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imaginenat's review
3.0
This is not my typical genre, and honestly I wasn’t sure I was ready for a true crime book but I finished. Honestly. I think I only made it through thanks to the audible narration that made it feel more like a story being shared through a show/movie. It was often very repetitive, which I can also understand was part of the point, because Shelly repeated her crimes, but that made it seem drawn out. I am glad I finished, so now I know more about the story of this family and the sisters who are stronger than their childhood. But be prepared to want to switch to something a little lighter before bedtime!
hall2020's review
3.0
I dove into this book, thinking it would be one of the darkest stories I have ever read. I saw a lot about it. People said they couldn't stomach it, and it was a DNF for them.
I feel like an ass for saying this, but I was a bit disappointed. I know it's a true story, but I was prepared for more gore, more carnage. I didn't get anything close to what I thought was in store for me.
Yes, the crap these people did and went through was horrible, but the way it was written only confused me—so many inconsistencies. The kids were at a hotel during the burning; oh wait, no, they helped and saw it all. Ron was forced to sleep downstairs but continued to be in his room all the time. Very confusing. I am still interested in hearing more about this case because I don't feel like it was all given to me through this book.
I feel like an ass for saying this, but I was a bit disappointed. I know it's a true story, but I was prepared for more gore, more carnage. I didn't get anything close to what I thought was in store for me.
Yes, the crap these people did and went through was horrible, but the way it was written only confused me—so many inconsistencies. The kids were at a hotel during the burning; oh wait, no, they helped and saw it all. Ron was forced to sleep downstairs but continued to be in his room all the time. Very confusing. I am still interested in hearing more about this case because I don't feel like it was all given to me through this book.
rachreads91011's review
5.0
I have no words for this book…. These sisters are queens and truly deserve everything great in this world! That mother dear Lordy! Very emotional & traumatic true story of a narcissistic psycho woman.
caffeinatedcabler's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
3.5
This story is heartbreaking. It's absolutely devastating. The writing however, was very simple.
whatsemmyreading's review
3.0
This book was unflinching in its heartbreaking details. It was hard to reconcile it was true crime - I felt like it was some sort of horrific fiction.
While it was a very emotional, well-researched book, it felt repetitive at times, and I felt like the author was very forgiving of Dave’s involvement in things - Shelly was the evil mastermind, so it was okay that other adults carried out her plans. They just didn’t know better!
The book was dismally sad, but I was glad to hear the sisters are doing as well as they are after.
While it was a very emotional, well-researched book, it felt repetitive at times, and I felt like the author was very forgiving of Dave’s involvement in things - Shelly was the evil mastermind, so it was okay that other adults carried out her plans. They just didn’t know better!
The book was dismally sad, but I was glad to hear the sisters are doing as well as they are after.