Reviews

The Only Child by Mi-Ae Seo

kdahlo's review

2.0

This book was fine, I liked a few elements but overall I thought it was clichМ©d, the twists were too obvious and the translation was not good. Oh well.

chelseatm's review

1.0

Probably more like 1.5 but I'm really angry at the ending. I was disappointed by this book. I thought it was leading somewhere suspenseful and exciting but it was so cerebral. But not even cerebral in a good way, more like cerebral in a drugstore pop psychology way.

I think the ending was the most frustrating. After realizing the step daughter had poisoned her family and already showing you were scared of her, why would you take the glass of milk? So stupid! The whole thing just lacked believability.

badpunsanduwu's review against another edition

4.0

The last sentence gave me chills , and I think this book really worked better as an audiobook 

booksnces's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

its not that bad but its not good.

hiitssimone's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

4.0

violetwraith's review

dark reflective tense fast-paced

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child abuse and Animal cruelty

shalomb's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

yukiisatsuki's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

2.5

mediaqueen86's review

3.0

I have always enjoyed anything dealing with criminal psychology and profiling so when I found out the main female character was in criminal psychology, I was interested. I found the story to be a bit halting in spots and somewhat repetitive in descriptions and phrasing but that may be because it is translated. I lost some interest about half way through but am glad that I stuck it out. I liked the main character Seonkyeong and her developing relationship with her step-daughter Hayeong who had just come to live with her and her husband after her guardians died in a fire. I think I wanted more out of the storyline with Yi Byeongdo. Overall, I enjoyed The Only Child and am glad that I read it. It was the first thriller I’ve read that is set in Asia and translated.

lynds_dewey's review against another edition

3.0

I really wanted things to end well, with Seonkyeong taking Hayeong under her wing and her acknowledging what had happened but then them moving on together. But in a way the ending was also poetic, just sad.  I really wanted something more substantial out of the interviews. Also for being a phycologist she sure didn't use any of her training.

All in all a fine read, though dark, creepy and dreary.