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vasingca's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
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
This story was told with care and the author clearly did her homework in terms of how to properly address trauma, victimhood, and the nuance of crime. While the plot itself was ultimately fairly predictable and fell victim to some cliches of the genre, I still found myself engaged in the story and was rooting for the characters. I was particularly impressed at the way foster families and childhood trauma were addressed in this story, but was disappointed at the continued inclusion of psychics and dream narratives because it felt like they detracted from the realism of the plot.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping, Child abuse, and Sexual violence
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Incest
read_a_long_'s review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
In this fantastic but gritty read, I was immediately taken in by the Northern California setting and detailed scenery. I knew many of the actual towns throughout the book, and could smell the chilled salty air coming off the northern coast. While this book does follow a rather overdone trope of a damaged cop looking for some kind of redemption through work, I still was wrapped up in the storyline and attached to some of the characters. McLain writes aspects of the novel from experience, and the deep understanding shines through in redemptive and honoring ways. This book is certainly dark at times, and if you are a sensitive reader, use some caution. But this is a well developed story that intertwines a real missing persons case that took place in the same time period in with the fictional storyline.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Grief, Incest, Rape, and Sexual violence
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