THE UNWILLING
John Hart
St. Martin’s Press
ISBN-13: 978-12500167729
Hardcover
Historical Thriller

John Hart does not write frequently but does write wonderfully. He has for several years demonstrated an unequaled capability of mining memorable and haunting tales about the downtrodden and unfortunate in his native North Carolina, people whose lives are played out in desperation beyond the reaches of the interstate. Given that his appearances are on the bookshelves are sporadic rather than regular each new title with which he favors his reading public is a cause for dark joy. This is particularly true of THE UNWILLING, a frightening coming of age tale highlighting the capability of both depravity and redemption of the human soul.

THE UNWILLING is set in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1972, a roiling period in the history of the Republic due to the country’s involvement in the Vietnam War. The tale is partially told in the first person by Gibby French, a high school senior who as graduation approaches is at the crossroads of his life. The war has cost the French family dearly. Gibby’s older twin brothers have been casualties of the conflict in markedly different ways. Robert was killed in action while Jason’s wounds are more complicated and include a dishonorable discharge and a prison sentence of several years. Jason returns to Charlotte unannounced and unexpected as THE UNWILLING begins, his presence only a rumor to his parents, who are concerned about his potential bad influence upon Gibby. Gabrielle, the boy’s mother, is particularly concerned, and her default overprotectiveness of Gibby kicks into high gear with the news that Jason, the lost and bad son, is back in town. William, their father, is a law enforcement officer who is also worried but more understanding, a state of mind that causes him to be caught between his wife and sons as well as his sons themselves, not to mention his policing duties. Gibby is chafing at his mother’s limitations, particularly so when enigmatic Jason reaches out to him with ready access to liquor and older (than Gibby) women. Jason has a problem, however, in the form of an imprisoned serial killer known as X, who is awaiting his own fate on death row. X, for reasons which are eventually revealed, has more money than God and almost as much influence. X and Jason formed an odd relationship while Jason was in prison and X manipulates the system in order to bring him back under his influence. X is willing to do anything --- anything --- to get his way, and what he does is nightmarish, to say the least. One of the hairraising elements of THE UNWILLING, however, is that X is not the worst of the characters in the book. The web of relationships eventually sets Gibby and his best friend on a course that intersects with a monster who walks in the shadows of the good people of Charlotte, and, oddly enough, brings the French family together --- as the story proceeds to a chilling ending.

One might be forgiven for characterizing THE UNWILLING as “the Hart of darkness,” if you will, given that such a description is entirely accurate. While THE UNWILLING is complete in itself, there are enough ends dangling at the conclusion that Hart could at some future time to revisit these unforgettable characters if he wished. What we have here, however, is yet another embarrassment of riches from Hart’s seemingly unlimited basket of talents all by itself. Strongly recommended, if wonderfully dark.

Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
© Copyright 2021, The Book Report, Inc. All rights reserved.

John Hart is an author that I buy his books the day they are released. As a matter of fact I preordered a signed copy of this book before I even started listening to it. He is that good! And this book is his absolute best.

Jason has just been released from prison. He has returned to his hometown just to see his little brother, Gibby. He has a complex relationship with his family. Heck, Jason is a very complex character. He is a Vietnam vet with a high kill rate and huge secrets.


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Gibby is a high school senior. His mother has sheltered him from many activities and especially from Jason. When Jason shows back up in his life it opens a whole new world. Then, Tyra, Jason’s girlfriend, is murdered. Gibby is determined to prove that Jason is innocent.

There are so many intricacies in this story. The characters are amazing and believe it or not…Jason was my favorite. He broke my heart with his damaged self. But then he has such strength and intensity. I could not help but be pulled into his orbit.

Wow! Just Wow! I cannot say enough about this story. Captivating, thrilling, mysterious and mesmerizing are just a few words to describe this tale…I could go on and on! And the narrator, Kevin Stillwell is fantastic. He hit just the right level of intensity at the right time! Need a book you cannot put down or an audiobook you do not want to stop listening to…THIS IS IT! You will not be disappointed!

I received this audiobook from the publisher for a honest review.

I’m a huge fan of John Hart’s novels. I love them because even though they’re thrillers, they’re always so much more than that. The Unwilling is the sixth book I’ve read from Hart, and yes, it’s a thriller, but it’s also a coming of age story, as well as a story about a family torn apart by war.

