Buckle up and prepare yourself for the thrilling ride that
is Jason Pinter’s new novel, HIDE AWAY (Thomas & Mercer, 2020).
This page-turner introduces a new character, Rachel
Marin, a witty, resourceful and incisive mother of two whose strong sense of
justice is the well-earned outcome of events in her recent past. Rachel’s
vigilante tendencies, and her determination to keep the secrets of her past
buried, provide for some dramatic entanglements with local detectives who are investigating
the apparent murder of a once popular former mayor, Constance Wright.
This scenario sets in motion a complex and layered plot that
has elements of police procedure, amateur detection, and even broad humor. At
just over 400 pages, the book is rewarding because Pinter invests in every
character, so much so that the ending is a juicy and satisfying payoff.
The story takes place in Ashby, Illinois, which is where
Rachel moves with her children after experiencing some horrific events in her
home state of Connecticut. From Pinter’s descriptions, Ashby feels like a city
about the size of Rockford—small enough for people to be familiar with one
another, but enough to accommodate a range of wily characters and shenanigans.
It’s a place where one can be involved in day-to-day community events but also
be anonymous. The city is important to the story.
For the first 200 pages or so, you’ll read and feel
entertained and curious, you’ll keep turning the pages. You might fear that you’re
approaching that saggy middle part of a novel—but you’re not, not in HIDE AWAY.
The action heats up considerably (in fact, there are several action scenes in
this book that are superbly written, not an easy feat!), and before long you
think you’ve got it figured out. But I promise—you don’t!
The story unfolds more or less chronologically, but a few
chapters shift back in time to help fill in background. I liked this approach
because I didn’t have to remember everything about Rachel and her life before
moving to Ashby.
I love a big crime novel with a meaty, satisfying ending,
a reward for all the clue-finding and image-making you’ve done in your mind
while living with the characters and their concerns. HIDE AWAY is as good a
thriller as you’re likely to read in 2020. I recommend it!
FTC Disclosure: I chose an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book from an array of free books on offer at a major mystery convention.