Reviews

Rain City Lights by Marissa Harrison

gertrude22's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

There was a very strong sense of place throughout with just enough historical references. I also appreciated the intrigue without overdone foreshadowing. I wanted to find out the backstories of each character, even if they were effed up.

The main drawback was that the first half was a little drawn out. There needed to be more in motion.

Overall, a solid debut. I would read more from this author.

Thanks to StoryGraph Giveaways and the author for the opportunity to read a digital copy.

shellyleblanc86's review against another edition

4.0

Rain City Lights by Marissa Harrison was a very enjoyable book.

Part one of the story did drag a little. It set up the story of who Montgomery (Monti), Sasha, Bridie, Reggie, Daan, Richard and Clarke all were as well as how they were each connected.

The story is about events taking place during the 1980s.

Trigger warnings: rape, drugs, prostitution, and prejudices.

Rain City Lights is a murder mystery in which young black prostitutes were being murdered by someone who police called the Headbanger.

Bridie was a drug addict who turned to prostitution to fund her habit. She ends up being killed. When Birdie does come home, Monti leaves and goes live with someone who promised to help her.

Sasha was a pothead into punk rock and Monti’s best friend. When they reconnect in part two, Monti is a cop that allows Sasha to become and informant to not have to arrest him as a dealer.

Monti helps solve the Headbanger murders by recognizing a picture of victims that was Birdie (her mom).

Sasha OD’s and should have died. In the end, the two best friends who were in love with each other finally admit how they feel. They find their way together.

enms's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Admittedly it took a bit to get into this book, but glad I stuck with it.

It tackles some difficult themes in an interesting way. Lots of interesting turns. However at times it felt like the author was trying to cover one too many storylines.

Enjoyed the relationship development between Sasha & Monti.

ghostbirds's review against another edition

emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

jashford13's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

char931's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.0

sarahchristinesbookshelf's review against another edition

It is not catching my attention 

faloneran's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

baya_111's review against another edition

3.0

It was a good book but it wasn't really what I was expecting or hoping for. It's split in 2 parts and I found the first one to be dragging on a bit too much for my tastes. I couldn't bring myself to care about some characters so it made reading their parts harder. Also the first part is really focused on setting up the stage with barely any mention of the serial killer, which is what I expected to be at the forefront, and so it took away any tension that I was expecting to feel. 
The second part does pick up a bit, there's more happening and some questions/arcs are being developped or finishing which made it more satisfying. Still couldn't bring myself to care about the characters though and did not like some decisions they made (like, yes, it makes sense they would do what they do based on everything written before but I still find it upsetting). 
So yeah, a good book, quite tough, please check the warnings. I liked how the author depicted the issues black people had in America and the evolution of it through the timeline of the book. It felt very visceral.

ceecasey's review against another edition

emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I really enjoyed this read. It definitely wasn't what I expected. I found it really well written and a really good story.