A captivating page-turner involving multiple murder mysteries, and a nail-biting chase across states as the titular bad man hunts the unlikeliest of heroines, a skinny, hardened 13-yr-old girl named Duchess Day Radley who is a self-proclaimed outlaw. Although the elements may sound exaggerated, author Chris Whitaker brings to life multiple characters in a small coastal California town in a richly woven story about a family, the Radleys, repeatedly subjected to tragedy at the putative hands of one man, Vincent King. Short summary: 30 years ago, Police Chief “Walk” gave testimony sending his lifelong best friend, then also 25, to prison for the next three decades. The crime leaves the Radley family in tatters and Walk becomes the protective virtual guardian of Duchess and Robin, the loved but poorly cared for children of troubled Star Radley. When Vincent is released from prison and returns home, a chain of events are set off culminating in multiple deaths and the above mentioned chase preceding the novel’s climax and the unraveling of years-long secrets.
Throughout, Duchess proves herself over and over as one of the most self-possessed, funny, and heart-of-gold juvenile delinquents I’ve come across in literature. The story - particularly for Duchess - is beyond tragic; the action fast-paced and the book really hard to put down, especially the last third.
This is the third book for prize-winning English author Whitaker, and the current B&N March pick. It has been critically acclaimed and with good reason. Giving this 4.5 stars, rounded down to 4, only because 13 y/o Duchess was a touch too precocious and unbelievable for me through her maturity and all her heroics. Definitely a recommended read.
Throughout, Duchess proves herself over and over as one of the most self-possessed, funny, and heart-of-gold juvenile delinquents I’ve come across in literature. The story - particularly for Duchess - is beyond tragic; the action fast-paced and the book really hard to put down, especially the last third.
This is the third book for prize-winning English author Whitaker, and the current B&N March pick. It has been critically acclaimed and with good reason. Giving this 4.5 stars, rounded down to 4, only because 13 y/o Duchess was a touch too precocious and unbelievable for me through her maturity and all her heroics. Definitely a recommended read.