John Hart is one of my favorite authors today with his terrific eye for the nuances of Southern living. I first read The Last Child, a mesmerizing tale, but had never gone back and read his first two novels, King of Lies and Down River. That leaves only his newest, The Unwilling, unread.

After a multi-year absence, Adam returns to Rowan County. He had left in disgrace after beating a murder charge in court, though most locals still think he’s guilty. His return is greeted by a serious beating from old foes and then the appearance of multiple bodies. The sheriff, one of many who think he evaded punishment, focuses on Adam as the prime suspect in the new murders.

Adam finds few allies, not even in his own household, not a surprise since his stepmother had testified against him years before, swearing she saw him covered in blood shortly after the murder.