For the most part, the author's language delivered to the mouth of his characters is authentic, as are the people themselves. It's real. It's any town. It helps that I've lived in Safford and recognize some of the areas of the town. It helps more so that I met with the author once and walked with him for a few hours as he revisited Arizona and scenes in his book there, and took photos of images that previously were only snapshots in my mind.
Coleman has an ear and eye for details, with a deft touch of foreshadowing. Usually deft. There's the occasional clunker, such as when the little girl desperately hopes that her daddy can come and help her - and we already know the police chief is on his way. It's a hard edge to tread, letting readers know what's going on to draw them in — creepy, but you still feel sorry for him — but not too subtle where a person can't catch an extra layer of suspense.
The story and the pace of the plot quickly overwhelm such small, critical-eye ruminations, however. It’s a tense seek-and-destroy hunt that builds to a messy, satisfying climax.
Article comments
1 - Natalie Bennett
This article has been selected for syndication to Advance.net, which is affiliated with newspapers around the United States. Nice work!
2 - Jim W. Coleman
Nice work, Temple! Good, fair review. Sorry about that part where he slapped his knee in hilarity. I'll try to do better by avoiding those cliches in the future.
In writing this book, I wanted to craft a story that the author himself (me!) would be afraid of. I succeeded - this book still gives me the willies. What could frighten even the most manly of men? The fear of emasculation. This book will touch you in places and it ways that you don't want to be touched...