I loved the steady progression of the story and that you couldn’t confidently predict what direction you would be heading in from one chapter to the next. Kimball is intuitive and thinks on his feet, which may be just what is needed but could equally see him become the late Henry Kimball. The players here are largely bereft of the sort of qualities we enjoy finding in each other and that’s what makes them such good company between the covers. This is one of those stories that make you want to cleanse yourself of all the rotten people you have spent time with. Henry is such a great character and the character development in this book made it a very enjoyable read. The story was full of surprises and is a classic Swanson, an instant classic. and the twists keep the reader guessing until the very end. I recommend you read both his books, but it can also be read as a stand alone. If you like secrets, obsession, and deep deception, this is the book for you. 4.5 stars!

The Kind Worth Saving is Peter Swanson's newest novel. It's the second to feature Henry Kimball and Lily Kintner. But this new book can be read as a stand alone.

Henry Kimball has worked as a high school teacher, a cop and now as a private investigator. He's surprised when his new client walks in, as she was one of his students many years ago. What a coincidence...or is it?

Swanson tells this story in two time frames - then and now. I really like this style of storytelling. Each new chapter builds on the last and bleeds into the present. There are a few points of view and they too add details and history from the past to the present. As readers, we can see everything that is going and why. And the why is quite disturbing. We can only hope that Henry can put the pieces together sooner rather than later.

I like Henry and his way of looking at the world - and his limericks. Lily scares me - she's capable of more than you would imagine. The new client is, well, let's say she's interesting. Swanson's characters are well developed rather than being one dimensional.

Swanson's tale isn't straightforward and I love the twists and turns the plot visits. The ending - and the book title - are quite fitting.

I enjoyed The Kind Worth Saving. I hope Swanson has planned a third book with Henry - I think he has more to say. ( )

The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson is a very highly recommended twisty psychological thriller.

Henry Kimball is working as a private investigator after the events in The Kind Worth Killing (2015) when former student Joan Whalen shows up at his office. She is sure her husband Richard is having an affair and wants Kimball to investigate and document proof of his infidelity. What seems like a simple case soon turns into something more. Present day chapters alternate with chapters that flashback to years earlier and follow Joan when she was fifteen and vacationing with her parents in Maine. Something more was going on then too.

The Kind Worth Saving is an engrossing thriller with excellent writing and a complex, twisty, shrewd plot that kept me riveted to the pages through out. And yes, it is a perceptive, chilling psychological thriller that you will finish in one sitting because you will not be able to put it down. The two timelines work well together. Both are equally interesting and have plenty of surprises along the way. It is best to not have too much information before reading this novel. Read mindfully and try not to make assumptions because Swanson will surprise you with the directions the narrative take.

Henry is a realistic, well-developed character and is relatable and likable. For those who read The Kind Worth Killing, Lily Kitner is back. You can read The Kind Worth Saving as a stand alone, but it is, according to Swanson, a semi-sequel. There is a history and backstory. Pertinent information and details are contained within the narrative to provide background information, but The Kind Worth Saving is impressive enough that you will likely want to read The Kind Worth Killing.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of William Morrow & Company via Edelweiss.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2023/03/the-kind-worth-saving.html ( )