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bzliz's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
If you’ve read other books by Karen M McManus or Holly Jackson then you’ve basically read this also. It’s a quick read about a Type A high schooler attempting to solve a crime- which she is accused of committing- with two friends, with a smidge of light romance (despite having almost no chemistry). It could easily be a cut plot line from Riverdale but it’s a quick read and fast paced enough that you won’t stop to think about how a lot of it makes no sense until you’ve finished it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Gun violence, Adult/minor relationship, Death, Gaslighting, and Murder
Minor: Abandonment and Drug abuse
emily_mh's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
If I was rating this solely based off enjoyment, it would be 5 stars. There were some definite issues with quality that meant I felt I should dock it a full star. But first, the positives! It was incredibly fast-paced and gripping, taking place over just a day (to this end, I thought it lived up to the Ferris Bueller’s Day Off gone wrong premise). Actual investigation took place, and the romance was actually believable (unlike the other two romances I’ve read of McManus). Finally, the situations and subsequent developments of the characters were really strong.
In terms of negatives, the character personalities (despite their diverse circumstances) were all fairly generic. More significantly, it was a little messy. For example, it didn’t really tie up who the Coach got to kill Brian. Finally, while I didn’t hate the resolution, I didn’t love it either.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Murder, Child death, Death, Infidelity, Adult/minor relationship, and Pedophilia
Moderate: Ableism, Cursing, Chronic illness, Gun violence, Violence, and Drug use
Minor: Abandonment, Addiction, Alcohol, Animal death, Blood, Car accident, Death of parent, Medical content, Racism, Sexual harassment, and Vomit
Minor warnings for gentrification, loss of a loved one, death of a pet, divorce.maybhank's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
this book is perfect for people who enjoy YA thrillers that aren't violent or gory. From the title and the premise I expected the story to be darker. This story is just 3 kids who are in the wrong place at the wrong time and now have to try to get themselves out of the mess they didn't create. So not what I expect, but I still enjoyed it. I can always count on Karen M. McManus for a quick thriller read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Addiction, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Murder, Emotional abuse, Bullying, and Abandonment
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