees the bigger picture so this novel isn't just a thriller, it is a psychological study of what makes people act the way that they do. His central characters are people you recognize: beset with the everyday problems and concerns that we all experience they connect directly with the reader. You feel you know them or understand the emotions that drive them.
Locust Lane does not disappoint. It transcends the thriller|crime genre to rate as great literary fiction. It succeeds not because it just tells a gripping story, which it most definitely does, but because it turns the mirror onto ourselves and our own fears. This was such a gripping, out-of-the-ordinary crime novel, powerful and bleak. It is an exquisitely written exploration of violent crime and its consequences in an upper-class Massachusetts neighbourhood. I will have to check out the author's other works.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
#LocustLane #NetGalley
This is my first book by this author and it was obvious right from the prologue that Stephen Amidon is a gifted writer. The story of unrequited love gone astray is interesting. Despite their flaws, there was an effort to make the characters seem likable and human but I found I could not stand them. The story also carries a lot of suspense and is very much character driven.
Stephen Amidon knows how to create hugely realistic characters and a finely woven plot that keeps the pages turning. Tense, tough, and powered by brilliant dialogue Amidon is a writer who sees the bigger picture so this novel isn't just a thriller, it is a psychological study of what makes people act the way that they do. His central characters are people you recognize: beset with the everyday problems and concerns that we all experience they connect directly with the reader. You feel you know them or understand the emotions that drive them.
Locust Lane does not disappoint. It transcends the thriller|crime genre to rate as great literary fiction. It succeeds not because it just tells a gripping story, which it most definitely does, but because it turns the mirror onto ourselves and our own fears. This was such a gripping, out-of-the-ordinary crime novel, powerful and bleak. It is an exquisitely written exploration of violent crime and its consequences in an upper-class Massachusetts neighbourhood. I will have to check out the author's other works.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
#LocustLane #NetGalley
January 12, 2023
RTC Honestly I’m sorry I wasted my time and I even turned the listening up
to a quicker pace and skimmed.
Heard this, seen this, read this before🤨
to a quicker pace and skimmed.
Heard this, seen this, read this before🤨
February 26, 2023
I have mixed feelings about this one. It was a slow-burn novel that kept me interested but the ending lost me, so a three-star rating is where this one falls for me.
Welcome to Emerson where money talks and using privilege can always keep you on top!
Eden Perry, a teenager has been found dead. She was known to be difficult although before she was murdered, she had started turning her life around. She had moved in with family members who were helping her since she couldn't see eye to eye with her mother.
The last people who saw her alive were three teenagers: Hannah, Christopher, and Jack. Jack came from a rich family and he believed everything was owed to him. Hannah was Jack's girlfriend and she was willing to do anything for him. Last, there is Christopher, the son of a local chef who becomes the prime suspect.
The parents of all three teenagers in one way or another will interfere with the investigation.
What I disliked included the portrayal of the cops with a one-track mind, one-dimensional to say the least. And as I mentioned earlier, I didn't like the ending. It was quite depressing.
What I enjoyed was getting to know the darkest part of these characters. No one was completely innocent. They all had shades of darkness. The narrator, Cassandra Campbell, did a wonderful job of bringing them to life.
Cliffhanger: No
3/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Celadon Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Welcome to Emerson where money talks and using privilege can always keep you on top!
Eden Perry, a teenager has been found dead. She was known to be difficult although before she was murdered, she had started turning her life around. She had moved in with family members who were helping her since she couldn't see eye to eye with her mother.
The last people who saw her alive were three teenagers: Hannah, Christopher, and Jack. Jack came from a rich family and he believed everything was owed to him. Hannah was Jack's girlfriend and she was willing to do anything for him. Last, there is Christopher, the son of a local chef who becomes the prime suspect.
The parents of all three teenagers in one way or another will interfere with the investigation.
What I disliked included the portrayal of the cops with a one-track mind, one-dimensional to say the least. And as I mentioned earlier, I didn't like the ending. It was quite depressing.
What I enjoyed was getting to know the darkest part of these characters. No one was completely innocent. They all had shades of darkness. The narrator, Cassandra Campbell, did a wonderful job of bringing them to life.
Cliffhanger: No
3/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Celadon Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
May 31, 2022
I finished reading Locust Lane the other day and the more I think about the book, the more appreciation I have for it. Fair warning, I'm choosing to be vague in writing my review because I certainly don't want to give anything away. I liked what the author did in regards to certain characters and their storyline arcs. The complexity of the individuals in this story really brought an authentic feel that you don't always get with fiction.
