Scan barcode
brandylw's review against another edition
2.0
This really wasn't a great book, but it wasn't bad, either. The problem is that there were too many loose ends that didn't add up that would never have gotten a twelve year old convicted of murdering over a dozen people since the age of four. Plus, hanging bodies for six years in a hidden basement didn't stink? It was too unbelievable, even for the fifties, that there would not have been some questions regarding how a four year old was supposed to have killed a grown man by stabbing him in the throat with shears and then hanging him up.
Regardless, it was good as far a characterizations go. Avery was a sympathetic protagonist, the nurses and doctors decidedly evil, the mother, Faye, was crazy as hell, and everyone else was blindingly following after. Still, not good enough to get above two stars, and it barely got to that. I did finish it, though, which is why I didn't give it one star. It at least kept me reading.
Regardless, it was good as far a characterizations go. Avery was a sympathetic protagonist, the nurses and doctors decidedly evil, the mother, Faye, was crazy as hell, and everyone else was blindingly following after. Still, not good enough to get above two stars, and it barely got to that. I did finish it, though, which is why I didn't give it one star. It at least kept me reading.
the_paigemaster's review against another edition
DNF. oh boy is the writing terrible. I couldn’t get past chapter five when the sister and Paul slept together. It was just bad.
thomaswjoyce's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I LOVED this book! The deeper I got into the dramatic story, the more engrossed I got and I couldn't put it down. McHugh does an excellent job capturing the complexities of her characters, showing Avery's growth from child to woman and the effect her conniving and overbearing mother had on her. The depiction of gaslighting is very well done (and will be very relatable to some readers who had difficult relationships with their parents). The passage of time is also handled very well, the pacing feeling very natural and smooth. All-in-all this was a compelling, entertaining read from a gifted author. I was going to say McHugh clearly put a lot of work into producing such a stellar read, but the reality is it reads just like a natural storyteller effortlessly spinning a good yarn. I can't praise it enough. Bring on book 2!
iilex's review against another edition
3.0
I read this book in less than a day because I had to find out what happened next. It was very engaging. Unfortunately, in the end I found the book more depressing than scary :[ I wasn't in the mood for a total downer, so that was too bad.
typicalbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the premise, setting and characters very much. Having an affinity for the insane, and justice within the justice system, the plot was what kept me interested. And hell, everyone loves a warped revenge story. The dialogue did not grab me though, and as another reviewer mentioned, there are some odd time warps. All in all, a fun read for those who enjoy a psycho soap opera - emphasis on the psycho!
lesliedotcom's review against another edition
2.0
Story was okay, didn't like the writer's style at all. :-(
noveladdiction's review
5.0
I always find it a little tough to review the books I really, really love. I don't want to gush, and what I love about it is always so hard to put into words. I've had that problem with the other books I have reviewed by Jessica McHugh. Her writing style is unique and so incredibly powerful - there were times while reading this book that I was physically shaking - from fear, anger, and plenty of other emotions. Jessica McHugh has a way with words, of crafting the text into something that will make you really feel it.
I absolutely loved Avery Norton. My heart ached for her, and for what she lost out on because of her mother. And on that note, I cannot properly express how much I hated the mother, Faye Norton. These two characters, for good or bad, will stick with me for a long time. And their ending (which I won't give away) was as truly epic as they deserve. The entire cast of characters were brilliant, and to watch Avery's transformation from an innocent young girl to someone so.. well, indescribable, it truly was amazing to watch.
Maybe this sort of novel isn't your idea of a good time, and I can't really blame you for thinking that, I've done the same thing in the past. But I have yet to read a book by this author that hasn't left me going "Whoa." at the end. Every reader gets into a reading rut now and again, feeling like you're reading the same thing over and over - maybe it's time to try something new. So give "Rabbits in the Garden" a shot - and then come back here and tell me about your experience with it because I can't deal with this alone, people!
Cover Loving: I'll admit it, this cover confused the heck out of me until I read the book. However, now it makes total sense.. creepy, creepy sense. But this cover is limited edition! According to the author, "Rabbits in the Garden" is going to get a facelift (or a new face) so go get your limited edition copy now!
Recommendation: Fans of Speculative Fiction, or maybe darker fiction in general will definitely want to pick up "Rabbits in the Garden" by Jessica McHugh. With a flowing, unique writing style, the author will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE (5/5). Once again, Jessica McHugh blew me away. An excellent story that had me practically shaking with emotion. Be sure to pick yourself up a copy asap!
I absolutely loved Avery Norton. My heart ached for her, and for what she lost out on because of her mother. And on that note, I cannot properly express how much I hated the mother, Faye Norton. These two characters, for good or bad, will stick with me for a long time. And their ending (which I won't give away) was as truly epic as they deserve. The entire cast of characters were brilliant, and to watch Avery's transformation from an innocent young girl to someone so.. well, indescribable, it truly was amazing to watch.
Maybe this sort of novel isn't your idea of a good time, and I can't really blame you for thinking that, I've done the same thing in the past. But I have yet to read a book by this author that hasn't left me going "Whoa." at the end. Every reader gets into a reading rut now and again, feeling like you're reading the same thing over and over - maybe it's time to try something new. So give "Rabbits in the Garden" a shot - and then come back here and tell me about your experience with it because I can't deal with this alone, people!
Cover Loving: I'll admit it, this cover confused the heck out of me until I read the book. However, now it makes total sense.. creepy, creepy sense. But this cover is limited edition! According to the author, "Rabbits in the Garden" is going to get a facelift (or a new face) so go get your limited edition copy now!
Recommendation: Fans of Speculative Fiction, or maybe darker fiction in general will definitely want to pick up "Rabbits in the Garden" by Jessica McHugh. With a flowing, unique writing style, the author will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE (5/5). Once again, Jessica McHugh blew me away. An excellent story that had me practically shaking with emotion. Be sure to pick yourself up a copy asap!
iilex's review
3.0
I read this book in less than a day because I had to find out what happened next. It was very engaging. Unfortunately, in the end I found the book more depressing than scary :[ I wasn't in the mood for a total downer, so that was too bad.
More...