More Summer Reading - Swans and Colors

I have continued to make progress on my summer reading list. I completed two books that were on my "highly anticipated" list, Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand and All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker. I loved both books and was sad when I both were finished. Here are my thoughts:

Swan Song. As the title suggests this is Ms. Hilderbrand's final book in her Nantucket novels. I have been a fan for many years and I know that I will be rereading many of there novels for years to come. Thanks to Ms. Hilderbrand for giving her readers the annual escape to Nantucket. I am going to miss it.

Swan Song brings together many of the characters from previous books. The longtime chief of police, Ed Kapenash is retiring for health reasons. We are also introduced a few new characters, primarily Bull and Leslee Richardson, a seemingly wealthy couple who just moved to the island. This couple creates a lot of buzz with their lavish spending and memorable parties. However, all is not as it seems and the Chief will also have his own swan song before he retires.

I loved everything about this book, the mix of the old and new characters, the drama and the twists. Five stars. Just sad to see the end but it seems Ms. Hildenbrand might have left open the possibility of one more. Fingers crossed.

All the Colors of the Dark. Rarely do I finish a book and need to take some time to reflect on what I just read. All the Colors of the Dark is that kind of book. This book is the story of two lifelong friends, Patch and Saint, who do not fit in. The book opens in the mid seventies in their youth and takes the reader through many changes in their lives all the way to 2001. A lot of things happen during those years to shape who Patch and Saint become as adults. The most significant impact to their lives is existence of a serial killer who abducted Patch as he was trying to save someone else from being taken. While Patch is a hero, he never gets over what happened. This is an extraordinary story, filled with suspense and surprises. Five stars.

I hope you find time for these books whether over the summer or later. Until next time, keep turning those pages....