This Side of Gone, Saundra Mitchell (Review by Lara Ferguson)
Rating: 4.0/5 Stars
Vinnie Taylor is looking for a fresh start. An ex-homicide detective whose career ended in scandal and near-death, she leaves Indianapolis for rural Maryland, hoping to escape anyone who knows her as well as separation from any hint of police work. It is this complex personal history that feeds the soul of This Side of Gone, Saundra Mitchell’s intriguing transition into the world of adult fiction from the young adult genre. Mitchell has created a story of contemporary noir, that begins with the search for a missing teen girl and twists and turns to the very end.
When Vinnie receives a plea for help, hurriedly written on the back of a receipt, from the best friend of the missing girl, she is reluctantly drawn into investigating the disappearance on her own. The more she learns about the missing girl, the more she identifies with her, recognizing her own personal story as the investigation develops.
The writing is pointed and evocative, bringing the town and its inhabitants to life as it explores its economic and social struggles, compounded by an evident distrust of police, especially ex-cops from big cities.
Mitchell’s development of Vinnie is exceptional and is the conduit through which the reader is allowed to examine the development of systematic corruption and the personal costs that arise when there is a commitment to doing the right thing. Through Vinnie’s eyes, the reader not only experiences the building tension of the storyline, but also the struggles of her psyche as she examines her own motivations and seeks healing from the trauma she experienced before coming to Maryland.
This Side of Gone skillfully blends the conventions of an investigative thriller with the nuanced exploration of small-town stereotypes and the insidious spread of systematic corruption. The story is gripping and immersive enough to read in a single-sitting, with characters that are relatable and authentic.
Overall, Saundra Mitchell’s novel stands out as a promising introduction to a new series. With its engaging plot, well-rounded characters, and thoughtful examination of complex themes, This Side of Gone is a must-read for fans of contemporary noir and investigative fiction.