Book Review: Innocence Road by Laura Griffin
From the moment I picked up Innocence Road by Laura Griffin, I was instantly drawn in. There’s something intriguing about a murder mystery set against the stark backdrop of Southwest Texas, particularly in a small town where everyone knows your business. Having previously enjoyed the Josie Gray Mystery series by Tricia Fields, I was eager to see how Griffin would explore similar themes within the complex web of relationships and intrigue in Innocence Road. I’m happy to say, it did not disappoint.
At the heart of the story is Leanne Everhart, a character whose return to her hometown of Madrone feels simultaneously like coming home and revisiting old wounds. Everhart, having left for eight years to escape the shadow of her father—a respected figure in local law enforcement—must grapple with her past as she uncovers the mystery of a young woman’s body found beneath a railroad bridge. The discovery of this body, coupled with the controversial release of Sean Moroarty—who was previously convicted of another murder—quickly engulfs her in a swirling storm of media, familial legacy, and the politics of small-town life.
Griffin skillfully navigates these complex dynamics, weaving in themes of familial loyalty, the weight of legacy, and the often-competing narratives of justice and truth. I was particularly struck by the way the investigation complicates Leanne’s relationships with her mother and the town’s police chief, Jim McBride. Griffin illustrates how in small towns, even the most entrenched identities can be challenged as new evidence and new accusations emerge, forcing characters to confront difficult truths about loyalty and morality.
The pacing of Innocence Road is expertly crafted; it builds momentum as the layers of the mystery unfold. Griffin’s writing is vivid without being overwrought, painting a clear picture of the rugged terrain of the Big Bend region that feels integral to the story itself. I found myself drawn into the isolation and harshness of the desert, reflecting the internal struggles of the characters as they wade through emotional and perilous landscapes.
One notable moment that resonated with me was when Leanne muses on her return to Madrone: “Coming back is like dragging the past through the door. You can’t leave it outside, and the dust settles, no matter how hard you try to shake it off.” This quote encapsulates the emotional journey of not only Leanne but many who find themselves pulled back into their histories, making it an echo of universal experience for anyone who has returned to their roots.
Innocence Road isn’t just a police procedural; it’s a story that invites readers to confront their own notions of truth and justice, all while unraveling a compelling mystery. With a rich cast of characters and intricate storytelling, I genuinely hope this marks the beginning of a series.
I wholeheartedly recommend Innocence Road to fans of mystery and police procedurals, as well as to readers who enjoy character-driven narratives within a compelling setting. Whether you’re a hometown hero or a city dweller, this book will make you ponder the dualities of belonging and truth, leaving you thinking long after the final pages are turned. It’s an engaging and thought-provoking read that reminds us all that sometimes, the truth lies just beneath the surface—waiting to be uncovered.