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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
I’m not sure if true crime and romance mesh well together. It consistently felt as though the storylines were moving both too quickly and too slow, and it felt a bit disjointed? Unfortunately it just didn’t quite hit for me.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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
I've been in a reading slump and was looking for something with the ease of contemporary romance but with a little bit more plot - a Kate Clayborn or Emily Henry situation. In this case, I'd purchased this book during a Kobo sale and it's been languishing in my TBR pile - until now! It broke me out of my rut and while it wasn't my favorite of hers, the story is unique and it was an enjoyable read. (Bonus - if you enjoy contemporary romance and podcasts like Serial, this is for you.)
10 years ago, FMC Jess' mom left her life for the second time, leaving her half sister Tegan in her care. When Tegan finds some postcards sent from their mother hidden in a curtain rod, she secretly contacts famous journalist and podcast host Salem Durant, whose series on a con man helped establish a genre. Salem and her protege Adam Hawkins arrive at Jess and Tegan's doorstep, much to Jess' shock, and despite putting up the biggest walls she can find, Jess can't deny the connection that she and Adam have. Jess begrudgingly decides to participate in the podcast and finds that Adam has an agenda of his own - to launch his own story about his best friend and former teammate Cope, and talk about the injuries, mental illness, and team culture that led to his death.
Specific likes/dislikes:
<b>The premise was interesting!</b> The podcast setup was compelling and I thought very well done.
<b>Navigation of family dynamics.</b> Particularly between Tegan and Jess; Jess was abandoned by their mother twice, and at the age of 21 was not only left but also thrust into parenting her younger sister. The story put real attention and effort into the relationship between sisters, probably as much as the romantic relationship actually, so it didn't feel like family was a subplot.
<b>Both main characters are fleshed out.</b> Adam has his own agenda, his own ideas, and we get to know not only what they are but why he finds so important. I already believe in his causes but if I hadn't, this would have sold me on them.
<b>Podcast host Salem felt weird.</b> She was the weakest character for me writing-wise. She comes across in the beginning as very self-assured to the point of being annoyed and a little callous, then has a family crisis, comes back sortof different, then makes a hard turn when there's a family revelation for Jess and Tegan. Her writing felt inconsistent.
<b>The changes in locations/settings were fun.</b> The locations and situations at each location had significant bearing on plot advancement and I think it was really well done.
All in all, this was a good read and in line with what I'd expect from Clayborn. It broke me out of a slump, too, for which I'm very grateful. I get most of my books from the library and my ultimate rating system is, "would I pay money for this?" In this case I already did (thanks Kobo $1.99 sale) BUT if I hadn't, sure! I'd feel good putting down some dollars for this.
10 years ago, FMC Jess' mom left her life for the second time, leaving her half sister Tegan in her care. When Tegan finds some postcards sent from their mother hidden in a curtain rod, she secretly contacts famous journalist and podcast host Salem Durant, whose series on a con man helped establish a genre. Salem and her protege Adam Hawkins arrive at Jess and Tegan's doorstep, much to Jess' shock, and despite putting up the biggest walls she can find, Jess can't deny the connection that she and Adam have. Jess begrudgingly decides to participate in the podcast and finds that Adam has an agenda of his own - to launch his own story about his best friend and former teammate Cope, and talk about the injuries, mental illness, and team culture that led to his death.
Specific likes/dislikes:
<b>The premise was interesting!</b> The podcast setup was compelling and I thought very well done.
<b>Navigation of family dynamics.</b> Particularly between Tegan and Jess; Jess was abandoned by their mother twice, and at the age of 21 was not only left but also thrust into parenting her younger sister. The story put real attention and effort into the relationship between sisters, probably as much as the romantic relationship actually, so it didn't feel like family was a subplot.
<b>Both main characters are fleshed out.</b> Adam has his own agenda, his own ideas, and we get to know not only what they are but why he finds so important. I already believe in his causes but if I hadn't, this would have sold me on them.
<b>Podcast host Salem felt weird.</b> She was the weakest character for me writing-wise. She comes across in the beginning as very self-assured to the point of being annoyed and a little callous, then has a family crisis, comes back sortof different, then makes a hard turn when there's a family revelation for Jess and Tegan. Her writing felt inconsistent.
<b>The changes in locations/settings were fun.</b> The locations and situations at each location had significant bearing on plot advancement and I think it was really well done.
All in all, this was a good read and in line with what I'd expect from Clayborn. It broke me out of a slump, too, for which I'm very grateful. I get most of my books from the library and my ultimate rating system is, "would I pay money for this?" In this case I already did (thanks Kobo $1.99 sale) BUT if I hadn't, sure! I'd feel good putting down some dollars for this.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-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
Ten years ago, Jess Greene took on guardianship of Teagan, her eight year old sister, after their mother left with a boyfriend. Turns out the boyfriend was a notorious conman and the subject of a viral podcast shortly before he met their mother. Jess has kept their lives small and private until Teagan reaches out to the podcast team in hopes of finding their mother. The sisters set off on a road trip with a pair of podcasters to all four corners of the (continental) US.
I especially loved the road trip aspect of this story. My favorite part was the mini-break they took in Missouri. The epilogue was a little bit of a letdown and didn't quite tie up the loose ends for me. I wanted more resolution especially for Adam's podcast.
I read and listened to this book simultaneously. I enjoyed the dual narration for most of the book but found the podcast excerpts were better consumed by reading.
Thank you Kensington Books and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. #TheOtherSideofDisappearing #NetGalley
I especially loved the road trip aspect of this story. My favorite part was the mini-break they took in Missouri. The epilogue was a little bit of a letdown and didn't quite tie up the loose ends for me. I wanted more resolution especially for Adam's podcast.
I read and listened to this book simultaneously. I enjoyed the dual narration for most of the book but found the podcast excerpts were better consumed by reading.
Thank you Kensington Books and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. #TheOtherSideofDisappearing #NetGalley
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
I loved this book - it was a great mix of romance and mystery. Refreshing to have a significant story beyond the romance to really build out the experience.
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced