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kaceyp14's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting story, but poorly written and the characters do the dumbest things. The mom never asked what Griff said to Calli? And it happened on the night she was shoved down the stairs, but she never realized that was the reason she didn’t talk? Ummm...okay.
ashleysilver7's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I like stories by Heather Gudenkauf, and I especially love that most of her novels take place in Iowa (where I currently live). However, this story was really hard for me, mainly because the adult characters were so unlikable. Antonia (Toni), the mother of Ben and Calli, has stayed with an abusive husband for years...I realize I should have empathy for her struggles, but it doesn't take the reader long to figure out he is BAD news. The children were likable and intriguing, but they couldn't make up for the adults who should have done better...not to mention the police officers were not good at their jobs (I am a music teacher, and I can see they didn't follow protocol). All in all, it was not a bad book but not one of my favorites by this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Kidnapping, and Alcoholism
zaisgraph's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Love the pace and the first person perspectives. The central mysteries weren't as elaborately concealed as to be expected from this sort of thriller. Promising author nonetheless. Will read more.
vanessarj's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
inknosedowl's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I enjoyed this book a lot. The only reason why I am giving it below a 4 is because it is a simple book. The writing is not creative and neither is the story, but it was still an enjoyable read. It is very fast read. I would call it a popcorn crime book! The criticisms I have of this book aren’t bad at all it is still good! For sure recommend for easier reading :)
emilypolle's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Well done thriller that keeps the reader guessing for the whole story. I enjoyed how the prologue made its way into the story about 60% through and how the plot twist wasn’t until after that. 4 stars because I feel like there was an important character that we didn’t get enough story on.