This worked so well and I was engaged by the writing and the narration. The story dragged me in and I had to keep listening to find out what was going to happen.

Looking forward to more by this author.

Two estranged brothers and a local women are reunited when a pond is going to be dredged. The small, rural Connecticut town hides many secrets.

This is a quick read, but very dense. I found it difficult to get into Cale's story. All of the characters are haunted by a history of violence. The characters have to look inward to come to terms with the past. The audiobook is a good listen. The narrator is excellent.

Actual Rating 3.5

TW: Domestic Abuse, Animal Cruelty (plot relevant), Mental Health Disorder

Cale and Ambrose are brothers who have been estranged for years, Cale selling luxury real estate in Hawaii and Ambrose staying behind in Connecticut, starting a construction company. They never expected to have to interact again, but news of a construction project in their hometown with plans to dredge a pond they grew up near reaches both of them. They know that they must take quick action to protect a family secret before it’s brought into the light for all to see, but they’re not the only ones interested in secrets buried in the past.

This story was told from multiple POVs in an intriguing way. There are almost stream-of-consciousness slips into the past, which at times can be hard to follow at first. However, I liked how this approach was used as a representation of what the characters were experiencing. While it took some getting used to, it was incorporated well, and added much into the atmosphere of the read and the haunting aspect of the past.

There are many darker themes in this story, and the pasts of the characters are all quite difficult. I enjoyed how well these aspects were incorporated into the plot and characters, adding to their depth and helping them feel more alive. The atmosphere was also quite strong and added much to the book. Despite the somewhat slower pace, I was never bored and felt that the pacing was consistent even with the constant flashbacks.

This was a slower, character-driven short mystery that I recommend. POV swaps and swaps between past and present aren’t especially clear, so be aware of that going in. Especially strong for a debut work, I look forward to reading more from this author. My thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Flaherty's debut is a tightly written suspenseful character-driven novel that feels like Southern noir despite taking place mainly in Connecticut. At only 240 pages, it comes in well below average length, but this is due to the clarity of the writing rather than a lack of detail. Without superfluous verbosity, the language recedes to the background as the characters come forward in vivid detail. THE DREDGE could easily be read in one sitting partly because of its length but also because the author immerses the reader in the small-town atmosphere at the same time that he introduces the background to the plot and develops the inter-related characters who are impacted by the eponymous dredge. Having accomplished all of this simultaneously, Flaherty's prose then adds layer after layer of depth to the plot.

The book moves between two timelines, with the more distant past converging ever more quickly upon the present. Brothers Cale and Ambrose Casey, decades ago, found themselves entangled in the lives of the Rowes, a nearby impoverished family with a legacy of mental illness and violence. That violence spilled over to deeply affect the Casey family, with death, disappearance, secrets, and more mental illness. The book is as much about the devastating effects of that violence as it is about the search for answers centered around those deaths and disappearances. As the past spirals toward the present, Cale and Ambrose reunite in a desperate attempt to keep their secrets and uncover those of the Rowes. The perspective moves between Cale, Ambrose, and Lily Rowe, the only remaining member of that family living in town in the present. The believably flawed characters add perspective, as well as darkness, to the search for truth. In the end, there is some redemption for those characters who are willing to accept it, but the book is darker than it is hopeful, and the reader is left to decide who emerges relatively whole from their actions.

Flaherty, through the development of his characters, presents a world of squalor in contrast with a world of privilege. He also presents a life where children are not loved and cared for, suffering from neglect and violence. Untamed greed plays a role, as does unmitigated sorrow. The kindness of strangers is contrasted with ingratitude. The author does not, however, lecture the reader with social justice issues; rather, the straightforward presentation of the reality of the book's world as a context for the mystery allows the reader to pass their own judgments. There is a great deal of depth in the story writing, and I think this would make an excellent book club book as it extends beyond the mystery aspects.

I went into this book thinking it would be dark, gritty and keep me guessing or at least make me excited about listening to it, unfortunately, that is not how I felt.
I'm unsure of why the author seemed to want us to be so constantly sure of the date (March 2022), it was mentioned several times. The only thing several mentions of the main characters still being cautious of COVID and then out of the blue listening to an update on the Ukraine/Russia war on NPR just really took me out of the story..
The animal cruelty scene was way too descriptive, very upsetting and unnecessary.
I can normally find redeeming moments in any book, but this felt so choppy, I kept thinking I must have missed something, and I didn't like any of the main characters...

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was a dark small town mystery that was full of great and complex characters. I really enjoyed this book even though it was so dark. I could not wait to learn about the events of the past and what had happened. This book had me hooked and it was very well written for a short novel.

First, I would like to say how impressed I am that this is the author’s debut book. He has such skill already and is able to write so eloquently! I loved his writing style and will definitely be reading more by him in the future. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was a perfect match for the storyline. Highly recommend!

I would like to begin this review by expressing my gratitude towards Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me access to this audiobook. Despite this being the author's debut novel, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the work. The plot was engaging, and I found myself completely immersed in the story from start to finish. While I felt that the mystery element of the book could have been stronger, I still believe that it was a well-written book. I recommend that those who enjoy thrillers and mysteries should consider buying a copy.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

Well-written heartbreaking history of two brothers in a small community who never stood a chance for adult happiness as their futures were married by cruelty and tragedy far too young.

