Author: Katherine Greene
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Date Published: May 16, 2023
This was an atmospheric story from a debut author. Greene did a good job of capturing the feeling of Appalachian woods haunted by generations of stories about a mysterious being from “the town that eats children”. I would have preferred the story without the supernatural vibes, especially when you know early on that a man had been wrongly convicted for the murders.
The dual narration threw me off at the beginning; I wasn’t sure who was going to be our protagonist. While I liked the character of Cheyenne, I thought she lacked a little depth as did Natalie. Cheyenne’s mom was all over the place, but it was seemingly a trait she possessed even in her younger days. The “Hickory Man” harkens back to stories of the “Wicker Man”, stories that, as the book reveals, are necessary to keep a sense of order and control in these little towns.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. It held my attention, but there was a lot of repetition, and just a sense of wanting more.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advance reader’s copy.
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