An extraordinary thriller—gripping, haunting, and marvelously told—about two friends growing up in a rapidly changing Boston, who must face the sins of their past in the midst of a series of brutal murders.“You came back here to bury your past. . . . Thing is, you gotta kill it first.”Kevin Pearce—baseball star, honor student, the pride of Brighton—was fifteen when he left town in the back of his … left town in the back of his uncle’s cab. He and his buddy Bobby Scales had just committed heinous violence for what they thought were the best of reasons. Kevin didn’t want a pass, but he was getting it anyway. Bobby would stay and face the music; Kevin’s future would remain bright as ever. At least that was the way things were supposed to work, except in Brighton things never work the way they’re supposed to.
Twenty-six years later, Kevin is a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist for the Boston Globe. He’s never been back to his old block, having avoided his family and, especially, Bobby Scales. Then he learns his old friend is the prime suspect in a string of local murders. Suddenly, Kevin’s headed home—to protect a friend and the secret they share. To report this story to the end and protect those he loves, he must face not only an elusive, slippery killer, but his own corrupted conscience.
A powerhouse of a thriller, Brighton is a riveting and elegiac exploration of promises broken, debts owed, and old wrongs made right . . . no matter what the cost.
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Raw, rough & as complicated as their young lives
Good read
It was a different kind of book than I usually read, but I was glad I read it. Everyone that lives in Brighton wants out of Brighton, but few make it. A surprise ending.
It begins with drowning a dog in a sack. I didn’t read any further. The
Unrealistic and forgettable.
I liked it very much.
I kept on turning those pages until the very last detail was in place. There are many sides to this story of growing upon in a poor place and suffering through tough decisions and unusual circumstances. There are also many facets to the mysteries and crimesthe main character encounters and the guilty party keeps changing!! You won’t be able to put it down until you find out.
Sort of felt like I was back in the Boston area. Good book, good read.
I didn’t find the book original…..It reminded me of any other story about a teen that gets out of their hopeless living situation but is drawn back in once they are famous and wealthy.
Great story! Kept me engaged until the end.
Brighton is a gritty portrayal of the underbelly of a Boston neighborhood; some have gotten out, some will never get out. There’s an unexpected plot twist with a revelation I didn’t see coming and I read mystery/thrillers habitually. Read it.
Lured easily into the storyline. And as the writing picked up pace, tense drama ensued. Having lived in the Brighton area during the years of setting, I was initially drawn in for that reason. And, being a mystery had me take the chance with this. But the pacing of the plotline and taught timing make this read a winner, no matter where it was set. Once it kicked into gear, there was no putting it down. Loved it.
The Irish of this Boston suburb are itchy interesting
depressing
I loved the book but did feel the end was disappointing
I kept picturing Casey Affleck as the main character. It had a nostalgic feel to it, even though I have never visited the area. A good examination of how people become what they are later in life.