Publisher's Weekly Review
Pulitzer-finalist Martin delivers a taut, satisfying mystery about people "bound by their stupidity and their love." In small, rural Goldengate, Ill., Della Black and three of her children die when their trailer home burns down. Four other children survive. Townspeople gossip about Ronnie, Della's estranged husband, who had been at the double-wide on the afternoon of the fire to confront her about divorce papers she'd served him. After the fire marshal rules arson, everyone assumes Ronnie is guilty. With deft switches in point of view, Martin slowly reveals what happened that fateful winter night. His characters are complex and believable, from Della's elderly, bereaved parents to Angel Black, the eldest of the surviving children. Brandi Tate, Ronnie's pregnant girlfriend, is sure about love, which "pole axed you, clubbed you right between the eyes, and knocked you silly," but little else, including Ronnie's guilt or innocence. The story masterfully explores adult desires and disappointments, the fierce love parents have for their children, and children's yearning for familial bonds. Martin has a keen ear for the language of rural Illinoisans, sprinkling in phrases like "snort and holler," "love on you," and "skinny-Minnie of a thing." This is a compulsively readable novel about the bonds of family and community. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Award-winning novelist Martin (The Bright Forever, 2005) keeps readers on edge in this gripping tale of tragedy and the subsequent search for truth. When Della Black and three of her seven children are killed in a fire in their trailer on a bitter winter night, the citizens of Goldengate band together to help her surviving children. As the fire is investigated and suspicious evidence is found, all eyes turn to Ronnie Black, Della's estranged husband, who now lives with his girlfriend, Brandi Tate. Ronnie has always been hot-tempered and impulsive, and his actions make him an easy suspect. But Ronnie is also a loving father, fiercely loyal to his children and determined to provide for them. As evidence against Ronnie mounts, his erratic behavior has everyone talking, even leading Brandi to question the innocence he steadfastly maintains. Martin weaves a story that puts the complexities of love on display. Not always sweet or everlasting, love is an immense power that influences our decisions and shapes our futures. Martin's multifaceted tale of loss, suspicion, and suspense is thoroughly engaging.--Smith, Patricia Copyright 2016 Booklist
