Review of But Not Forgotten: A Clint Wolf Novel (Book 1) by BJ Bourg
As a book blogger, I’m drawn to stories that transport me to new worlds, but it’s not every day that a novel reawakens my passion for the mystery genre. When I stumbled across But Not Forgotten by BJ Bourg, set against the hauntingly atmospheric backdrop of Mechant Loup, Louisiana, I was intrigued. This wasn’t just another whodunit; it was the start of a journey into the murky depths of both the human soul and the bayous.
From the very first page, the tension is palpable. The discovery of a businessman’s severed arm in an alligator’s jaws sets the stage for Clint Wolf, an ex-cop grappling with the ghosts of his past. The vivid descriptions of the Louisiana landscape bring the setting to life, making me feel like I was trudging through those damp, eerie swamps alongside Clint and his determined partner, Susan Wilson. Bourg’s ability to intertwine rich imagery with suspenseful storytelling kept me hooked, and I found myself lost in the murky waters of this captivating narrative.
The characters in But Not Forgotten are as layered and complex as the plot itself. Clint is portrayed not just as a detective but as a man wrestling with loss, a theme that resonated deeply with me. His longing for his late wife and daughter adds emotional weight to his character, making his determination to seek justice all the more compelling. Susan, too, shines as a loud-and-proud foil to Clint’s introspective nature. Their evolving partnership becomes one of the novel’s heartbeats, adding both warmth and tension.
Bourg’s writing style is refreshingly direct. The pacing is brisk, with each chapter breaking just when a cliffhanger feels imminent—much like a seasoned TV series. I couldn’t help but echo what many other readers have said: the twists and turns are so cleverly constructed that I was kept guessing right until the final pages. It’s no wonder this book is a finalist for the EPIC eBook Awards!
One of the standout moments for me was the introduction of a new dog in Clint’s life. Not only does it symbolize hope and a chance to heal from past trauma, but it also adds a layer of lightness to the otherwise dark themes of murder and deceit. It’s moments like these that highlight Bourg’s knack for balancing the serious with the heartwarming.
While some readers might find the narrative features a “tortured soul” trope, I felt it lent depth to the character dynamics. Furthermore, the suspenseful cliffhangers and revealed secrets maintain engagement throughout, making it difficult to put the book down; I finished it in a single sitting!
I wholeheartedly recommend But Not Forgotten to fans of gritty mysteries and character-driven narratives. Whether you’re drawn in by the thrill of solving a crime or the emotional journey of a flawed protagonist, this book has something to offer. As I delved deep into Clint’s emotionally charged world, I was reminded of the healing power of storytelling, escalating my eagerness to discover how his journey unfolds in the subsequent books of this promising series.
If you’re looking for an engrossing read that entwines mystery with raw human emotion, take the plunge into But Not Forgotten. Trust me; you won’t be able to resist its pull!
You can find But Not Forgotten: A Clint Wolf Novel (Book 1) (Clint Wolf Mystery Series) here >>