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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
At first I thought this book was boring. I almost DNF a couple of times because of the story line. I kept thinking to myself of course it’s the dad who is holding the family hostage. Why did they add Logan’s story line? What does him and Debbie have to do with it but when you realize Patrick was the one holding them hostage, my review immediately became a 4/5 stars. I was absolutely not expecting that twist. Great read.
1.5 stars. Very much a book outside of my normal reading comfort zone, but I was willing to give this a chance (in the name of book club!) and wow, was I seriously bored. Oddly, the description of this book is completely inaccurate and it is weird to me that the marketed blurb could be so wildly off from the actual book. I kept hoping it would get more interesting or surprising, but overall, this felt like a slog.
The book could have benefited from some serious editing (repetitive prose, stereotypical characters, oddly written dialogue at times) and I wish all of the narrative chapters with the whiny, insufferable "villain" of the story were cut entirely. Were we supposed to feel any sympathy for this character? I felt nothing but disgust and annoyance. I'll admit I was a bit caught off guard by the big twist, but that was about the only aspect of this book I enjoyed. It felt like I was reading a Lifetime movie...? Would not recommend.
The book could have benefited from some serious editing (repetitive prose, stereotypical characters, oddly written dialogue at times) and I wish all of the narrative chapters with the whiny, insufferable "villain" of the story were cut entirely. Were we supposed to feel any sympathy for this character? I felt nothing but disgust and annoyance. I'll admit I was a bit caught off guard by the big twist, but that was about the only aspect of this book I enjoyed. It felt like I was reading a Lifetime movie...? Would not recommend.
Absolutely amazing. I have not had a book that I was not able to put down in a long time and this one takes the cake. It starts off with the juicy details to pull you right in and doesn’t stop. Bits and pieces are given as clues throughout and the final ending is insane. Such a good read. 10/10!
*Trigger warning for domestic violence*
Five stars for how this book resonated with me.
I read this book in less than a day, it was so hard to put down for me. While the writing is accessible, the flow of storytelling is compelling with a twist I didn’t see coming. (Or perhaps I didn’t see it coming because I read it so quickly without mulling it over in my head until it was finished.) It switches from multiple perspectives of the story and provides insight to the psyche (and general unwell-ness) of many of the characters. This tells a story of how many people carry baggage, but ultimately it is up to the one carrying it to release it or let it fester. Baggage demands to be faced or else it will control you, making you into someone unrecognizable.
I’m happy this story had a happy-ish conclusion. The neighborhood becomes more tight knit as a result of trauma bonding.
Please do not read the synopsis for this book. It is not accurate.
Though the beginning was a little slow, the book picked up so quickly and it’s getting four stars because my sister made me keep reading it because it was so engrossing. I updated her often.
It is best to go into this book blind, and enjoy the ride.
Though the beginning was a little slow, the book picked up so quickly and it’s getting four stars because my sister made me keep reading it because it was so engrossing. I updated her often.
It is best to go into this book blind, and enjoy the ride.
An interesting read, my first by Trope. I enjoyed her characters, and the twists and turns the story told. I liked the first person POVs as we learned each person's experience as part of the whole.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was ok. It felt really slow to get going.
Multiple POV
Katherine is the mother to George and Sophie. They are being held hostage in their home. This part of the story is in the present. Katherine is trying to figure out a way to get her kids to safety.
Logan and Gladys are the POV of the past. Logan is a delivery driver that first notices odd behavior when he tries to deliver a computer and the homeowner won't open the door. He is so concerned he tries to go the police, but to no avail. Gladys notices her neighbors aren't following their regular daily routine. And their was a big fight between Katherine and her husband last night. She is very concerned that something isn't right next across the street. She wants to call the police. Her husband says to stop being a nosy neighbor.
This book is set in Australia. I believe this is the first book I have read set in Australia. I think I will try another book from this author.
Multiple POV
Katherine is the mother to George and Sophie. They are being held hostage in their home. This part of the story is in the present. Katherine is trying to figure out a way to get her kids to safety.
Logan and Gladys are the POV of the past. Logan is a delivery driver that first notices odd behavior when he tries to deliver a computer and the homeowner won't open the door. He is so concerned he tries to go the police, but to no avail. Gladys notices her neighbors aren't following their regular daily routine. And their was a big fight between Katherine and her husband last night. She is very concerned that something isn't right next across the street. She wants to call the police. Her husband says to stop being a nosy neighbor.
This book is set in Australia. I believe this is the first book I have read set in Australia. I think I will try another book from this author.
As an avid reader of thrillers, I was pretty excited to read this. The story starts in the middle of a heinous hostage situation and you’re thrust into a humid, claustrophobic house that’s the scene of the action.
Dealing with repressed psychological childhood issues, this book is a an interesting window into the mind of troubled souls. My only gripe was the the ‘twist’ just fell flat for me. Too many loose ends tied up in one neat sweep.
Nevertheless, a gripping read full of uncomfortable suspense as you fear for the lives of the characters and wait for things to unfold.
Dealing with repressed psychological childhood issues, this book is a an interesting window into the mind of troubled souls. My only gripe was the the ‘twist’ just fell flat for me. Too many loose ends tied up in one neat sweep.
Nevertheless, a gripping read full of uncomfortable suspense as you fear for the lives of the characters and wait for things to unfold.