Is it chance or fate or coincidence behind an avalanche of events in a small town when two strangers, unknown to each other, find themselves immersed in each other’s lives and that of the town. A beautifully written literary suspense novel that examines the “what ifs” and “if onlys” that beset every action we take. These are characters that are real from the start, that the reader wants the best for. Mr. Johnston writes emotion without the usual emotion words and it is powerful. I’m in awe of his talent and this beautiful story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill for the ARC to read and review.

First things first, it was extremely hard for me to get into this one. It was not bad by any means, it was actually a very good, intricate, thought provoking read. The writing style was just not for me personally. Once I got past that and then finished the book, I sat back and thought how to write an unbiased review since I refuse to give bad reviews to quite brilliant books solely because it's not to my personal taste. This is more for lovers of classic literature, which is what this felt like between the writing, the story itself and just the general overall feeling during reading this. This really makes you sit back and think "what if" about not just this story, but your own life as well. This is definitely one for the classics.

Thank you to Netgalley and Algonquin Books for this ARC.

Once you start reading a novel by Tim Johnston, it's really hard to stop. The pace of the writing is such that you immediately become immersed. The same happened with DISTANT SONS. I looked up after an hour and took a breath, thinking I had forgotten how to breathe. THE CURRENT was a favorite a few years ago, and I will be adding this one to books I recommend to readers who enjoy good writing, engaging characters, consistent pace, dark mystery, and depth to the storyline. Thanks for the early read.

Distant Sons is a crime novel set in a small Wisconsin town. The focus is on the "what if" - the small choices made by others that cause ripple effects to a community.

Is the story, Sean's truck breaks down on the way to his father's house with about 2 hours to go. He is luckily offered a ride which turns into a job tip that could potentially pay for truck repair. He spends the evening at the local bar and consequently gets into a fight.

Along the way we meet various characters - all impacted by a missing persons case of 3 boys from the 70's, an unsolved case that haunts each community member in different way. Tim Johnston has a unique writing style that I enjoy and I think you will too! If you like a small town mystery, a twisty turny thriller, or just wonder "What if" then Distant Sons is for you!
#algonquin #DistantSons #TimJohnston

Written in Tim Johnston's distinctive style, this story is about those seemingly insignificant events that can change lives so dramatically. It is a story both haunting and heartbreaking. It asks the question "What if?" in many ways. It is also about sons missing in so many different ways. One of the best books I've read this year.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC of the book.

This book was kind of a hot mess. It was all over the place, and I just wanted it to end, but it kept going.