Unraveling the Shadows: A Review of Near You by Mary Burton
Ever find yourself drawn to a book simply because it promises to be a thrilling escape, with a haunted past woven into its narrative? That was my initial temptation with Near You, the second installment in Mary Burton’s Montana Series. As a fan of suspenseful tales where the past lingers like a ghost, I was eager to immerse myself in this sequel to Burn You Twice. And though I found myself fluctuating between moments of gripping engagement and mild letdown, my connection to the characters and tension kept me turning the pages.
In Near You, we dive into the life of Ann Bailey, who once thrived in the carefree days of college alongside her best friend Joan Mason. The events of Burn You Twice—where their lives were upended by an arson attack—have left scars that fester as both women navigate the aftermath. I appreciated how Burton skillfully shifted focus from Joan’s journey to Ann’s troubled present, highlighting the emotional weight of old ties that intertwine with new horrors.
We meet Sergeant Bryce McCabe, who is abruptly pulled from a rare day of leisure to investigate a grotesque homicide. The tight-knit Montanan community doesn’t seem to have recovered from its past traumas, and neither has Ann, who is still grappling with the fallout from her late husband’s shocking actions. This all makes the stakes high and the emotional stakes even higher. The exploration of trauma and the way it reverberates across relationships made me feel deeply for Ann; her painful struggles were palpable.
Burton’s writing style is fluid, with clever pacing that weaves in unexpected twists and turns. I particularly enjoyed how the narrative unfolded from Ann and Bryce’s perspectives, enhanced by snippets of Paul Thompson’s interviews and chilling insights from the killer. These methods not only built tension but also allowed us a glimpse into the psyche of a serial murderer. Yet, the characters themselves—while engaging—felt somewhat developed. I found Ann and Bryce likable enough but ultimately less complex compared to the enigmatic Elijah Weston, who seems to cast a long shadow over this story.
One of my primary critiques aligns with my previous review: the romantic elements felt like an afterthought. There’s a sense of potential between Bryce and Ann, but the romance remains largely in the background, which leaves those craving romantic tension a bit unfulfilled. I can’t help but wish for a more pronounced love story, even if the gripping suspense does hold center stage.
The narration by Melissa Moran provided a solid vehicle for the story, though I found her style not entirely to my liking. While her ability to differentiate characters was commendable, the absence of chapter headers for the killer’s POV sections made it confusing at times. Despite this, I found solace in her smooth storytelling, especially as I warmed up to her pacing compared to my experience with Burn You Twice.
In essence, Near You is a tightly woven psychological thriller that resonates with fans of suspenseful narratives. While it may not be the pinnacle of romantic suspense, the darkly engaging plot and character-driven storytelling are enough to intrigue. This book is perfectly suited for readers who enjoy unraveling complex mysteries where the past collides with the present. For those, like me, who relish a good mind-bending chase—coupled with the shadows of emotional pasts—this one will not disappoint.
Ultimately, my reading experience was a rollercoaster of suspense and curiosity, leaving me eager for whatever Mary Burton conjures next in this compelling series.
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