Hello, everyone. Today I am reviewing Drift by Jon McGoran for TLC Book Tours. As always, I am provided with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
About the book: When Philadelphia narcotics detective Doyle Carrick loses his mother and step-father within weeks of each other, he gains a twenty day suspension for unprofessional behavior and instructions to lay low at the unfamiliar house he’s inherited in rural Pennsylvania.
Feeling restless and out of place, Doyle is surprised to find himself falling for his new neighbor, Nola Watkins, who’s under pressure to sell her organic farm to a large and mysterious development company, and under siege from the genetically modified crops growing nearby. He’s more surprised to see high-powered drug dealers driving the small town roads – dealers his bosses don’t want to hear about.
But when the drug bust Doyle’s been pushing for goes bad and the threats against Nola turn violent, Doyle begins to discover that what’s growing in the farmland around Philadelphia is much deadlier than anything he could have imagined.
My review: I must admit that I love a good thriller. I am also someone who is very concerned about genetically modified foods. So I was very intrigued by the subject matter of this eco-thriller. The author has written about food and sustainability for a number of years and his knowledge and passion about that subject runs throughout the pages of this book. Taking that wealth of knowledge and honing in on the highly questionable practice of genetically modifying foods, adding some drug dealers, some great characters and a complex plot, McGoran has given us a really compelling thriller with all sorts of twists and turns. Doyle Carrick is an engaging and somewhat hard-boiled detective with a sarcastic sense of humor. The cast of supporting characters is richly drawn. The setting was so well written that I could picture the topography, the small town, the crops – everything.
I don’t like to give away any plot points, you know. Mysteries are such fun to read that I want you to have the pleasure of reading this one without me giving too much away. A bit noir, a lot thriller, and with a nice injection of wit, Jon McGoran has written a page-turner for our time, a cautionary tale that is riveting and timely.
About the author: Jon McGoran has written about food and sustainability for twenty years, as communications director for Weavers Way Co-op in Philadelphia, and now as editor of Grid magazine. During that time he has also been an advocate for urban agriculture, cooperative development, and labeling of genetically engineered foods. He is a founding member of the Philadelphia Liars Club, a group of published authors dedicated to promotion, networking and service work. In Drift, he combines his interest in the increasingly bizarre world of food today with his love for the thriller.
One of you will be the lucky winner of a copy of this book! Just leave a comment on this post and I will draw a winner on Sunday night.
Happy Wednesday.
Good Morning Claudia, I would love to read it after your great review! Have a good day, Doris
Well, now I want to know what happens! Great review!
Sounds like an interesting book! Maybe something I could recommend to my book club to read. We are always looking for new books and authors. Thank you! Luv your blog!!
I love cautionary tales. My book club likes this kind of a book also. I have never read anything by this author.
I like my detectives to have a sarcastic sense of humor !!! Sounds like a good book !
Lori
Can’t wait to read this one after your great review.
Another book set in Pennsylvania (my home state). I love that.
Sounds like a book I would enjoy!
If it’s a mystery AND a book, you have my attention right there. Sign me up, sweets!
xoxo,
Connie
This one sounds like a great read Claudia — thanks for the chance!
Claudia: so glad to have found your site via Meredith. We live in the same town. I also love a good book and a good thriller. I just downloaded the last book the Execution of Noa singleton on my kindle! Looks good.
Love mysterious and raising food, thanks
Great review, I’d love to read the book!
I always love reading your honest book reviews, and of course seeing pics of Scout. Have a fun time on your new job and keep posting. I look forward to following you! Thanks for the chance to win. Dori
Claudia – I so enjoy your book reviews. Your opinions are honest and you have introduced me to new authors and genres. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book!
Hi Claudia!! This sounds like a book I would love to read – thanks for bringing it to us and for the opportunity to win a copy – Have a good day!! Francine
Good review, Claudia, and it sounds like a good read with a contemporary theme. My summer needs to include more reading!
This one sounds like a real winner Claudia!
Morning! You know me and a great mystery! Thanks for the opportunity! ;)
This sounds right up my alley! I love a good mystery. Thanks for the chance.
Sounds like a very timely book, to be sure. Great to see people learning about and sharing information on GMOs. Knowledge is power.
Sounds intriguing. Would like to read the entire book.
Shirley
Thanks for the review Claudia! I would love to read this book since I do love a good mystery!! Thanks for the chance!
hugs,
Linda
Sounds like a really good book!
Oh, this one sounds right up my alley. Being a (former?) food writer myself, I love it when a good story involves an aspect of the food industry, too.
Thanks for the great review, Claudia, and thanks everyone else for the great comments. I do hope Drift becomes a book club selection, because I think there are a lot of great angles to discuss. I would be delighted to Skype in or call in to any book group that decides to read Drift. Just contact me at jon@jonmcgoran.com.
Thanks!
I am a Philly transplant to the West Coast and love reading books that take place in my hometown! Plus I am interested in seeing how the author weaves in the GMO/organic food angles.
I love it when an author can turn contemporary science into a thriller so I know I’ll enjoy this one!
Thanks for being on the tour. I’m featuring your review on TLC’s Facebook page today.
Just read your review of this book, and it sounds like a wonderful read. I enjoy the mystery books,
and with part thriller , sounds like a real winner. thanks so much for a chance to win. Makes for a
exciting Sunday evening…