Becky 7 - 7.5
Although this had tense moments, it didn't strike her as a thriller. The book brought up themes of race and courage through its characters who were likable but flawed, Silas in particular. Larry was such a sad, bookish guy who didn't like to fight back. Wanted so many times for Larry to stand up for himself, especially when talking with Wallace on the porch. To know your dad thought you were no good. She felt so bad for him. His father was so awful, especially with his shameful coercion to fight Silas for the rifle. Larry's desire to fit in so badly that he eventually called the girl Monkey Lips, even though he hated to. The only time he had any support from his dad was when he was to take Cindy on a date and Carl was awful even with that. Also felt bad for Silas having to move from Chicago to a shack in the woods. Then to grow up and fall in love with a white girl in the South. It's a horrible thing that he didn't come forward when he had the chance, but probably would have wound up in jail had he admitted he was with Cindy. Liked the pace of the novel and that the chickens were named after first ladies. Good ending and hopeful of reconciliation.
K'Lynn 7.5 - 8
I love stories that have rich characters and this story did. I think the author does a great job of making the characters that are human, flawed, yet likable. First chapter we are introduced to the town pariah Larry and then he’s shot. Bam! No pun intended…...Mystery to solve. Hooked from the very first chapter.
Then Silas comes in I kept picturing Hooper from Stranger Things. Small town cop in a dying town, directing Mill traffic. The clothing store that is almost vintage because they haven’t had a customer in years.
Silas leaves the town and comes back years later as town constable. A girl went missing 20 years ago and the town doesn’t look back until a new girl goes missing. Of course “Scary Larry” is the top suspect. He’s not like other kids in town. He’s not athletic and likes to read. The supposed drive in with Cindy. 20 years later he has taken over his dad's shop which is rarely used except for people who are on road trips and don’t know his story.
When Wallace Stringfellow started hanging around I knew something was up. Then when they found the Rutherford girl I knew Wallace was responsible.
I really liked Larry Ott and he will be remembered as one of my favorite characters in a story in a long time.
Letitia 7 - 8
Felt bad for Larry and thought him deliberate, not stupid. He was mentally abused by his own dad. Thought the author did an amazing job with characterizations. Didn't realize Silas was black for awhile. Not fair that Larry had to pay the price for something he didn't do. Didn't think he would be forever ostracized in Vancouver, and Letitia would never want to live in the South. The heat, the bugs, the Kudzu - felt like she was there with the descriptions of these things along with the dialogue. The time Larry wore the mask at the party and thought he was finally going to be socially accepted was particularly heartbreaking.
Sandy 8 - 8.5
Couldn't believe Silas came back to the town when he knew he was the last person to see Cindy alive. Found it predictable, but Larry was so sweet. Was disappointed with Silas. He was never held accountable for what he did and likely won't be in that small town atmosphere. The peer pressure ('Don't jump! Don't give in to pear pressure!') Larry endured to call the girl Monkey Lips on the swing set was awful. Sandy's dad felt the same way about vegetarians as Larry's dad did. Figured Cecil would rape Cindy.
Miles 7.5 - 8
Read this seven or eight years ago. Picked up again easily All the scenes were laid out well, creating an atmospheric piece. Found Silas to be the most interesting character. Didn't think he did any real detective work. Favorite scene was the men in the garage listening to a story told by Larry's dad. When living in the South, Miles noted this part of the culture and thought the author captured the slow pace sitting around telling a story. Had that style down. Found Silas to be unanchored by anything. Ran away as a child upon seeing the bus driver trying to help his mom. Thought perhaps his offer would be nefarious. No, but still. Scary Larry stayed the same as he was in high school. Wanted resolution on Cindy Walker's case.
Caroline 7 - 7
Remembered reading this from years ago and loved it. Felt very sad for Larry. Being suspected of murder was a blight on his whole family when it affected the garage business. Went back and forth on how she felt about Silas. Good guy or bad guy? As an adult he could have at least made some sort of amends to Larry. And poor Larry, to be so shunned that to have a friend like Wallace gave him something to hold onto with the reasoning that even the foulest bite will taste good to a starving soul. What will Silas and Larry's future be? Author intends for them to be friends, but will they? Caroline hopes so, but then gets mad at Silas all over again.
Maggie 7 - 7.5
Ian reminded her that they had already read it a long time ago. She was happy to read again. Author did a brilliant job setting scenes and characters. Thought Carl must have been reasonably well off at one time to have had a maid and all that land. Silas and Larry's friendship was torn apart by Carl's racism. Maggie assumed that Cindy ran off. Gets why Silas didn't come forward, but thinks he should have stood up for Larry when he came back to town. Larry was so desperate for friends he let Wallace befriend him. There was forgiveness in the end. The book gave one lots to think about. Really enjoyed it.
Artie 7 - 7.5
The author did a great job making us feel sorry for Larry. The narrative makes us feel a certain way. Liked Silas for a long time until we learned about his relationship with Cindy and what he had been hiding. Larry's dad Carl was such a bad guy; he's the reason Larry is the way he is. This makes three bad dad books in a row: Purple Hibiscus, Bitter Oranges, and now this one. Thought the author indulged in a bit of literary license when he had Silas come back to town knowing that he was likely the last person to see Cindy alive. To come back knowing that fact was very risky and a big deal. Liked the concept that our inactions can affect events sometimes as much as our actions. Thinks that reconciliation will occur as it ends on a hopeful note.
Pat 9 - 9
I loved this novel. It was the Stephen King references that pushed it up to a nine. It was a good story overall but I liked how it unfolded more than the story itself. I guessed that they were brothers, that Cindy had no intention of seeing the movies with Larry, and that Wallace was the murderer. Of course, some of this was obvious (Wallace) but somehow it never seemed predictable to me. I did not see Silas as the boyfriend. Language was perfect, there were no wasted words. I could picture everything. The swing set scene was heartbreaking, as was the mask at the party scene. I sometimes wondered if Larry was a bit too slow.
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