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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.
lexidubbs's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
By the second half of the book I was having palpitations because I was so anxious to find out what happens next. Some parts were gut wrenching, some were thrilling, with an emotional ending. The person responsible for the crimes was my number one suspect throughout, however the way the story was revealed had me on the edge of my seat.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape and Child abuse
kb_hg's review against another edition
5.0
Great book to start the year with! I loved it so much! Can’t believe it was her debut novel. Can’t wait to read more of her work
brilliantsilver's review against another edition
The writing in this book was bad. The characters were extreme stereotypes, the father is an angry, abusive drunk, the small town cop, the old farm boy who wanted a different life. They have no personality to speak of outside of their stereotypes. The multiple perspectives don't count for much because every person is written with the exact same voice. Everything about the characters and their backstory is told right away at the beginning of their first chapter.
The dialogue is so tedious and boring to read, it's like reading legal documents.
There are also big chunks of story where it reads like the author just copy pasted a research article onto the page.
The story is super predictable and before the first 100pgs you learn why the main character is mute, who took her, why they took her, that she will be found at the end of the book, and that she will speak by the end of the book. There is no suspense! A poorly crafted book all around.
The dialogue is so tedious and boring to read, it's like reading legal documents.
There are also big chunks of story where it reads like the author just copy pasted a research article onto the page.
The story is super predictable and before the first 100pgs you learn why the main character is mute, who took her, why they took her, that she will be found at the end of the book, and that she will speak by the end of the book. There is no suspense! A poorly crafted book all around.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Alcoholism, Infertility, Adult/minor relationship, and Incest
michellec13's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75