Big Books of 2026
Mystic River

Questions About Mystic River

by Dennis Lehane (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Mystic River, please sign up.

Answered Questions (12)

Today, in 2016, are there still identifiably ethnic white neighborhoods (such as Irish, Polish, Italian, etc) that are so common in these types of crime stories?
Israr I guess so. I live in Boston, particularly in East Boston which has kind of a large Hispanic community, but there are still some Italians here and the…moreI guess so. I live in Boston, particularly in East Boston which has kind of a large Hispanic community, but there are still some Italians here and there. Boston is a farcry from Lehane's novel which is based on a Boston Lehane grew up in the 70's and 80's. Gentrification has been going on probably since like the late 80's I want to say? And it's still going on today.

In short, yes. There probably are still some communities like these out there, but I'm sure Lehane kinda exaggerates just a little bit.(less)
flag
This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)
Jessica
This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)
flag
I found the book very boring. Anybody else who has the same feeling?
Denny Olden No, no one else has the same feeling.
flag
Is the ending unexpected? Because I already think I know who did it ( but I could be wrong!)
Jessica Not necessarily a surprise, just a realistic reveal.
flag
This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)
Wrongleveeeeeeer There is almost no detail of the child abuse. The violent nature of the murder is described in police detail, but is only as disturbing as that kind o…moreThere is almost no detail of the child abuse. The violent nature of the murder is described in police detail, but is only as disturbing as that kind of thing is, by necessity. It is mostly a book about characters--their motivations, their loves, their losses...I say take your chances and get them the book. It's a great read.(less)
flag

Unanswered Questions (2)

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more