Reviews with content warning for Adult/minor relationship - Things We Do in the Dark

This book has some triggers: child abuse, sexual abuse, suicide, rape, violence,
And intergenerational trauma.

The story opens with Paris, the beautiful, yoga instructor, younger wife of a wildly beloved older comedian and former sitcom star who’s making his comeback, in the bathroom, next to her dead husband, covered in his blood and holding the razor that caused his death. It looks very bad for Paris and she’s immediately arrested.

Two things become immediately clear: (1) Paris didn’t kill Jimmy, and (2) Paris is keeping a pretty big secret. The crux of the story is about Paris’ past. Jimmy’s death quickly takes back seat Paris’ story.

This is a book about overcoming a difficult (which a huge understatement) childhood and reinvention oneself masquerading as murder mystery.

Content Warnings

olivia119's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

lacyloveslit's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-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? Yes

4.0

"While you can reinvent yourself, you can't outrun yourself."

The story focuses on answering three main questions: 1. Who killed Jimmy Peralta, 2. Who is Paris Peralta and what/who is she hiding from, and 3. What happened with Ruby Reyes and why is Drew so invested in her case? Told from three different perspectives (Paris, Drew, & Joey),these questions are answered and the three storylines all intertwine in the seamless way that Jennifer Hillier is known for.

I loved the pacing of the story and the anticipation this book built throughout each person's POV. I loved Paris's character and couldn't wait to find out what the heck was going on with her. I couldn't put this book down! There was one character I was very suspicious of in the first half of the book and the plot line and conclusion left me surprised regarding that character.

I will say that I think most readers who read mysteries/thriller will be able to predict a many of the "surprises" in this book, however this did not change how much I enjoyed reading it. There were a lot of dark issues and situations in this story so check trigger warnings before reading. Some of the situations broke my heart and I felt so bad for the character who endured them.

This was my second book by Hillier and I can't wait to read more of her books. They pull you in and keep you reading far into the night.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date (July 19, 2022)! This is no way affected my review and all opinions are my own.

Content Warnings