Thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Canada for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: Available Now
336 Pages
Synopsis: Eva grew up watching her father, Miles, invent strange and wonderful things in the small workshop behind their house on the river that runs through their old mill town. But the most important invention of all was the one Miles claimed came from the mind of Thomas Edison himself–a machine that allowed one to speak with loved ones long passed. Smuggled out of Edison’s laboratory, the blueprints were passed down to Miles, and he’s been using them to protect Eva, her mother Lily, and her brother, Errol, ever since.
Then, one night when a storm is raging and the river is threatening to flood, the machine whirrs to life on it’s own. Danger, it says. You’re in terrible danger. The next thing Eva knows is waking up on the side of the river and seeing her mother’s grim face. Eva’s father and brother are dead, their house has been washed away and an evil man is searching for them both. They need to hide.
Eva changes her name to Necco–a candy she always loved–and tries to put everything in the past behind her as she adapts to her new life off the grid. But when her boyfriend is murdered and her mother disappears, she know the past is starting to catch up to her.
What really happened the night of the flood? As Necco searches for the truth, her journey unites her with two women who are on desperate quests of their own. And as the trio follows the clues to solving the mystery of Necco’s past, they discover that sometimes it’s the smallest towns that hide the strangest secrets.
Burntown is a genre-defying novel that’s an interesting mix of coming-of-age, supernatural, fantasy, science fiction, mystery and suspense. I’ve read previous books by Jennifer McMahon’s and one thing I’ve learned is to expect the unexpected, and this latest book is no different.
In addition to the quirky characters, there are mysterious murders, a flood, an obese former circus performer, a machine that may let you communicate with the dead, and a sinister figure wearing a chicken mask. Yes. You read that last bit correctly! While it seems as though all these separate elements are just too dissimilar to work together, somehow the author weaves everything together in an entertaining way.
The story might be a bit strange, but it’s oddly enjoyable. The only reason why I’m marking this down is because after being captivated throughout the entire book, I found the ending to be a bit anticlimactic. Overall though, Jennifer McMahon has once again proven what an imaginative writer she is. Burntown is a vividly written tale with endearing and memorable characters, and a unique and suspenseful plot.
deesradreadsandreviews said:
I am intrigued! Great review 💕
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Dee! It’s quite different!😊
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Touch My Spine Book Reviews said:
Great Review Sis!!! I am definitely interested in this one!🤘📖🖥📚🤓🤗
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Carrie said:
Sounds interesting but I can’t help but get a chuckle at changing name to Necco… I used to love those Necco wafers as a kid but I don’t think that would ever cross my mind in a million years to want to be named Necco. LOL
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Ahh. That one of several quirky things about this book!☺️
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Carrie said:
I read things like that and think where in the world did they think that up? Then I end up adding the book to my list to see what else is there. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I do that so often Carrie!
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Brittany said:
I totally agree! The ending just wasn’t as good as her previous books.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It was so frustrating because I really enjoyed the rest of the book.😞
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Brittany said:
Agreed! I was really hoping for a knock down ending. I felt unsatisfied. And that never happened to me with her other books. I’m having a hard tiem between The Winter People and The Night Sister as a favorite. Which do you prefer?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s a tough decision, but I’d go with Night Sister. I really loved the supernatural elements and the ties to old Hollywood.😊
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Jay said:
OH man I felt this was sounding very Belle from Beauty & the Beast for the first bit!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I hadn’t thought of that Jay!
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Touch My Spine Book Reviews said:
When you get a chance Kim will you check out my new blog and give me some advice! I’m such a slow reader and my TBR lol. Well I hooe you’re feeling better. This book looks good!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
But of course!😙
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
So many genres in one book!! I’m curious for this one now. 😮 Great review, Kim.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I think this might be one that you’d like Lashaan.😊
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K. D. Dowdall said:
Burn Town, sounds like an interesting book and I like that kind of fiction novel that has a little bit of everything, a real mystery that is not easily guessed, even if the ending is not perfect. Great review as are all your reviews. Karen 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Karen! This is the second book I’ve read by Jennifer McMahon, and her writing style is very quirky and different than any other author I’ve read.😊
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K. D. Dowdall said:
I will have to buy one Amazon – a Kindle, of course. Which one do you thing is the best of the books she has written? Karen 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
The other book I read was The Winter People, which I loved. ☺️
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