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jhbandcats's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Not as tense and riveting as other books of Harper’s that I’ve read, this is more a slow burn as the tension gradually ratchets up. There isn’t a sense that the protagonist and his family are in danger, a typical plot device when inquisitive people question suspicious characters, but the danger is ever-present in the forbidding landscape and its history.
This book is all about grief, guilt, and regret, and the ways families and friends draw apart with silent recriminations, not to mention outright hostility. There’s an emphasis on families - the protagonist has a baby daughter and loving partner, whereas none of his friends do - and how they can draw one in closer and provide stability or, conversely, push one away.
While not a pulse-pounding thriller, this mystery is well thought out, with more depth and insight than I’d anticipated. Jane Harper always provides a good read.
This book is all about grief, guilt, and regret, and the ways families and friends draw apart with silent recriminations, not to mention outright hostility. There’s an emphasis on families - the protagonist has a baby daughter and loving partner, whereas none of his friends do - and how they can draw one in closer and provide stability or, conversely, push one away.
While not a pulse-pounding thriller, this mystery is well thought out, with more depth and insight than I’d anticipated. Jane Harper always provides a good read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Grief, Murder, Violence, and Dementia
bigheartedbibliophile's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
- SPOILERS
- “Kieran Elliott's life changed forever on the day a reckless mistake led to devastating consequences. The guilt that still haunts him resurfaces during a visit with his young family to the small coastal community he once called home. Kieran's parents are struggling in a town where fortunes are forged by the sea. Between them all is his absent brother, Finn. When a body is discovered on the beach, long-held secrets threaten to emerge. A sunken wreck, a missing girl, and questions that have never washed away...”
- I loveeeee thrillers/mysteries, and this was no exception. From the very beginning, you are wondering what happened, and why Kieran left his hometown in the first place. In the end, you are left absolutely breathless and in shock. I could not put this book down, I needed to know what happened!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Death
Moderate: Dementia, Grief, Murder, and Violence
jameslyons's review
dark
mysterious
tense
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? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia and Grief
Moderate: Violence, Alcoholism, Bullying, and Death
Minor: Abortion
horizonous's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Dementia
Moderate: Suicide, Toxic relationship, Panic attacks/disorders, Child death, Death of parent, Death, and Sexual violence
Minor: Sexual content, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, and Violence
◦ Mental illness = Depression, PTSD, survivor guilt◦ Sexual violence = Sexual comments and advances towards a minor
◦ Toxic relationship = Toxic masculinity
jenkneebee's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Child death, Death, Dementia, Grief, Misogyny, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Racism, and Violence
kalmed22's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Jane Harper is a favorite of mine. This is a stand-alone book set in Australia. There are two mysteries that involve these characters. This is more of a study of human nature and relationships. Thought the plot and pacing were well done.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, and Sexual content
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