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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
Listed as a mystery, this story does indeed have a mystery at its core. However, it’s so much more a character study, particularly of Jess, the main character, who is also the narrator.. Her inner workings, thoughts, physical reaction to stresses are all finely detailed. The setting of her childhood home, the home of Eva (girlfriend of her youth), and even of parking lots and the police station are detailed - giving this reader the same physical reactions as Jess. You can see, smell, and almost touch each location in the story..
As much as I love detail, this was almost too much detail. It became repetitive. Several times I considered jumping ahead - just get to it. At 47% I assumed I was near the end.
The things I’ve criticized, however, are also the things I loved. I felt I knew many of the characters personally. I carried the feeling of the story around with me, even when not reading. I understand this is a debut novel - I will definitely look for this author’s next book.
Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the ARC. Opinions are my own. Round up to 3.5
As much as I love detail, this was almost too much detail. It became repetitive. Several times I considered jumping ahead - just get to it. At 47% I assumed I was near the end.
The things I’ve criticized, however, are also the things I loved. I felt I knew many of the characters personally. I carried the feeling of the story around with me, even when not reading. I understand this is a debut novel - I will definitely look for this author’s next book.
Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the ARC. Opinions are my own. Round up to 3.5
Started as a book but finished as an audiobook. Initailly I put this down but couldn't stop thinking about the story. This story is a reminder to keep communication flowing. And thearpy is good after a tragedy.
Thank you Dial Press for this book and for the fun early book chat this year, this is a strong, moody in a good way, character driven mystery. I loved how Champine developed the setting and tone for the story along with the plot and the characters, a talented writer sharing a complex story that asks readers to reflect on tragedy/grief, how that shapes people and can lead to people feeling stuck or unresolved, and how these patterns shape lives over time. A mother's disappearance, secrets revealed as new ones emerge... two sisters trying to move forward and perhaps they have a chance, even if it means dealing with secrets and tackling loss.
I was expecting a much different book even after I started reading it but liked the one that I got. Early trauma and its effects on who we turn out to be. Relationships, both sisterly and romantic.
Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 rounded up. I enjoyed but this def won’t be for everyone- more of a veryyyy slow burn and a character study of the daughter whose mother disappeared 15 years ago. Lots of descriptions of the settings and the extremely dilapidated town she grew up in. Very very character driven but I liked it.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Low rating is probably on me. I don’t think I would have picked it up if I really read the description. It had all the parts of an atmospheric psychological thriller, but without the stakes or tension, and I don’t think it was trying to be. That’s on me.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to The Dial Press and Net Galley for providing me an ARC of this book to review!
I went into this thinking it was a queer thriller, and I think I would have enjoyed it much more if I hadn't had that initial mindset. While the book does technically revolve around cold case murder, it's certainly not a fast paced, scary story.
One thing I think the author really does well is her portrayal of the complete feeling of hopelessness and feeling stuck that comes with intense grief. I also really appreciated that they captured this feeling without the story itself becoming stagnant.
The 'twist' at the end wasn't too surprising, and it did feel a little too close to the final chapter for me. However, I did like how the book wrapped up in the end.
I went into this thinking it was a queer thriller, and I think I would have enjoyed it much more if I hadn't had that initial mindset. While the book does technically revolve around cold case murder, it's certainly not a fast paced, scary story.
One thing I think the author really does well is her portrayal of the complete feeling of hopelessness and feeling stuck that comes with intense grief. I also really appreciated that they captured this feeling without the story itself becoming stagnant.
The 'twist' at the end wasn't too surprising, and it did feel a little too close to the final chapter for me. However, I did like how the book wrapped up in the end.