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2 stars
Let me start out by saying that I loved the Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. It has become one of my favorite books of all time.

That said, I cannot say the same thing about Once Upon a River by the same author. It was a major disappointment. Books I enjoy reading are basically a good story told well.

Once Upon a River is a good story with a weak delivery. The story begins well with a mystery at its core. As the plot develops, it meanders much like a river. The author spent too much time developing numerous subplots and fleshing out all characters whether central to the plot or not. This became confusing very early on. Additionally, the story is told in multiple voices with all the voices having equal weight in the telling of the tale. Also as confusing is the telling the story in a non-linear way. The story seemed to jump all over the place with regard to the sequence of events.
Taken in combination with what I consider major flaws, the book made for a confusing read. Had the author given some priority as to major and minor characters and events, it probably would have been an enjoyable read. Sorry to say, this was not-just a major disappointment.

Cross posted to May TRM

Oh, so sorry you did not like it Diane-neither did Joi. I was just your opposite-I DNF 13th tale, and this one I loved

You’d better go back to the 13th tale Joanne. Everyone’s Loving that one!

Diane, we're the lone soldiers in the "didn't like this book" camp.

Does make me want to try The Thirteenth Tale and see where I fall there.

I liked both of them. But, Bellman & Black was so universally disliked that I didn't even try it.