The Midcoast; Adam White
Hogarth - 2022
The Midcoast is a debut novel that opens in small coastal town of Damariscotta, Maine. Andrew is a writing instructor and lacrosse coach who returns with his family to the area where he grew up to settle down. The story opens with a lavish outdoor reception for the Amherst College lacrosse team hosted by Steph and Ed Thatch at their enviable coastal home. The Thatches daughter Allie attends Amherst College and their son EJ is a local cop. Andrew wonders how Ed, a high school dropout and the son of a lobster fisherman could rise to their current status of achieving the American dream and more? His wife Step is the unofficial town mayor as well. As Andrew does a little snooping indoors while the event is taking place, he uncovers some disturbing photos and with a little investigative work, the reader will soon begin to understand what has been going on.
This novel got off to a rather slow start but, I quickly found myself totally engrossed with the crime drama elements of it all. I found myself on the edge of my seat often with an uncomfortable feeling as I read. The descriptions of midcoast Maine and Amherst College, Amherst, MA seemed accurately portrayed and, I thought the author did a great job building the suspense of the Thatch story. I was really glad I read this one, it was so hard to put down even though some of the characters needed a bit more depth. Recommended
Rating - 4/5 stars
(NOTE: the eGalley download was sent to me by the publisher (Hogarth) in exchange for my unbiased review.)
Sounds good, especially for a debut.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sure at the beginning but, then it wowed me and I found it hard to put down.
DeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed Midcoast. I wonder if Adam White will write another book. If it took him eleven years to get this one out, it probably won't be soon.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't realized that it took 11 years :) Who knows maybe now he'll crank them out LOL
DeleteI really enjoyed this novel as well. I also thought it was slow moving, and especially enjoyed the Maine setting.
ReplyDeleteYes, the author does a great job describing the area, I could tell he was familiar with Maine. Glad you enjoyed it. Tina, I think you would enjoy Vacationland, Meg Mitchell Moore - also a familiar Maine setting and a gem of a story too.
DeleteI find a Maine setting hard to resist, so might give this a try. Thanks for the heads up on the slow start!
ReplyDeleteIt's not a long novel and it really makes you want to read nonstop once you get beyond the first 40 or so pages. JoAnn - I think you would enjoy Vacationland (no review yet) by Meg Mitchell Moore. It's about family and set in Maine as well - such a good story.
DeleteThis sounds like the perfect summer read.
ReplyDeleteI loved the setting, mood and uncomfortable edgy feeling as I read.
DeleteSounds like a good one! Will have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteIt really was; I hope you will try it.
DeleteI need to put this one on my list too. I haven't read many books set in Maine. And, of course, when you said 'crime drama', you had me. LOL
ReplyDeleteI think you would like it Kay.
DeleteYou had me at Maine & crime drama! I'm glad it picked up after a slow start.
ReplyDeleteYes, worth working your way through the first 40 pages or so.
DeleteI'm glad you liked this one. I too have read it -- and the break-ins did lure me. The family kept things pretty under wrap.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you blogged about it. It's funny as the Maine town the family lived it has been mentioned in (2) other summer reads: Vacationland and Hatchet Island.
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