Go Home, Afton (Afton Morrison, #1)

I'm sold on Afton! It was a bit gritty for my taste, to start, then the backstory and characterizations were filled out--just enough, skillfully, a little at a time, to engage my interest and sympathy--then the plot took over and I was hooked. Now I'm going to be [very] anxiously awaiting parts 2-4. (Glad Jones is only making us wait a few months; I'm already a Rothfuss fan!)

The characters of Afton and Tia, Kim and Jared and Chris, and the sleaze Kenneth, are certainly all believable portrayals of people in a small town--at least, the small towns where I have lived. And if anyone doubts the realism of the 'days in the life of a librarian' aspect of this story, rest assured that the ickiest details are straight from the incident reports and occurrence logs of the library the author visited for his research! Yes, THAT happened.

When I say the plot took over, I mean that it began at a walking pace, letting us meet the characters, get used to the setting, and find hints that all was not as it should be in Afton's life and town. Then the story picked up speed, raced to the conclusion of this episode, and stopped short, like a runner at the edge of a cliff. It was a great read!

Other books I have been reading recently informed my response and reaction to Afton's story. Chessy Prout's "I Have The Right To : A High School Survivor's Story Of Sexual Assault, Justice, And Hope" and Tara Westover's "Educated" gave me some sensitivity to Afton's refusal to acknowledge "the V word" and the critical importance of seeing oneself as a survivor. Well done, Brent!

I received an advance reading copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review (and notes on any typos I might find). (less)

At twenty-six years of age, Afton Morrison has quashed her inner animus successfully until now...when the demand to kill meets reason and she's found the perfect victim. She can both satisfy that persistently dangerous alter-ego while ridding the public of a vicious sexual predator. It's a perfect solution.

Afton tolerates co-worker Pete and (even enjoys) seventeen-year-old Kim, a high school senior and a volunteer at the library where she works in the small town of Wakefield as a children's librarian. She has stalked Kenneth, prepared meticulously, and is ready to kill. There is just one problem; someone may also be stalking her.

The author deftly crafts Afton's complex multi-faceted personality, alternately portraying a thoughtful children's librarian with the stalker preparing to kill her first target, plying the tension in bits and pieces until almost intolerable. Finely developed supporting characters weave in and out of this well-plotted serial novella (book 1), introducing little twists and turns.

The narrative seizes your attention with page one and feeds little truths, little pearls, and pretty soon you are flipping pages right into the cliff-hanging conclusion. The story is a captivating thriller that'll have you gripping your device, though be aware that besides the language also contains sensitive subjects as well.

The author provided an ARC ebook of this novella and I appreciated the opportunity to read. This review is entirely my own. Recommended for any who enjoy a strong thriller-suspense, no holds barred. In the meantime, the suspense is killing.

See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2018/05/13/go-home-afton-a-bookreview/

Go Home Afton was a really interesting and action packed read. I loved how Afton’s character developed along the way. Homicidal librarian? Small town? Strong female lead? Yes please! I recommend this book to those who like thrillers, anti-hero types, and a bit of dark humour. Looking forward to book 2!