Peter Swanson has found a way to tell a thrilling story in such a fun way that has me itching for more and this goes for The Kind Worth Saving, a followup novel to The Kind Worth Killing featuring Henry Kimball and Lily Kintner.
There was always something slightly dangerous about Joan. So, when she turns up at private investigator Henry Kimball’s office asking him to investigate her husband, he can’t help feeling ill at ease. Just the sight of her stirs up a chilling memory: He knew Joan in his previous life as a high school English teacher, when he was at the center of a tragedy.
Now Joan needs his help proving that her husband is cheating. But what should be a simple case of infidelity becomes much more complicated when Kimball finds two bodies in an uninhabited suburban home with a for sale sign out front. Suddenly it feels like the past is repeating itself, and Henry must go back to one of the worst days of his life to uncover the truth.
Is it possible that Joan knows something about that day, something she’s hidden all these years? Could there still be a killer out there, someone who believes they have gotten away with murder? Henry is determined to find out, enlisting help from his old nemesis Lily Kintner—but as he steps closer to the truth, a murderer is getting closer to him, and in this hair-raising game of cat and mouse only one of them will survive.
As a fan of The Kind Worth Killing, I was eager to dive into his follow up novel The Kind Worth Saving and see how he would followup such a great story. And let me tell you, he did not disappoint. The way Swanson connects Henry Kimball and Lily Kintner from the first novel to this one is unique and surprising, adding something a bit different to the tale to keep me hooked. Those two characters play a crucial role in weaving together a plot that is both captivating and chilling.
Like the first book, one huge aspect of this novel that I truly enjoyed was the use of locale. Swanson takes us on a journey through some personally familiar places, making my connection to the story even stronger. From Papa Gino’s to Newbury Comics, these small details add depth to the reading experience and make it feel more real and immersive. I can remember grabbing a slice of pepperoni on my way to grab some comics during my stint living in Massachusetts and my mouth is watering right now even thinking about the New England staple.
In this series, Swanson reveals most of the answers to the story early in the book, but shifts the focus onto the characters, their actions and their intentions. The storytelling technique, which the author nails, kept me engaged as I navigate through the minds of each character, wondering what moves they will make next. It’s this intricate character development that sets Swanson apart as a storyteller in the genre.
The Kind Worth Saving is filled with thrilling moments, complex relationships, and innovative plot twists that make it an excellent followup novel to The Kind Worth Killing. Peter Swanson has once again delivered a gripping novel that captivated me from beginning to end. The Kind Worth Saving is a innovative novel that has me excited to now move on to the third book, A Talent for Murder, and see what Swanson can do next.
The Kind Worth Saving is available at bookstores everywhere. Check out the audiobook, narrated by Keith Szarabaijka, Kathleen Early, Helen Laser & Micky Shiloah, on Libro.fm!