Simply put, the story revolves around the death of a young woman in an affluent New England suburb. An investigation is underway and the story alternates between the various key characters. I loved the writing style as something important would be brought up with one character but you would have to wait and see how it played out when the action shifted to a different character.
When I first picked up this book I had no idea it would stir something inside me. I wasn't expecting that with a mystery novel. The book really shines a light on some of society's issues and that by far was the strength of the novel. Again trying my best to avoid spoilers, but anytime a book makes me think and feel, I consider it a positive reading experience.
Recommend if you want a thought-provoking read with a flip the pages to see how it will end type feel to it as well.
Thank you Celadon Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
Simply put, the story revolves around the death of a young woman in an affluent New England suburb. An investigation is underway and the story alternates between the various key characters. I loved the writing style as something important would be brought up with one character but you would have to wait and see how it played out when the action shifted to a different character.
When I first picked up this book I had no idea it would stir something inside me. I wasn't expecting that with a mystery novel. The book really shines a light on some of society's issues and that by far was the strength of the novel. Again trying my best to avoid spoilers, but anytime a book makes me think and feel, I consider it a positive reading experience.
Recommend if you want a thought-provoking read with a flip the pages to see how it will end type feel to it as well.
Thank you Celadon Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
July 24, 2022
This book started out with Patrick. He was woken up in the night and couldn't sleep so he decided to drive around. He accidentally hit a dog. He got out of his car to make sure the dog was okay. He sensed someone was there in the darkness but couldn't make out who that person was. He had to make a quick escape because the dog suddenly turned on him. I loved the tension and thrill reading this book. Good twists as well. This book was told in multiple point of views and I enjoyed following their thoughts. I loved especially knowing what each person do before they met up with each other. I liked the focus on how people aren't what they seem and underneath, there's darkness lurking. A murder happened. The new kid was blamed. The rich kids and their parents controlled the outcome using their influence and power. Small sleuths activities to bring the rich kid to the limelight. Social media got involved. It was a frenzy. The characters were interesting to read. Good humor too. I couldn't guess who the killer was but I liked the idea. The ending I'm not too hot for because it's up to reader's interpretation. It's not satisfying to see the killer thinks they got away with murder. Overall, still an excellent read and I'm excited for you all to read it!
Thank you Celadon Books for the opportunity to read early.
Thank you Celadon Books for the opportunity to read early.
January 9, 2023
Eden Perry is dead. Eden had been kind of a drifter, but one night she and three others, Hannah, Jack, and Christopher were together. Hannah, is a nice girl, but there have been issues in her past, Jack was the popular one, but he could be nasty and mean, and finally Christopher, a young man who is trying to fit into the world of Emerson, Massachusetts, a wealthy affluent town that boasted as being the best place to live and raise a family.
Two of the families were quite well off, while Christopher and his family were from the other side of town.
The families all strive to protect their children and go to pretty far ends to see that it happens not caring if one of them gets thrown under the bus as long as their child is squeaky clean.
As adults often do, the parents have issues and each one is devious and desirous of protecting their child. Makes one wonder how far you, as a parent would go to protect your child.
This was an interesting story that was easy to listen to as we wander through the deceptions, and lies, innuendoes, etc. that wove their way through the story.
Thank you to Stephen Amidon, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for sending me this story narrated by Cassandra Campbell due out January 17, 2023.
Two of the families were quite well off, while Christopher and his family were from the other side of town.
The families all strive to protect their children and go to pretty far ends to see that it happens not caring if one of them gets thrown under the bus as long as their child is squeaky clean.
As adults often do, the parents have issues and each one is devious and desirous of protecting their child. Makes one wonder how far you, as a parent would go to protect your child.
This was an interesting story that was easy to listen to as we wander through the deceptions, and lies, innuendoes, etc. that wove their way through the story.
Thank you to Stephen Amidon, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for sending me this story narrated by Cassandra Campbell due out January 17, 2023.
November 30, 2022
Was I at the right "Locust Lane"???
Did my beloved GPS fail me???
Yes, I was elated when I was approved by Netgalley to review this author’s debut release.
Not only did "Locust Lane" receive many laudatory reviews from my trusted GR friends, but it was narrated by Cassandra Campbell, one of my go-to narrators.
The audiobook would have been a much better reading/listening experience with multiple narrators.
Even though this "Whodunnit?" murder mystery was told from 4 POVs, it was really told from 8 POVs, since all of the parents were speaking on behalf of their children.
