There’s something deeply unsettling about revisiting the scene of a past trauma. The familiar sights and sounds bring long-buried memories rushing back to the surface, threatening to overwhelm us. In Peter Swanson’s latest psychological thriller “The Kind Worth Saving,” private investigator Henry Kimball is forced to confront his own haunted past when a figure from his former life as a high school teacher shows up at his office with an unusual request. What follows is a serpentine tale of murder, deception, and long-held secrets that proves the past never truly stays buried.
A Dangerous Woman from the Past
From the moment Joan Whalen walks into Henry’s office asking him to investigate her potentially cheating husband, there’s an undercurrent of unease. Henry recognizes Joan as a former student from his teaching days at Dartford-Middleham High School – and she was present during a tragic school shooting that still haunts Henry to this day. There was always something slightly off about Joan, a dangerous glint behind her eyes. Now she needs Henry’s help, but he can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to her story than she’s letting on.
What starts as a seemingly straightforward case of infidelity quickly spirals into something far more sinister. When Henry discovers two dead bodies in an empty house while tailing Joan’s husband, he’s plunged back into the traumatic memories of that horrific day at Dartford-Middleham. Could Joan somehow be connected to these new murders? Does she know more about the school shooting than she ever let on? As Henry digs deeper, he begins to suspect there may still be a killer on the loose—one who believes they’ve gotten away with murder.
A Twisted Game of Cat and Mouse
Swanson masterfully ratchets up the tension as Henry races to uncover the truth before it’s too late. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives and timelines, gradually revealing the full scope of Joan’s machinations. We get glimpses into her troubled adolescence and the seeds of her sociopathy. We see how she manipulated those around her, including her high school friend Richard Seddon, to do her bidding.
The author keeps us guessing at every turn with well-placed red herrings and shocking twists. Just when we think we have a handle on what’s really going on, Swanson pulls the rug out from under us. The pacing is relentless, hurtling towards an explosive climax where long-buried secrets finally come to light.
Complex Characters with Hidden Depths
At the heart of the novel is Henry Kimball, a flawed but sympathetic protagonist still grappling with the trauma of his past. His struggle with guilt and PTSD over the school shooting is palpable. We root for him even as his obsession with the case begins to cloud his judgment.
Joan makes for a chilling antagonist—charming and manipulative on the surface, with a ruthless darkness lurking underneath. Swanson does an excellent job of gradually revealing the full depths of her sociopathy. By the end, she emerges as one of the most memorable villains in recent thriller fiction.
The supporting characters are vividly drawn as well, from Henry’s former police partner Roberta to Joan’s unwitting husband Richard. Even minor players feel fully realized, adding depth and texture to the story.
Themes of Guilt, Trauma, and Redemption
While “The Kind Worth Saving” works brilliantly as a propulsive page-turner, Swanson also weaves in deeper themes that elevate it above typical genre fare. The lasting impact of trauma is a major thread, seen in how the school shooting continues to haunt Henry and shape his actions years later. There’s an underlying tension between fate and free will – how much are we truly in control of our choices versus being pushed along by circumstance?
The story also grapples with the nature of guilt and redemption. Can past sins ever truly be atoned for? Is anyone ever truly beyond saving? These weighty questions add psychological depth to the twisting plot.
Evocative Prose Brings Settings to Life
Swanson’s taut, economical prose keeps the story moving at a breakneck pace while still taking time to paint vivid pictures. The autumn New England setting comes alive through evocative descriptions:
“It was another pretty fall day but there were puddles on the road and it was clear it had rained at some point during the night. I spotted the muddy parking lot for a state-run conservation area and pulled in. I was the only car there and spun through a deep puddle a couple of times to splash mud onto my car.”
The author has a knack for using small details to create a palpable sense of mood and atmosphere. We feel the crisp fall air, see the colorful leaves, smell the wood smoke – all adding up to create a rich backdrop for the unfolding mystery.
A Satisfying Sequel That Stands on Its Own
“The Kind Worth Saving” is a sequel to Swanson’s acclaimed 2015 novel “The Kind Worth Killing,” but knowledge of the previous book isn’t necessary to enjoy this one. The author provides just enough backstory to bring new readers up to speed without bogging down the narrative. That said, fans of the first book will appreciate the return of Lily Kintner, the complex and morally ambiguous character who stole the show in “The Kind Worth Killing.” Her role here is more limited but no less impactful.
How It Stacks Up to Swanson’s Other Work
For longtime Swanson fans, “The Kind Worth Saving” will feel like a return to form after some of his more recent standalone thrillers. It has the intricate plotting and shocking twists that made earlier books like “The Kind Worth Killing” and “Her Every Fear” such standouts in the psychological thriller genre.
The dual timeline structure recalls “All the Beautiful Lies,” while the themes of past trauma resurfacing echo “Before She Knew Him.” But Swanson synthesizes these familiar elements into something fresh and surprising. This may be his most accomplished work since “The Kind Worth Killing.”
A Few Minor Quibbles
If there’s a weakness to the novel, it’s that some of the plot twists in the final act strain credulity a bit. A few revelations feel a touch too convenient or contrived. But the strength of the character work and the overall momentum of the story help smooth over these minor bumps.
Additionally, readers looking for clear-cut heroes and villains may be frustrated by the moral ambiguity of many characters’ actions. But for those who appreciate shades of gray in their thrillers, this complexity is a strength rather than a weakness.
The Verdict: A Must-Read for Thriller Fans
With its intricate plot, richly-drawn characters, and exploration of deeper themes, “The Kind Worth Saving” cements Peter Swanson’s place as one of the premier authors working in psychological suspense today. It’s a novel that works on multiple levels—as a propulsive page-turner, a twisting mystery, and a thoughtful examination of guilt and trauma.
Readers new to Swanson’s work will find this an excellent entry point to his oeuvre. Longtime fans will appreciate the ways he builds on and subverts expectations from his previous novels. Either way, this is a thriller that will keep you up late into the night, furiously turning pages to uncover the next shocking revelation.
Who Should Read This Book:
- Fans of psychological thrillers with complex plots and morally ambiguous characters
- Readers who enjoy unreliable narrators and multiple timelines/perspectives
- Those who like their mysteries with a dash of literary flair
- Anyone who appreciates thrillers that delve into deeper psychological territory
Similar Authors/Books to Check Out:
- “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides
- “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins
- “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn
- “The Woman in the Window” by A.J. Finn
- “The Wife Between Us” by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Final Thoughts
“The Kind Worth Saving” is the rare sequel that manages to surpass its predecessor. It takes the most compelling elements of “The Kind Worth Killing” and expands on them in surprising and satisfying ways. With its intricate mystery, psychological depth, and knockout ending, this is a thriller that will linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the final page. Peter Swanson has delivered another winner that cements his place at the forefront of contemporary suspense fiction. Don’t miss this one.