A Sea of Unspoken Things: A Novel
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • In this captivating atmospheric novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Unmaking of June Farrow, a woman investigates her twin brother’s mysterious death while confronting the ghosts of her own haunted past.
James and Johnny Golden were once inseparable. For as long as she can remember, James shared an almost supernatural connection with her twin brother, Johnny, that went beyond intuition—she could feel what he was feeling. So, when Johnny is killed in a tragic accident, James knows before her phone even rings that her brother is gone and that she’s alone—truly alone—for the first time in her life.
When James arrives in the secluded town of Six Rivers, California, to settle her brother’s affairs, she’s forced to revisit the ominous events of their shared past and finally face Micah, the only other person who knows their secrets—and the only man she has ever loved.
But as James delves deeper into Johnny’s world, she realizes that their unique connection hasn’t completely vanished. The more she immerses herself in his life, the more questions she has about the brother she thought she knew. Johnny was hiding something, and he’s not the only one. The deeper she digs, the more she is compelled to unravel the truth behind the days leading up to Johnny’s death. Ultimately, James must decide which truths should come to light, and which are better left buried forever.
James and Johnny Golden were once inseparable. For as long as she can remember, James shared an almost supernatural connection with her twin brother, Johnny, that went beyond intuition—she could feel what he was feeling. So, when Johnny is killed in a tragic accident, James knows before her phone even rings that her brother is gone and that she’s alone—truly alone—for the first time in her life.
When James arrives in the secluded town of Six Rivers, California, to settle her brother’s affairs, she’s forced to revisit the ominous events of their shared past and finally face Micah, the only other person who knows their secrets—and the only man she has ever loved.
But as James delves deeper into Johnny’s world, she realizes that their unique connection hasn’t completely vanished. The more she immerses herself in his life, the more questions she has about the brother she thought she knew. Johnny was hiding something, and he’s not the only one. The deeper she digs, the more she is compelled to unravel the truth behind the days leading up to Johnny’s death. Ultimately, James must decide which truths should come to light, and which are better left buried forever.
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Readers say *A Sea of Unspoken Things* offers Adrienne Young’s signature atmospheric and slightly paranormal style set in a small, vividly described t...
When I pick up an Adrienne Young book, I know I’m guaranteed an atmospheric read, and once again she delivers in her latest adult novel, A Sea of Unspoken Things.
Set in Six Rivers, a small town nestled in the forests of northern California, Young paints a mysterious and haunting picture of a town closed off and protected by the surrounding trees.
Our story centers on James, an artist who escaped Six Rivers and made a life in San Francisco. She is reeling from the sudden death of her twin brother Johnny, a photographer who had never moved from Six Rivers. His death has been ruled an accident, but she’s not so convinced. She reluctantly returns to settle his affairs and can’t help searching for answers.
Along with the physical distance, James and Johnny had grown apart, somewhat keeping each other at arm’s length for various reasons which we learn throughout the tale. As James reconnects with people from her past, trying to get an idea of just what Johnny was involved in, she discovers various trails to follow.
And of course one of those connections is her old flame Micah, who was Johnny’s best friend and James’ first love.
While I enjoyed this one, it wasn’t quite as engaging as Young’s previous novel, The Unmaking of June Farrow. Without spoiling anything, this one seemed to have some plot holes, or the appearance of plot holes, if that makes sense. I don’t feel like I got all the answers I needed, and some of the answers I got felt rushed and too predictable.
I feel like most of Young’s novels are told from various POVs but this one is all James’ POV, which would be fine, except that I never really felt like I knew or understood her brother Johnny. I wanted a little more of his story. Maybe some flashbacks from him woven throughout would have helped make the connection??
However, if you’re a fan of Young’s, you should enjoy this one! Beautifully written with all the magical elements we’ve come to expect from her stories, it would especially be a good one to read cuddled up by a fire, inside OR outside!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Delacorte Press and Netgalley for providing me with a copy.
Set in Six Rivers, a small town nestled in the forests of northern California, Young paints a mysterious and haunting picture of a town closed off and protected by the surrounding trees.
