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catm6's review
4.0
I can't stop thinking about it. I'll admit I was a little skeptical at first. (to be fair I guess that's my reading default with every book) but I found myself thinking about it when I wasn't reading it.
The more I read, the more questions I had and I needed answers! I eagerly devoured the last few chapters this morning before I even got out of bed. (I woke up early for this) then immediately started searching for book #2 with zero success.
Only to find out it wouldn't be released until October 26, 2023. Now what am I supposed to read???
The more I read, the more questions I had and I needed answers! I eagerly devoured the last few chapters this morning before I even got out of bed. (I woke up early for this) then immediately started searching for book #2 with zero success.
Only to find out it wouldn't be released until October 26, 2023. Now what am I supposed to read???
meganfalzone's review
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
_mkarys's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Did I just read this book as if my life depended on it? Yes, yes I did. Though Goodreads will say it took me two days, if I take all the hours it took me to read this book, they don’t even amount to a day. My dog literally knocked the tablet out of my hands because she got jealous of the attention I was giving this book. That’s how invested I was in the story. As I’m writing this review, I still feel like I’m coming down from an adrenaline rush. So, so good!
The author was able to pull me into the story from the very first page. Marissa is a protagonist who carries a lot of hurt and trauma. I could feel her weariness and hurt settle in my bones, and I desperately wished I had the power to fix things for her. She’s a good person, a great detective, and I was rooting for her happiness. I truly appreciated the personal relationships she has in this book—her family, her friends, the very complicated relationship she has with her ex, and the potential for hope and healing there is with someone (sort of) new. Second chance is a big theme in the book, and seeing as it’s one of my favorite tropes, I enjoyed this aspect of the story a lot!
As for the mystery, I’m obsessed. There are two mystery plots, actually, one that is rooted in Marissa’s traumatic kidnapping two years prior, and one dealing with an homicide case in Port Townsend. Both were absolutely brilliant. It’s been a while since I’ve sat down and underlined so much in an ebook. I was determined to solve the case. I developed theories, and while one proved to be true, I still don’t know if the other one is correct since the mystery surrounding Marissa’s stalker is still unsolved. I need to see this mystery to its end!
I highly recommend this to all lovers of mystery and police procedurals with complex, relatable and real characters and a subtle romance subplot (which had me weak in the knees. Special Agent James Mackenzie reminded me of how deeply in love I was with Seeley Booth from Bones.)
The author was able to pull me into the story from the very first page. Marissa is a protagonist who carries a lot of hurt and trauma. I could feel her weariness and hurt settle in my bones, and I desperately wished I had the power to fix things for her. She’s a good person, a great detective, and I was rooting for her happiness. I truly appreciated the personal relationships she has in this book—her family, her friends, the very complicated relationship she has with her ex, and the potential for hope and healing there is with someone (sort of) new. Second chance is a big theme in the book, and seeing as it’s one of my favorite tropes, I enjoyed this aspect of the story a lot!
As for the mystery, I’m obsessed. There are two mystery plots, actually, one that is rooted in Marissa’s traumatic kidnapping two years prior, and one dealing with an homicide case in Port Townsend. Both were absolutely brilliant. It’s been a while since I’ve sat down and underlined so much in an ebook. I was determined to solve the case. I developed theories, and while one proved to be true, I still don’t know if the other one is correct since the mystery surrounding Marissa’s stalker is still unsolved. I need to see this mystery to its end!
I highly recommend this to all lovers of mystery and police procedurals with complex, relatable and real characters and a subtle romance subplot (which had me weak in the knees. Special Agent James Mackenzie reminded me of how deeply in love I was with Seeley Booth from Bones.)
_ckarys's review
4.0
SECRETS & PHOTOGRAPHS is the first book in a mystery series, which isn’t my go-to genre and yet I enjoy it every time I try it! It didn’t take long for me to feel like this story would make a great screen adaptation. All the addictive qualities of a good police procedural were there: characters that felt real and that one could empathize with, complex familial and romantic relationships, and an interesting mystery plot.
Though I’m not usually a great investigator and let the mystery unfold by itself, this time I was invested, perhaps because of how personal the events were for the protagonist. I was buddy reading with my sister, so it was so fun to make theories together and exchange notes. The resolution of the murder case was satisfying, though it seems like there are still some loose threads and I’m curious to see if my theories on that regard are true!
What I enjoyed most about the book however was the human aspect of Marissa’s relationships, where the second-chance trope reigned supreme. Her friendship with Allison, that was true and steadfast. Her turbulent relationship with her sister Melanie. Her complicated past with her ex, Jared, and the hopeful relationship blooming with Special Agent James Mackenzie. As a fellow dog mom, however, the sweet bond with Ellie, her service dog, resonated with me most of all. Marissa’s messy personal life is what really kept me turning the pages. Not all the conflicts in the book are resolved, which is yet another reason I’m curious about the rest of the series.
Though I’m not usually a great investigator and let the mystery unfold by itself, this time I was invested, perhaps because of how personal the events were for the protagonist. I was buddy reading with my sister, so it was so fun to make theories together and exchange notes. The resolution of the murder case was satisfying, though it seems like there are still some loose threads and I’m curious to see if my theories on that regard are true!
What I enjoyed most about the book however was the human aspect of Marissa’s relationships, where the second-chance trope reigned supreme. Her friendship with Allison, that was true and steadfast. Her turbulent relationship with her sister Melanie. Her complicated past with her ex, Jared, and the hopeful relationship blooming with Special Agent James Mackenzie. As a fellow dog mom, however, the sweet bond with Ellie, her service dog, resonated with me most of all. Marissa’s messy personal life is what really kept me turning the pages. Not all the conflicts in the book are resolved, which is yet another reason I’m curious about the rest of the series.
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