Scan barcode
sophieamreacher's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-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
Great atmosphere, interesting characters, I wasnโt able to guess the plot twist and it kept me engaged. It was quite slow though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Child abuse, Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Infidelity, Pregnancy, Stalking, Toxic friendship, Violence, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Grief, and Gun violence
minimicropup's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Suspicious, protective, vindictive
We are following our MC over the course of approximately one week in the summer. Their housemate was accused of murdering their neighbours, but was released from prison because the case was mishandled. The housemate's unexpected return has our MC struggling with the expectations of their friendship and community as they try to piece together what happened and who to believe.
- Set in the fictional University town of Hollow's Edge, USA. The community is on a lake and has a Neighbourhood Board/Patrol, but isn't gated.
Growls, Howls, and Tail Wags ๐บ๐:
- We spend most of this story wondering whether or not Ruby is guilty. I like that she is extremely unlikeable and a bit narcissistic, which vibes with how people who are falsely accused sometimes are. I also felt like one of the neighbours trying to resolve my dislike of her with whether or not it makes her a murderer.
- Finally a neighbourhood mystery drama that feels real. This isn't a rich-people-behaving-badly, bored housespouse story. There are different household dynamics and the neighbourhood involvement feels much more relatable compared to the typical gated community trope. It added to the suspense for me, because I was able to imagine the fear of having a person you are unsure of in your neighbourhood and not easily being able to just move away - plus you aren't quite sure if you should fear her.
- ๐The suspicions and fears don't revolve around helicopter parents "protecting" their children. There are elements here, but it isn't the focus. Instead, everyone is motivated by their desire to live in their definition of a quiet, safe place.
- This is more of a drama mystery than a thriller suspense, but I enjoyed it. If you are expecting lots of cat-and-mouse action and loads of deep dark OTT secrets, this may disappoint.
Cred Rating ๐๐ก๐ต๏ธ: Plausible
A story that if true would def be slated for Netflix. Subtle elements of problematic true crime enthusiasm and amateur sleuthing gone wrong.
Mood Reading Match Up:
- Neighbourhood drama with behind-closed-doors secrets
- Small community with everybody-in-everybody's business
- Light commentary on true crime enthusiasm and paranoia
- Innocent or guilty double murder mystery
Content Heads-Up: Potentially false accusation and Imprisonment. Alcohol and drug use (intentional and unintentional).
Format: Library Audio via Libby
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Ableism, Forced institutionalization, and Violence
wizcarlyfuh's review
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Violence, Gaslighting, and Murder
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Gun violence
More...