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theresaramp's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
5.0
paperbackstash's review against another edition
4.0
Although I think the author missed an opportunity with the ending half - the cop being a major character who didn't get what I think is proper redemption or his involvement in the case bearing strong fruition which would have made more sense (trying to avoid spoilers here) - the story was well written and hard to put down. I also wanted to see more of a follow up with Curtis and the parents of the missing children - I think the story should have revealed more and not cut off abruptly without doing so. The story is a good one, but the different direction in the last quarter weakened it.
Sammy was a sweet kid and the point of view written through him was the most interesting; Crystal was a worthy heroine and I loved the ending article. Dale was the third, but his was iffy and disjointed. Having his point of view given so much time and then not mixing him heavier into the mix harmed the story and almost made his point of view being so dominant time-wise makes it seem almost pointless, but I do recommend the story.
The mystery isn't strong, it's more of a drama-thriller piece where you keep reading to see the next development, who will reveal what, and when it will be revealed. It's not a mystery where you're really trying to solve the culprit, and I think the author intended that, so that's fine and doesn't take away from the story's rating or enjoyment level.
Sammy was a sweet kid and the point of view written through him was the most interesting; Crystal was a worthy heroine and I loved the ending article. Dale was the third, but his was iffy and disjointed. Having his point of view given so much time and then not mixing him heavier into the mix harmed the story and almost made his point of view being so dominant time-wise makes it seem almost pointless, but I do recommend the story.
The mystery isn't strong, it's more of a drama-thriller piece where you keep reading to see the next development, who will reveal what, and when it will be revealed. It's not a mystery where you're really trying to solve the culprit, and I think the author intended that, so that's fine and doesn't take away from the story's rating or enjoyment level.
bmstale2's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
laramccune's review against another edition
3.0
I was unsure whether to give this book 3 or 4 stars. The writing was good. The story was good. I liked the characters. I hated that there was no justice for what did get solved and I hated that the bigger question was never solved at all. I get this is based on real life stuff and things don't always get solved and wrapped up with a neat little bow in real life but maybe thats how I like my stories. I read this book as a break from my normal genre and while I enjoyed reading it, I'm going back to fantasy now✌
maddylogic's review against another edition
3.0
I’m not quite sure how to rate this. I certainly didn’t enjoy it and did end up skimming, but that was more from the constant, pervasive sense of dread than because of anything wrong with the book or writing.. The writing itself was fine - my only complaint would be about the ending. It didn’t give any sense of closure.
cosmicbutton's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
annegoodreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Sammy and Crystal Cox are siblings growing up in the 1980s. They live with their Mom who works two jobs and is a bit clueless. Crystal has a vision disability where she is legally blind but she writes for the school yearbook and newspaper. Following the disappearances of two paperboys from their small Midwestern town, Crystal decides it’s the perfect story to win a writing contest for a scholarship. Officer Dale Goodkind is the detective on the case who is haunted by his past. This book is gut-wrenching! We are given two possible men who are the potential monsters kidnapping the boys. Sammy and Crystal know things no one else does. They are both amazing characters. The end has me freaked out. Then I go to research the author and find out the story is based on the real disappearances of Johnny Gosch, Eugene Martin, and Marc Allen. The boys disappeared from Des Moines, Iowa between 1982 and 1986. Knowing this really happened has me even more freaked out!!
tayterchip's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Pedophilia, and Kidnapping
nonbinaryan's review against another edition
5.0
This book hooked me at the beginning and kept me on my toes throughout. Definite suspense throughout. Look forward to reading more from this author.
ericaereads's review against another edition
4.0
Am I going to become a mystery/thriller reader? After gobbling this book up in two days, maybe!
I stepped outside my comfort zone after a fellow librarian raved about White's first foray into suspense writing (I had already read [b:The Good Divide|28801133|The Good Divide|Kali White VanBaale|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1454091949l/28801133._SY75_.jpg|49013044] and expressed wild enthusiasm for White's writing there) and was not disappointed. The dark, character-driven mystery combined with a local real-world connection (how many books do you know that feature Des Moines, Iowa?) that immediately made me invested in the story and characters. White's immersive writing and her intricate plot consumed my thoughts for days after I finished the last page. I was captivated! My gut (and heart) was wrenched! I became a suspenseful, emotional wreck! And I loved every moment!
Also, a birdie told me that Kali White is working on another real-world inspired thriller, and I cannot wait. If White becomes a predominantly thriller/suspense writer, I wouldn't be mad. Just sayin'.
I stepped outside my comfort zone after a fellow librarian raved about White's first foray into suspense writing (I had already read [b:The Good Divide|28801133|The Good Divide|Kali White VanBaale|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1454091949l/28801133._SY75_.jpg|49013044] and expressed wild enthusiasm for White's writing there) and was not disappointed. The dark, character-driven mystery combined with a local real-world connection (how many books do you know that feature Des Moines, Iowa?) that immediately made me invested in the story and characters. White's immersive writing and her intricate plot consumed my thoughts for days after I finished the last page. I was captivated! My gut (and heart) was wrenched! I became a suspenseful, emotional wreck! And I loved every moment!
Also, a birdie told me that Kali White is working on another real-world inspired thriller, and I cannot wait. If White becomes a predominantly thriller/suspense writer, I wouldn't be mad. Just sayin'.