“4 high school students – 9 adults – 1 unsolved murder”

“Locust Lane” was an engrossing, contemporary murder mystery. With echoes of the family dynamics of “13 Reasons Why“, this modern thriller gave an observant and fascinating portrayal of the suburban American family dynamic. It expounds on the measures parents will go to in the protection of their children, and of their own reputations. It portrays teenagers trying to cope with social pressures and the all-consuming, and often tragic effect of social media in their lives.

Written with understanding and eloquence, this novel turned out to be quite the page turner. Penned with an authentic voice that did not sugar-coat any of the modern day realities.

Several themes were touched upon in ‘Locust Lane‘. Parental grief, the iron-grip of alcoholism, social inequities, racial prejudice, the partisan views of public opinion, misogyny, adultery, and disloyalty.

There were a lot of characters, but each was wrought in such a way that left no room for confusion. Various points of view were voiced. Plot twists near the end of this slow burning neighborhood crime thriller led up to an ambiguous ending – leaving it up to the reader’s interpretation. Not everyone’s ‘cup of tea’, but it worked here in my opinion.

This review was written voluntarily and my rating was in no way influenced by the fact that I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Celadon Books via NetGalley.

  ISBN: 9781250844231 – ASIN:  ‎ ‎ B09Y47D78H – 320 pagesThis title was published today, January 17, 2023 by Celadon Books

STEPHEN AMIDON was born in Chicago and grew up on the East Coast of America. He lived in London for twelve years before returning to the United States in 1999. He now lives in Massachusetts and Torino, Italy.

His books have been published in sixteen countries and include two works of non fiction, a collection of short stories, and seven novels, including Human Capital and Security.

Amidon’s novels have appeared on many books of the year lists, and Human Capital was selected by Jonathan Yardley, chief critic of The Washington Post as one of the five best novels of 2004.

Connect with Stephen Amidon via his website and/or Instagram.