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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
If you've seen an episode of SVU, you can skip this one. The author's note at the back insists that she really thinks she did something groundbreaking, and it's quite irritating.
I really liked this and found it a fast read despite being on the longer side. I loved the character Anna, the mid-90s Northern California setting and of course, the dog. I also really enjoyed the psychic, and the final scene with her brought me to tears. Only giving it four stars because I totally guessed who did it early on, which I never do. But it almost didn’t matter because I liked everything else about it.
This was a fantastic book. From beginning to end, it grips you and hooks you. I loved the story, the elements of grief, love, obsession, nature as medicine, hope and most importantly love.
A terrific read, a beautifully written story, and did not see the ending coming. 10/10
A terrific read, a beautifully written story, and did not see the ending coming. 10/10
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I am no stranger to author, Paula McLain. I first met her in 2011. Her novel The Paris Wife concerning Hemingway and his marriage to first wife, Hadley, was captivating. I was reintroduced to her in 2018's Love and Ruins. Another homage to Hemingway and his travels and marriage to journalist Martha Gellhorn. Once again, an interesting historical fiction capturing bygone days.
In her latest novel, When the Stars Go Dark, also somewhat historical in nature, the author takes the reader to the early 1990's when there seemed to be an influx of kidnapped girls, all to often resulting in bad news.
Central to this story is Detective Anna Hart, she works to find missing children, some abused, some orphaned by the loss of parents through death, drugs or both.
She herself is going through a huge, though somewhat ambiguous, loss. She is forced to leave her home and family in San Francisco and decides to return to Mendocino where she has fond memories. She throws herself into what she knows best and works with the local sheriff to find a missing girl.
It is a dark, sad read and, particularly in 2020, not the type of escapism one is looking for.
Nonetheless, if you're looking for a police procedural focusing on detective work before the internet and social media offered assistance, a good whodunit, with a decent conclusion, then you may enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book
Publication Date: April 13, 2021.
In her latest novel, When the Stars Go Dark, also somewhat historical in nature, the author takes the reader to the early 1990's when there seemed to be an influx of kidnapped girls, all to often resulting in bad news.
Central to this story is Detective Anna Hart, she works to find missing children, some abused, some orphaned by the loss of parents through death, drugs or both.
She herself is going through a huge, though somewhat ambiguous, loss. She is forced to leave her home and family in San Francisco and decides to return to Mendocino where she has fond memories. She throws herself into what she knows best and works with the local sheriff to find a missing girl.
It is a dark, sad read and, particularly in 2020, not the type of escapism one is looking for.
Nonetheless, if you're looking for a police procedural focusing on detective work before the internet and social media offered assistance, a good whodunit, with a decent conclusion, then you may enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book
Publication Date: April 13, 2021.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
3.5 stars. It was predictable. Little surprise at the end. Loved the characters Hap and Tally even though their parts were smaller.
(Be sure to read authors note)
(Be sure to read authors note)