With one narrator giving voice to 8 POVs, it translated into one hot mess.
Cassandra Campbell's voice tended to drone since she neglected to use different intonations to reflect different characters.
IMHO, Cassandra Campbell is a gifted narrator who does best with books told from one female's POV.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
2 stars rounded up.
Did my beloved GPS fail me???
Yes, I was elated when I was approved by Netgalley to review this author’s debut release.
Not only did "Locust Lane" receive many laudatory reviews from my trusted GR friends, but it was narrated by Cassandra Campbell, one of my go-to narrators.
The audiobook would have been a much better reading/listening experience with multiple narrators.
Even though this "Whodunnit?" murder mystery was told from 4 POVs, it was really told from 8 POVs, since all of the parents were speaking on behalf of their children.
With one narrator giving voice to 8 POVs, it translated into one hot mess.
Cassandra Campbell's voice tended to drone since she neglected to use different intonations to reflect different characters.
IMHO, Cassandra Campbell is a gifted narrator who does best with books told from one female's POV.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
2 stars rounded up.
January 21, 2023
Sooo good
January 15, 2024
4 stars!
A small town filled with secrets.
Warning: the very first scene in this book includes an animal getting hurt. It was hard to listen to but is an important part of the story.
The storyline grabbed me immediately. There is a sense of mystery and tension that starts in the first chapter and continues to build throughout the book. My curiosity was kept piqued from start to finish.
The characters were all unique and interesting to me. I was intrigued by each of their back stories which were slowly revealed. The pace was steady and the changing perspectives flowed smoothly. A strong theme was rich family cover ups and it was included in a realistic way that shares a side of life that many of us will never know.
There are some thought provoking topics explored throughout this novel including just how far a parent will go to protect their child. Some heavy topics are covered including alcoholism, loss of a child, sexual assault, murder.
Thank you to my lovely local library for the audio loan!
A small town filled with secrets.
Warning: the very first scene in this book includes an animal getting hurt. It was hard to listen to but is an important part of the story.
The storyline grabbed me immediately. There is a sense of mystery and tension that starts in the first chapter and continues to build throughout the book. My curiosity was kept piqued from start to finish.
The characters were all unique and interesting to me. I was intrigued by each of their back stories which were slowly revealed. The pace was steady and the changing perspectives flowed smoothly. A strong theme was rich family cover ups and it was included in a realistic way that shares a side of life that many of us will never know.
There are some thought provoking topics explored throughout this novel including just how far a parent will go to protect their child. Some heavy topics are covered including alcoholism, loss of a child, sexual assault, murder.
Thank you to my lovely local library for the audio loan!
November 2, 2022
3.5 stars
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞:
💕Slow burn thrillers
💕Thrillers that don’t spook you out
💕Morally ambiguous characters
💕Coming of age thrillers
💕Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh
Locust Lane, by Stephen Amidon, is a good thriller. The writing is thoughtful and detailed, and Amidon has created characters that are easy to sympathize with, despite their flaws.
The story begins with someone hitting a poor, innocent dog with their car which honestly I could have done without. I can read about murdered people but I draw the line at dog assault.
The story follows the investigation into the death of Eden Perry, a young woman who was found dead in the nicest part of Emerson, Massachusetts. Her death kicks off an investigation into the three teenagers who were partying with her that night - each of whom is a suspect.
Hannah is a sweet girl with an unstable history; Jack is the popular kid with a mean streak; and Christopher is accused of being involved in drugs and violence, and ultimately murder.
The plot moves along at a slow pace, but in a way that allows readers to get to know the characters and their relationships with one another. The ending was somewhat anticlimactic for me; I was expecting something more dramatic. Overall, though, this is an excellent book that deserves attention.
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝘾𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙣 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣.
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞:
💕Slow burn thrillers
💕Thrillers that don’t spook you out
💕Morally ambiguous characters
💕Coming of age thrillers
💕Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh
Locust Lane, by Stephen Amidon, is a good thriller. The writing is thoughtful and detailed, and Amidon has created characters that are easy to sympathize with, despite their flaws.
The story begins with someone hitting a poor, innocent dog with their car which honestly I could have done without. I can read about murdered people but I draw the line at dog assault.
The story follows the investigation into the death of Eden Perry, a young woman who was found dead in the nicest part of Emerson, Massachusetts. Her death kicks off an investigation into the three teenagers who were partying with her that night - each of whom is a suspect.
Hannah is a sweet girl with an unstable history; Jack is the popular kid with a mean streak; and Christopher is accused of being involved in drugs and violence, and ultimately murder.
