Ken Jaworowski’s What About the Bodies is a tense, gripping thriller that delves into the moral ambiguities of crime, justice, and human nature. With sharp dialogue, an economical yet evocative narrative style, and a premise that keeps the reader hooked, Jaworowski crafts a story that is both thought-provoking and suspenseful.

Strengths

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its pacing. The storytelling is tight and direct, keeping unnecessary distractions at bay while maintaining a sense of urgency that compels the reader forward. The characters are morally complex, each grappling with difficult decisions that blur the lines between right and wrong. Jaworowski’s ability to craft authentic, engaging dialogue enhances this complexity, making interactions feel raw and believable.

Thematically, What About the Bodies goes beyond a conventional crime story. It raises compelling ethical dilemmas about guilt, consequences, and the price of justice. This deeper exploration adds weight to the narrative, ensuring that it lingers in the reader’s mind long after the final page.

Weaknesses

While the book’s brevity works to its advantage in terms of pacing, some readers may find themselves wishing for more character development or background detail. The story moves quickly, sometimes at the expense of deeper emotional investment in its characters. Additionally, while the plot is undeniably engaging, certain twists may feel familiar to seasoned thriller fans.

Final Verdict

What About the Bodies is a smart, fast-paced crime story that offers more than just suspense—it challenges readers to wrestle with moral ambiguity and the weight of one’s choices. While some might desire a bit more depth in character exploration, Jaworowski’s sharp writing and compelling premise make this a worthwhile read for fans of tightly woven thrillers.

This is one of those crazy stories that has your head spinning the entire way through! It begins with Carla and her restaurant and then MIT graduate Billy announcing there's a dead body buried in the yard belonging to a woman who disappeared years ago! We go back and forth in time as we see fascinating characters, drugs, autism, and humor as we attempt to tie all these loose ends together to form a cohesive and intriguing plot! Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

I haven’t read anything by Jaworowski before but I was not let down! This was really well paced and exciting to read. I couldn’t put it down. Thank you to NetGalley for an arc copy of this gem

This was fantastic. I really enjoyed reading it and diaadn’t want to put it down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

What About the Bodies by Ken Jaworowski

Ken Jaworowski's "What About the Bodies" is a gripping small-town thriller that intertwines the lives of three distinct characters: Carla, a single mother trying to escape poverty; Reed, an autistic young man on a mission to fulfill a dying wish; and Liz, a musician struggling to pay off a dangerous debt.

The novel's strength lies in its well-drawn characters and their intersecting storylines. Carla's desperate attempts to protect her son, Reed's heartfelt journey, and Liz's fight for survival create a compelling narrative. However, the pacing can be uneven at times, with some sections feeling rushed while others drag on.

Jaworowski's writing is vivid and engaging, painting a gritty picture of a rust-belt town. The dialogue is realistic, and the emotional depth of the characters is well-captured. Yet, the frequent shifts between the three protagonists can sometimes disrupt the flow of the story.
The novel explores themes of morality, survival, and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones. While these themes are thought-provoking, the execution occasionally feels heavy-handed, making the moral dilemmas less impactful.

"What About the Bodies" is a solid read for fans of crime thrillers and small-town dramas. It offers a mix of suspense, emotional depth, and character-driven storytelling. However, the uneven pacing and occasional heavy-handedness in theme execution might not appeal to everyone.

Four Stars: A Compelling Convergence This book grabbed me from the start and didn't let go. I devoured it in a day and a half, a testament to its compelling narrative and engaging characters. The author skillfully weaves together seemingly disparate storylines, each with its own distinct voice and atmosphere. While initially, I wondered how these threads could possibly connect, the payoff at the end was incredibly satisfying. The initial separation of these narratives was a bit of a gamble. It required patience, as I was eager to see how they'd ultimately intertwine. However, the author's ability to create intriguing characters and build suspense in each individual plotline kept me hooked. Each story, on its own, was interesting, but the anticipation of their eventual convergence was what truly drove me forward.
The writing is strong, and the pacing, despite the multiple threads, remained consistent. The emotional depth of the characters was well-developed, and I found myself invested in their individual journeys. The final act, where all the pieces fell into place, was masterfully executed. It wasn't just a simple tying up of loose ends; it was a powerful and resonant conclusion that left me pondering the themes long after I finished reading. While I wouldn't quite give it a perfect five stars (perhaps a few minor pacing issues in the initial separate storylines), this book is a solid four-star read. If you enjoy stories with intricate plots and a satisfying sense of resolution, and you don't mind a little patience for a big payoff, this one is definitely worth your time. Be prepared to lose yourself in its pages - you might just find

Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for this ARC!

At the beginning it took me a bit to get into it but once I did it really hit a stride for me and had me hooked.

This story is a gripping tale of love, guilt, and secrets in a small town. I really enjoyed how it showed Carla, Billy, and Reed dealing with their own strugglesCarla and Billy hiding a dark secret, Reed protecting his family and how their paths crossed in unexpected ways. It’s a powerful reminder of how far people will go for those they love, even if it means making tough, morally complex choices. The way the characters’ lives intertwined kept me hooked, and the emotional depth made it unforgettable. A must read for anyone who loves stories about human connections and the weight of secrets

I wouldn’t say this was the easiest book to get into, but it was a new author to me so perhaps that was me getting used to their writing style. The character development was great. I kept picturing Reed as Dr Spencer Reid from criminal minds! Thanks for the early access

Wow. What a great read. Could not put it down. Thank you for letting me read this in advance. I stayed up way to late trying to get to the end.