Set during the Vietnam War, The Unwilling follows the French family. They’ve lost two sons to the war, Robert, who was actually killed in action and Jason, who turned to heroin and ended up in prison. Their youngest son, Gibby, is all Mr. and Mrs. French have left, and they are terrified of losing him too. When Jason gets out of prison, they’re determined to keep him away from Gibby. Gibby can’t resist the allure of hanging out with his big brother though and so he sneaks out to see Jason and to meet up with some girls. When one of the girls turned up dead soon after and Jason is named as the prime suspect, both Gibby and Jason find themselves knee deep in a bad situation that could cost them both their lives.

I loved so many things about this book! First, I just became so attached to the French family. It was so heartbreaking to think of all the losses they have suffered and their grief is just so palpable throughout the story. I was especially heartbroken for the father. As a police detective, he’s in an impossible spot. He wants to believe his son is innocent but has to admit that he’s not sure, primarily because of his son’s past misdeeds. He loves Jason but he is also desperate to protect what’s left of his family.

I also really adored Gibby. Much of the story comes to us from Gibby’s perspective and it is through him that we get the coming of age element in the story. Gibby is torn between not wanting to upset his parents and wanting to break free from this sheltered bubble they have him living in. He wants to have a relationship with his brother, he wants to date girls, he just wants to grow up and is frustrated at every turn by his parents. I was really rooting for Gibby to come into his own and was really impressed by his growth as the story progressed, especially when he decides he’s going to prove his brother is innocent. I admired his determination, loyalty, and bravery.

The thriller aspect of the story as it relates to the murder is amazing too. I don’t want to give anything away with respect to that, but wow, what a dark and twisted tale it is. Also, be forewarned that Hart’s descriptions of the violent acts in the novel are vivid and gruesome. I know I won’t be forgetting the images I read about anytime soon!

If you’re interested in a riveting thriller as well as a heartbreaking story about the effects of war on a family, definitely check out John Hart’s The Unwilling. 4.5 STARS.

"We, the unwilling, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful."


Every time I open a new John Hart crime novel, I know that I am in for a challenging and thrilling read. I also wonder if he can surpass his previous books. The Unwilling does not disappoint. Part family drama, part crime thriller, part coming-of-age story, and part examination of the different aspects of brotherhood, The Unwilling grabs hold immediately and does not let go.

Charlotte, NC detective Bill French and his wife, Gabrielle, have lost more than their fair share in the disastrous Viet Nam War. One son, Robert, was killed less than one year into his deployment. The second son, Jason, came home after almost three tours bitter, alienated, addicted to heroin, and dishonorably discharged. Jason quickly falls into the world of drugs, guns, and biker gangs. The third son, Gibson, is everybody's favorite; athletic, smart, funny, and kind. He will soon graduate from high school and hit 18 when he has to register for the draft. Gibby has no real doubts about what he should do, follow in the footsteps of his brothers. Gibby's best friend, Chance, has different thoughts about his future. Chance has already reached 18 and failed to register.

Jason has been in an infamous prison, built originally in the 1860s, on a drug conviction. It's known as a hellhole, but no one who hasn't been there knows exactly how much. The prison is in the iron control of an infamous criminal known as "X." Jason has been out for several weeks and living in a halfway house in Raleigh but has not contacted his family. Jason does not know, for sure, anyway, that "X" has taken a particular interest in him and wants him back inside. Gibby and Jason reconnect, despite the elder French's wishes. A trip into the countryside with two young women leads to an encounter with a prison bus and one of the young women's hideous death. Jason is immediately a suspect, and when the other young woman disappears, Gibby is suspected as well. Now, Bill French must balance his duties as a policeman, father, and the support of his fragile wife.

In the hands of a lesser writer, "X" would be a cartoonish supervillain, as well as his minion, the detestable Reese. A lesser writer would not be able to draw all the narrative threads into a cohesive whole. There are descriptions of stomach-churning violence and depravity, contrasted with the solid friendship between Gibby, Chance, and Gibby's first love, Becky.
He has created indelible characters that will be with me for a long time, and I would love to see them again. John Hart has been known to do that.

I may have to rethink the whole "star" rating. The Unwilling is head and shoulders above any other crime novel I have read in quite a while. So I will enthusiastically give it two 'thumbs up".
Thanks to St.Martin's and Net Galley for an advance digital copy. The opinions are my own.

