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stevienotnicks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book sucked me in right away. Its premise is a little bit murder mystery, a little bit familial drama (think, Empire). The characters were complex, which really added to the “whodunnit” aspect of it all.
The use of misdirection, while maybe a bit overdone, puts you smack in the middle of the story trying to uncover Desiree’s killer right alongside Lena. Just when you think you have it figured out, in comes another twist and you realize you have no idea what is going on. I’ll tell ya this — I didn’t expect that reveal (though in hindsight, there were signs).
It’s not an “edge of your seat” thriller, but the mystery and drama is oh so satisfying. Definitely pick this one up if you’re looking for a suspenseful tale with themes of injustice, racism, and complex family dynamics.
Follow me on Insta! @the.bougie.bookworm
The use of misdirection, while maybe a bit overdone, puts you smack in the middle of the story trying to uncover Desiree’s killer right alongside Lena. Just when you think you have it figured out, in comes another twist and you realize you have no idea what is going on. I’ll tell ya this — I didn’t expect that reveal (though in hindsight, there were signs).
It’s not an “edge of your seat” thriller, but the mystery and drama is oh so satisfying. Definitely pick this one up if you’re looking for a suspenseful tale with themes of injustice, racism, and complex family dynamics.
Follow me on Insta! @the.bougie.bookworm
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use and Murder
Minor: Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Kidnapping, Infidelity, Car accident, and Gun violence
cyndi1966's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Violence, Murder, Addiction, Alcohol, and Car accident
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Abortion
hmstumfoll's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Death, Murder, and Abandonment
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Miscarriage
thebakerbookworm's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
4.0
This was a decent thriller with SO MANY red herrings and yet I fell for almost every single one and did not guess the ultimate bad guy. Seriously, my sleuthing skills were so bad; I was gasping aloud and could not stop listening to this book.
I loved Lena and her determination to forge her own path—and the character development she gets was so well done. The focus here is definitely on the plot and the mystery, but Lena's growth was just as vital to the story. From the title, you can guess that this is a family drama, and there are a lot of family themes woven throughout. I love family dramas, so I appreciated all of Lena's familial relationships. But I also really liked all the ups and downs of her friendship with Erin, and how it was mirroring her relationship with Desiree.
Themes of race and justice push this story above your typical thriller. And how social media can fuel a glamorous-lifestyle lie is explored.
The audiobook is definitely the route to go with this book—I think it's one that I might not have liked as much if I didn't listen to the audiobook. But the narration is excellent! Also, if you enjoyed Inventing Anna on Netflix, this one has some similar vibes so you should definitely check it out!
Thanks so much to Libro.fm, Hachette Audio, and the author for my ALC!
I loved Lena and her determination to forge her own path—and the character development she gets was so well done. The focus here is definitely on the plot and the mystery, but Lena's growth was just as vital to the story. From the title, you can guess that this is a family drama, and there are a lot of family themes woven throughout. I love family dramas, so I appreciated all of Lena's familial relationships. But I also really liked all the ups and downs of her friendship with Erin, and how it was mirroring her relationship with Desiree.
Themes of race and justice push this story above your typical thriller. And how social media can fuel a glamorous-lifestyle lie is explored.
The audiobook is definitely the route to go with this book—I think it's one that I might not have liked as much if I didn't listen to the audiobook. But the narration is excellent! Also, if you enjoyed Inventing Anna on Netflix, this one has some similar vibes so you should definitely check it out!
Thanks so much to Libro.fm, Hachette Audio, and the author for my ALC!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug use, and Violence
Moderate: Infidelity and Car accident
Minor: Death of parent
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