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harpy_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Child death, Cursing, Death, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Mental illness, and Stalking
Moderate: Suicide, Gun violence, Drug use, Drug abuse, Child death, and Infertility
Minor: Miscarriage, Car accident, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
leahsbooks'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
2.0
There were some surprising twists to the story, but again, it wasn't enough to overcome the mediocre plot. My main issue is that it relies on my very least favorite plot device in the entire world, and paints someone with a mental illness as the violent villain, when in fact, nearly every single character was a villain in some way. The only character that was likable in any way was the teenage son.
Ultimately, this was a book with some surprising parts, but in the end, disappointing.
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Car accident, Child death, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Infidelity, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Violence
Moderate: Drug use
Minor: Miscarriage and Sexual assault
kelly_e's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Author: Tarryn Fisher
Genre: Thriller
Rating: 1
Pub Date: December 29 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Domestic Drama • Unrealistic • Slow-paced
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Winnie has worked hard to build the perfect life for herself, her husband, Nigel, and their teenage son, Sam. Keeping up appearances is something she excels at, but when things begin to unravel, she senses she is losing control. Juno, a former therapist, has lost it all and now finds herself battling illness and homeless. When she takes an interest in the Crouch family living across from the park, they appear to be the perfect family. Looking for a place to live out her remaining days, Juno soon moves into the Crouches' home where she learns they are hiding a deep dark secret that could change everyone's lives.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Where do I even begin with this book?! I received it in a book box, and was disappointed because I disliked The Wives so much. When I saw it as one of the book monthly choices for my bookclub I knew it was now or never. Shocker - I hated this one as well! The plot, the cast of characters, and the writing all seemed extremely disjointed, and poorly executed. When it takes until the final 50 pages to really get to the story, there's something wrong. In my opinion, Fisher tried to pack too much into one story, and didn't really know where she wanted it to go. For this reason (among others) it failed miserably. While the first two sections are rather slow, I thought the plot line had potential, but it all went completely downhill from there. It definitely felt like a novel that was written in a rush, and poorly researched, leading to a highly unbelievable ending. And my BIGGEST issue was with the language use throughout and using mental illness as a plot took in such a negative light. Overall it was just not an enjoyable read, and if not for bookclub, I'd have definitely DNFed it. Don't waste your time on this one.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• No one!
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
(and the only parts of the book I liked)
"Unfortunately, we aren't the only ones in control of our story arcs. Outsiders have an influence, too."
"'You never stop grieving, but I suppose you know that, don't you?'
She knew all too well that no matter how fresh the day was, the rot of the grief permeated through it. No day was safe, no hour, no minute; grief came and went as it pleased.
'No, but you find new things to be hopeful about as your move forward.'"
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gun violence, and Murder
Moderate: Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Drug use, Infertility, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Miscarriage, and Stalking
Minor: Mental illness, Self harm, and Suicide
harmful portrayal of mental illness, mention of overdose and molestationpinkberryoasis's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Grief, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, and Stalking
astereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
Graphic: Gun violence and Death
Moderate: Child death and Alcoholism
hazelgirl21's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Child death and Murder
fungivibes's review against another edition
1.25
Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Alcoholism, Car accident, Death, Death of parent, Gun violence, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Stalking, Suicidal thoughts, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Child abuse, Infidelity, Medical content, Miscarriage, and Sexual assault
arireadsitall's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death
Minor: Drug use
kfalls's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child death and Death
Moderate: Mental illness, Confinement, and Terminal illness
Minor: Miscarriage and Infertility
shelbyjo's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gun violence, Mental illness, Vomit, Addiction, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Drug use
Minor: Miscarriage