See buying choices for this item to see if it's one of the millions that are eligible for Amazon Prime.

20 used & new from £0.01
See All Buying Options
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
 
   
Down River
 
See larger image 
Share your own customer images
Publisher: learn how customers can search inside this book.

Down River (Paperback)

by John Hart (Author)
3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (20 customer reviews)

Available from these sellers.


10 new from £0.01 8 used from £0.01 2 collectible from £2.50
Other Editions: RRP: Our Price: Other Offers:
Hardcover 16 used & new from £1.78
Paperback £7.99 £4.05 350 used & new from £0.01
Mass Market Paperback (Reprint) 34 used & new from £0.01
Hardcover (Large Print) 15 used & new from £12.19
Audio CD (Audiobook) £13.70 £13.70 23 used & new from £2.99
Perfect Paperback 38 used & new from £0.01

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

No Time For Goodbye

No Time For Goodbye

by Linwood Barclay
3.6 out of 5 stars (183)  £4.99
The Outcast

The Outcast

by Sadie Jones
3.8 out of 5 stars (111)  £4.79
East of the Sun

East of the Sun

by Julia Gregson
3.7 out of 5 stars (64)  £5.49
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee

The Private Lives of Pippa Lee

by Rebecca Miller
3.4 out of 5 stars (41)  £4.79
The Resurrectionist

The Resurrectionist

by James Bradley
2.1 out of 5 stars (76)  £4.79
› Explore similar items

Product details

  • Paperback: 336 pages
  • Publisher: John Murray Publishers Ltd (4 Oct 2007)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0719521513
  • ISBN-13: 978-0719521515
  • Product Dimensions: 23.2 x 15.2 x 3 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 219,955 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    •  Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?

Product Description

Review
'The story works both as a suspenseful whodunit and as a sensitive rumination on the emotional force of family dynamics' class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alig -- Washington Post 'If you value Harper Lee, James Lee Burke, Truman Capote and Michael Malone, it's time to add John Hart to your bookshelves' -- Otto Penzeler, New York Sun 'A novel about the power of family, how it defines and follows us, no matter how far or fast we run ... Evocative storytelling and lush prose' -- Boston Globe 'Splendid ... a beautifully constructed story of personal redemption, family secrets and murder -- a small-town epic, if there is such a thing' -- Booklist (starred review) 'A taut, entertaining thriller ... there are few books published that can legitimately be called a "must-read", but this is one of them' -- Chicago Sun-Times

Review

‘I don’t always agree with the Richard & Judy recommendations, but this time I am with them all the way. This book is a really classy thriller, with a plot that is complex and beguiling without being too convoluted ... Whenever I thought that I had unravelled the plot, another twist left me flummoxed, and the solution had me blinking with surprise and admiration’

(Matthew Lewin, Guardian )

'[Hart] explores betrayal and forgiveness in indelible prose' (Observer )

'Hart spins a clever mystery and keeps skilful control of his plot' (Sunday Telegraph )

‘Hart builds the suspense of this whodunit expertly’

(Douglas Wight, News of the World )

‘A Chandleresque thriller’

(Sunday Times )

‘A heart-pounding thriller that explores the dark side of human nature’

(Metro )

‘A gripping thriller full of twists and turns’

(Oldham Evening Chronicle )

‘Hart proves here he is certainly no one-hit wonder’

(Good Book Guide )

‘This is a big, warm-hearted novel’

(Natasha Cooper, Crime Time )

'The story works both as a suspenseful whodunit and as a sensitive rumination on the emotional force of family dynamics' (Washington Post )

'If you value Harper Lee, James Lee Burke, Truman Capote and Michael Malone, its time to add John Hart to your bookshelves' (New York Sun )

'A novel about the power of family, how it defines and follows us, no matter how far or fast we run . . . Evocative storytelling and lush prose' (Boston Globe )

'Splendid . . . a beautifully constructed story of personal redemption, family secrets and murder a small-town epic, if there is such a thing' (Booklist (starred review) )

'A taut, entertaining thriller . . . there are few books published that can legitimately be called a must-read, but this is one of them' (Chicago Sun-Times )

'This pacy, well-written mystery grabs you from the first page and keeps you there until the last.' **** (MX Sydney Magazine )

‘The ‘current hot kid of American crime fiction’

(TNT Magazine ) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Product Description

Suggested Tags from Similar Products

 (What's this?)
Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product)
Check a corresponding box or enter your own tags in the field below
(27)
(19)
(15)
(11)
(11)
(7)
(10)
(10)
(10)
(6)
(4)

