Reviews

The Night Olivia Fell by Christina McDonald

rachcannoli's review against another edition

3.0

A bit predictable and all of the big “reveal” moments didn’t really work for me, they all seemed like they’d be bigger deals and then when shown the motivation behind them they kind of lost steam. Since I knew from the beginning it was going to be a sad ending, I hoped at least we’d get some closure and justice for the people who deserved it and I never got that. I liked them wrapping up who I cared about, but was frustrated that it didn’t show everything. It’s a quick read and the bones of an interesting thriller, just not quite pushed hard enough. I enjoyed it though.

gasoline_allie's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad

• 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

4.5

ladyareads's review against another edition

3.5

The mystery of what happened the night Olivia fell was enjoyable. Even though you know how it will end from the very beginning it still manages to hit you in the feels. If you are looking for a quick read that will leave you feeling strongly this is a book for you. I can’t promise you will love it but I can promise you will feel something. 

# The Night Olivia Fell
# 2/24/2024 ~ 2/26/2024
# 3.5 / 5.0

h3dakota's review against another edition

2.0

So I'm not typically one to enjoy stories designed to make you cry. They usually seem obvious or like they've tried really hard. This one falls into that category.

Because seriously? She went an entire summer and 2-3 months into the school year without breaking up with her boyfriend, but also not realizing that he wasn't spending time with her either??? Right.

booklovinalicia's review against another edition

4.0

This was a great read. Every character was well developed and it was easy to follow the well written plot by author Christina McDonald. By the last page, I found myself satisfied with how it ended- plausible, believable, and not over the top.

Thanks to Netgalley, Gallery, Threshold, Pocket books and author Christina McDonald for allowing me an egalley to read and give my honest review.

To read my full review on this and other books please visit my blog at www.booklovinalicia.blogspot.com

samlo_books's review against another edition

5.0

I received early access to this novel from the author for review. The Night Olivia Fell was fantastic. I was so invested in the story that I read it almost entirely in one day. By the end I was moved to tears over the pain, loss, and acceptance.

When Abi is awoken by a call from the hospital saying that there has been an accident, she cannot fathom how the accident will change her life forever. Olivia is brain dead, but can’t be taken off life support because she’s pregnant. Abi knows that this was no ordinary accident, someone is responsible for hurting her only child. Frustrated by the lack of police initiative to investigate who may have harmed Olivia, Abi sets off on her own to try to solve the mystery. There are so many potential suspects that it will keep you guessing until the very end.

nancykorb's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

rmarcin's review against another edition

5.0

This was a heartbreaking whodunit, and an amazing debut novel. I loved how Christina McDonald told the story of Olivia, a good girl teenager, who suddenly changes and is pushed over a bridge and left for dead. Now Olivia is brain dead, and her mother, Abi, tries to figure out why.
So many possible people are suspect in this novel. Abi struggles with how she raised Olivia, and what mistakes she made. She uncovers some things about Olivia which were kept secret from her, and explain why Olivia changed so much in the previous months. But, Abi also finds answers.
I really loved this book - all the possibilities, all the nuances, all the people who had reasons to be suspects, and the surprises! Well done!!
#TheNightOliviaFell #ChristinaMcDonald

amberd_lovestoread's review against another edition

3.0

I was invested enough to want to know what happened, but I did not find the characters likeable. Olivia was so young and I really wanted her to stand up for herself more. However, I did appreciate her growth throughout the story. Abi had weird burst of anger- in some instances I understood, but in others I thought it was an overreaction. I tried to be empathetic to the situation, perhaps I would be the same in the same situation? I was let down in the end, even though I don't think I should have been. The book was pretty straight forward. I think I just wanted more than this sad, angry, twisted story... that was still interesting enough to keep me up reading.

I did not read the back of the book before starting, perhaps if I did, I would have had a different expectation going in. That said, I am glad I didn't. I like to be surprised. However in this case, I think the summery does set the tone well.

tuti_fruti_love's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix