Reviews with content warning for Murder - When the Stars Go Dark

This murder, kidnapping mystery woven with a real life crime, is a very gripping tense read. I had higher hopes for this book and wasn't expecting this storyline exactly. To note their are horror descriptions about kidnapping and rape in this book. I don't think this'll be a re read for me because of this and I was tempted to put it down in the middle of the book. I did continue though as I had to know who was behind it all. The storyline tied well together, I can't recall any plot holes, and that fast paced sudden ending will stay with me.

Well worth also reading the authors note in the end of the book aswell, if you're planning to pick it up. 🙋‍♀️

"For the longest time I stand on Lansing Street, thinking about beauty and
terror. Evil. Grace. Suffering. Joy. How they’re all here every day,
everywhere. Teaching us how to keep stepping forward into our lives, our
purpose." (335)

"Someone she mistook for a life jacket
when she felt she was drowning inside". (167)

Content Warnings

cassidy_rain's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I wanted to like this but it fell a little flat for me. I did think it was interesting how she incorporated real missing persons from the time into the storyline. I love that it’s based in the bay area because I live here and appreciate all the references. I liked the storyline but the pacing felt really slow for me. I also thought it was quite predictable. Check trigger/content warnings!

Content Warnings

miraculeus's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

I really liked the (dark) atmosphere and the descriptions of nature in this book.

Content Warnings

caitrunswild's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

Content Warnings

swolf1840's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Content Warnings

emilysripereviews's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This is such an interesting thriller. I think it’s strength is the way it teaches us about kidnapping, child abuse, neglect, rape and etc without taking away from the story or being remotely boring ( as if the topics could ever be but you get my meaning.)The writing is exceptional and it makes the book fly by. You care for these characters even if you don’t really love them. The reveal is lacklustre in execution but the plot behind it is phenomenal. Highly recommend to anyone!

Content Warnings

celina31's review against another edition

Go to review page

mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

More...