Wow. Just...wow. I don't know why John Hart's books are not more hyped. He's brilliant, and I think this book may be the finest example of that brilliance. In The Unwilling, we meet Gibby French and his broken family. Gibby's older twin brothers have been lost to him. Robert died in Vietnam, and Jason may as well have. Jason's been alienating himself from his family, with his heroin addiction and criminal behavior, ever since his dishonorable discharge from the USMC. As a result, Gibby's mother has become hyper focused on his protection. He cannot play sports, date girls, anything that might take him away from home. In the last months of his senior year, Gibby throws off the cotton wool he's been wrapped in. His brother Jason is fresh out of prison, but almost immediately back in trouble. Gibby decides it's up to him to save the only brother he has left. The cops, including Gibby's own father, only want to vilify Jason, they are blind to any other answer. But privileged, sheltered Gibby has no idea what he's stumbled into, and he just might pay with his life

I raced through this book. I was immediately drawn to all of the characters, and loved hearing the story from their multiple points of view. We have Gibby, Jason, and French (how their father refers to himself), and each chapter was a fantastic way to get to know them better. We are privy not just to the facts, but to each man's thoughts, deepest fears, and secret motivations. The Unwilling unwinds in such unbelievable, unbearable suspense, and I could not put it down until the last page. This is a story that rewards loyalty to the Thriller genre. It's as if John Hart sensed our weariness of bland, formulaic, predictable novels, and wrote this book as a tribute to what crime fiction can be when it's done really, really well. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the gifted copy.
4.5 stars

I've been looking forward to reading this one since I won a physical copy in a BookishFirst raffle last year. I read the preview while we were on our last vacation before the pandemic. But, like many planned 2020 releases, COVID impacted the publication date - pushing it back eight months! So I held off, to wait a bit closer to the release date. I've been reading Hart's books for 12 years now - he's a very talented author, and this one is definitely one of his very best books. I really enjoyed it - I could hardly put it down!

Set in North Carolina in 1972, the book centers around the French gamily men. William, a detective, and father to three sons - Robert, the eldest who died in Vietnam, his twin brother, Jason, who served nearly three tours there and Gibson, recently turned 18 who is a thoughtful young man, considering both his future and the state of his broken family.

Although all of the action - and there is plenty of action, as this book is as much plot-driven as character-driven - takes place over a short amount of time. The book still has an epic quality it as pasts are revealed and the time and era seeps off each page. Well-written and riveting, my only complaint is the way the real villain of the story is handled - I wanted more background. The more obvious villain, though, is almost likable, and I wouldn't mind a sequel to this one. I really didn't want this to end! I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to see what Hart will write next!

THE UNWILLING is a book in conflict; one part is an excellent portrayal of a family torn by loss, misunderstanding and betrayal. The other part is a strange underworld thriller that wanders into and out of an underground prison world inhabited by a mastermind with uncertain desires. While the overarching tale of a family humbled by loss and struggling for redemption is compelling; the B side story really detracts. I lost interest in the prison tale. I’m not that interested in mastermind killers. I am, though, impressed with author John Hart’s portrayal of Charlotte, NC during the early 1970’s, with the turbulence of the period as backdrop to the torment of this family. Whatever the author hoped to accomplish by merging these two ideas, I missed the point. The book, though, is worth reading. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

THE UNWILLING is masterful!

New York Times bestselling author John Hart is one of the finest Southern storytellers out today. Once you read one of his books with richly drawn characters, you become a fan for life. He keeps getting better and better (if this is even possible)!

In this stellar, intricate, and complex tale of family, war, prison, murder, courage, sacrifice, love, and fear, Hart showcases his keen ability to explore the depths of the human capacity for resilience and trust in the face of heartbreaking betrayal and injustice. Some heroes are behind the scenes, living through horrors, where nothing is as it appears.

Who would guess after war and prison, that coming home would be one of the worst traumas?

THE UNWILLING, set in 1972 in Charlotte, NC, during significant times of change—a divided country much like today. The tensions and fear are high from desegregation, civil rights, communism, corruption, crooked leaders, gas prices, and let us not forget Watergate, and the Vietnam War, among other events. However, there were simple fun times, pre-cell phones, computers, and adventures at the quarry.

While inspired by the Mỹ Lai massacre and the Vietnam War, the powerful, explosive, and compelling story focuses on the family war back home in the South in North Carolina.

