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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This book was strange. Almost like reading FBI fan fiction. I'm really not sure who the audience is. The first book in the series was from the perspective of the victims of a larger than life serial killer story. This one was more about BFF FBI agents who were always having sleepovers among themselves and weirdly victims from previous cases. A kissing each other on the forehead? And there was truly baffling relationship issue where one person (who works for the FBI) is mad about the other persons work (also works for the FBI)? I still read the whole thing, but it wasn't nearly as compelling as the first book.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Another brilliant novel in The Collector series, The Summer Children is the second five star I've awarded this series so far!
Supervisory Special Agent Mercedes Ramirez is a brilliant character. She's hardly touched upon in the first book but has a larger part in the second, where we find out she's Latinx, a lesbian, has a major dislike of woodland areas, is in a new-ish relationship with an Agent from Counter Terrorism, has a close friendship with Agent Eddison, and is completely badass! So, imagine how excited I was to see The Summer Children written from Mercedes' POV, letting us know her background story and the reasons why she became an FBI agent in the Crimes Against Children division.
The Summer Children is a very fast-paced story. Whilst reading I had the feeling of time running out, I felt like I was on a deadline (along with the agents) to get to the end of the book and find the bad guy and make sure everyone is okay! It makes for an anxious and tense but very quick, read - once again completing the book in 24 hours. The plot grabs you from the very beginning - children covered in blood are being left on Agent Ramirez' porch. All the children are given by their abductor is an angel teddy bear, Mercedes' name, and a promise that they're safe now.
Although 90% of the book is in Agent Ramirez POV, the rest is written as memories of our villains' childhood. These are heartbreaking entries. The things our baddie went through as a child shouldn't have happened (especially repeatedly) and hearing the memories being recalled is chilling and emotional.
The relationships between the agents, the previous victims that they "adopted", and all their extended families is wonderfully woven. It is one of the reasons the books really should be read in order. Although each instalment has its own ending, the interwoven relationships are something you could only fully appreciate if you've been with these characters from the start and can, therefore, see their character progress and relationships flourish.
A brilliant book in its own right, it was nevertheless great to see some of my favourite Butterflies make a reappearance in The Summer Children, as well as Priya and Sterling (from The Roses of May) returning, with Sterling now fully integrated into the CAC team with Ramirez, Eddison, and Hanoverian.
I can't wait to read book four - The Vanishing Season - but I'm gutted it's the end of the series! I can only hope that Dot Hutchison gives my favourite characters a fitting goodbye.
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I didn't love the turn in the series towards the police perspective over the victims.
And I really disliked Meecedes
And I really disliked Meecedes
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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:
No
This series (The Collector) is absolutely amazing! The four books in this series are so hard to put down. They keep you intrigued at all times. I highly recommend this series to everyone!
Book 1: The Butterfly Garden
Book 2: The Roses of May
Book 3: The Summer Children
Book 4: The Vanishing Season
Book 1: The Butterfly Garden
Book 2: The Roses of May
Book 3: The Summer Children
Book 4: The Vanishing Season
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Incest, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder