Long Bright River by Liz Moore

Title: Long Bright River
Author: Liz Moore
Publisher: Riverhead Books
Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Crime
Year of Publication: 2020
Date of Publication: January 7, 2020
Pages: 496
ISBN-10: 0525540679
ISBN-13: 978-0525540670

Summary of Long Bright River by Liz Moore

Long Bright River is a novel that follows two sisters, Mickey and Kacey, whose lives have taken drastically different paths in the opioid-ravaged streets of Philadelphia. 

Mickey, a police officer, is on the hunt for her estranged sister, Kacey, who has disappeared amidst a series of murders affecting the city’s vulnerable population.

Main Plot & Characters

The book is told from the perspective of Mickey.

Growing up Mickey and Kacey’s mother died from a drug overdose, and their father left. Their family life was pretty dysfunctional. They ended up being raised by their grandmother.

Unfortunately, Kacey ends up getting addicted to drugs as well and struggles with addiction. The two sister have an estranged relationship and barely talk to each other although they both live in the same area. Mickey always has an eye on Kacey, when she is out patrolling. She always looks to see how Kacey is doing.

One day, while Mickey is patrolling a street, a body is found. Instead of being from an overdose, it appears a crime has been committed. A few more women turn up in a similar situation and at the same time Kacey goes missing.

As Mickey investigates a string of murders, her search for Kacey becomes increasingly urgent, uncovering dark secrets and the complex ties between family, duty, and survival.

Key Themes of Long Bright River

• Addiction and Family: Explores the impact of addiction on familial relationships.
• Societal Injustice: Highlights the struggles of marginalized communities affected by the opioid crisis.
• Duty and Loyalty: Examines the conflicts between personal loyalty and professional duty.
• Forgiveness and Redemption: Follows Mickey’s journey toward reconciling with her sister and her past.

Writing Style

Liz Moore’s writing captures the harsh realities of addiction while maintaining empathy for her characters. 

Her detailed descriptions and suspenseful pacing draw readers into a world filled with tension and humanity.

The author does not use chapters in the books instead she uses “then” and “now” to give you a sense of which timeline in the story is being discussed.

Impact of Long Bright River

The novel was praised for its timely exploration of the opioid crisis and complex portrayal of family dynamics. 

It became a bestseller and resonated widely, sparking discussions on addiction, justice, and resilience.

Have you read this Long Bright River by Liz Moore? Is it on your list? And if you’ve read it, which scene or chapter left the biggest impression on you, and why?