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dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book was jam packed with so many plot lines and things going on. It was tense and started out really strong. Making me intrigued. Then in the middle, it slowed down and the intensity was kinda lost - the author had a lot of things going on that it was a bit hard to know what the main story actually was.
I enjoyed reading the twist and didn't see her connection with the patient in ICU, until it was revealed and that kept me wanting to read more. However, the rest of the things that followed were either predictable or unrealistic, so for me it didn't quite hit the mark.
This was my first Mary Kubica book. I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style, it was simple and a little repetitive. Unfortunately, I'm not sure that I'd recommend it to others.
I enjoyed reading the twist and didn't see her connection with the patient in ICU, until it was revealed and that kept me wanting to read more. However, the rest of the things that followed were either predictable or unrealistic, so for me it didn't quite hit the mark.
This was my first Mary Kubica book. I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style, it was simple and a little repetitive. Unfortunately, I'm not sure that I'd recommend it to others.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Kidnapping, Suicide attempt
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I don't even know where to start. Okay, so this is my third book by the author in the span of a couple of years. I read "Local Woman Missing" in 2022 and LOVED it! Then, probably a few months later, I read "Just the Nicest Couple" and thought it was just alright. I've been wanting to read from this author again for a while, so I decided to bite the bullet and just pick this one up.
I don't know if it's just me, but thrillers have really been letting me down this year. Like 90% of the ones I've been reading have been sitting in the 3-star realm. Like, I can't even say the last time I read an adrenaline-pumping thriller. So, I was really hoping this book would be my saving grace.
Okay, so I'd say that the first 65-68% of this book is just straight build-up. We learn about Meghan, her relationship with her ex-husband, daughter, coworkers, a bit about her past, her job as an ICU nurse, etc. In addition to that, we get an intro of the plot, how she met this woman (Nat) who was her childhood acquaintance from highschool 20 years ago, this patient in her unit she's assigned to as well as her strange family, the murders going on in her state that have her and other women on edge, etc. You'd think that would be enough to excite you, but it isn't. There are a lot of plot threads in this book, and considering how short it is, I feel like some of them didn't have time to marinate as long as they should have to truly feel impactful to the story.
Going back to what I said previously, it's around the 65%-68% where the story started changing pace and getting "good". We finally find out the big twist in the story. I can't decide if the twist was good or not, considering the way it was executed.The part where we find out Caitlin is Nat was good. I kinda thought that at the beginning of the book, but decided against it because of the way the story was told. And this is where the problem begins, because manipulating time as a twist can either be genius or sloppy. Finding out that Nat is the woman in the ICU and that Meghan is the one who pushed her begs a lot of questions on her character's thought process. But I would have to reread the book to see if her actions line up with what she already knows. I understand why people would love it, though. I saw it as it was coming, but like I said before, twists like this can be tricky to execute.
Speaking of the twists, again, lots of things were happening during this part of the story.Luke being the serial killer rapist guy. No shocker there. Again, if you read the number of thrillers I have, you know that you can never trust thriller men. That twist was meh to me, like I saw it coming. He was so unhinged, though. Kidnapping her daughter and holding her at gunpoint. Sheesh! And before that we find out thishow Sienna knew her dad wasn't her dad, so instead of being a reasonable person and just talking to her mother about it, she goes all psycho crazy and locks her mother downstairs in a basement and sends her hate mail notes. Like why?! It just doesn't seem like something a teenager would do. And she's a bit crazy for that. She was so extreme for what?! The author blames it on a teenager simply lashing out, but like I said, she was willing to have her mother die for that. Again, very extreme considering they both agree to not tell the dad anyway.
Lots happening in this bit, but I still feel like certain questions and red herrings are just left in the dirt to be unanswered. Like, what about Caitlin's parents? It was hinted at that they were suspicious and potentially malicious, and that's just dropped.Are they not worried about the fact that were just told their daughter was alive, and then late,r when they come back just find out she's died and it was the ICU nurse's fault. Are we never gonna find out who took Meghan's $10K? In addition,Caitlin's motivations for anything that she's ever done are never explained. Like, she went after Meghan for what? Cuz she was intimidated that her current boyfriend still has the hots for his ex-wife?! Huhhhhhhh?????? Her character was just so flat. I wanted more. And what about the brother, Caitlin's brother? He was a red herring, too. We never heard from him again. And I guess Meghan just gets away with murdering Caitlin. Which is fine, but like still. The way it was done. It was just an afterthought after the whole Luke situation. And probably should've mentioned this before, but why would she tell a stranger her 16-year secret? It makes no sense. Also, last one, but the dad. I hated how that was left open-ended. I don't think he was involved, but I hate open-ended endings like that cuz how I'm left contemplating something that should've been answered. Also, this is pretty minor, but it is mentioned at the beginning of the book that Meghan already knows her husband has a girlfriend (ch. 3), but then later on in the book, she acts surprised when her daughter tells her. (ch. 14). Same timelines, too. I don't know. It was just such a weird discrepancy, considering her knowing or not knowing adds nothing to the book. Overall, this book was fine, but I will say that if it weren't for the latter half, this book would've been a 3-star. I will try her again one more time to see. I hear "The Other Mrs." by her is good, and if that doesn't work out, I fear I might be done with this author and her books. They're not bad, but they're just not spectacular enough for me to continue if my next read from her doesn't pan out.