The Vietnam war had not been kind to the French family. They had buried their oldest son Robert, then watched his twin brother Jason return from the war to spiral out of control with violence, drugs, and prison. The younger son, Gibson (Gibby), was almost in his own prison, due to his overprotective obsessive mom trying to guard him against the world’s darkness. And the detective dad, Bill, always trying to smooth things over, among other things.

However, everything is not as it appears. When Jason (misunderstood) returns to get to know his younger brother, things do not go as planned. What occurs on the home front can often be as dangerous as the war.

Jason returns after a dishonorable discharge from the Marines. There was drug use, prison, and violence, and his family does not want him around his younger brother Gibby. They see Trouble with a capital "T." He is not the favorite son.

Gibby, the younger brother, a high school senior, wants to get to know his brother, and Jason wants the same. However, the mother is dead set against it and turns her back on Jason, among others in the town.

Jason's twin brother, Robert, was the family/town's hero. He is the one they all looked up to. (however, who is the real hero)? He was killed in the war. The dad, a detective, Bill, is caught in the middle, attempting to keep the situation from spiraling out of control.

There are good times at the local quarry for Gibby and his friends as they decide their future paths. Many beautiful metaphors parallel with the storyline in many ways. Some great supporting characters Becky and Chase which offer support.

When Gibby and Jason are having a fun day (letting loose) with some wild fun accompanied by two of Jason's women friends, they find themselves at the wrong place at the wrong time. They run into a busload of convicts from the state prison. Someone is calling the shots, and soon, Jason finds himself accused of murder. A setup. However, Jason is quiet, but you know something more sinister is going on behind the scenes. He wants to guard his younger brother.

Gibby believes in his brother's innocence. He is determined to prove it. He puts himself in harm's way, trying to help his brother. He discovers some astonishing information about his brother Jason that changes his views and is even more determined to help his brother during his sleuthing.

One evil man is controlling the shots—a wealthy, dangerous man in prison. Prisoner X. Gibby has no clue about Prisoner X and what this powerful man wants with Jason? Will the truth come out?

Raw and emotional, THE UNWILLING, without a doubt, is John's BEST yet!

This well-crafted, compelling novel (with plenty of heart-pounding action) is a blend of crime fiction, psychological thriller, domestic, suspense, cop procedural, mystery, coming of age, Southern, historical, legal, literary fiction. It has its all. He is one of my favorite authors, having read every book and anxiously await the next.

"We the unwilling, led by the unqualified to kill the unfortunate, die for the ungrateful." —Unknown Soldier

From a master storyteller, the writing is lyrical with vivid descriptions of the time and place, drawing you in. Hart has his own unique winning signature style with strong characterization and twisty plots.

Deftly blending tension with darkness and light, good vs. evil, he makes his characters think and feel. He dives deep into their souls while experiencing conflicts (both inner and outward), and somehow there is always a lesson to be learned from the hardship and journey.

If you enjoy authors: John Grisham, Harlan Coben, Greg Hurwitz, William Kent Krueger, David Baldacci, and C.J. Box, you must read John Hart's books.

Please sign up for my Newsletter before Feb 2, pub day. A fantastic in-depth Elevator Ride Interview with John planned, where we will go behind the book—"the story behind the story," and behind this (FUN) talented author with exclusives, you do not want to miss!

I cannot wait for a follow up to REDEMPTION ROAD (another favorite) and hope we see some of the characters again in the future from THE UNWILLING. A movie or T.V. series, please.🎬

Highly recommend! "Hart delivers every time." If you haven't read his books, you better get started. Thank me later.

#JDCMustReadBooks Blog
www.JudithDCollins.com

Read More on my blog.

A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an ARC.

Let me start my review with this quote from the blurb about this book. "This is crime fiction at its most raw, an exploration of family and the past, of prison and war and the indelible marks they leave."

This was a dark and unsettling story of a family dealing with PTSD, loss of a child in a war, addiction, secrets and pain. It is also a story about a man with money, lots of money, that enables him to hire people to do whatever he wants them to do, even if it is against the law. The one thing he wanted most of all, he was unable to get, but he would die trying. The French family has suffered. Gibby's parents will do whatever they can to keep him away from his convict brother, also a war criminal, Jason. When Gibby and Jason get together for an afternoon of partying, one action starts an avalanche of events that result in bloodshed, torture, arrests, kidnapping and more

