" I bought this book--a small-town mystery and message of morality--because Jodi Picoult, one of my favorite authors, said Alice Hoffman is one of her greatest inspirations. "The River King" being my introduction to Alice Hoffman, I found the plot disappointing. It lack the twists and turns I've come to expect with Picoult's books. Perhaps the story is a bit too predictable? It starts slow and gets more interesting about halfway through but by the end I was underwhelmed. I like Hoffman's style enough, and characters Carlin and Gus are certainly memorable, so I am looking forward to reading of one of her other books .. perhaps Practical Magic or Here on Earth. "
— Jaime, 2/13/2014