John Hart does not write frequently but does write wonderfully. For several years, he has demonstrated an unequaled ability to mine memorable and haunting tales about the downtrodden and unfortunate in his native North Carolina, people whose lives are played out in desperation beyond the reaches of the interstate. Given that Hart’s appearances on bookshelves are sporadic, each new title with which he favors his reading public is a cause for dark joy. This is particularly true of THE UNWILLING, a frightening coming-of-age tale highlighting the capability of both depravity and redemption of the human soul.

The book is set in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1972, a roiling period in the history of the republic due to the country’s involvement in the Vietnam War. It is partially told in the first person by Gibby French, a high school senior who, as graduation approaches, is at a crossroads in his life. The war has cost the French family dearly. Gibby’s older twin brothers have been casualties of the conflict in markedly different ways: Robert was killed in action, while Jason’s wounds are more complicated and include a dishonorable discharge and a prison sentence of several years.

"...a frightening coming-of-age tale highlighting the capability of both depravity and redemption of the human soul.... What we have here is yet another embarrassment of riches from Hart’s seemingly unlimited basket of talents."

Jason returns to Charlotte unannounced and unexpected as THE UNWILLING begins, his presence only a rumor to his parents. The boys’ mother, Gabrielle, is concerned, and her default overprotectiveness of Gibby kicks into high gear with the news that Jason, the lost and bad son, is back in town. Their father, William, is a law enforcement officer who is also worried but is more understanding. He finds himself caught between his wife and sons, as well as between his sons, not to mention his policing duties.

Gibby is chafing at his mother’s limitations, especially when enigmatic Jason reaches out to him with ready access to liquor and women older than Gibby. But Jason has a problem in the form of an imprisoned serial killer known as X, who is awaiting his own fate on death row. X, for reasons that are eventually revealed, has more money than God and almost as much influence. They formed an odd relationship while Jason was in prison, and X manipulates the system in order to bring him back under his control. X is willing to do anything to get his way, and what he does is nightmarish, to say the least. However, one of the book’s most hair-raising elements is that X is not the worst character here.

The web of relationships eventually sets Gibby and his best friend on a course that intersects with a monster who walks in the shadows of the good people of Charlotte and, strangely enough, brings the French family together --- as the story proceeds to a chilling ending.

One might be forgiven for characterizing THE UNWILLING as “the Hart of darkness,” as that description is entirely accurate. While the book is complete in itself, there are enough ends dangling at the conclusion that a sequel would be welcomed with open arms. What we have here is yet another embarrassment of riches from Hart’s seemingly unlimited basket of talents.