Spice Rating:🫑/5 (nothing crazy, just brief mentions)
Oh, also, the author wrote "on fleek" in her book. No! No! No!ðŸ˜
I don't know if it's just me, but thrillers have really been letting me down this year. Like 90% of the ones I've been reading have been sitting in the 3-star realm. Like, I can't even say the last time I read an adrenaline-pumping thriller. So, I was really hoping this book would be my saving grace.
Okay, so I'd say that the first 65-68% of this book is just straight build-up. We learn about Meghan, her relationship with her ex-husband, daughter, coworkers, a bit about her past, her job as an ICU nurse, etc. In addition to that, we get an intro of the plot, how she met this woman (Nat) who was her childhood acquaintance from highschool 20 years ago, this patient in her unit she's assigned to as well as her strange family, the murders going on in her state that have her and other women on edge, etc. You'd think that would be enough to excite you, but it isn't. There are a lot of plot threads in this book, and considering how short it is, I feel like some of them didn't have time to marinate as long as they should have to truly feel impactful to the story.
Going back to what I said previously, it's around the 65%-68% where the story started changing pace and getting "good". We finally find out the big twist in the story. I can't decide if the twist was good or not, considering the way it was executed.
Speaking of the twists, again, lots of things were happening during this part of the story.
Lots happening in this bit, but I still feel like certain questions and red herrings are just left in the dirt to be unanswered. Like, what about Caitlin's parents? It was hinted at that they were suspicious and potentially malicious, and that's just dropped.
Spice Rating:🫑/5 (nothing crazy, just brief mentions)
Oh, also, the author wrote "on fleek" in her book. No! No! No!ðŸ˜
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Murder
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Stalking, Toxic friendship, Alcohol
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Trigger warning; domestic violence, financial abuse, verbal abuse, death, suicide
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Murder
dark
mysterious
tense
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Kidnapping, Murder
dark
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Rape, Suicide, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Pros:
- The numerous plot twists and mysteries underneath MORE MYSTERIES!!!
- The red herrings! By the end of the book, EVERYONE felt like a suspect hahahaha
- The Chicago descriptions were SPOT ON!
Cons:
- Not really knowing the aftermath with Caitlin’s parents! Did they eventually sue? Did they try to reach out to Meghan??? And what about Caitlin’s creepy brother? He was lying about where he was but what about the other brother? He never even visited before she died… what a weird ass family
- We will never know how much Ben actually knows!! I know Mary Kubica did this purposely, but I still wish I knew.
- Meghan doesn’t ask enough questions which can be infuriating at times because I want to know the why! Especially for the motives of Luke
All in all, this was a GREAT mystery that really had me locked in for the entire ride. There were a few slow parts that were chock-full of description, but I suppose it was necessary to thicken the plot. Either way, I will definitely be reading more books from Mary Kubica.
- The numerous plot twists and mysteries underneath MORE MYSTERIES!!!
- The red herrings! By the end of the book, EVERYONE felt like a suspect hahahaha
- The Chicago descriptions were SPOT ON!
Cons:
- Not really knowing the aftermath with
- We will never know how much
- Meghan doesn’t ask enough questions which can be infuriating at times because I want to know the why! Especially for the motives of
All in all, this was a GREAT mystery that really had me locked in for the entire ride. There were a few slow parts that were chock-full of description, but I suppose it was necessary to thicken the plot. Either way, I will definitely be reading more books from Mary Kubica.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder
Moderate: Gun violence, Stalking, Gaslighting
Minor: Rape, Kidnapping
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Okay. Good surface thriller and the twists are surprising, but also kinda random and the end it's so rushed with 3 bug twists being revealed over only 2ish chapters. Didn't really care about the characters so wasn't very invested, but good entertaining read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Rape, Kidnapping
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
*Spoilers* This book had so much potential and I LOVED Local Woman Missing, but this just fell flat for me. The twists just didn't hit like they should've. The storyline was super confusing when Part 2 rolled around. It was like the past and present were happening at the same time? What? That had me hung up thinking how it didn't make sense. The ending was she got away with it? When the dad was a high powered attorney? Where did her $10k go? So many open ended questions that didn't add up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Car accident, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I found the book a bit slow to begin with and the ending a bit convoluted but I did enjoy the moments of tension and as I got towards the end of the book (part 2 basically) I couldn’t put it down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Medical content, Murder
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Rape, Violence
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Rape, Suicide, Murder, Sexual harassment