Book Review: Pillars of Salt

Reviewed by Kiersten Adams

An exciting thriller that gives new meaning to the phrase daddy issues

H’s story isn’t your typical tale of father and son. There are unique elements in this thriller that will bond them for life—or afterlife.

Harvey Doucet is a complicated man. Or should we say, men? Both father and son seem to have it all, yet between them, there’s still a lot left to be desired in their relationship. But before much can be done, Harvey Doucet Sr. ends his life, something unusual for a good Catholic. 

It also occurs right around the time Harvey Sr.’s business, Doucet Drilling, has one of its salt mines collapse. Killing over a dozen workers and drawing negative attention to Harvey Sr., his son (also known as H) starts his journey down the rabbit hole in order to clear his father’s name from any wrongdoing. 

But whoever said unearthing your father’s past was easy? Alongside his father’s bodyguard Placide, H charts a course for clarity. Along the way, they run into greed, intrigue, and corruption. This mysterious thriller is a whole lot more than just a who-dun-it. I couldn’t put this thing down.

J.A. Adams unapologetically explores the harsh realities of family dynamics in Pillars of Salt. The two characters, who for a while seemingly live above reproach, are forced back down to earth to face their reality and consequences. In the wake of his father’s death, H is given the chance to address the ill-will he feels toward his father, as well as develop new feelings of respect and appreciation. 

Nothing short of an instant page-turner, this story indulges in picking apart relationships to see what’s at the center. With great pacing and dialogue that feels honest, Pillars of Salt would be a great read for any fan looking for an intelligent thrill. Join along for a wild ride of unearthing truths and dealing with the consequences that arise from those truths. This novel even offers a thoughtful approach in giving an inside look at how business owners cope with trauma. I loved that aspect of this one.

This masterful work from J.A. Adams is truly one of a kind. Throw all of the intrigue and family dynamics into a textured Louisiana setting, and you’ve got yourself a novel worth talking about in Pillars of Salt.

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

Print Length: 258 pages

ISBN: 978-1637528259

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