Reviews

The Burning Girl by Lisa Unger

gratzee's review

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3.0

I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

Having really enjoyed Unger's The Whispers, I jumped right into the second novella of the series The Burning Girl. It takes place years after the first book. Still a quick and enticing read, the story seems to serve as a bridge to what may happen in the third novella. I look forward to reading the final part of this story.

steph1rothwell's review

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4.0

The Burning Girl is the second part in a novella trilogy.
I read this straight after part one.
Set 10 years later and Eloise has learned how to cope with her gift but is upset to discover that her granddaughter is displaying signs of also being psychic.
This book is more spooky than the first, in both the tale of The Burning Girl who Eloise is trying to help and certain things her granddaughter says.
Looking forward very much to the third part of this trilogy being released.
Thank you the publisher and the author for the copy via netgalley

jcbmathcat's review

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4.0

I received this through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first I have read anything by Lisa Unger, but won't be the last! I didn't realize that The Burning Girl was a short story, as I didn't pay attention to the title page and just jumped right in. It is also the second of three stories that span a thirty year period.

Unger uses her words well. If a reader is new to this trilogy, Unger manages to give background without retelling everything relating to Eloise from the first story, The Whispers. Her characters ring true, and even if you are skeptical about psychics, you will enjoy Unger's storytelling abilities.

I also enjoyed the fact that things weren't necessarily tied up in tidy packages by the end of the story. In fact, when I turned the page and realized there was no more to The Burning Girl, I said, "What?" and flipped back in case I had missed something. I like how Eloise handled the variety of situations that cropped up in this story.

I would recommend this to other readers. It might be good to being with The Whispers; since these are stories, they move quickly.

Sometimes, you just have to let go.

wondernikel's review

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3.0

3...I can NOT believe how these shorts feel like full length novels, but in a good way!! Just leaves me wanting more...Definitely worth the quick read!

nikkisuehaight's review

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4.0

I'm a little disappointed with this one 10 years has passed and you don't find out anything about the burning girl or what happened to the baby

beckylej's review

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4.0

"The Burning Girl" picks up ten years after "The Whispers." Eloise has become somewhat used to her gift and has made increasing use of it since the death of her husband. Not everyone is so pleased, though. Eloise's daughter has distanced herself over the past decade and some of the citizens of The Hollows are understandably wary - and even critical - of Eloise's ability.

When the angry spirit of a girl accompanied by smoke and fire begins to appear to Eloise, she is curious and wants to help. But Eloise is warned off of involving herself with such a spirit. Meanwhile, retired cop turned PI Ray Muldune has taken on a complicated missing persons case and has asked for Eloise's assistance.

I enjoyed this one even more than the first! The burning girl herself is incredibly intriguing and the progression of Eloise's character is really wonderful. Both tales are quite short - easy to slip in when you've got limited reading time - and I'm really dying to read the third now as well. ("The Three Sisters" is out Jan 5.) And of course this little trilogy is leading up to Unger's upcoming novel, Crazy Love You, out February 10.

Lisa Unger really is one of the best thriller writers of the day. Her characters are flawed and well-drawn and her stories are tense and fabulously plotted. Some of the books are connected and do have a reading order. If you enjoy the Whispers trilogy (or if they've piqued your curiosity) and you've not yet read any of The Hollows tales, I suggest starting with Fragile (it's one of my favorites!).

kmmi_booklover's review

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4.0

Many thanks to NetGalley for giving me a copy of this novella to review in exchange for an honest opinion.

The Burning Girl is part 2 in the e-novella Whispers trilogy by Lisa Unger. It is set 10 years after part 1, Eloise has been continuing to use her psychic ability to always help those who come to her. She works with Ray a private detective. For the first time, she meets a spirit, The Burning Girl, who is very angry. Her mentor, Agatha, tells Eloise that she cannot continue to help everyone. Eloise also learns in this part that her granddaughter Finley has the same abilities.

This novella is full of details and does a great job building the characters. It does not feel like a short at all. I would have loved to see this whole thing put together and filled in as a whole novel. I will definitely be purchasing The Three Sisters, Part 3 to finish this story.

nicktionary19's review

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4.0

I was going to give three stars because i felt like something was missing. Upon completion - logging here - I found out this is #2 in a series of shorts. I believe some of what caused my dissatisfaction is information in the previous book. Perhaps the third as well.

MC unlocked some clairvoyance in an accident and is making a living with its use. Quality writing and storytelling. There’s a lot packed into this short story. It doesn’t feel like too much - but on the flip side, some elements feel unfinished. Almost like reading a condensed novel where some elements have been trimmed for time.

Again, probably some of this is handles in subsequent installments. Enjoyable.

petra_reads's review

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4.0

Part two of a trilogy and a very short story, but pretty entertaining. The audiobook narration is fantastic. On to part 3.

booksuperpower's review

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4.0

The Burning Girl by Lisa Unger is a 2014 Pocket Star publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This second book in the Whispers trilogy picks up ten years later as Eloise Montgomery is now a famous psychic who sees dead people. The story is sad because Eloise is still grieving for the husband and child she lost, while the “gift” she has drains all her energy, has put distance between herself and her surviving daughter, and people either depend on her too strongly or she is considered a quack and a pariah, often regarded with suspicion.

But, when she sees a young girl who gives off an odor like someone who emerged from a fire, she is especially troubled, and unsettling revelations begin to emerge about Eloise's background as she discovers her granddaughter may have inherited her special gift.

This second book was just bit off kilter for me compared to the first book, but still very absorbing and chilling. I did not really care for Ray that much, and of course I feel Eloise has been robbed of a peaceful, happy life after having suffered so much. But, there is a third installment and hopefully Eloise will find some kind relief, maybe some answers to her questions, and perhaps a bit more than mere contentment in her life, but even that would be an improvement. Overall I think this book is a bridge to the third and final book, and has set the stage for what is sure to be a compelling read. 4 stars