Your tags: Add your first tag
 
See most popular tags

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

Down River
69% buy the item featured on this page:
Down River 3.9 out of 5 stars (20)
The King of Lies
9% buy
The King of Lies 4.0 out of 5 stars (8)
£5.59
No Time For Goodbye
8% buy
No Time For Goodbye 3.6 out of 5 stars (183)
£4.99
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
7% buy
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo 4.1 out of 5 stars (169)
£3.99
Explore similar items
 

Customer Reviews

20 Reviews
5 star:
 (8)
4 star:
 (5)
3 star:
 (4)
2 star:
 (3)
1 star:    (0)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
3.9 out of 5 stars (20 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Quite brilliant, yet again, 23 Feb 2008
By johnverp (Budapest) - See all my reviews
This is the second book by Hart I have read and he has maintained the standard set in his debut novel.

It revolves around the return of a son to his dysfunctional family after 5 years. He left under suspicion of having committed a murder, although he was acquitted.

There are further murders, a lot of family trouble, deceit and twists and turns in this novel which a Robert Goddard would have been proud of. It is reasonably well-written, plausible, fast-moving and packed with intrigue.

The story sucks you in straight away and I managed to finish the book in two sittings in one day.

There was a small, consistent grammatical error which will annoy some, but that would be petty criticism in light of how strong the book otherwise is.

Keep 'em rolling Mr. Hart!

Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
28 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Some clever twists, 6 Jul 2008
By SJSmith (UK) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   
This review is from: Down River (Paperback)
There isn't much product information available on Amazon so to give you an idea what it's about, Adam Chase lives in New York having left his home town five years following an acquital from a murder charge - all this is revealed within first and second chapter so it isn't a plot spoiler - but his friend from home calls him and he has to go back. When he gets home people start turning up dead and unfortunately Adam looks like number one suspect with only him being able to clear his name.

The writing style took me a little while to settle into. The sentences are disjointed in places and there is no descriptive narrative as such. The only thing I can compare it to is Gordon Ramsey when he does his recipes and he simply says the bog standard ingredient and method. Hopefully you know what I mean if you've ever watched his most recent shows. Because of this, I couldn't get into a flow and my reading initially wasn't enjoyable. However I soon got used to it and eventually the plot became more of a focus than the writing style.

All of the characters are interesting. Some of the relationships will leave you a bit puzzled, mainly for me that was the relationship between Grace and Adam. Eventually all the links between the characters becomes clear and you can start putting two and two together; yet I don't think you'll ever completely work everything out. John Hart has been clever and there are some amazing aspects of the plot that come in the last quarter of the novel.

I don't feel like it's a fast paced thriller but it is definitely atmospheric and exciting; leaving the reader to question the betrayals that have happened and whether they would do the same in Adam's situation. Even when explanations have occured you are still left with an unsettled feeling of whether people should've done what they did. As for other novels like it, the blurb talks about John Grisham, Scott Turow and Raymond Chandler; I haven't read any of those but they are ones I'll hunt out in the future based on this novel. Whilst I've only given it a 4 star review and not a 5, it is only the writing style that let it down as the plot was great.

This book is part of the Richard & Judy Summer 2008 Reads and I can see why. It has huge appeal for a range of audiences, this is my seventh read from the summer reads and it is third to 'No Time for Goodbye' and 'East of the Sun'.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars Unimpressive and tedious, 12 Aug 2008
By L. H. Healy "Books are life, beauty and truth." (Hertfordshire, UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This review is from: Down River (Paperback)
Often I read reviews on Amazon, where people have generally liked a novel, and there is one where the reviewer writes 'I must be missing something', or words to that effect. Well in the case of this novel, I must be that person, because I don't understand all the hype about it at all.

I just about forced myself to finish it as I was (just) interested enough to read the end, but only just. I kept thinking there must be some amazing twists in the plot to come, but they never arrived, and I had already realised what some of the outcomes were going to be earlier on in the book. This isn't a problem if the writing itself is stylish and the tale enthralling enough to keep one reading whether you have worked out the plot in advance or not, but in this case I don't think it is.

The main character, Adam Chase, finally returns to his home town to face the demons of his past, which saw him wrongly accused but fortunately acquitted of the murder of a local young man. The action centres around his family and a small circle of other inhabitants, and gradually unravels how their pasts have actually crossed and reveals hidden secrets that lead to the revelation of the real murderer, but not before a further murder and an assault have occured. Chase rekindles a romance with a local detective on his return and proceeds to antagonise her and the other detectives by going behind their backs to conduct his own investigations.