The plot moves along at a slow pace, but in a way that allows readers to get to know the characters and their relationships with one another. The ending was somewhat anticlimactic for me; I was expecting something more dramatic. Overall, though, this is an excellent book that deserves attention.
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝘾𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙣 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣.
November 8, 2022
I agree with many early reviewers that have called this a gripping, slow burn.
Locust Lane begins with the murder of a teen girl in the affluent town of Emerson. Three other teens were with her that night. Each from very different families who have their own reasons to disregard the truth and sweep this under the rug.
This is a gritty study of socioeconomic status, diving into how influence and power can manipulate the truth. It's frustratingly authentic and heartbreaking.
I haven't read anything by Stephen Amidon before and I was impressed with his atmospheric and engrossing writing. He balanced a large cast of characters well, providing ample backstory to get you invested in each of them. Each character's version of the truth was so believable, I didn't know what was up and what was down by the time this ended.
Let's talk about that ending (no spoilers). I'm fine with thought-provoking, open-ended, hell even cliffhanging endings if a sequel is obvious. But this was just abrupt and unsatisfying. I did receive an ARC so this may be corrected later. There was opportunity to deliver some kind of messaging that makes the whole slow burn worth it, but I feel like it fails here. The author set the stage with all these dark, raw themes and then doesn't actually deliver a message. Like, what was the point?
3.5 stars, rounding up.
Thanks to my GRs friend who shared their ARC with me. Publication date is set for January 17, 2023. Cheers!
Locust Lane begins with the murder of a teen girl in the affluent town of Emerson. Three other teens were with her that night. Each from very different families who have their own reasons to disregard the truth and sweep this under the rug.
This is a gritty study of socioeconomic status, diving into how influence and power can manipulate the truth. It's frustratingly authentic and heartbreaking.
I haven't read anything by Stephen Amidon before and I was impressed with his atmospheric and engrossing writing. He balanced a large cast of characters well, providing ample backstory to get you invested in each of them. Each character's version of the truth was so believable, I didn't know what was up and what was down by the time this ended.
Let's talk about that ending (no spoilers). I'm fine with thought-provoking, open-ended, hell even cliffhanging endings if a sequel is obvious. But this was just abrupt and unsatisfying. I did receive an ARC so this may be corrected later. There was opportunity to deliver some kind of messaging that makes the whole slow burn worth it, but I feel like it fails here. The author set the stage with all these dark, raw themes and then doesn't actually deliver a message. Like, what was the point?
3.5 stars, rounding up.
Thanks to my GRs friend who shared their ARC with me. Publication date is set for January 17, 2023. Cheers!
September 27, 2022
I picked up Locust Lane intending to only read the first few
pages. I soon realized not only that I was halfway through
the book and completely immersed but I absolutely could
not put it down!
Locust Lane is set in the seemingly idyllic small town of
Emerson, Massachusetts. The small town is rocked to its
core when 20-year-old Eden Perry is found dead in the
wealthiest neighborhood. Eden's death kick starts an
investigation into three teenagers, Hannah, Jack, and
Christopher, who were partying in the house that Eden was
staying in and each of them is a suspect. The teens as well as their parents have complicated motives of their own, and the parents will do anything to protect their children, even if it means destroying each other.
Locust lane alternates from each of these points of view:
Hannah's stepmother Alice, Eden's mother Danielle, Jack's
mother Celia, Christopher's father Michel, and Patrick who
is a possible witness.
Locust Lane is a slow-burn character-driven novel
surrounded by a mystery. The plot is completely original as
is the complex cast of characters. The author cleverly
planted red herrings throughout the story that helped the
reader try to solve the mystery. But alas, my guess was
way off when the perpetrator was revealed. The story has
underlying themes of small-town secrets, what parents will
do to protect their children, racism, classism, and
addiction.
I'm always on the lookout for an authentic and original
story and Locust Lane was just what I needed. It's been a
few days since I finished it and the story has not only stuck
with me but made me appreciate it even more. I truly loved
Locust Lane and I strongly believe that readers will also
love the book when it is released. I also see Locust Lane being very popular in 2023!
Many thanks to Celadon Books for the gifted copy!
pages. I soon realized not only that I was halfway through
the book and completely immersed but I absolutely could
not put it down!
