I really struggled with this book. The writing was beautiful, but that was maybe part of the problem - it seemed to be so descriptive that it took ages for anything to happen.

I found the 1970s setting interesting, but none of the characters really appealed to me, so despite the mystery hooking my interest a bit, ultimately I didn’t care enough about the characters to become immersed in the story.

I am sorry for not reviewing fully but I don’t have the time to read this anymore. I believe that it wouldn't benefit you as a publisher or your book if I only skimmed it and wrote a rushed review. Again, I am sorry for not fully reviewing!

Fever Tree is intriguing and mysterious. A stranger arrives in a small town. Who is he, and what is he hiding? Small towns can't function without the gossips hanging around, and there are plenty of those. As the story unfolds, a romantic relationship is thrown into the mix. In typical fashion, we find out who the stranger is and all is resolved. It's an average read, intriguing but not remarkable. Fans of mystery will enjoy. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Dieter’s arrival in the small town of Crooked River sets everyone’s tongues wagging. To the inhabitants of Crooked River, he is a mysterious stranger who zealously guards his secrets but lends a patient ear to everyone. Consequently, myriads of townspeople, such as the deckhands, the bartender, the hotel manager, the antique shop owner befriend him. Maggie, a beautiful woman, falls in love with him. But there are also those who view him with suspicion, like the rich ladies who track his movements across the neighborhood from behind the curtains. There is also the local drug lord, Teddy Mink, who is convinced that Dieter is a narcotics agent. Dieter, indeed, has a past that threatens to overshadow his future with Maggie. Will this town leave Dieter alone for good? Can he forge a meaningful relationship with Maggie?

Set in 1978, Fever Tree by Tim Applegate is an engaging mystery tale that transfixed me till the end. Via vivid descriptions of people and scenery alike, Applegate transported me into the town of Crooked River. He uses every word aptly, hence, this novel doesn’t contain a single wasteful sentence. Although the pace of storytelling is languid, Applegate’s elegant writing kept the mystery alive. As a result, I wasn’t bored for even a second. Moreover, he portrays the supporting cast of inherently flawed characters as efficiently as the protagonist. No character seemed unnecessary. Everyone played his (or her) part in enriching the story which flows smoothly.

However, the problem is that Applegate’s gorgeous writing outshines the plot. While the evocative descriptions enamored me, I couldn’t feel the punch in the gut. Further, the climax was so poetically described that it lost its unexpected quality. So, while the novel delivers on the mystery quotient, the story did not leave a deep impression on me. I continued reading because I loved Applegate’s writing and wanted to see the enigma unravel. Fans of literary fiction who want a mystery weaved in with splendid writing can go for it. However, people seeking the thrill of a chase, or the sense of suspense from the word ‘go’ will not find this book stimulating.