This is my first John Hart book, but will probably be my last. Not that it was not a well-written story, but it was much too violent for my taste. The story is told from Gibby’s point of view. Gibby wants to prove his brother's innocence in a murder and begins his own investigation with his friend, Chance, and the girl he is getting involved with, Becky. His investigation takes him to some dangerous places, meeting drug dealers, motorcycle gangs and others who will do anything to keep Gibby from discovering a lot of secrets. He is in danger, but won't back down. I liked both Gibby's and Jason's characters. They were relatable characters who would do whatever they could to help their siblings. Chance was Gibby's friend and was one that went above and beyond friendship as you will see when you read this one. I felt for the family and their friends and my heart broke many times. The part that has the reader suspending belief is the serial killer "X" who rules the prison from death row. He has everyone in his pocket and his hired killers on the outside are also a bit over the top. So, I am not sure how to rate this one, because parts are heartbreaking, others just gory and bloodthirsty and some unbelievable. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a well plotted, intense mystery. Remembering that there is a lot of violence and lots of triggers as well. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kevin Stillwell. His voice and expression definitely added even more atmosphere to this story.

Gibby French, an 18 year old young man, has already lost his oldest brother Robert to the Vietnam War. Jason, Robert's twin, comes back from war hardened and drug addicted and after a 3-year prison sentence he is estranged from his family. Gibby's father is a police officer and doesn't approve of Jason's life style and his mother is overprotective of her only remaining 'good' son, so Gibby is forbidden to have any contact with Jason. But Gibby refuses to give up on his brother and they meet up for a day of fun together, along with Jason's girlfriend Tyra and her roommate. But after Tyra flirts with and taunts a busload of prisoners, then shortly after is murdered, the blame falls on Jason. He is returned to prison to face a very powerful enemy. Meanwhile Gibby is in a mission to prove his brother's innocence.
I've never read a book by this author before. I quickly got drawn in to the story and the suspenseful quality of the writing. I loved seeing Gibby's character develop from an innocent and sheltered boy into a strong and confident young man willing to put himself on the line for what he believes in. And Jason...just wow!! I can't believe how misunderstood and mistreated he was by his family. I plan on adding ALL of this author's books to my must read list!
Thank you to John Hart and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this wonderful book. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

There was nothing I can say that I disliked about this book. What an extraordinary book about family, war, tragic loss and crime. The story kept me captivated from beginning to the end. The author tells a fantastic story with well developed characters. There was just something about Jason calling Gibby "little brother" that made him more human and not a loss soul caused by the war. I can't wait to read another of his books! I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and John Hart for a copy of "The Unwilling" in exchange of an honest review.

The Unwilling is the new book from John Hart..

"It's the early 70's in Charlotte, NC. Families are terrified about their young men being drafted for Vietnam - a war that no one wants. The French family has already lost one son, Robert, and another son, Jason, comes back damaged and angry and ends up in prison. Their youngest son, Gibby, is 18 and a graduating senior. When Jason is released from prison, he returns to his home town and seeks out his younger brother. An outing with two older girls turns bad. When one of the girls is found murdered, Jason becomes a suspect. He is caught and returned to prison. But Gibby knows he didn't do it and sets out to prove his brother's innocence. But people, including his parents, will stand in his way..."

Wow - what a story from Hart. And what great characters! "X" is one of the scariest sociopaths you will see. Reese was disturbing. Jason is a young man returned from war and scarred from what he's seen and done - and the lie he is forced to live. Gibby is tired of being kept in the bubble as the remaing "good son" and just wants to prove himself a little. Gibby's dad constantly struggles with being a cop and upholding the law and doing what's right for his boys.

I loved Becky's line about "it's just a house, it's not who I am". She seemed to be the calming force for Gibby.

This is a gritty story from Hart. There are several storylines that come together in a big smash at the end. Hart makes it work.

Fans of character-driven crime-fiction should love this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the fabulous new book by John Hart - 5 stars for a book that you will not be able to put down!

Set in North Carolina during the Vietnam War, the French family has lost so much to the war. The oldest son, Robert, was killed; middle son, Jason, was injured and came home with a dishonorable discharge, an addict and is fresh out of prison. Youngest son, Gibby, 18 years old, has had to deal with the changes in his family from all this fallout. His mom is terrified to lose him, so keeps him in a bubble to protect him, not wanting him to interact with Jason. Dad is a homicide detective trying to keep his wife steady and what's left of his family together. When Gibby and Jason sneak away for a brother's day along with two women, things start to really go wrong. One of the women ends up dead and Jason is wanted for her murder. Gibby has seen too much so when the second girl goes missing, Gibby is also under suspicion. But Gibby is bound to prove that Jason is innocent and undertakes a plan that puts him in mortal danger.

