Reviews

Girl in the Woods by Jennifer McMahon

readingwithchristina's review against another edition

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mysterious tense medium-paced

5.0

book_lizard42's review against another edition

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3.0

It was a book to read in the daytime. By night it was terrifying.

The resolution of the plot was a little sloppy, kinda stupid.

iddylu's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

bear_reads_books's review against another edition

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5.0

Good and surprisingly spooky at times.

jhillnurse's review against another edition

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2.0

I found it difficult to follow and hard to keep my attention. I kept dreading how much was left.

ianrosales08's review against another edition

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dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Dismantled is a riveting psychological thriller that takes readers on a chilling journey through the complexities of friendship, guilt, and obsession. This novel weaves together multiple narratives and timelines to unravel a haunting mystery that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. 

The story centers around a group of college friends who call themselves the "Compassionate Dismantlers." United by their shared disdain for authority and conventional societal norms, the group engages in acts of vandalism and rebellion, culminating in the dismantling of an old farmhouse deep in the Vermont woods. However, their escapades take a dark turn when one of their own disappears under mysterious circumstances. 

McMahon masterfully constructs the narrative, alternating between past and present, slowly revealing the events leading up to the fateful night of the farmhouse dismantling and its aftermath. Each chapter peels back layers of secrets and lies, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they piece together the puzzle of what really happened all those years ago. 

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its exploration of complex characters and their motivations. The members of the Compassionate Dismantlers are deeply flawed individuals grappling with guilt, regret, and the consequences of their actions. As the story unfolds, McMahon delves into their psyches, exposing the cracks beneath their carefully constructed facades and revealing the true extent of their culpability. 

In addition to its compelling characters, Dismantled is steeped in atmosphere, evoking a palpable sense of unease and foreboding. McMahon expertly creates a sense of isolation and claustrophobia, drawing readers into the eerie landscape of rural Vermont and the dark secrets that lie hidden within its forests. 

As the tension mounts and the mystery deepens, Dismantled keeps readers guessing until the very end. McMahon skillfully navigates twists and turns, delivering unexpected revelations that challenge perceptions and upend assumptions. The result is a gripping and satisfying read that leaves a lasting impression. 

In conclusion, Dismantled is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that captivates from beginning to end. With its compelling characters, atmospheric setting, and intricate plot, Jennifer McMahon delivers a haunting tale of friendship, betrayal, and the lingering consequences of past actions. Fans of suspenseful storytelling will find much to admire in this engrossing novel that skillfully blurs the lines between truth and deception.

jmj697mn's review against another edition

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4.0

Seriously creepy. I had a hard time sleeping after I finished this one at about midnight last night. Awesome read, can't wait for the next one by McMahon.

hmgelo02's review against another edition

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2.0

I don't know what it is, but I just didn't enjoy the reading of this book as much as I'd hoped to. The premise was interesting: a group of college kids who called themselves the Compassionate Dismantlers are determined to save the world one prank at a time, but after their graduation a stunt goes too far and one member of the group dies. The rest of the group scatters across the country until a desperate attempt is made by a young girl to bring her parents, who have separated, back together. What follows is the falling apart of everyone's lives as they know it.

Something fell flat for me along the way in the reading of this book. This was a relatively fast read, and the chapters were short, but I just didn't feel compelled to continue through to the end, when most of the answers brought up throughout the book are answered.

I do think I'll read other works by this author, though I'll wait until I'm near a library to borrow them.

katrienvancalster's review against another edition

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dark mysterious 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

3.0

katemoxie's review against another edition

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1.0

Had this been the first book of McMahon's that I read, it would have been the last.