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pplydm's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Never thought I'd be reading He Started It by Samantha Downing. This book turned out to be the book I'd want to delve into.
Eddie, Beth and Portia recreated a childhood road trip experience around the U.S. Only now, their Grandpa who previously supervised their journey, died, cremated into ashes in an urn placed together near the suitcases. The only way to fathom the Morgan family is to be a part of it. They apparently don't comprehend themselves either, hence they betray and lie to each other. This was written comically despite of the sinister character personalities. A rating of 4/5 star because the story ending was utter disappointment for me. I suggest the author can redeem my frustration if she writes a separate novel dedicated to Nikki.
<i>Arguing about every little thing is what makes people hate you, especially when it comes to family.
Eddie, Beth and Portia recreated a childhood road trip experience around the U.S. Only now, their Grandpa who previously supervised their journey, died, cremated into ashes in an urn placed together near the suitcases. The only way to fathom the Morgan family is to be a part of it. They apparently don't comprehend themselves either, hence they betray and lie to each other. This was written comically despite of the sinister character personalities. A rating of 4/5 star because the story ending was utter disappointment for me. I suggest the author can redeem my frustration if she writes a separate novel dedicated to Nikki.
<i>Arguing about every little thing is what makes people hate you, especially when it comes to family.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Alcohol, Blood, Car accident, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Gun violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
justkeyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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
This wasn’t a thriller to write home about, but it was satisfactory for what it was. But it also seemed like the twists were for shock value and goodness gracious there were a lot of trigger warnings. This family was dysfunctional, conniving, deceitful and doesn’t help that they are the epitome of gaslighting. Just wow!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Murder, Mental illness, Medical content, Infidelity, and Gaslighting
soobooksalot's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is a road trip story unlike any you've read!
Three adult siblings and their spouses are travelling across the States to recreate the road trips they took with their grandfather as children.
Gradually, details are revealed relating to these trips and their motivations.
Oh, did I mention Grampa's ashes are also along for the ride?
This is a unique, slow-burn suspense story that takes turns for the dark as the novel progresses. Timeframes shift frequently throughout, dropping clues and context as to what is to come.
This was a totally different reading experience than Downing's My Lovely Wife and I also look forward to comparing to her newest, For Your Own Good.
Recommended as a twisty and different summer read.
Three adult siblings and their spouses are travelling across the States to recreate the road trips they took with their grandfather as children.
Gradually, details are revealed relating to these trips and their motivations.
Oh, did I mention Grampa's ashes are also along for the ride?
This is a unique, slow-burn suspense story that takes turns for the dark as the novel progresses. Timeframes shift frequently throughout, dropping clues and context as to what is to come.
This was a totally different reading experience than Downing's My Lovely Wife and I also look forward to comparing to her newest, For Your Own Good.
Recommended as a twisty and different summer read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gaslighting, and Murder
alinwonderland's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Child abuse, Kidnapping, and Gaslighting
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