Review of A Walk Through the Grapes
Posted: 15 Feb 2022, 02:25
[Following is a volunteer review of "A Walk Through the Grapes" by David Jackson.]
After two years of an unsuccessful career hunt in New York City, Jace finally decides to come back home to stay with his parents. So much has happened since he left home, but some things are just as he left them. His parents are still running their old winery—his family’s main, if not sole, source of income. It does not take him long before he immerses himself in the day-to-day operations of the family business. One day, while walking through the woods, Jace and his eldest brother, Dane, stumbles upon an old rusted metallic door buried in the ground. Upon lifting it, the duo discovers a gaping hole leading to what looks like an underground bunker. However, they could not let it be open for long due to a horrible stench emanating from it. They let the door shut and returned home, but that discovery immensely piqued Jace’s interest. What could that be? Since he came home, he had been having a sinking feeling that his family was keeping a plethora of secrets from him. Were they hiding something from him? He had to investigate, and this marked the beginning of his sleuthing.
A Walk Through the Grapes is a gripping mystery novel written by David Jackson. Set in the small town of Willowcreek and laced with love, jealousy, and family drama, this page-turner follows the life of Jace Grazier as he pieces together the rusted door puzzle and catches up on the changes that took place before he left home, such as his family and former romantic life. I liked how suspenseful the plot was, and this was achieved through the thoughtful organization of the chapters. This book began in such a way that readers would have so many questions regarding some aspects of the plot, but the answers to those questions were exquisitely held until later in the story. Consequently, this kept me glued to this book. For instance, at the beginning of the chapters, I wondered why Jace was so uncomfortable facing his parents after returning home. His discomfort was too much, and I had the feeling he must have done something horrific before going to New York for him to feel the tremendous guilt and discomfort. The answers to my questions and the characters’ backgrounds came much later, thanks to this book’s wonderful, suspenseful organization. This aspect enhanced my enjoyment of this mystery novel.
Moreover, I liked the many turns and twists this book contained, most of which were evident at the novel’s ending. There was a kaleidoscope of outcomes that kept on shifting, and when I thought I had come to a certain ending, more pleasant surprises kept on coming. I found this outstanding, and there is no way I can clarify this further without including spoilers. To fully grasp what I am saying, readers will have to pick this book and experience it themselves.
What I liked the most about this book were the characters. In particular, I liked how Jace and his siblings were free with their parents. Their conversations and banters were laced with jokes, teasings, humor, and sarcasm. On several occasions, I was awed by how Jace and his siblings would tease their parents, ways in which I could never, in my lifetime, try near my more conservative parents. This natural, easygoing household further spiced up my reading experience, and readers who like interesting characters will instantly realize that aspect and fall in love with it.
To sum it up, I found nothing negative to mention concerning this book. It seems to have been professionally edited since I noticed just a few minor errors. None of those errors interfered with my reading experience, making me rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The suspenseful plot, interesting characters, and well-executed ending have all made me give it the highest rating.
I am glad I got the chance to read this book, and I highly recommend it to fans of well-executed, character-driven mystery novels. There was some explicit sexual content, making me believe this book is more suitable for a mature audience. On the other hand, except for those who can be affected by cuss words and erotic scene(s), I don’t see any other person who may find this book least suitable.
******
A Walk Through the Grapes
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
After two years of an unsuccessful career hunt in New York City, Jace finally decides to come back home to stay with his parents. So much has happened since he left home, but some things are just as he left them. His parents are still running their old winery—his family’s main, if not sole, source of income. It does not take him long before he immerses himself in the day-to-day operations of the family business. One day, while walking through the woods, Jace and his eldest brother, Dane, stumbles upon an old rusted metallic door buried in the ground. Upon lifting it, the duo discovers a gaping hole leading to what looks like an underground bunker. However, they could not let it be open for long due to a horrible stench emanating from it. They let the door shut and returned home, but that discovery immensely piqued Jace’s interest. What could that be? Since he came home, he had been having a sinking feeling that his family was keeping a plethora of secrets from him. Were they hiding something from him? He had to investigate, and this marked the beginning of his sleuthing.
A Walk Through the Grapes is a gripping mystery novel written by David Jackson. Set in the small town of Willowcreek and laced with love, jealousy, and family drama, this page-turner follows the life of Jace Grazier as he pieces together the rusted door puzzle and catches up on the changes that took place before he left home, such as his family and former romantic life. I liked how suspenseful the plot was, and this was achieved through the thoughtful organization of the chapters. This book began in such a way that readers would have so many questions regarding some aspects of the plot, but the answers to those questions were exquisitely held until later in the story. Consequently, this kept me glued to this book. For instance, at the beginning of the chapters, I wondered why Jace was so uncomfortable facing his parents after returning home. His discomfort was too much, and I had the feeling he must have done something horrific before going to New York for him to feel the tremendous guilt and discomfort. The answers to my questions and the characters’ backgrounds came much later, thanks to this book’s wonderful, suspenseful organization. This aspect enhanced my enjoyment of this mystery novel.
Moreover, I liked the many turns and twists this book contained, most of which were evident at the novel’s ending. There was a kaleidoscope of outcomes that kept on shifting, and when I thought I had come to a certain ending, more pleasant surprises kept on coming. I found this outstanding, and there is no way I can clarify this further without including spoilers. To fully grasp what I am saying, readers will have to pick this book and experience it themselves.
What I liked the most about this book were the characters. In particular, I liked how Jace and his siblings were free with their parents. Their conversations and banters were laced with jokes, teasings, humor, and sarcasm. On several occasions, I was awed by how Jace and his siblings would tease their parents, ways in which I could never, in my lifetime, try near my more conservative parents. This natural, easygoing household further spiced up my reading experience, and readers who like interesting characters will instantly realize that aspect and fall in love with it.
To sum it up, I found nothing negative to mention concerning this book. It seems to have been professionally edited since I noticed just a few minor errors. None of those errors interfered with my reading experience, making me rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The suspenseful plot, interesting characters, and well-executed ending have all made me give it the highest rating.
I am glad I got the chance to read this book, and I highly recommend it to fans of well-executed, character-driven mystery novels. There was some explicit sexual content, making me believe this book is more suitable for a mature audience. On the other hand, except for those who can be affected by cuss words and erotic scene(s), I don’t see any other person who may find this book least suitable.
******
A Walk Through the Grapes
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon