This is an E-ARC that I’m reviewing. 2 stars.

The premise of the novella is that a former preacher has escaped from a low security prison and is now on a journey, with his cat, reflecting on his past life.

Let me just say first of all that I’m clearly not the target audience for this book. I didn’t connect with any of the themes, the characters, or the story, and maybe that’s just a me problem and not necessarily a problem with the book.

Still, I found it extremely difficult to get through. I didn’t enjoy the prose, and the story itself wasn’t interesting enough to make up for it. I wasn’t invested in the main character at all - I just didn’t care about him, nor did I understand any of the decisions he made.

All that being said, there were some good moments too. I really liked Frank’s connection with Buffalo. The way he told her stories of their reincarnation as a pine tree and a bird was really sweet.

Overall though, this one wasn’t for me.

2.5 Rounded Up. It’s been a while since it’s taken me this long to finish a book this short. When I initially saw the description and cover of "Pineville Trace," I was looking forward to a cool and exciting prison break story with an escape adventure into the wilderness, a buddy cat comedy, and freedom through nature. I figured I’d be guaranteed insights into our character’s past that would have me on the my edge of my seat while haunted by the past and the fear of being caught in the present. I hoped for an energetic, partially comical book that provided depth and emotion. Unfortunately, every time the book started to deliver, it dulled out!

The best part of this book was the bond between the main character, Frank Russet, and his cat, Buffalo, as well as the connection between Frank and nature. Blake beautifully captures the escape of the outdoors and the freedom and insight one can find in solitude. Though I felt there was much to be desired about the actual escape. One could potentially say he was more afraid of being discovered by his truths than being discovered by the authorities. However, the story felt slow, likely due to the lack of human interaction. For someone on the run, Frank seemed to lack urgency for much of the book. And all of this because of a fraud charge?

It took a while to grasp what was happening and to understand the author’s voice through Frank. With little interaction outside of his bond with Buffalo, the story relied heavily on Frank’s internal monologue, which didn’t always engage me. Ironically, the cat’s persona will probably be the most enjoyable aspect for many readers.

The book had potential with its back-and-forth narrative between past and present, exploring Frank’s past, his choices, and the southern church revival scene's fraud and scheming. However, this potential wasn’t fully realized for me. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had been longer, told in chronological order, and delved even deeper into his fall from preaching, his familial relationships, and his time in jail before breaking out. In its current state, by the end, I didn’t care what happened to Frank and some information felt rushed. Nonetheless, I can see other readers enjoying this as a quick read to pass the time.

Thank you Netgalley & Mindbuck Media for access to this ARC

Not my usual kind of read but I enjoyed it, if that's even the right word. The first 20% were a bit confusing, I had to get used to the voice and story, but after that this was a pretty smooth, quick read. The relationship between Buffalo and Frank was my favorite part (I'm biased; I love cats).

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

A slice of life novella that was a quick read that I thoroughly devoured. I highly enjoyed the interactions between Buffalo and the main character. While the transition between the past and present was written very well and smoothly.

For fans of Stoner by John Williams, you will enjoy this book

This was a quick read and I enjoyed it. The balance between the past and the present was nice to get a sense of the main characters thoughts. I really enjoyed Buffalo and their relationship. The stability she gave him. My only wish was that we saw some more interaction with others.