This book checks off every genre and emotion. With John Hart's beautiful writing, this is a book about the long-reaching effects of war, relationships between family and friends, a coming of age story, all tied up with such a suspenseful mystery - you will literally not be able to stop reading. It's a disturbing, violent, gritty read with characters so completely fleshed out that you will feel their emotions. But we also see other sides to the characters as they take care of each other. I loved the writing style - the point of view changed from person to person, letting us know what all the players were thinking and feeling. Buckle up for this one - highly recommended!

Another great suspense from John Hart! This book grabs your attention from the beginning and has you on the edge of your seat until the end. At several points, I was drawn up in a knot holding my breath. Would love to see this made into a movie! Kudos Mr. Hart, can't wait to read what's next.

What I’ve come to expect from John Hart - a gritty book with excellent pacing. I read it in a few hours.

Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I have read all of Hart's previous books; he is a master storyteller, threading mystery and family drama throughout his novels. His latest takes us back to 1972, as the Vietnam War rages and a family with three boys experiences its impact. After the oldest son is killed and the middle son is dishonorably discharged, spending time in prison, their youngest is pulled into a storm of murder, secrets, and corruption, moving between prison scenes, high school life, and police investigation. This is definitely a richly told family saga that made me turn pages quickly; some occasional implausibilities but I didn't care that much as the tale was just so good!

*4.5 stars rounded up to 5! My first 5-star read for 2021!

1972. Charlotte, North Carolina. One family struggling with what the Vietnam war has done to their family: twin boys gone to war--Robert French, returned home in a coffin; Jason French, dishonorably-discharged and drug-addicted, has recently returned to Charlotte after serving time in jail. Their youngest boy, Gibson 'Gibby' French, a high school senior, will soon be eligible for the draft...his parents desperately want to keep him home, safe and innocent.

For the first 25% of this book, I'm thinking, 'Wow, this is a terrific story about family dynamics and coming of age, about what war can do to good people!' Then Wham-O! John Hart hits us with an horrific murder. Detective William French recognizes the victim and soon his son Jason is the number one suspect. His parents have pretty much given up on Jason, but Gibby is determined to prove them wrong. But unbeknownst to the family in Charlotte, there is an evil spider in its dark web pulling the strings, controlling them all.

A quote from the author in an email received about his new book: 'People say I write dark, but that’s not entirely true. Instead, I write about the search for light in dark places. Wartime or peace, at home or on the dim streets of a midnight city, it’s what humanity is about: how we handle love and hope, fear and loss, the enduring questions that confront us each generation.'

An excellent thriller that will keep you turning pages. But it goes so much deeper than that, into the very souls of these characters...and that's what sets this book apart. Highly recommend, but keep in mind there is violence.

BTW, I love the cover design depicting a young man standing on the edge of a cliff, deciding whether to make the leap. That theme is so much a part of this story.

I received an arc of this new book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks for the opportunity.

The Unwilling John Hart

Meet the French family. Detective French has many years in law enforcement. He is married to Gabrielle, and father of 3 sons. One set of twins, Robert and Jason and one younger, Gibby (for Gibson) just 18. This takes place in No Carolina, 1972 during the Vietnam era. His one son Robert was killed there and the family is still grieving. Gabrielle whined to her husband, “Why Robert?... Why not Jason?” In her eyes Robert was the perfect son, whereas Jason was always a little wild, a thorn in her side. He overhears his mother say this and joins the Marines. He does 3 tours of duty in Vietnam. No one really knows what he went through or why he was dishonorably discharged. Following that he spends 24 months in prison. The war and prison have changed Jason French. How could they not? One thing didn’t change and that’s his love for his younger brother, but he knows he’s no good example for Gibby and when Gibby wants to spend time with his older brother he discourages it. Gibby is not to be deterred, even when his parents won’t allow it. Jason allows Gibby to spend one day with him and a couple of drunk girls. That turns out to be a bad decision, one with several repercussions, culminating in a gruesome murder a few days later.

