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mayra96's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Ok so here’s my beef.
The whole book, since the beginning, I knew Marco was in on it. There was no doubt about that. That fact itself threw me off because I was like “why would it be so obvious that he was involved and why just plainly say it halfway through the book?” Then we learn what we learn about Richard and it got me.
The whole story itself is very entrapping and the ending, chef’s kiss. Cynthia deserved that.
My only wish is that we had a little more from the detective’s POV at how he ACTUALLY got to his conclusions.
Graphic: Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Kidnapping, Body shaming, Violence, Mental illness, and Abandonment
what_courtreads's review
3.0
Graphic: Mental illness and Kidnapping
Moderate: Body shaming
themoodreader's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Minor: Mental illness, Murder, Pregnancy, Infidelity, Blood, Bullying, Child abuse, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Vomit, Sexual content, Alcohol, Body shaming, Kidnapping, and Panic attacks/disorders
kfquarium's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Kidnapping and Infidelity
Moderate: Mental illness, Murder, Cursing, Alcohol, and Sexual content
Minor: Drug abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Classism, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Child abuse, Vomit, Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, Addiction, Blood, and Body shaming
caties_books's review
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Alcohol, Blood, Cursing, Death, Grief, Infidelity, Mental illness, Murder, Sexual content, Violence, and Vomit
lycheejelly's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Gaslighting and Kidnapping
Minor: Alcoholism, Alcohol, Body shaming, Bullying, Death of parent, Grief, Infidelity, Mental illness, Murder, Sexual harassment, Stalking, Suicidal thoughts, and Vomit
temeade's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Body shaming, Kidnapping, Mental illness, and Death
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Grief, Murder, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Mental illness
Minor: Death of parent
jessspeake's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
synopsis
A couple has plans to go to a dinner party next door, but the babysitter cancels at the last minute. They decide to still go to the party, bring the baby monitor, and check on her every half an hour. During one of the checkups, they find that the baby is gone. The search for the missing baby uncovers so much more than just the kidnapper's identity, it exposes lies, deceit, and deadly secrets.
merits
This book was a compelling page turner and a fast paced read. I finished it quickly and didn't want to put it down.
I loved that this novel put the character's flaws in the spotlight - I always think it's more interesting to follow imperfect characters.
I enjoyed the heightened situations that these characters were in, and having to battle though not only the disappearance of their daughter, but also personal issues they were each struggling with.
critiques
This novel completely captivated my attention, but the ending left me wanting more. It feels like the author rushed through the ending. I wish she hadn't! I think putting in a couple of extra chapters, and taking as much time to build suspense in the ending as she had through the rest of the book would have served it well. Honestly the pace clipped along so quickly that even if this page had been a thousand pages, I still would have flown through it!
I also realized at the end that I had to suspend my disbelief in many moments. There were some things that happened that seemed unrealistic, and confusing. Maybe if there had been more time dedicated to the ending, I would have fully understood the author's choice to include those elements.
I also had issues with character development. The mother character appeared very weak, and I think she could have had more dimension to her grief. In grief, yes there is sadness, but there's also so much more.
overall
Overall, I enjoyed reading the book, and would read it again. I loved how captivating and fast paced it was, but I wish more time had been dedicated to the ending. This is a book that the more I think about it, the more the problems with the character development and ending bother me.
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Grief, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Mental illness, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Body shaming and Murder