The Long and Faraway Gone is Lou Berney's third novel, a standalone that deviates dramatically in genre, tone and style from his first two caper novels featuring Shake Bouchon (Gunshot Straight; Whiplash River). By trading exotic locales and Shake's madcap humor for a dark, psychologically suspenseful crime story set in Oklahoma City, Berney proves his writing skills reach long and far.
Wyatt Rivers and Julianna Rosales both experienced trauma during the summer of 1986. Wyatt has spent his life running from that past, while Julianna desperately searches for answers. When his job forces him to return to his hometown 25 years later, Wyatt is pulled back into the violent tragedy he tried so hard to escape. Meanwhile, Julianna learns a recently released felon may be the key to all her questions. She'll go to any length to find out, even if it puts her life at risk.
The dark, ominous tone and convincingly creepy, immoral suspects make The Long and Faraway Gone an intensely spine-chilling mystery. But more than that, it's an emotional dissection of crime and those affected by violent losses. Berney's compassion for each character makes an entire cast of delectably authentic and dimensional people.
Some elements of Berney's style remain the same. Dialogue continues to flow naturally, reflecting character and setting. His strong sense of place feeds vivid imagery. And his subtle, well-placed humor cinches the novel's realism. Readers who haven't discovered Lou Berney yet should take this golden opportunity to get acquainted. Those who have will certainly relish this gem. --Jen Forbus of Jen's Book Thoughts