Ryan Coons

This book started out strong: an unconscious man rescued from an ocean drowning during a storm in a small New England town and flashbacks to events of years ago involving ancestors of an interesting ensemble cast. But then it deteriorates, in this reader's view into a lot of somewhat disjointed and almost gratuitous violence -- and all this happens in a rush -- and then the book is over. I often think with Member Giveaway books that the work would have benefitted from more editing, and should often have been much shorter in length. This book suffers from the opposite problem: I wish the author had given us another 50 pages or so. Perhaps the violence would have served a real storytelling purpose if the story was developed further. Certainly, deeper character development would have been welcome.

But in any event, thanks to the author and the Library Thing Member Giveaway program for the chance to read and review this book.… (más)

Since I am familiar with this area, I was interested in reading this book. It presents a good picture of the town and its residents across several years. A man finds a stranger who is injured while walking his dog. The story focuses on who this stranger is, what his connection to this town is, and the events that follow his being found. The story has several twists and plots that span several generations, as well as intrigue and mystery. Some in the town accept that the injured man is someone passing through who met with unfortunate incidents, while some are very suspicious of him and who he really and what he is doing in the town anyway. As the plot develops we see a story unfolding across many years, all brought on by this injury to the stranger. Characters emerge who are part of this area and who have connections to another time in the town’s history. I found the plot, characters and picture painted of the town fascinating as true to life. My only objection, besides the story ending too soon, was the ending, which I found a bit abrupt though interesting. This emerging author is definitely going to I received this book free to review from Library Thing. part of my short list of authors to read, which is good because, like many readers, I am always looking for new, different authors to read. I am looking forward to more books from him.… (más)

This story opens quickly and moves at a good pace, and the premise is reasonable. The depiction of an isolated coast town and its characters is entertaining. There are several mysterious threads to keep things interesting, however towards the end the pace picks up so rapidly it almost leaves the reader behind. While the events are interesting, I was not able to connect with any of the characters and there did not seem to be any character growth. I eventually found myself wishing for a hero who could sort things out and maybe prevent a few deaths, or at least try. Good commuting read, but a little more character in the great plot would elevate it. Hope to see more from this writer.… (más)

I received this book for free via Library Thing's Member Giveaways.

A stranger washes ashore a small fishing town, wounded and with no memory of who he is. Members of the small town work to find out who he is and who hurt him. In the process, secrets spanning decades are revealed, secrets some people will kill to keep in the dark, and others will kill to reveal.

This was an engaging read and a lot darker than I anticipated. Coons set a quick pace with short chapters, which always helps to move things along. I really liked the cover art.

I wasn't as satisfied with the ending. It felt rushed and could have had a little more resolution. Perhaps 50 pages more to the story would have rounded it out. However, I can see how this could be simply a slice-of-life vignette: fierce battles amidst a coming storm and we all get back to life as if it never happened.

I would read more from this author.… (más)