The relationships could have been built more believably, which would have evoked more empathy with the characters, or at least an understanding. It all just seems a bit sketchy.
If you want a very easy, undemanding read, which admittedly many readers do in the summertime, then maybe give this a try. Evidently many others have enjoyed it more. But I think there are other thrillers out there just as enjoyable but with more style to the writing and more depth to the characters than this one, with more pace and excitement. For me, it simply isn't in the same league as the brilliant 'A Quiet Belief in Angels' by R.J.Ellory, for example. I think I just like my tales a bit more meaty and substantial really.
Comment Comment (1) | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)


Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
 
 
 
Most Recent Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Better than i thought it would be...
I was about to get on a long haul flight, had no book and needed something. I judged a book by its cover. I do that alot. Read more
Published 1 day ago by Anthony Veets

4.0 out of 5 stars Palm Sunday all over again
Paris 1930s - Picture the scene. Boats floating lazily down the Seine. A quiet summer sunday just before the war. Read more
Published 20 days ago by S. D. Crawshaw

5.0 out of 5 stars book
This was a good book although not one I would have picked it was recommmended by a friend who is in a book circle. Read more
Published 1 month ago by K. Carter

5.0 out of 5 stars an unexpected gem of a read
This is the first John Hart book i read, and i only brought it as it was on offer at a cheap price when i was instore buying other books, so i added it to my basket. Read more
Published 1 month ago by eponine

2.0 out of 5 stars Not the book for me
I have to agree with L Healy and Mrs J James. Perhaps we are missing something, but I found the characters shallow and the plot unconvincing.
Published 3 months ago by Ann Wright

3.0 out of 5 stars Up And Down River
This book has me utterly confused.
I loved the idea of a man returning home to old and new hostilities, and various characters are introduced to keep us guessing. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Mr. John Frank Herbert

4.0 out of 5 stars Atmospheric and Memorable
I am not a regular reader and am very choosy, but I read this book within a few days and was so sorry to finish it! Read more
Published 8 months ago by NSW

2.0 out of 5 stars I don't understand the hype
Thank goodness for reviewer LH Healy - my friends and I thought we were the only people who didn't care for this book! Read more
Published 9 months ago by Mrs. J. James

5.0 out of 5 stars Good and Gripping
This is one of the those books that creates a world that you keep wanting to return to; you think about it during your working day and can't wait to get back into it... Read more
Published 10 months ago by M. J. Saxton

4.0 out of 5 stars A great summer read
A great read. This is a fast paced drama with unique characters and a plot full of twists to keep you guessing. Read more
Published 10 months ago by S. Eastwood

Only search this product's reviews


Customer Discussions

 Beta (What's this?)
This product's forum (0 discussions)
  Discussion Replies Latest Post
  No discussions yet

Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
  [Cancel]


Active discussions in related forums
   
Related forums

Listmania!

Create a Listmania! list

Look for similar items by category

Feedback

The Body Shop

The Body Shop - Vitamin C Skin Boost
Protect and boost your glow with The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost.

›Shop The Body Shop

  

More From John Hart

The Last Child

The Last Child by John Hart

‘The Last Child is as satisfying as his previous books’ (Guardian... Read more
£12.99 £11.69

 

A Close Shave

Philips Nivea Coolskin HS8060 Moisturizing Rotary Shaving System
For all types of hair removal, stay smooth with Amazon.co.uk.

›Discover Shaving & Hair Removal

  

Treat Someone

Amazon.co.uk Gift Certificates--available in any amount from £5 to £500 With an Amazon.co.uk Gift Certificate, you can get them what they want (even if you don't know what that is).

›Learn more about Gift Certificates

  
Ad

Where's My Stuff?

Delivery and Returns

Need Help?

Your Recent History

  (What's this?)
You have no recently viewed items or searches.

After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in.

Look to the right column to find helpful suggestions for your shopping session.
Continue Shopping: Top Sellers

amazon.co.uk Amazon Home
International Sites:  United States  |  Germany  |  France  |  Japan  |  Canada  |  China
Business Programs: Sell on Amazon  |  Fulfilment by Amazon  |  Join Associates  |  Join Advantage
Customer Service  |  Help  |  View Basket  |  Your Account
About Amazon.co.uk  |  Careers at Amazon
Conditions of Use & Sale |  Privacy Notice  © 1996-2009, Amazon.com, Inc. and its affiliates