The town of Bentley holds two things dear: its football, and its secrets. When star quarterback Dylan Whitley goes missing, fear grips this small Texas town. Joel Whitley, shamed out of Bentley ten years ago, returns from New York to confront his past and help find his brother. Alongside Sheriff’s Deputy Starsha Clark and Dylan’s friends, they uncover long-buried secrets, but nothing could prepare them for the darkness lurking in The Bright Lands. John Fram’s debut is a twisty, suspenseful exploration of old secrets, personal anxieties, and the cost of glory.
What the heck was this book? Friday Night Lights gone completely off the rails, that’s what this is. I was hooked from page one. I loved the multiple narrators and POVs, and how the mystery of one missing teenage boy spirals into… well, *all of that hand gesture*. The first half reads like a traditional thriller/mystery, and the last 25% just goes wild. I knew something shocking was coming, but I did not expect what Fram delivered. I won’t spoil anything, but this is perfect for anyone who wants a completely unique thriller with some wild, almost horroresque elements and you do have to go in with an open mind.
Funny story: right after finishing, I looked up other John Fram books and realized, impressively, I had read The Midnight Knock last month and loved it too. Different stories, same brilliantly genre-blending energy. 4.5 stars… and honestly, a week later, I might just bump that up to 5.
The Midnight Knock review
AMAZON | GOODREADS | BOOKSHOP | ★★★★
The Bright Lands is out now. If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.
