New York Times bestsellerThe only writer in history to win consecutive Edgar Awards for Best Novel, New York Times bestselling author John Hart returns to the world of his most beloved novel, The Last ChildBuilding on the world first seen in The Last Child (“A magnificent creation” —The Washington Post), John Hart delivers a stunning vision of a secret world, rarely seen. It’s been ten years … a stunning vision of a secret world, rarely seen.
It’s been ten years since the events that changed Johnny Merrimon’s life and rocked his hometown to the core. Since then, Johnny has fought to maintain his privacy, but books have been written of his exploits; the fascination remains. Living alone on six thousand acres of once-sacred land, Johnny’s only connection to normal life is his old friend, Jack. They’re not boys anymore, but the bonds remain. What they shared. What they lost.
But Jack sees danger in the wild places Johnny calls home; he senses darkness and hunger, an intractable intent. Johnny will discuss none of it, but there are the things he knows, the things he can do. A lesser friend might accept such abilities as a gift, but Jack has felt what moves in the swamp: the cold of it, the unspeakable fear.
More than an exploration of friendship, persistence, and forgotten power, The Hush leaves all categories behind, and cements Hart’s status as a writer of unique power.
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The Hush represents the best effort of John Hart to date. It helps if you have read his first books because The Hush brings back some of the characters. It goes deep into the psychological mind of the protagonist unlike any book I have read in a very long time. I highly recommend it.
Wow, what a ride!
Dark, twisty, and fanciful, this story connects the past and the present for Johnny Merriman and Creola “Cree” Freemantle, whose families have been intertwined for many decades.
The hush arbor, where the Freemantle African ancestors, captives of the white Merriman family, worshipped in secret, is the center of this story. Ownership of the arbor and thousands of acres surrounding it is disputed at the beginning of this tale, but as the story goes on, secrets deepen and then reveal themselves. It seems that the arbor and swamp has owned itself all this time as the driving force behind the strange happenings in the swamp is slowly uncovered.
The writing in this story reminds me of Greg Isles’ work; I’m a big fan of his as well as John Hart’s, and I have read many books written by both men.
Readers were introduced to Johnny Merriman in “The Last Child,” which I read several years ago. I didn’t remember any of the details from that book and felt tempted a couple of times in the beginning of this book to reread it. I may yet reread it while this second book is fresh in my mind.
Feel like Dan Simmons ( The Terror) wrote this with John Hart, as great story with just a touch of the supernatural; loved it almost as much as I loved The Terror!
A sequel to Hart’s “The Last Child”, this is more of a supernatural tale than a legal suspense tale (although, to be honest, the thrilling “Last Child” was pretty unnerving in its story line). The Hush has a creative supernatural theme which is effective in propelling the story. Also, a great follow-up to the characters in the first novel.
Disappointing. I’ve read and re-read “The Last Child” and hoped for more of its sad, sweet magic. It didn’t strike a chord with me.
This follow up on The Last Child kept me “on the edge of my seat”. Some places I didn’t want to read but couldn’t stop.
John Hart is the best author I have read in a long time. Additionally, the book is well edited. The only blip was, on page 199, in the hardback version, Katherine was spelled with a C once, instead of a K as it had been throughout the book. Compared with the rest of the books I have read lately, with so many typos and other errors, this was no big deal, but should have been caught by a proof-reader.
This is one of the few books I have read in a long time that kept me up at night, reading. Beautiful and poetic descriptions of topography and people. And last, but not least, very original.
The first 3 chapters made my heart race and make my palms sweat. The story sent shivers down my spine. So much that I was skittish walking through my house at night. John Hart is one of my favorite authors that knows how to write!
Great book! Wonderful author!
This is John Hart’s latest book! I could hardly wait to get my hands on it. A bit different than his previous books, but loved it. Nice if you happen to read The Last Child first, as it ties it together. It will stand alone however. Another great read! Keep ‘em coming, Mr. Hart!
Awesome imagination!