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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love books about missing people and murder. I just do. I love the buildup to the conclusion, I love the red herrings, and I love making up my own theories obsessively even when the book is not in my possession. This psychological thriller is one that grabs the reader, forces them into the trunk of a car and takes corners going 80 MPH. The red herrings are minimal, the possibilities endless, and the revelations where you least expect it. EMMA IN THE NIGHT is a force to be reckoned with.
With an unreliable narrator, many characters told in different perspectives and lights depending on who is in their presence, and our main character told only from memory, the characterization in this one is not only brilliant, but draws you into a frenzy of true psychological suspense. Cass is not only the shining start of this novel, but also one of the two narrators. She is bold, unapologetic, strong, and terrifyingly smart. Surrounded by a rather screwed up family, including the sister that is still missing, Cass not only feeds off the insecurities of others, but shines brighter than anyone around her in any given scene. Dr. Abigail Winter, the other narrator, is not only truly emotionally and mentally skewed, but terrifyingly brilliant and cunning. Her thoughts come out razor sharp and are truly a beautiful contrast against the genius Cass. Throw in a multitude of other characters who are easy to hate, suspect, and pity and you've got yourself a handful of characters who are so well-written, it's hard to focus on the plot...or is it? Wendy Walker has really taken this element to a whole other level as in my opinion, characterization is the most important part of a psychological thriller. You have to really get into the minds of even the smallest characters. Walker did that and more. Not one character goes unnoticed or does not have a place in this exceptionally beautiful thriller.
Two other things I really pay attention to with novels are atmosphere and pacing. This novel is terrifyingly accurate with the atmospheric aspect. I've been to Maine a ton of times and find it to be one of the most beautiful places to visit. While it's a surprisingly 85 degrees in New York, I could feel the chill on my arms from the breeze coming off from the sea. I could hear the waves crashing violently against the rocks. I could smell the saltwater. What a great and dangerous place to plot one of the best thrillers to grace our bookshelves. The pacing with this one is probably the best pacing I've yet to read in a novel. Yes, it starts off with Cass' return home and really sets up the mystery from Page 1, but the pacing slowly grows into a claustrophobic and anxiety-ridden mix as we learn more and more about the events that took place before the two sisters disappeared. As we grow closer to the end of the novel, the last 100 pages easily fly by and before you know it, you're at a spectacular and shocking ending that I would have never been able to guess. I was confused, enthralled, and often scared during this entire novel until the very last page and I wouldn't have changed a thing.
EMMA IN THE NIGHT is the psychological thriller that everyone needs. It's brilliant, beautiful, and suspiciously addicting. Run (don't walk) to your local bookstore and get a copy. You won't be disappointed. I know I wasn't.
*Special thanks to BookSparks for providing me with a copy of this novel for the Fall Reading Challenge 2017 in exchange for my honest review.
With an unreliable narrator, many characters told in different perspectives and lights depending on who is in their presence, and our main character told only from memory, the characterization in this one is not only brilliant, but draws you into a frenzy of true psychological suspense. Cass is not only the shining start of this novel, but also one of the two narrators. She is bold, unapologetic, strong, and terrifyingly smart. Surrounded by a rather screwed up family, including the sister that is still missing, Cass not only feeds off the insecurities of others, but shines brighter than anyone around her in any given scene. Dr. Abigail Winter, the other narrator, is not only truly emotionally and mentally skewed, but terrifyingly brilliant and cunning. Her thoughts come out razor sharp and are truly a beautiful contrast against the genius Cass. Throw in a multitude of other characters who are easy to hate, suspect, and pity and you've got yourself a handful of characters who are so well-written, it's hard to focus on the plot...or is it? Wendy Walker has really taken this element to a whole other level as in my opinion, characterization is the most important part of a psychological thriller. You have to really get into the minds of even the smallest characters. Walker did that and more. Not one character goes unnoticed or does not have a place in this exceptionally beautiful thriller.
