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eilonwy21's review against another edition
5.0
As the second book I've read of Dennis Lehane's, I've caught on to a recurring theme that he seems to emphasize in his writing, and yet again, its that inevitability of life, and how crushingly harsh and callous the world can be. I have never in my life cried reading a book as much as I did with one certain scene in this book, and it continuously makes me cry out inside, "Why?! Why?! Why?! What is wrong with people? How are human beings capable of such horrendous things?" Additionally, it also questions the overruling of the law in certain cases in life, and numerous times questions the validity of those laws themselves. Though I wasn't too fond of the guns-police-detective aspect, the overall novel itself was extremely insightful and thought-provoking.
scott_a_miller's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
4 Stars. This one was good but the subject matter was tough and actually slowed things down. Definitely their most difficult case so far. Lehane can really develop the mystery create an atmosphere that fits. The characters are excellent. This was a great example of the skill that has made him who he is. Looking forward to the next one.
eternan's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
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? No
4.5
waxingquixotic's review against another edition
3.0
I've determined that pretty much every mystery/suspense/thriller/whatever book I read is going to land at three stars. It takes a lot for these books to break through into the four star range, and I don't think any of them are ever five star caliber.
Lehane, Coben, Grisham, most King, Connelly, etc. They're all fine authors, but all of them have a limit to how great they can be, and they all settle for a decent story that is enthralling at times but ultimately forgettable.
This story was just what I expected. I enjoyed it, but it didn't stick with me or impact me at all beyond just providing a mildly entertaining story.
It may be time to leave this genre alone for a minute.
Lehane, Coben, Grisham, most King, Connelly, etc. They're all fine authors, but all of them have a limit to how great they can be, and they all settle for a decent story that is enthralling at times but ultimately forgettable.
This story was just what I expected. I enjoyed it, but it didn't stick with me or impact me at all beyond just providing a mildly entertaining story.
It may be time to leave this genre alone for a minute.
matt4hire's review against another edition
5.0
Probably the most profoundly affecting of the Kenzie/Gennaro books yet. The book ends up asking difficult moral questions of the reader, while also rocking the characters' world at the end. Excellent.
leslieallyse's review against another edition
4.0
A good mystery. Complex twists and turns but easy to follow.
suneaters's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-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? No
1.75
Nobody in this book talks like a human being. I was also rooting for the kidnappings. Helen you suck so bad.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Child death, Child abuse, Pedophilia, and Gun violence
Moderate: Rape, Sexism, Violence, and Racism
Minor: Cursing and Racial slurs
sjj169's review against another edition
5.0
Each day in this country, twenty-three hundred children are reported missing.
Kenzie and Angie don't really want to take this case. A missing four year old girl that was taken from her home, while her drugged out mom is supposedly next door at her friend's house watching tv. The mom did not even lock the door. She was in such a hurry that she just left it open. With her child inside.
I didn't want to find Amanda McCready. I wanted someone else to.
But maybe because I'd become as caught up in this case over the last few days as the rest of the city, or maybe because it had happened here in my neighborhood, or maybe just because "four-year-old" and "missing" aren't words that should go together in the same sentence.
They do end up taking the case and team up with a couple of cops that are on the case. Their old classmate Cheese may factor into the child's disappearance. A drug deal gone bad where money is taken and the child suffers the consequences?
Or is there more to the story? So many twists and turns in this book. Then just when I thought I had somewhat figured it out I got slammed against the wall.
This book makes you question right and wrongs in the world. Should things be so black and white? I don't know the answers to these questions and Dennis Lehane I sorta hate you for putting all this in my head.
I just don't have any more words for this book. I was just going to throw up five stars and walk away. Just read this series. Hug your kids.
Facades, no matter how well built, usually come down.
Kenzie and Angie don't really want to take this case. A missing four year old girl that was taken from her home, while her drugged out mom is supposedly next door at her friend's house watching tv. The mom did not even lock the door. She was in such a hurry that she just left it open. With her child inside.
I didn't want to find Amanda McCready. I wanted someone else to.
But maybe because I'd become as caught up in this case over the last few days as the rest of the city, or maybe because it had happened here in my neighborhood, or maybe just because "four-year-old" and "missing" aren't words that should go together in the same sentence.
They do end up taking the case and team up with a couple of cops that are on the case. Their old classmate Cheese may factor into the child's disappearance. A drug deal gone bad where money is taken and the child suffers the consequences?
Or is there more to the story? So many twists and turns in this book. Then just when I thought I had somewhat figured it out I got slammed against the wall.
This book makes you question right and wrongs in the world. Should things be so black and white? I don't know the answers to these questions and Dennis Lehane I sorta hate you for putting all this in my head.
I just don't have any more words for this book. I was just going to throw up five stars and walk away. Just read this series. Hug your kids.
Facades, no matter how well built, usually come down.
heatherbermingham's review against another edition
5.0
This book pretty much destroyed me. I've worked with a lot of neglected kids over the years so it really hit home. Lehane is definitely one of those writers who some people peg as not being particularly good because of the genre he writes in but when he's on, he is ON. Vivid characters and settings. I like all the books in this series, but this was easily my favorite. For the record, the movie based on this books is also really good.