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brookerachel's review
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’ve seen so many mixed reviews on this. And while I agree that I’m over the unreliable female narrator, I enjoyed reading this. It was a quick, gripping read. Predictable and unrealistic (like they’ve all been lying to each other for years, and now are like “eh might as well tell the truth”) with overdone tropes, but I still enjoyed it while I was reading it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, Rape, Pregnancy, Mental illness, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Miscarriage, Sexual harassment, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, and Dementia
onmalsshelf's review
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Thank you St. Martins Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I know Sally sometimes reads one star reviews off of Goodreads on her Instagram so if that happens, well…hi.
This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2022 after how much I loved her 2021 release, The Good Sister (5 stars from me). Sadly, this was a MESS and hit me with some characterizations that did not sit well with me.
Did she just try to pull a trope out of a bag, but accidentally pulled out several and decided to go with trying to make all of them work because that’s what it seemed like.
I probably should’ve DNFed because I was getting some weird vibes just after chapter one. However, I kept going against my better judgement because I trusted her to being it back around to something I could love.
Mainly, if you: are a survivor of abuse or know of someone who is please take care of yourself while reading. Gaslighting of abuse victims abound in this one.
Second, if you have a loved one who currently has or had dementia or Alzheimer’s - just go ahead and take this one off your TBR because the way that was portrayed and used as a plot device here was disgusting. Pam deserves better than how she was portrayed.
This was predictable from the start. Throughout the book and especially the ending and the following epilogue, the perpetuation of the narrative that the things weren’t real/were being imagined? Disgusting. A slap in the face to the reader and victims.
Other things I’m so done with: the unstable female trope by way of either alcohol or gaslighting to make her seem unstable. To that point, so many plot points with the three POVs (Tully, Rachel, and Heather) were mishandled. Sally really decided to choose the ‘unreliable/crazy female narrator’ with every single female in this one.
I know this is a domestic suspense/mystery/drama, but it really seemed like a mediocre man tried to write women in a way to appease the good ole men’s club.
There are a lot of triggers since she attempted so many different tropes.
Just take care of yourself while reading this one and give your loved one with dementia a hug.
I know Sally sometimes reads one star reviews off of Goodreads on her Instagram so if that happens, well…hi.
This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2022 after how much I loved her 2021 release, The Good Sister (5 stars from me). Sadly, this was a MESS and hit me with some characterizations that did not sit well with me.
Did she just try to pull a trope out of a bag, but accidentally pulled out several and decided to go with trying to make all of them work because that’s what it seemed like.
I probably should’ve DNFed because I was getting some weird vibes just after chapter one. However, I kept going against my better judgement because I trusted her to being it back around to something I could love.
Mainly, if you: are a survivor of abuse or know of someone who is please take care of yourself while reading. Gaslighting of abuse victims abound in this one.
Second, if you have a loved one who currently has or had dementia or Alzheimer’s - just go ahead and take this one off your TBR because the way that was portrayed and used as a plot device here was disgusting. Pam deserves better than how she was portrayed.
This was predictable from the start. Throughout the book and especially the ending and the following epilogue, the perpetuation of the narrative that the things weren’t real/were being imagined? Disgusting. A slap in the face to the reader and victims.
Other things I’m so done with: the unstable female trope by way of either alcohol or gaslighting to make her seem unstable. To that point, so many plot points with the three POVs (Tully, Rachel, and Heather) were mishandled. Sally really decided to choose the ‘unreliable/crazy female narrator’ with every single female in this one.
I know this is a domestic suspense/mystery/drama, but it really seemed like a mediocre man tried to write women in a way to appease the good ole men’s club.
There are a lot of triggers since she attempted so many different tropes.
Just take care of yourself while reading this one and give your loved one with dementia a hug.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Dementia, Emotional abuse, Pregnancy, Body shaming, Alcoholism, Eating disorder, Gaslighting, Miscarriage, and Sexual assault
bookishaddictions's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.0
This one gives me all of the vibes of playing clue. We know where someone was hurt, but not the “who” or with what. After Stephen Aston decides to marry 34-year-old; this notably comes as a shock to his daughters Tully and Rachel (who are barely older than her). Hepworth will take you for a ride that begins at the first meeting with daddy’s wife-to-be until the post-wedding chaos begins. Rachel and Tully are shockingly relatable despite their unique personalities. Heather, the new fiancée, is charming and just a little bit broken. These women will keep you on your toes, and the plot will leave you guessing. I do warn that the ending is somewhat ambiguous, so this book is not for readers that need a clear cut ending. Overall, I’m glad I had the chance to read this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Domestic abuse, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Alcohol and Alcoholism
Minor: Pregnancy and Miscarriage
deniset's review
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Murder, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
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