3.9 AVERAGE

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
dark emotional mysterious sad tense
dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
challenging dark tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
dark emotional fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Trigger Warning - Kidnapping, Sexual Violence, Self-harm

Lucinda Berry does it again with her gripping writing style! Appetite for Innocence is a chilling thriller that unfolds in dual timelines, narrating both the past and present of a tragic incident. From the very beginning, we know who the victim and perpetrator are, but the suspense lies in how the story unravels.

The novel follows young girls abducted and held captive in a dark, dingy basement, subjected to horrifying abuse by a man named John. What makes this even more unsettling is how he selects his victims—by exploiting the personal information they share on social media, pretending to befriend them before striking. This aspect of the book is both terrifying and eye-opening, forcing readers to reflect on how much we reveal online and who might be watching.

Though the story starts at a slower pace, it soon picks up, transforming into a nail-biting emotional rollercoaster. The victims’ characters are well-developed, making their pain and resilience deeply moving. However, I found the perpetrator’s character lacking in depth. I wished for more insight into his psyche—perhaps even his point of view. Who knows? Maybe the author has another book in store that explores his side of the story.

I give this book 🌟🌟🌟🌟 / 5 for its gripping narrative, fast-paced storytelling, and the raw emotions that had me shedding tears.
dark emotional fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Warning: Rape, Torture, Pedophilia

If you are familiar with The Butterfly Garden and enjoyed it, this book is for you! The story was told from 3 different POV, so it really gave it a more depth experience.

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
dark fast-paced

Loved the short chapters from each girls point of view. One of those books that would make a really disturbing yet great Criminal Minds episode.