Dragonfly Summer by J.H. Moncrieff is a story about forgotten memories, lies, and the lengths in which some will go through to cover up horrible behavior.
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
Content warnings: rape, incest, abuse, death of a parent, and others.
Let’s dive in!
My Thoughts on Dragonfly Summer by J.H. Moncrieff
When Jo receives a newspaper clipping in the mail, she is shocked to realize that some of her memories are very foggy. She remembers just enough to be drawn back to her hometown, but she hits dead end after dead end as she tries to remember fully. However, thanks to her tenacity, she starts to slowly regain some memories as she digs deeper.
Unfortunately, a few people in town aren’t thrilled that she’s come back after so many years to stir things up. She’s met with hysterics, anger, and violence. But what’s worse, is that someone has her in their sights, and they’re not about to let her get too close to getting the answers she craves.
I went into this one knowing nothing about it other than the fact that it’s from J.H. Moncrieff. Phew, was it a doozy! This book is filled with difficult subjects so please tread lightly if you have sensitivities.
I really enjoyed slowly getting to know Jo as she recovered events from her past. She was such a strong character but my heart broke for her for many of the things she went through.
The build up to the intense ending was amazing! It had me totally captivated and fearing the worst!
Per usual from J.H. Moncrieff, the writing was lovely. The author has an amazing way of sucking readers right in!
My Favorite Passages from Dragonfly Summer
Nothing changed in Clear Springs. A young woman might vanish, but life carried on, same as before.
There it was. The million-dollar question. As Jo saw it, she had two choices. She could lie like pavement. Or she could tell them the truth.
The woods smelled like Christmas. As much as Jo loved the city, this was where she belonged. She’d come of age surrounded by forests and lakes, and though she resisted, the outdoors spoke to her in a way concrete and steel never would.
One could tackle any challenge with a belly full of carbs.
Jo hadn’t been scared of the dark until she’d learned how evil men use the darkness as camouflage; in the sweltering heat of a new moon, the deadly business of a machete will be felt long before it’s seen.
If there was ever a night she needed to be alone with a warm bath and some pizza, this was it.
My Final Thoughts on Dragonfly Summer
J.H. has another killer mystery here that certainly doesn’t shy away from the darkness.
I had an awesome time reading this! I highly recommend checking it out if your a fan of mysteries that don’t hold any punches.
Thanks for reading!
Keep an eye out for this book, which releases on November 15th, 2022 from Flame Tree Press!
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