Book review by Corey
A Crooked Tree
A Crooked Tree follows a family dealing with the aftermath of a shocking act of violence in suburban Pennsylvania. The story is told mainly through the eyes of Libby, one of five sisters, as the family tries to understand what happened and how much of their ordinary life has been changed by it.
The book is quiet, tense, and very focused on family dynamics. It is less about solving a mystery and more about guilt, memory, fear, and the way one terrible event can reshape everyone around it. The atmosphere is strong, and the relationships between the sisters give the story most of its emotional weight.
The Goods
- Strong family relationships
- Very believable characters
- Quiet but effective tension
- Excellent sense of atmosphere
- Emotional without being overdone
The Bads
- Slow in places
- Not very plot-heavy
- Some readers may want more answers
- The pacing can feel uneven
- A few characters could use more development
My Recommendation
This one is best for readers who like character-driven literary fiction with a darker edge. It is not a fast thriller, but the family tension and emotional fallout keep it interesting, and the writing gives the story a lot of weight. If you enjoy books about complicated families, trauma, and the way people remember the same event differently, this should work well.