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alicialoebl's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Rape, Violence, Terminal illness, Suicide, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Physical abuse, Pedophilia, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Grief, Death of parent, Death, Child death, and Car accident
mirandareadsca's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Rape, Murder, Physical abuse, Grief, and Death
Moderate: Death of parent, Cancer, and Car accident
yunsq's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
i listened to the book as i read it and felt deeply connected with the story. especially in the various courtroom scenes where the author did a good job showing the two lawyers' subtle, but an intentional change in body language, mannerisms and tone. this is my first time listening/reading to a book that includes the premise of a podcast series, and i would definitely be looking out for more books in the future that centres around it, even better if they are also available as audiobooks! the narrator has a charismatic and charming voice perfect for a true-crime podcast. i'd read more megan goldin in the future for sure
would've been a 5 stars for me if there were more pages dedicated to character development and how rachel was feeling after each court session. there was a lot of telling us what she did, who she spoke to and why she had to, but i finished the book craving for more of her inner world. her reflections on being a true-crime podcaster. towards the end (someone) brought up the issues of the ethics of true-crime podcast - i'd have loved to learn more about what rachel thought about that
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Bullying, Car accident, Domestic abuse, Drug use, and Violence
ktdakotareads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
Moderate: Alcoholism and Violence
Minor: Suicide and Car accident
booksof_fern's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Child death, Death, Murder, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Cancer, Car accident, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Physical abuse
Minor: Suicide
starletise's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Death, Death of parent, Bullying, Violence, Suicide, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Murder, and Car accident
soobooksalot's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It spent far too long on my TBR and once started, I couldn't put it down.
Rachel Krall is a journalist, famous for her true crime podcast called Guilty Or Not Guilty. For her third season feature, she heads to the resort town of Neapolis to cover a rape trial.
The victim is a 16-year-old high school student; the accused a 19-year-old swimming star - the case is divisive before the trial has even begun.
While driving to Neapolis, Rachel happens upon a letter left for her on her windshield. In it, Hannah Stills chronicles the manner in which her sister, Jenny, died in the town 25 years earlier. She is seeking Rachel's help to investigate her case.
Chapters alternate from Rachel's perspective, to Hannah's, intercut with transcripts from the podcast.
It's a fascinating take on heart-wrenching subjects. The journeys through both events are intense and emotional, and questions abound if they are linked despite the quarter-century time difference and seemingly random nature.
We are taken through the nightmare of a sexual assault; from the event, to investigation, trial and lasting personal impacts.
I definitely need to backtrack to author Megan Goldin's The Escape Room, and look forward to her future publications.
Recommended, but do be aware of the content.
Moderate: Bullying, Cancer, Car accident, Child death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, and Suicidal thoughts
rachelb313's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Graphic: Rape, Bullying, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Panic attacks/disorders, and Murder
Minor: Car accident