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bernluvsbooks 's review for:
The Drowning
by J.P. Smith
3.5 thrilling stars for this puzzling mystery filled with highly detestable characters
It's the end of summer at Camp Waukeelo and eight year old Joey Proctor is still scared of the water and hasn't learned to swim. Swim instructor Alex Mason isn't about to let Joey detract from his promise that all campers would know how to swim by the end of camp. Alex believes in learning by doing so he pulls young Joey to the deep end of the lake, hauling him onto a raft and swimming away. Joey has two options - swim to shore or remain on the raft, alone.
After evening meals, Joey's presence is finally missed by his counselor, Steve who had been away for the afternoon. Alex slinks off to check the lake and finds the raft empty. Despite a police led search Joey is never seen again. As camp closes and the campers and staff go home, Alex carries the secret of Joey's last moments with him.
Twenty-one years later Alex is a successful business man with a wife and two daughters. Alex seems to have it all, until strange things begin to happen around him. Things that force him to recall that long forgotten summer when little Joey Proctor disappeared without a trace.
Could Joey be alive and out for vengeance? Does someone know Alex's secret and want him to pay?
One of the things that struck me most about this book is how many ruthless, unlikeable characters there are. There are so many underlying motives and cut throat dealings. I felt bad for Alex's wife and daughters. They were living with the ultimate wolf in sheep's clothing! As things escalate and come to a head Alex unravels. His fear, anxiety and sense of preservation catapult him into one disastrous decision after another. I honestly found my dislike for him growing with each turn of the page. Which I am positive was J.P Smith's goal.
This was definitely one of those books that will keep you turning the pages, while you shake your head. Don't expect everything to be tied up with a nice bow at the end. I actually found myself having to go back when I was done to re-read parts that stood out to me so I could connect a few dots to my satisfaction. Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I'm all for a book that makes me pay attention and does things a bit outside the box. Well done J.P Smith - I look forward to reading more from you!
It's the end of summer at Camp Waukeelo and eight year old Joey Proctor is still scared of the water and hasn't learned to swim. Swim instructor Alex Mason isn't about to let Joey detract from his promise that all campers would know how to swim by the end of camp. Alex believes in learning by doing so he pulls young Joey to the deep end of the lake, hauling him onto a raft and swimming away. Joey has two options - swim to shore or remain on the raft, alone.
After evening meals, Joey's presence is finally missed by his counselor, Steve who had been away for the afternoon. Alex slinks off to check the lake and finds the raft empty. Despite a police led search Joey is never seen again. As camp closes and the campers and staff go home, Alex carries the secret of Joey's last moments with him.
Twenty-one years later Alex is a successful business man with a wife and two daughters. Alex seems to have it all, until strange things begin to happen around him. Things that force him to recall that long forgotten summer when little Joey Proctor disappeared without a trace.
Could Joey be alive and out for vengeance? Does someone know Alex's secret and want him to pay?
One of the things that struck me most about this book is how many ruthless, unlikeable characters there are. There are so many underlying motives and cut throat dealings. I felt bad for Alex's wife and daughters. They were living with the ultimate wolf in sheep's clothing! As things escalate and come to a head Alex unravels. His fear, anxiety and sense of preservation catapult him into one disastrous decision after another. I honestly found my dislike for him growing with each turn of the page. Which I am positive was J.P Smith's goal.
This was definitely one of those books that will keep you turning the pages, while you shake your head. Don't expect everything to be tied up with a nice bow at the end. I actually found myself having to go back when I was done to re-read parts that stood out to me so I could connect a few dots to my satisfaction. Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I'm all for a book that makes me pay attention and does things a bit outside the box. Well done J.P Smith - I look forward to reading more from you!