Guide Me Home

by Attica Locke
Guide Me Home cover
Good Books rating 4.19
Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £18.99
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  • ID: 191
  • Added: 2025-09-04
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781782836391
  • Publisher: Serpent's Tail
  • Published: 2024-09-19
  • Formats: 72
  • Reviews: 4

Guide Me Home is the blistering conclusion to the award-winning Highway 59 series, acclaimed for its lyrical and complex storytelling that deeply engages with themes of race and class in contemporary America. Darren Mathews, a former Texas Ranger who resigned after a controversial choice that may lead to his trial, is drawn back into the fray when a black girl disappears from an all-white sorority, her family and community reluctant to acknowledge her absence. As Darren reluctantly takes on the case at the urging of his estranged mother, the investigation unearths painful truths about his own family history and the societal fractures shaped by recent political shifts. Praised as top-quality crime fiction by major publications and recognized with multiple prestigious awards and nominations, this novel blends a searing social commentary with a suspenseful, emotionally charged narrative that explores justice, redemption, and the possibility of a new future.

Reviews
The TLS · Arin Keeble · 2025-09-13
satisfying 4.00

The review highlights the trilogy's achievement in portraying East Texas with depth and nuance, praising the final installment for its rich and satisfying conclusion.

Arin Keeble admires the Highway 59 series for its richly textured depiction of East Texas, where the cultural and social tensions are woven intricately into the narrative. The final book, 'Guide Me Home,' is seen as a rewarding conclusion that not only resolves the mystery but also deepens the exploration of the characters' personal and regional conflicts. The trilogy is valued for its literary quality and insightful social commentary, making this installment a fitting and fulfilling end to the story arc.

Quick quotes

    The achievement of these novels lies in the way they portray East Texas.

    Guide Me Home is a rich and satisfying conclusion to one of the best crime series.

    The series is notable for its literary quality and social insight.

Crime Fiction Lover · 2025-09-13
immersive 4.25

The reviewer praises Locke's vivid and sensory-rich depiction of Texas, highlighting her skill in blending the setting naturally with the story and characters.

This review emphasizes Attica Locke's deep affection for Texas, conveyed through her evocative descriptions that appeal to the senses and create a vivid sense of place. The reviewer appreciates how Locke integrates the setting seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the story without distracting from the plot. The novel's exploration of race, family, and justice is underscored by this rich backdrop, making the reading experience immersive and emotionally resonant.

Quick quotes

    Locke loves her home state of Texas and she describes places in a way that appeals to the senses, making it easy to visualise.

    Her writing allows you to imagine the taste and smell of the vegetables that Darren grows in his garden.

    Equally, she is not blind to the less pleasant realities of Texas like the oppressive heat and racism.

Goodreads · Jessica Woodbury · 2025-09-13
engaging 4.50

The reviewer finds the book a well-told missing person story with strong writing that keeps readers guessing, though the protagonist's personal story is more central than the crime this time.

Jessica Woodbury reflects that 'Guide Me Home' places Darren Matthews's personal struggles front and center, with his relationship with his mother more deeply explored than in previous books. While the mystery of the missing college student remains compelling and keeps readers uncertain, the emotional core is Darren's internal conflict and family dynamics, which adds depth but shifts focus from the crime itself. The book is praised for its strong writing and evocative setting, making it a worthy conclusion to the series despite some narrative balance issues.

Quick quotes

    Only top level writing can keep the reader guessing.

    At points you’ll think yes [she is missing], other times you’ll be unsure.

    In the final analysis, this is a well told missing person story worthy of five luminous STARS!

BookMunch · 2025-07-17
provocative 4.00

The book is a politically charged exploration of contemporary America, addressing racial identity and the healthcare system under Trump-era politics.

This review highlights Attica Locke's unabashedly political approach, focusing on Darren Mathews' experience as a Black man navigating the Trump presidency and a fractured America. The reviewer notes that much of the novel’s plot revolves around the US healthcare system and critiques of political divides, with adversaries portrayed as Trump supporters thriving amid societal chaos. Despite the heavy political themes, the drama these create is effective and compelling, offering an insightful look at how politics deeply impact personal and community lives.

Quick quotes

    "Managing his sense of doom was nearly a full-time job."

    "It was hard these days to know where make-believe ended and the truth held firm. Facts no longer seemed to matter all that much."

    "Few other novels quite convey how politics can be a life-or-death business as effectively."

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