I enjoy reading mysteries, but I'm not the type of person who tries to figure things out ahead of the protagonist. I enjoy the story unfolding, the characters sleuthing (is that a word?) and the suspense building. In Carolina Moonset, we're also treated to a strong sense of place (Beaufort, South Carolina), two distinct time periods (Joey Green in the present day and the childhood/young adult period of his father, Marshall Green), and a distinctive cast of characters with their own personalities, flaws and color. I appreciate the fast-paced writing and the author's ability to share a lot of information and create an image in a succinct, but engaging manner. There are underlying themes about race, class, gentrification, family responsibilities and aging - these come up regularly and throughout though mostly on a superficial level and I would've enjoyed reading a bit more nuance as it relates to some or all of those issues but the overall story had my attention from start to finish. 4.5 but rounding up.
Many thanks to Tor/Forge Books and Bookish First for the ARC!
Many thanks to Tor/Forge Books and Bookish First for the ARC!