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ruthypoo2's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The book begins with a legitimately creepy opening titled, "Before..." Picture an elderly widow returning after dark to the large home she lives in alone, and hearing something upstairs she feels compelled to investigate. It's amazing how a good writer can take a setting that you normally feel so safe in, like your own home, and turn it into a sinister haunted house. All it takes is a little creak or open door here and there to get the goosebumps rising on this reader's arms!
The bulk of the story is told from the perspectives of Troy and his wife, Monica who live with their young daughter and son. Early in the story, Monica's estranged mother, Grace, enters the picture and ends up staying with her daughter's family so she and Monica can get reacquainted. Then odd and tragic things start affecting the family, but can these incidents be traced back to the arrival of Monica's mother?
I enjoyed the evolving cat and mouse game that was woven throughout the story between Troy and his mother-in-law, Grace. I think all the characters were well crafted and you either love, hate, or can get terribly frustrated with their action or inaction. The plot was interesting and though not entirely unique, it was presented in a modern and brutal way.
I listened to the audiobook edition and enjoyed the narration of Leon Nixon. Mr. Nixon did an excellent job voicing all characters and presenting their unique and disparate personalities. The narration contributed to the eeriness of the story and built momentum with good pacing.
Moderate: Sexual content, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, and Rape
Minor: Death and Animal death
heather_dowell's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Pregnancy, Grief, Rape, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Murder, Body shaming, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Gun violence, Gore, Emotional abuse, Death, Body horror, Death of parent, and Abandonment
carissa230's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Monica was adopted. When her adoptive mother dies unexpectedly nobody expected her birth mom to show up at the funeral. When Nana joins the family things are instantly off. The family dog takes an instant dislike to her. Then the dog disappears and she blames the mother in law. It seems like this should have been obvious, but the family was very disconnected.
When Monica starts sleeping all the time it is attributed to grief. However, things clearly aren't what they appear on the surface. Nane is doing something, because as Monica quickly ages Nana becomes more beautiful.
Graphic: Grief and Abandonment
eve81's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Grief, Gaslighting, Medical content, Medical trauma, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Animal cruelty, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Violence, Murder, Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Body horror, and Abandonment
remie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Infidelity, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Animal death, Body horror, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Drug abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, and Rape
Moderate: Gore, Gun violence, Body shaming, Torture, Adult/minor relationship, Car accident, Confinement, Incest, and Kidnapping
Minor: Pregnancy