Kendra Winchester is a Contributing Editor for Book Riot where she writes about audiobooks and disability literature. She is also the Founder of Read Appalachia, which celebrates Appalachian literature and writing. Previously, Kendra co-founded and served as Executive Director for Reading Women, a podcast that gained an international following over its six-season run. In her off hours, you can find her writing on her Substack, Winchester Ave, and posting photos of her Corgis on Instagram and Twitter @kdwinchester.
Sometimes, I just get in the mood for a dark mystery or thriller full of twists and turns. I especially love mysteries or thrillers set in Appalachia, so Wes Browne’s They All Fall the Same has been high up on my TBR since I heard that it was coming out. When I finally started listening to the audiobook, I couldn’t stop and ended up finishing the book in 24 hours.
They All Fall the Same by Wes Browne
In Jackson County, Kentucky, Burl Spoon has had everything under control. He’s built an empire growing and selling weed, combined with other legitimate and illegitimate business dealings. He’s paid off enough officials that he can get away with just about everything. But his personal life is in shambles. He and his wife are both having affairs, he’s all but disowned his gay son, and his daughter can’t seem to stay clean. The only bright spot is his small granddaughter. But when his daughter goes missing, Spoon’s entire world is turned upside down. The careful world he’s made begins to crumble. Each new revelation about his daughter’s whereabouts seems to tear down another part of his carefully crafted life.
Burl Spoon makes for a fascinating character. He’s a man living outside the law with “old-fashioned” values that have served him well in his business. But as the crisis comes for his family, he’s forced to confront the harm his actions have caused his family. We get to know Spoon and his crew as they search for Spoon’s missing daughter, and soon, Spoon’s enemies also realize Spoon is looking for her.
Matt Godfrey performs the audiobook edition with an incredible ear for dialogue. He finds a balance of adding just enough accent to add personality to the characters without overdoing it. Browne’s prose combined with Godfrey’s excellent pacing create the perfect amount of tension for this backwoods thriller. With every new revelation or plot twist, Godfrey’s performance will have listeners sitting on the edge of their seats.
Whether you’re a print reader or audiobook listener, They All Fall the Same is a must-listen mystery of the year.
English (US) · 