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kellyreadingbooks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
1.0
I usually don't "yuck someone's yum", but I don't understand how someone could enjoy this book. This read like an R rated Lifetime horror movie mixed with the cheese of the Disney Channel Original movie Smart House (Smart Demon Nana?? lol). The characters were so naïve I couldn't even fathom the story to begin with. I think there are much better books out there exploring ageism and gender inequality. I read this for an online book club and I am genuinely curious if this will be a hit for anyone. I honestly should've stopped reading it at multiple points because nooooooooot my cup of tea!
Moderate: Sexual assault, Body horror, Sexual content, and Rape
Minor: Animal death
ruthypoo2's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The book begins with a legitimately creepy opening titled, "Before..." Picture an elderly widow returning after dark to the large home she lives in alone, and hearing something upstairs she feels compelled to investigate. It's amazing how a good writer can take a setting that you normally feel so safe in, like your own home, and turn it into a sinister haunted house. All it takes is a little creak or open door here and there to get the goosebumps rising on this reader's arms!
The bulk of the story is told from the perspectives of Troy and his wife, Monica who live with their young daughter and son. Early in the story, Monica's estranged mother, Grace, enters the picture and ends up staying with her daughter's family so she and Monica can get reacquainted. Then odd and tragic things start affecting the family, but can these incidents be traced back to the arrival of Monica's mother?
I enjoyed the evolving cat and mouse game that was woven throughout the story between Troy and his mother-in-law, Grace. I think all the characters were well crafted and you either love, hate, or can get terribly frustrated with their action or inaction. The plot was interesting and though not entirely unique, it was presented in a modern and brutal way.
I listened to the audiobook edition and enjoyed the narration of Leon Nixon. Mr. Nixon did an excellent job voicing all characters and presenting their unique and disparate personalities. The narration contributed to the eeriness of the story and built momentum with good pacing.
Moderate: Sexual content, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, and Rape
Minor: Death and Animal death
susie77's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Misogyny, Domestic abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
heather_dowell's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Pregnancy, Grief, Rape, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Murder, Body shaming, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Gun violence, Gore, Emotional abuse, Death, Body horror, Death of parent, and Abandonment
sadieriley's review
1.0
Graphic: Rape, Animal death, and Misogyny
eve81's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Grief, Gaslighting, Medical content, Medical trauma, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Animal cruelty, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Violence, Murder, Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Body horror, and Abandonment
polo's review against another edition
3.5
Graphic: Sexual content, Rape, Animal death, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Murder, Drug abuse, and Child abuse
booktribe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Also, this is the 3rd Brandon Massey books I’ve read. I’ve enjoyed them all, but 2/3 have this trope that I’ve noticed. This poor “innocent”, not innocent at all, man gets targeted by this crazy woman and he must save himself from her crazy and sex filled nature. It’s getting tiring. But I’m reading In the Dark next, so fingers crossed that there’s none of that foolery🤞🏽
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Animal death
remie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Infidelity, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Animal death, Body horror, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Drug abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, and Rape
Moderate: Gore, Gun violence, Body shaming, Torture, Adult/minor relationship, Car accident, Confinement, Incest, and Kidnapping
Minor: Pregnancy