This is Hart's third novel and easily his best. The main character is Johnny, a 12 year old, abused boy scarred by the abduction of his sister, the abandonment by his father and his mother's abusive boyfriend. He is closely watched by a police officer, whose failure to find Johnny's sister is slowly destroying his career and family.
When another young girl goes missing in the town, both Johnny and the officer have a chance for redemption. But it may cost them their lives.
The plot is compelling but what truly makes The Last Child extraordinary is how emotionally invested you get into the characters and how well Hart deals with issues of class divisions and child abuse. Although technically in the crime drama genre, The Last Child at times flirts with poetry and displays an emotional depth that transcends your boilerplate "whodunnit" novel.
This is a book about a young boy intent upon finding his sister, whom he believes to be alive and everyone else seems to feel is dead. I enjoyed the book although I did nmot expect to. I felt that a book from the point of view of a young boy would not hold my interest but it did. The story was engaging. My only concern was that it was a bit too hokey; this child was attributed with skills and abilities (both physical and mental) that were a bit over the top. Even with that, I recommend the book as a worthwhile read. There are a few twists that keep the novel engaging.
"Another all nighter"
2009-09-12
- Reviewed By User: A3FWOWVJ2MR39W
I literally could not put this book down. For mystery lovers, this is a must. Another southern writer has emerged on the literary horizon. This is Hart's third book and the best one yet. Waiting for number four.
"Children Beware"
2009-08-22
- Reviewed By User: A16RAMIXBUHVKV
John Hart's third novel "The Last Child" continues his tradition of well written, literary mysteries.
In the lead character, Johnny Merrimon, I see a comparison to Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer. They both are heroic to a degree, they both take matters into their own hands, both have a steady pal, in Sawyer it's Huck Finn, for Johnny, it's his friend, Jack.
Johnny's sister went missing a year ago. Since so much time has passed, only Johnny retains hope of finding, Alyssa alive. He scours the neighboorhood asking if anyone has seen his sister.
One night Johnny comes upon a motorcyclist who had just been hit by a car and was lying in the road, badly injured. He tells Johnny, "I found her." Then he hears the car returning and tells Johnny to run.
When Johnny returns home, he's told that another young girl is missing and now doesn't know if the injured man meant his sister or the other girl. He takes police back to where he found the man and they find his body at the foot of the bridge.
Shortly after, Johnny goes out on his own again and makes a major discovery. (The subject of the discovery would be a spoiler).
There is reference in the book to "The Lord of the Flies" and Johnny also compares to the protagonist of that story, Ralph, as to when Johnny must climb a birds nest to get a feather for good luck.
The writing was well done, the plot, intricate with many subplots to keep interest at a high level. Johnny was a likable character and the reader was kept guessing as to what happened to Alyssa and who was responsible.
Highly recommended.
"Partin review The Last Child"
2009-08-20
- Reviewed By User: A1XXZIE7XZKSKH
John Hart has done it again ! The Last Child kept me on the edge
of my seat. His insight of North Carolinians makes his stories all the more
interesting. I will read every one of his books!
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