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es_the_book_hoarder's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
This was a good read - I didn't find it amazing but it was still good. The story follows a single parent family; Leila, who is 8 and her mother Kelsey who is a prostitute and drug user and live on a run-down estate. One day, Leila doesn't come home. What comes next is the story of what's happened to her, but more importantly, the why.
The plot is decent, and although I felt the pace was a bit slow, it unravels nicely. I didn't really feel too invested in the characters, but I think it's because the story didn't grip me as much as I thought it would, rather than that characters aren't written well. Having said that, as an 8 year old it was obvious that Leila had had to grow up far too quickly, and that Kelsey was in a lose/lose situation from the get go. The story examines a little about what it's like to live that kind of life, but ultimately it doesn't execute the concept as well as it could have.
Nevertheless, it was a good read.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good read - I didn't find it amazing but it was still good. The story follows a single parent family; Leila, who is 8 and her mother Kelsey who is a prostitute and drug user and live on a run-down estate. One day, Leila doesn't come home. What comes next is the story of what's happened to her, but more importantly, the why.
The plot is decent, and although I felt the pace was a bit slow, it unravels nicely. I didn't really feel too invested in the characters, but I think it's because the story didn't grip me as much as I thought it would, rather than that characters aren't written well. Having said that, as an 8 year old it was obvious that Leila had had to grow up far too quickly, and that Kelsey was in a lose/lose situation from the get go. The story examines a little about what it's like to live that kind of life, but ultimately it doesn't execute the concept as well as it could have.
Nevertheless, it was a good read.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
hels_'s review
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
karen07112000's review
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
nannykaren's review against another edition
5.0
Although I've read all of Cathy Glass' memoirs, this is the first time I've read a fiction book as Lisa Stone. Oh my goodness, how exciting! I loved the twists and turns.
juliette_21's review against another edition
5.0
The front cover is simple and basic and I have to say "déjà-vu". I felt that it could have been chosen better as most thrillers involving children have a child on the front cover.
the storyline itself is superb. I absolutely loved and I was engrossed from the start. It's fluid, easy to read, full of twists and never stops you from guessing. It's full of suspense and the description make it easy to picture the scenery and where the story takes place.
It was really hard to put down this book and read it in one sitting. I have nothing negative to say, probably one of my best reads so far.
the storyline itself is superb. I absolutely loved and I was engrossed from the start. It's fluid, easy to read, full of twists and never stops you from guessing. It's full of suspense and the description make it easy to picture the scenery and where the story takes place.
It was really hard to put down this book and read it in one sitting. I have nothing negative to say, probably one of my best reads so far.
panicatthebookstore's review
4.0
This was a great little thriller filled with a few very surprising turns. It certainly had me guessing right til the very end. I did feel like there was something missing though, and the ending fell a little flat for me.
abbie_evxns's review
mysterious
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
4.0
yarelytg's review
3.0
First book I read from this author. At the beginning It was hard to get into. I don’t think the ending was fair.
cleg11's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.
My first book by Lisa and won’t be my last.
When 8 year old Leila disappears from the local playground as hunt is on to find her. Her mother is a drug addict and a prostitute and has already had her other 4 children taken into care. A few twists and turns in who is responsible as not is all as it seems. Kept me hooked, short chapters so was an easy read.
My first book by Lisa and won’t be my last.
When 8 year old Leila disappears from the local playground as hunt is on to find her. Her mother is a drug addict and a prostitute and has already had her other 4 children taken into care. A few twists and turns in who is responsible as not is all as it seems. Kept me hooked, short chapters so was an easy read.
fantasyfave57's review
5.0
Another great book that i struggled to put down, read this in 2 days,
This the second one i've read from this author and i'm looking forward to reading the others.
This the second one i've read from this author and i'm looking forward to reading the others.