Having read so many positive reviews about this book, I was full of anticipation. For me however it just failed to deliver. The release from jail of Vincent King re-opens old wounds in the coastal California town of Cape Haven. King was jailed years earlier for the murder of a school friend. Walk, the local Sheriff, and former school friend of King is tortured by the memoires of his evidence being responsible for the incarceration of King. Now years later, Walk must protect the family of Kings victim, Star and her two children Duchess Day Radley, aged 13 and her brother Robin, aged 6.
What jarred with me the most about the novel was the character Duchess Day Radley, who is portrayed as a type of modern day wild west outlaw. I thought it was somewhat incongruous and unbelievable also the manner in which she travelled across the US, remember she is just 13 years old! There is a lot of this type of small town crime fiction about and this book did not stand out for me. Characters verged into the stereotypical at times, the good were very good, and the bad, very bad (even the perceived villain is called Dickie Darke). It also felt overly long at times. A 3 star read for me.
What jarred with me the most about the novel was the character Duchess Day Radley, who is portrayed as a type of modern day wild west outlaw. I thought it was somewhat incongruous and unbelievable also the manner in which she travelled across the US, remember she is just 13 years old! There is a lot of this type of small town crime fiction about and this book did not stand out for me. Characters verged into the stereotypical at times, the good were very good, and the bad, very bad (even the perceived villain is called Dickie Darke). It also felt overly long at times. A 3 star read for me.