Locust Lane is set in the seemingly idyllic small town of
Emerson, Massachusetts. The small town is rocked to its
core when 20-year-old Eden Perry is found dead in the
wealthiest neighborhood. Eden's death kick starts an
investigation into three teenagers, Hannah, Jack, and
Christopher, who were partying in the house that Eden was
staying in and each of them is a suspect. The teens as well as their parents have complicated motives of their own, and the parents will do anything to protect their children, even if it means destroying each other.
Locust lane alternates from each of these points of view:
Hannah's stepmother Alice, Eden's mother Danielle, Jack's
mother Celia, Christopher's father Michel, and Patrick who
is a possible witness.
Locust Lane is a slow-burn character-driven novel
surrounded by a mystery. The plot is completely original as
is the complex cast of characters. The author cleverly
planted red herrings throughout the story that helped the
reader try to solve the mystery. But alas, my guess was
way off when the perpetrator was revealed. The story has
underlying themes of small-town secrets, what parents will
do to protect their children, racism, classism, and
addiction.
I'm always on the lookout for an authentic and original
story and Locust Lane was just what I needed. It's been a
few days since I finished it and the story has not only stuck
with me but made me appreciate it even more. I truly loved
Locust Lane and I strongly believe that readers will also
love the book when it is released. I also see Locust Lane being very popular in 2023!
Many thanks to Celadon Books for the gifted copy!
January 17, 2023
I was beyond excited when I got a copy of this thriller. The summary sounded like a good thriller. I can stick with a slow, but this book had such a slow burn it felt like nothing was really happening. The story is told from five perspectives and included the perspectives of the three children at the center of the mystery. Most of them weren’t great people and were pretty unreliable narrators. I also didn’t feel the different voices as strongly as I would like, it felt like one narrator just switching main characters. I like multiple perspectives but this left things pretty murky. The mystery did pick up in the end, but the ending was so awful and unsatisfying I’m not sure it was much better. The writing itself was good and the author clearly had some great ideas. This slow burn with this ending is probably the right book for some people but I don’t think it was the right book for me. It was ok, but didn’t leave me an instant fan.
February 9, 2023
Audiobook…..read by Cassandra Campbell
…..11 hours and 26 minutes
A young teenage girl (Eden Perry) is found dead in Emerson, Massachusetts, in an affluent neighborhood.
We follow the investigation of neighbors and three specific teenagers: Hannah, Jack, and Christopher.
The other characters are: Danielle (the victims mother)
Patrick: an alcoholic father, who was grieving the loss of his daughter.
…..and the other parents of each of the teenagers in question: Celia, Alice, Michael.
This mystery-thriller in search of the truth and Justice…..exposing complexities and dysfunctions from the wealthy and privileged —
was enhanced by Cassandra, Campbell—[with some great visual scenes]….
but overall — it was a lukewarm thriller —with too much repetitive prose.
[note: every half-dozen or so books I choose — I try ‘another’ psychological thriller, trying to find one that’s going to fully excite me]
Some have - and this came close -
…..but no major whistles and fireworks from me with “Locust Lane”, either.
It held my interest - and was pretty good!
That’s all I got!
3.5 stars….rating up.
…..11 hours and 26 minutes
A young teenage girl (Eden Perry) is found dead in Emerson, Massachusetts, in an affluent neighborhood.
We follow the investigation of neighbors and three specific teenagers: Hannah, Jack, and Christopher.
The other characters are: Danielle (the victims mother)
Patrick: an alcoholic father, who was grieving the loss of his daughter.
…..and the other parents of each of the teenagers in question: Celia, Alice, Michael.
This mystery-thriller in search of the truth and Justice…..exposing complexities and dysfunctions from the wealthy and privileged —
was enhanced by Cassandra, Campbell—[with some great visual scenes]….
but overall — it was a lukewarm thriller —with too much repetitive prose.
[note: every half-dozen or so books I choose — I try ‘another’ psychological thriller, trying to find one that’s going to fully excite me]
Some have - and this came close -
…..but no major whistles and fireworks from me with “Locust Lane”, either.
It held my interest - and was pretty good!
That’s all I got!
3.5 stars….rating up.
December 15, 2022
Publication date: January, 2023. Very well crafted, intriguing story of wealthy suburbia and how a group of people defend their children, each family intimately described and identifiable. It is an honest look at a part of our society that we all can recognize. Beautifully written Highly recommended.
My thanks to the author, Stephen Amidon, and to the publisher, Celadon Books, for my ARC of this book. #Goodreads Giveaway
My thanks to the author, Stephen Amidon, and to the publisher, Celadon Books, for my ARC of this book. #Goodreads Giveaway
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