Our story centers on James, an artist who escaped Six Rivers and made a life in San Francisco. She is reeling from the sudden death of her twin brother Johnny, a photographer who had never moved from Six Rivers. His death has been ruled an accident, but she’s not so convinced. She reluctantly returns to settle his affairs and can’t help searching for answers.
Along with the physical distance, James and Johnny had grown apart, somewhat keeping each other at arm’s length for various reasons which we learn throughout the tale. As James reconnects with people from her past, trying to get an idea of just what Johnny was involved in, she discovers various trails to follow.
And of course one of those connections is her old flame Micah, who was Johnny’s best friend and James’ first love.
While I enjoyed this one, it wasn’t quite as engaging as Young’s previous novel, The Unmaking of June Farrow. Without spoiling anything, this one seemed to have some plot holes, or the appearance of plot holes, if that makes sense. I don’t feel like I got all the answers I needed, and some of the answers I got felt rushed and too predictable.
I feel like most of Young’s novels are told from various POVs but this one is all James’ POV, which would be fine, except that I never really felt like I knew or understood her brother Johnny. I wanted a little more of his story. Maybe some flashbacks from him woven throughout would have helped make the connection??
However, if you’re a fan of Young’s, you should enjoy this one! Beautifully written with all the magical elements we’ve come to expect from her stories, it would especially be a good one to read cuddled up by a fire, inside OR outside!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Delacorte Press and Netgalley for providing me with a copy.
this was a slow paced mystery. very different from her last book. this one had you thinking about things you didn't think you would. while also giving you a couple mysteries in the mix.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 4 stars
Atmospheric thriller with an underlying second chance romance, and a touch of the paranormal.
I love reading Adrienne Young because I know with her I am getting consistency. I consistently enjoy everything she writes, and she always manages to surprise me in some way. With this book it was the fact that it was pretty much a straightforward mystery thriller, but of course she adds in that little bit of magic that makes it a Young novel.
Atmospheric thriller with an underlying second chance romance, and a touch of the paranormal.
I love reading Adrienne Young because I know with her I am getting consistency. I consistently enjoy everything she writes, and she always manages to surprise me in some way. With this book it was the fact that it was pretty much a straightforward mystery thriller, but of course she adds in that little bit of magic that makes it a Young novel.
I absolutely love Adrienne Young’s writing. There is this whimsical yet concrete feel to her writing and it fits perfectly in her books.
That being said, this book took me forever to get into. I believe it just wasn’t the right time for me to read it because I cannot find any major flaws other than the vibes just weren’t for me at this point in time.
*Thank you NetGalley for the gifted copy!*
That being said, this book took me forever to get into. I believe it just wasn’t the right time for me to read it because I cannot find any major flaws other than the vibes just weren’t for me at this point in time.
*Thank you NetGalley for the gifted copy!*
4 stars
I loved this. I've loved all of the Adrienne Young books I've read and I find AY exceptionally skilled at naming her books. How fun to read a murder mystery that is just a little spooky but not at all scary. The town, Six Rivers, was a delight. The scenery and vibe of the town were described beautifully. I really enjoyed the two concurrent mysteries but did feel that all of the reveals came too close together at the end. I think this book could have been another 50 pages.
I hated that the FMC was named James, it did not fit her character at all and it took me out of the story everytime they said it. I also need AY herself to explain how Smoke is still alive and agile?? The math ain't mathing.
I loved this. I've loved all of the Adrienne Young books I've read and I find AY exceptionally skilled at naming her books. How fun to read a murder mystery that is just a little spooky but not at all scary. The town, Six Rivers, was a delight. The scenery and vibe of the town were described beautifully. I really enjoyed the two concurrent mysteries but did feel that all of the reveals came too close together at the end. I think this book could have been another 50 pages.
I hated that the FMC was named James, it did not fit her character at all and it took me out of the story everytime they said it. I also need AY herself to explain how Smoke is still alive and agile?? The math ain't mathing.
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