Two unsolved crimes haunt their victims decades later, and they're determined to solve the cases
The Long and Faraway Gone — Lou Berney
Under-the-Radar Book of the Week
The Long and Faraway Gone by Lou Berney
What It’s About
A dual timeline mystery following two cold cases in 1986 and a detective in the present day, The Long and Faraway Gone explores how crime affects victims for the rest of their lives, not just at the time of the event.
Wyatt is a private investigator returned to his hometown of Oklahoma City, where, 25 years earlier, two unsolved crimes changed the town forever. 6 young movie theater employees were killed in an armed robber, and a teenage girl vanished from the state fair. The crimes going unsolved for decades left a mark on the town and its residents as they tried to repair their lives after such a violent tragedy.
Wyatt needs closure to put an end to his nightmares about that summer and, along with Julianna, the sister of the girl who went missing that summer, aims to solve both crimes once and for all.
Why You Should Read It
Lou Berney is a seasoned writer — while this book was originally published in 2015, he’s since published several more novels (November Road and Dark Ride) and won an Edgar Award (literary prizes for mystery novels) for Dark Ride. The Long and Faraway Gone also received an Edgar Award, proving he’s got what it takes.
This is one of the most well-plotted and crafted mystery novels I’ve ever read, and it’s stuck with me over the years for its gripping storyline and its compelling treatment of victims of violent crime and their quest for the truth, whether that sets them free or breaks them.
If you enjoy books by Dennis Lehane or Kate Atkinson, give Lou Berney a try. Another book I love that thoughtfully explores victims is Notes on an Execution.
Misc.
In new release news, Angie Kim’s brand-new Happiness Falls is finally out, and you best believe I broke my book-buying ban to get myself a copy. If you haven’t heard me gush about Miracle Creek before, you can do so here — but I will also say that Kim is one of those authors to pay attention to, as I think she is one of the most talented in the current space and is going to do big things.
Do you love a writer you think is doing big things that not enough people are reading?
More Books
Can’t get enough, or looking for a different recommendation? Browse the archives, or check out some popular past recommendations:
A matriarch tries to orchestrate her own obituaries, and everything goes wrong
Read a thriller about a polygamist, his wives, and their secret pasts
An enchanting and beautiful island starts to turn against its visitors
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The Long and Faraway Gone is terrific. Glad to see someone recommending it. Read it, read it!
And yeah Kate Atkinson.
If anyone suggests a Kate Atkinson, I'm immediately 110% in. Yay!