This will appeal to readers who love fast-paced thrillers. Personally, I was disappointed in the lack of character development. I also found the plot preposterous. I felt I was reading a made for TV movie.

However, The Unwilling will have an audience and may even be a bestseller.

Set at the height of the Vietnam war, this novel revolves around what is left of a family torn apart by that war. The mother, having lost two sons, one killed in Vietnam and the other dishonorably discharged and just released from prison for drugs, is overly protective of the 3rd son. The father, a policeman, trying to hold what is left of his family together. The son just released from prison wanting to connect with his younger brother. And finally, the youngest boy, a senior in high school, determined to prove that his remaining brother was framed, believing in his innocence against overwhelming odds. Add in corruption in the prison system and a couple of depraved serial killers.

I have read and loved most of this author's other titles and this one is near the top of the list. Sometimes brutal and unforgiving, this powerful story proceeds to a twisty ending that I thought very fitting. This author's books are often about redemption, forgiveness, loss, and courage and this one is no exception.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of the book.

John Hart really is one of those authors who writes so well and so varied that he is a pleasure to read.
Set during the time of the Vietnam war, the French family consist of mum, dad Jason and Gibby. Robert, Jason’s twin brother died In the war, and his mother has never recovered. Jason has done his tours of duty but ended up with a dishonourable discharge and a prison sentence, when he is released and heads home his parents don’t want to have anything to do with him, but Gibby wants to reconnect with his brother and spend time with him. When one of Jason’s girlfriends is found murdered in the most horrendous way, Jason is arrested. Gibby decides he is going to try and clear his brothers name and in the process puts himself in harms way.
This is a raw look at a family grieving and the affects of war and death on those left behind.
#netgalley #theunwilling

John Hart writes stunning characters, intricate plots, and true-to-life settings. This Southern thriller/mystery, which takes place at the time of the Vietnam War, tells the story of a family and especially two brothers, and it does not let up in building and creating suspense that will keep readers turning the pages. Highly recommended.

If you are not reading John Hart's books, you are missing out on one of the best writers in fiction.

This book tells the story of the men of the French family: Vietnam Vet Jason, 18 year old Gibson, and their police officer father. When Jason returns to town after a stint in prison he connects with Gibson over a day at the lake and an outing with two older women.

When one of the women is brutally killed, Gibson seems to be the only one who believes his brother might be innocent.

I don't want to give too much away, but I could not put this book down. The plot was enthralling and the characters were interesting.

John Hart is a great writer. As a reader, he makes the characters come alive and his talent shines on every page. I have always enjoyed his books, and this latest may be one of his best.

Another great title from John Hart. Heart wrenching story of war and it's effect on individuals and families. Will appeal to thriller and mystery loving patrons as well as historical fiction fans.

John Hart has written several worthy character-driven crime novels that have affected this reviewer each time. His latest, The Unwilling, focuses mostly on two brothers drawn into danger as they strive to live up to what they believe in: integrity, not giving up, and most of all, each other. Brothers Gibby and Jason tackle unfairness, family misunderstandings, and killers that are insanely evil, set against the timeframe and anxiety of the Vietnam War.. Emotion and action pair well throughout the story, and the interactions and personalities are in most cases pitch-perfect. 4.5 stars, rounded to 5

John Hart presents his latest novel based in the south of the United States during the Vietnam war. The wide ranging and compelling story involves the price soldiers pay for fighting in war, family ties, an organized world of master criminals and the coming of age of a young man. Gabriel's (Gibby) two older brothers have already fought in war - one was killed in action, the other received a dishonorable discharge and came home only to be sent to prison where he served several years. Their father is a long time police detective married to the love of his life - a lady whose background includes being an heiress. Gibby's mother blames Jason, the brother returning from war for the death of his brother and refuses to see him. She has also made it clear to her husband that he is not to allow Gibby to meet with Jason as that would expose him to a bad influence.
But blood ties will out and Gibby secretly meets Jason spending a day with him and the company of two women. During the day one of the women manages to taunt a busload of convicts being transported along a public highway. These prisoners are from the institution that Jason had served his time in, and a master criminal actually running the inside of the jail arranges for murder of the woman that did the taunting.
Jason is blamed for the murder and re sent to the jail he had served his sentence in for safe keeping while awaiting trial. The events see Gibby deciding to prove his brother innocent of the murder and with the help of his best friend and a young lady that is becoming his girl friend go after the facts proving that Jason is innocent.
Mr Hart tells the story with attention to building the characters of the principal protagonists, including that of a psychopathic killer awaiting execution at the prison. His prose flows freely and easily brings his readers into a mesmerized state while enjoying the book. A definite all night read with another fascinating book to John Hart's credit.

A multi-layered mystery set in the deep south of the 1960s. It has lots of action and very strong characters. I recommend this book to anyone. A really satisfying read

Hart’s historical mystery is set in the deep South during the Vietnam War. The war has been hard on Gibby’s family, one of his brothers was killed in action, the other came back a decorated hero who saw things no human being should ever have to see. Changed forever by his time in Vietnam, Jason has made mistakes at home and spent time in prison; now he wants to get to know his little brother. He and Gibby hit the road with booze and women where they encounter a bus full of prisoners . One of the women with the brothers makes a nasty comment to the prisoners and is later found murdered. Because of his background, Jason is the prime suspect. When the other woman is kidnapped, the police turn their attention to Gibby. It’s up to him to save both himself and his brother, but the journey to prove their innocence will cost Gibby, more dearly than he can imagine. Why isn’t John Hart a household name? He is one of the best writers America has produced in the 21st century. If you aren’t reading his books, you need to start