A story you won't soon forget, although you will want to.

No happiness in this tale.

Trigger warnings for childhood abuse (physical, emotional and sexual) as well as pointless animal cruelty.

Narrator was a perfect match for the story, however this is such a severely depressing story I won't ever seek out another book by this talented author again - there is no redemption, no joy in this story, I can't give it a particularly negative rating, because the author does a good job, but I don't want to read a book that is someone's version of a hellacious life.

Wow... so many "feels." This writer is extremely talented. I love it when an author can make me feel anxious. Why am I nervous?! ...it's just a book.

I feel like there was something lacking despite the depth of the emotions being brought about while reading this book. Maybe a lack of side stories? Or maybe the side stories weren't quite powerful enough to make me want to care about the other characters or subplots? I'm not sure. And I felt like the ending was a bit underwhelming.

This author is going places. Remember his name. One great story will put this guy on top... this one just wasn't quite the one to put him there.

Brendan Flaherty's impressive debut is an absorbing, slow-burning family drama featuring two brothers, a violent past, and untold stories that will rise to the surface in THE DREDGE.

A fitting title and cover utilizing lyrical metaphors and similes. Neither estranged brother wants to 'dredge' up dark secrets from the past, and the fear they will face upon learning the pond that holds those secrets will be "dredged" for a new development in this atmospheric and unsetting domestic suspense. "Dredge: to bring to light by deep searching, to sort through, comb, dig, hunt, rifle, scour through the murk."

Brothers Cale and Ambrose Casey spent their teen years in rural Macoun, Connecticut. Now estranged, Cale ran off to Hawaii to sell luxury real estate, while Ambrose remained resentful —and started a construction company. They are estranged, but Cale must return to town due to upcoming concerns.

A prominent real estate company plans to drain and expand Gibbs Pond. However, 30 years earlier, the brothers buried a dark secret in this pond.

Lily Rowe, a bit of a recluse, remains in town and is the contractor in charge of the dredging, and she also has childhood trauma related to the banks of Gibbs Pond. Her family also has secrets to protect.

There is much dark family history going back generations. The Rowes, are known for their erratic behavior, inherited from an alcoholic father with a temper and Lily is the exception to the family’s cycle of violence. The Casey brothers are haunted by a series of family accidents and disappearances stretching back to an infamous nor’easter before they were born.

All the secrets and violence of the past will be unraveled in this dark, sinister, and unsettling debut as the three lives collide from past to present —1990s childhoods and the 2020s.

THE DREDGE is well-written, engrossing, and gritty, with flawed characters scarred from past traumas and tragedy. There is manipulation, abuse, lies, deception, friendships, violence, fear, desperation, and MURDER in this dysfunctional family drama.

Psychologically rich, it is a story of dark family secrets. Atmospheric and thought-provoking, it explores how family history can haunt you for life. Does the past shape the person, their actions, and their future? Does their past define them?

I listened to the audiobook narrated by David Bendena for a spellbinding performance, both moody and unsettling. An author to watch. I look forward to reading more! For fans of John Hart, Tim Johnson, Michael Farris Smith, Taylor Adams, and Lou Berney.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for a gifted ALC for an honest opinion.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Mar 5, 2024
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This book is full of estranged relationships and decades old secrets. When a developer purchases land and plans to dredge the pond, it begins a chain of events threatening to unearth all of those secrets.

I listened to the audiobook and I feel that may have negatively impacted my opinion on the book. It is narrated by David Bendena and there is nothing wrong with the narration. This is a short book with a LOT of characters. It also jumps back and forth in time. Perhaps had I been reading in print, it'd have been easier to keep track of. But I felt overwhelmed in the beginning. I feel that my constant thinking about who and when kept me from really getting into the book.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

3 stars

Cale and Ambrose are brothers with family secrets. Now, some of those secrets are about to be literally dredged up.

I really can't resist family drama, and sibling drama appeals to me even more. This is also a short listen (at about 5.5 hours). These combined factors make the fact that I had to stop and restart so many times even more confounding. I really struggled to get into this one and stay connected and found the overall vibes dark without the anticipated pay off and a little less mysterious than I'd have liked.

There are promising elements, and especially considering this is a debut, I'd absolutely give this author another shot (despite this one not quite working for me).

The Dredge by Brendan Flaherty is dark, painful, emotive. A multiple POV that follows two families and their interactions and relationships over tme. The story weaves back and forth elegantly, easy to follow nd utterly gripping

David Bendena narrates with strength, empathy and a smooth cadence throughout. He easily switches between characters, keeping the continuity flowing with well-defined character voices. Bendena transitions through the ambience of each scene, each tiny inflection and change in mood is concise and authentic

Both fathers served in Vietnam, yet one projects this on to his family whereas the other is the exact opposite. It is a difficult listen at times because it is so very well written. Dark, atmospheric, emotional, painful

As adults, the children return home to prevent the secrets of their childhood being revealed when the pond is dredged, what will be found in the depths, or can they prevent the disturbance of the past and the revelation of secrets kept

Brendan Flahrty is simply incredible and an author to watch

Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, the author Brendan Flaherty and the narrator David Bendena for this incredible ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own