Two other things I really pay attention to with novels are atmosphere and pacing. This novel is terrifyingly accurate with the atmospheric aspect. I've been to Maine a ton of times and find it to be one of the most beautiful places to visit. While it's a surprisingly 85 degrees in New York, I could feel the chill on my arms from the breeze coming off from the sea. I could hear the waves crashing violently against the rocks. I could smell the saltwater. What a great and dangerous place to plot one of the best thrillers to grace our bookshelves. The pacing with this one is probably the best pacing I've yet to read in a novel. Yes, it starts off with Cass' return home and really sets up the mystery from Page 1, but the pacing slowly grows into a claustrophobic and anxiety-ridden mix as we learn more and more about the events that took place before the two sisters disappeared. As we grow closer to the end of the novel, the last 100 pages easily fly by and before you know it, you're at a spectacular and shocking ending that I would have never been able to guess. I was confused, enthralled, and often scared during this entire novel until the very last page and I wouldn't have changed a thing.
EMMA IN THE NIGHT is the psychological thriller that everyone needs. It's brilliant, beautiful, and suspiciously addicting. Run (don't walk) to your local bookstore and get a copy. You won't be disappointed. I know I wasn't.
*Special thanks to BookSparks for providing me with a copy of this novel for the Fall Reading Challenge 2017 in exchange for my honest review.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Their mother was insane. Glad she got what she deserved. As much as I think Cass should have just told the truth, it wouldn’t be the book it was if she had.
Rounding up to 4 stars.
I really enjoyed the book overall and I was definitely kept captivated but after finishing it, I felt like I wanted more. I don't know how to describe it or offer any suggestions, but I just wanted something else; I was left a little bit unsatisfied.
The ending was definitely a surprise. I did not think of many of the reveals that were shown and some of my suspicions were off as well. I really enjoy that in a book so it was appreciated here. I liked the character of Abby, but wish we got to hear just a little bit more of her back story. Some of the details given left me wondering even more about her upbringing.
Overall a great story and I would definitely recommend it, but I liked All is Not Forgotten a little bit more.
I really enjoyed the book overall and I was definitely kept captivated but after finishing it, I felt like I wanted more. I don't know how to describe it or offer any suggestions, but I just wanted something else; I was left a little bit unsatisfied.
The ending was definitely a surprise. I did not think of many of the reveals that were shown and some of my suspicions were off as well. I really enjoy that in a book so it was appreciated here. I liked the character of Abby, but wish we got to hear just a little bit more of her back story. Some of the details given left me wondering even more about her upbringing.
Overall a great story and I would definitely recommend it, but I liked All is Not Forgotten a little bit more.
Wendy Walker is so good. Freaking amazing at weaving a story. Twisty and engaging to the very last page.
I originally picked up Emma in the Night as an audiobook to listen to on the way to work today, I planned to listen to it slowly throughout the week. Plans changed quickly because after one minute of listening to the audiobook I was HOOKED. I thought about it all throughout work and finished it as soon as I got home.
I loved the way it was told. I was so fascinated by the story and the characters and I really had no idea what to think. I just let the story unfold and I was not disappointed. I think Wendy Walker did an amazing job. This story was wonderfully crafted and honestly one of my favorite thrillers I’ve read so far!
It was unique and crazy and I loved it. A lot of the times when I read thrillers they leave me feeling gross and disturbed (even though that’s part of the fun) but this had a great ending (to me).
But I will say the things revealed at the end had me feeling all kinds of feelings… whew.
I loved the way it was told. I was so fascinated by the story and the characters and I really had no idea what to think. I just let the story unfold and I was not disappointed. I think Wendy Walker did an amazing job. This story was wonderfully crafted and honestly one of my favorite thrillers I’ve read so far!
It was unique and crazy and I loved it. A lot of the times when I read thrillers they leave me feeling gross and disturbed (even though that’s part of the fun) but this had a great ending (to me).
But I will say the things revealed at the end had me feeling all kinds of feelings… whew.
Hovering between 3 and 4. Had to error on the side of caution (3) because I have read many other, more suspenseful suspense books. It's probably a 3.5, but since that isn't an option.... 3.