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boba_n_books's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book is told in dual POVs and dual timelines. Back in 1977, we learn about the Lady Killer Murders: a killing spree in small-town Oregon that left everyone reeling trying to figure out who did it. Beth Greer was the perfect suspect: a rich girl who was seen fleeing the scene of the crime. But when she is tried, she was acquitted and has since isolated herself in her family's mansion. In 2017, Shea Collins is a receptionist with a passion for true crime. Having almost become an abduction and murder statistic as a child, she is drawn to these stories and has an online forum dedicated to solving cold cases. By chance, Shea meets Beth Greer, and though she has declined multiple interviews in the past, Beth agrees to be interviewed by Shea. The two women form a bond through their trauma and the odd presence they both feel at the Greer mansion. Shea can't decide whether she's interviewing a manipulative murderer or hearing the story of an innocent women. Or maybe the truth lies somewhere in the grey.
As with the other Simone St. James books I've read, The Book of Cold Cases applies a supernatural element, which I think just makes the story even more spooky and tense. The more you read, the more twisted the plot becomes, and the more you're unsure of what really happened back in 1977.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. Fans of psychological thrillers, true crime, serial k!llers, multi-POV, dual timelines, and 1970s vibes will love this novel.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Misogyny, Child abuse, Car accident, and Kidnapping
Minor: Pregnancy, Rape, and Sexual assault
missdaniellexo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Murder, Alcoholism, Gun violence, Misogyny, and Abandonment
Minor: Terminal illness, Pedophilia, Rape, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Kidnapping, and Child death
theinstabookworm's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Moderate: Death of parent, Murder, and Miscarriage
tearbear418's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Alcoholism, Car accident, and Death of parent
madisonjordan5693's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Kidnapping and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Police brutality and Alcoholism
amelia_horseman's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Toxic relationship, Grief, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Death, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Death of parent
Minor: Violence, Pedophilia, and Sexual assault
ktdakotareads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Confinement, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Car accident
kristicanread's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Murder, and Violence
leahthebooklover's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Murder, Alcohol, Death, Kidnapping, Abandonment, Gun violence, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Blood, Death of parent, and Car accident
strrygo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
this many stars bc i think this could've been vry good if it leaned into the house and beth without trying to do e v e r y t h i ng, an essay on memory and home and family and ghosts, but that would b a different book !
Graphic: Death of parent, Alcoholism, and Murder
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Rape