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bibliomania_express's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
Not That Kind of Place by Michael Melgaard is part crime novel, part searing indictment of our criminal justice system and the biases that feed true crime. Twenty years ago, David's sister went out for a run and never came back. A week later, she's found dead - her murder is never solved. Since then, the anniversary of her death has been marked by reporters, documentarians, and podcasters trying to get new information from the family. Now, dealing with his mother's recent death, David is pestered by another podcaster, and must confront how much he doesn't know about his town and his sister's life.
This book is called an anti-mystery, and I think that's a good term for it. Instead of the tidy conclusions of crime fiction, Melgaard shapes a story of uncertainty and lack of interest. David learns more and more about the crime in his small BC town, the blasé to outright scornful attitudes of the police, and the rampant misogyny and sexual violence.
The saddest thing about this book is the juxtaposition of how awful it was and how little I was surprised by it. Laura's story is just one of many violent deaths mentioned in this book, and Melgaard raises questions about whose stories get told, how crime stories are told, and how the truth - always elusive - is obscured by the motives of every person telling the story. In doing so, Melgaard rejects simple solutions or a tidy world where police do their best, justice prevails, and true crime writers reveal the truth.
This book is called an anti-mystery, and I think that's a good term for it. Instead of the tidy conclusions of crime fiction, Melgaard shapes a story of uncertainty and lack of interest. David learns more and more about the crime in his small BC town, the blasé to outright scornful attitudes of the police, and the rampant misogyny and sexual violence.
The saddest thing about this book is the juxtaposition of how awful it was and how little I was surprised by it. Laura's story is just one of many violent deaths mentioned in this book, and Melgaard raises questions about whose stories get told, how crime stories are told, and how the truth - always elusive - is obscured by the motives of every person telling the story. In doing so, Melgaard rejects simple solutions or a tidy world where police do their best, justice prevails, and true crime writers reveal the truth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Sexual assault, Child death, Bullying, Colonisation, Drug abuse, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Violence, Trafficking, Racism, Rape, Toxic friendship, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Death, Toxic relationship, and Suicide
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