John Hart has become a favorite author of mine. He never disappoints. His characterization is always his strength. The reader becomes emotionally involved in what each character is going through and why. The only character that I would have liked to know a bit better is Gabrielle, the grieving but unlikable mom, dwelling on keeping her youngest son safe. To her that means away from Jason, who got the short end of the stick all the way around. His father realizes it and knows he’s made some mistakes, but is it too late to rectify them? When he and Gibby find out what Jason really did in the war, he is sick with guilt and self recrimination.

This is a crime novel, but also a domestic drama, a true study of familial discord, also a little bit of history about the Vietnam war, and prison life. It is also about murderers, heinous ones that seem unbelievable in their evilness. One of them is a wealthy one on death row where his money can buy whatever he wants, and does, with his minions on the outside at his beck and call. His money also buys privileges and that includes the warden.

I found myself enthralled throughout this reading and appreciated the respite from politics and Covid. I know when I need a break from reality John Hart and his inimitable talents can take me away to a different world for a few hours. A strong 4+ rating for this novel. Happy to recommend it. Get your copy in the US on February 2, 2021

My sincere thanks to the following for a galley copy provided for my unbiased rating.
#netgalley #StMartinsPress
#johnhartfictiion.com

John Hart is the absolute master of Southern Gothic or Appalachian Noir—whatever name it’s given—and is the single best practitioner of the genre working in America today.
In his newest, and just released novel, The Unwilling, (St. Martin’s Press, $27.99, 384 pages, ISBN 978-1-250-16772-9), he takes an introspective and deeply personal look at the effect of the Viet Nam War on a patriotic Southern Family through the eyes of an eighteen year old named Gibby French. He’s the youngest of three brothers, born to Bill and Gabriel French. Bill’s a detective on the Charlotte, N.C. Police Force and Gabriel is a stay-at-home mom who’s suffering from depression due to the loss of her oldest—and most favored—son Robert, who was drafted and died in Viet Nam. His twin Jason, and the most problematic of the three boys, volunteered for the U.S. Marine Corps and served four tours in S.E. Asia . . . where he was responsible for many killings, some of which were done under questionable circumstances. He came home addicted to heroin and went to prison for drug-related crimes.
Now, as the novel begins, Jason’s out of prison and back in his hometown of Charlotte, where—to his father’s consternation and his overprotective mother’s horror—Jason is working to reestablish his relationship with Gibby.
But just as the two are beginning to reconnect, a woman Jason was involved with is savagely murdered, and given his history and all the available clues, Jason appears to be the killer. Is he? Gibby doesn’t think so, and sets out to prove it, even as his budding romance that’s just beginning to flower is put at risk . . . or even loss of life . . . as the real killer (which the reader’s been made aware of) continues with his warped plan.
This is after all a Southern Gothic novel, and John Hart is the master of it. Read Unwilling for yourself and make your own decision. See how he’s able to bend the genre with an evil so great that the yarn—almost—but not quite—devolves into the paranormal. And all the while, the real horror, the Viet Nam War, lies in the background like the nasty surprise skeleton in the closet that it was then and is now. John Hart gets better with each book!

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In a Southern town at the height of the Vietnam War, a family is learning how to cope with personal tragedies. The oldest brother, the pride of his mother, was killed in that conflict. In reaction, Mom overprotects her youngest son, Gibby. Her husband, a police detective, caters to her whims, although in his heart he knows this may not be the right path. Gibby, just on the cusp of manhood, is beginning to feel hemmed in by years of coddling. Beneath his acquiescence, the desire to prove himself and become independent is steadily brewing.

Into this superficially functioning family, Jason, the second brother, returns. Jason also enlisted into the service. After numerous tours, a dishonorable discharge, PTSD (as recognized now) and stints with drugs and prison, he returns. His father has lost paternal interest in Jason, the mother both fears and distrusts him. As for Gibby, he has questions: How bad was Jason? As really as bad as his parents said. How did he escape this watchful home? What can he reveal about the oldest brother that Gibby barely remembers?

When Jason makes contact with Gibby, he agrees to meet. From that point Gibby is introduced into a world he never imagined - that may well confirm his parents’ worse fears. But Gibby soon realizes there is more to Jason than the image he learned from his folks. Worse, Jason is in danger that not only threatens him, but GIbby and those around him.

Gibby realizes that he is the only one who can sort this out. But he lacks the skills, the knowledge and the means to do this. Drawing upon internal resources he never knew he had, keen observations, plus the help of friends, Gibby makes this a powerful, thrilling coming of age story. Part mystery, part thriller – Hart leaves nothing on the table. Highly recommended. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.