Very good, especially as it took place in Wisconsin and I was familiar with the places and rhythms in the novel. However, I had it figured out VERY early on, which was disappointing.

I wanted to like this book. I really, really did. It's clear from the back cover what's going to happen but of course I wanted all the details of the how and why. I think my mistake is that what I really wanted was a mystery novel and this isn't that. It's a thoughtful, beautifully written description of the downfall of her family from the mind of a child. The writing is gorgeous and I can feel the emotions just pouring out of Kirsten at times. There's quite a bit of buildup to the night Stacy disappears which shows the small little rips in the relationships between family members and then in one abrupt, painful slice they are torn apart. What follows from the eyes of Kirsten is tough. She's so young, confused and scared, but the adults around her are equally so. As we pick up in later years as the family gathers together once again suddenly the mystery of Stacy is solved in one quick breath. All of the destruction of the family for what? I wanted my mystery and whodunit but when it happened I found it unfulfilling, disappointing and rushed. This one simply wasn't for me.

I received this book thanks to Amazon Vine.

Great book by a new author. I couldn't put it down. Fast read but emotional.

Kirsten's idilic life as the youngest daughter of a farming family in rural WI comes crashing down when her brother's girlfriend goes missing. He was the last one to see her, and to make matters worse she disappeared during a snowstorm. The Mourning Hours traces the family's journey as they come to terms with the tragedy and gradually drift apart. Then years later they are drawn back together . . .

Kirsten's nine year self seems a bit to adult (our group decided she must be looking back at the story now that she is an adult). The action is extremely slow in the first part of the book and extremely detailed so it's really jarring when you reach the action packed barely detailed ending. All in all an interesting look at how something ripped out of the headlines might actually effect a family.

4.5 stars. The Mourning Hours is a riveting page turner by new author Paula Treick DeBoard. This well-written and suspenseful mystery is a fascinating character study that takes readers deep into the heart of small town rural America following the disappearance of teenager Stacy Lemke. Please click HERE to read my review in its entirety.

No spoilers here, but I knew who committed the crime from the get-go. It was an OK read, and I always ask myself if I could have written something as good - and I know the answer is no, so congrats to the author for the story.

This book was nearly impossible to put down. I started it Saturday afternoon and finished it Sunday morning. As a Manitowoc local, this "murder" mystery felt as though I was living the story in the book. Amazing family connections, and really challenged how one would feel if they were in this situation. Couldn't have asked for a better weekend read!

3.5 stars
I really enjoyed reading this story and loved the main character, especially as a child (which was most of the book).

I couldn't put this book down. It wasn't exactly what I'd imagined. I thought it would be more of a thriller, but it was a poignant story about family and a where we belong, interwoven with a strong mystery. Beautifully written. I'll be reading more from this author!

What an awesome story! This is definitely a book that had me thinking about the situation as if it were my family. Definitely a story on family loyalty and trust! Wow, this book is a fantastic read.