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carriepond'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? It's complicated
3.75
I will start this review with the disclaimer that I don't read a ton of thrillers. I usually find myself annoyed if the plot is too predictable, especially because thrillers are often so plot-driven. I enjoyed this one more than I usually like thrillers.
Things I liked: Cosby does an excellent job with Titus's character. Many of the other characters are a little one-dimensional, but Titus is the star and he is a star. This kept me engaged even when there were some things I was quibbling with while I was reading (see below). The story also drew me in-- some of it was so disturbing, but ultimately I had to know how things would play out. There were also multiple side plots that I thought Cosby did a good job tying in and tying up, and it was a nice breather from the more grotesque aspects of the main murder plotline. Cosby also does a good job integrating the larger social critique into the story itself.
Things I didn't like as much: I felt like I never really had time to wonder what would happen, if that makes sense. Almost as soon as a clue would appear, Titus would instantly figure out its significance or spring into action to move to the next puzzle piece. I like when I read a mystery and I'm given time to chew on how pieces fit together and here I felt like the wind kept being taken out of my sails. Maybe that's what makes it a thriller versus a mystery?
Despite that issue, I read through this really fast and thought it was a great thriller experience. I think folks who read a lot of thrillers would love this one. Definitely be warned though-- there's a lot in here that isn't for the faint of heart.
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Gore, Gun violence, Racism, Torture, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Police brutality and Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Pedophilia, and Mass/school shootings
arejaytay's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Pedophilia, Racism, Sexual violence, Torture, Blood, Kidnapping, Mass/school shootings, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and Murder
beckybeth's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Incest, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Animal cruelty, Stalking, and Alcohol
ktdakotareads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Gun violence, Hate crime, Racism, Torture, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Mass/school shootings, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
mariannagrace's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Animal death, Child abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Racism, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Mass/school shootings, Religious bigotry, and Murder
katyps78's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Blood, Excrement, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Mass/school shootings, and Death of parent
fkshg8465's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Addiction, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Murder, and Gaslighting
megmccreery's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Cursing, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Medical content, Kidnapping, Mass/school shootings, Religious bigotry, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Drug abuse, Stalking, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Classism
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
afriduss's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Religious bigotry, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Classism
booksaremysuperpower's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Gun violence, Sexual violence, Violence, and Mass/school shootings