What We Remember

April 20, 2009
Ford's adequate if overbusy latest begins with the body of sheriff Daniel McCloud, who went missing seven years ago, discovered buried in a box in the woods. As the investigation by the current sheriff, Nate Derry, progresses, the McClouds must come to terms with their father having been murdered, while McCloud's son, James, becomes the prime suspect, and a dark web of deception that chokes the Derry and McCloud families threatens to be unearthed. Leaning heavily on flashbacks, the story jumps between its perhaps too many points of view with relative ease. Ford handily navigates the suffocating intimacy of smalltown life, and his wide supporting cast has a few meaty characters. While the big reveal is set up very early on, the sprinkling of smaller mysteries and little tragedies will keep readers going.

May 15, 2009
No secret stays buried forever, says one character, wielding a knife and summing up the action ignited when the nine-year belief that Sheriff Dan McCloud committed suicide is exploded. Hisuniformed body is accidentally found, shot twice and shoved into a trunk, which also contains his eldest son James class ring. Skeletons tumble from family closetsin a small town where everyone seems to knows everyone elses businessasJames, the familys pride, returns home, and the legal investigation ensues. None of this is easy on James mom, junkie kid-brother Billy, or sister Celeste, now married to Cold Falls current sheriff, Nate, stepson of A. J., Sheriff Dans friend and partner. Twists, surprises, and cover-ups abound, as Ford revealsthe truth aboutA. J. and Dan and the complex secrets linking theirfamilies, includingsubstance abuse, forgery, rape, illegitimate birthand yes, murder. The reappearance of A. J.s daughter, Nancy, Jameshigh-school flame, brings new shock waves of revelation in Fords fast-moving yet thoughtful exploration of family love and the things we do in its name.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)