Whoa! What a fun ride How It Happened was. I am familiar with Michael Koryta's writing and I haven't been disappointed yet. The depth that Koryta goes into with regards to character development is top-notch for a suspense thriller such as How It Happened.
Early in the novel we're reading Kimberly Crepeaux's confession of how she, along with a couple accomplices, killed Ian Kelly and Jackie Pelletier. Ian and Jackie have been missing and finding their bodies would help to bring resolution to their parents who have been living on pins and needles hoping that they haven't fallen victim. The catch to this confession is that, no one believes Kimberly's account of events. In the small, rural, Maine town she lives in, she's known as a low-life druggie, who's word isn't worth a grain of salt. Not only is her story implausible to most who hear it, it also involves an upstanding citizen in the community who couldn't have possibly taken part in such a horrific crime.
Enter FBI interrogator Rob Barrett. He's been assigned with getting Kimberly's confession because he's familiar with the town and the layout of the land. Suffice it to say, Rob's the only person who believes Kimberly. Although he's relying solely on his FBI training and gut, there's something about her harrowing story that rings true even when the evidence doesn't support the confession.
What I loved most about How It Happened is the character depth Koryta goes into. Rob Barrett, the investigating agent, came alive for me in a way no other suspense thriller character has. As the investigation becomes more and more difficult, and the confession looking to be a wash, Barrett struggles with his own personal demons that follow throughout. There's something burrowing deep inside of him that he doesn't want to surface. For all intents and purposes, he only wants the world to see what he wants them to seen. As How It Happened progresses, Rob's protective layers are unable to withhold what's burrowing deep inside, ready to break loose.
Getting away from this small town and it's secrets is his best bet. But how can anyone leave when the truth is still out there to be found?
On the other hand, a very vital character just wants to be seen at all and be taken seriously. Regardless of our station in life. Rather it be an addict, a gardener, a businessman, or a millionaire, there's innate feeling inside us all to be noticed and taken seriously. These needs if not met, can create a monster. This novel is all about the monsters we hide and the ones we share with the world.
If I had one gripe with this novel it would be that I felt the ending was a little anti-climatic for me. I felt that the journey warranted more than what was given. I mean, Rob Barrett went through so much to find the truth. Once he does find the truth, it all just seemed like really? That was worth all this carnage?
Anyway...
How It Happened was amazing. I definitely could not put the book down. Michael Koryta provided a well written, engaging, character driven ride through rural Maine. As mentioned before, How It Happened was not my first read nor will it be my last from this author. Michael Koryta is definitely one to read if you haven't yet. ****
Copy Provided by Little, Brown and Company via Netgalley
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