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quixote430's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3.75
This was a quick, page-turning read with likeable characters. Would have given it a 4 except for a couple of unbelievable plot turns. I had so skim past some graphic descriptions of child abuse. Look forward to reading more books by Sarah Pinborough when I'm in the mood for a quick escapist mystery. (read e-book)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Child death
nixbix_reads's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
This was just a huge mess. I thought the synopsis was a little out there but still entertaining, so I was looking forward to a thriller where I didn’t have to think too hard. However, the wheels soon fell off.
The plot was both simplistic & overly complicated. There were so many ridiculous twists & reveals that I was soon rolling my eyes. I found that the plot was delivered in an overly simplistic way and it just felt like this was the first draft of a story. I also thought the characters to be one dimensional caricatures of what they could have been. I couldn’t connect with any of them & didn’t care what happened to them.
The only reason this was not a DNF was because I felt I deserved to know what had happened. I felt short changed by the last chapter as it left several unanswered questions.
The plot was both simplistic & overly complicated. There were so many ridiculous twists & reveals that I was soon rolling my eyes. I found that the plot was delivered in an overly simplistic way and it just felt like this was the first draft of a story. I also thought the characters to be one dimensional caricatures of what they could have been. I couldn’t connect with any of them & didn’t care what happened to them.
The only reason this was not a DNF was because I felt I deserved to know what had happened. I felt short changed by the last chapter as it left several unanswered questions.
noelnoie's review against another edition
3.0
This book very much reminded me of "The First Day of Spring" by Nancy Tucker. In both books the main characters are women troubled by the demons of their past. Both deemed monsters, societal throw-a-ways not deserving of a second chance. The ruminating question for me was about both Nature vs. Nurture and that of forgiveness. This was a lightly suspenseful enjoyable read.
nickyskene's review against another edition
5.0
My first book by this author. At first I thought this was just a story about a mother - Lisa - and her daughter - Ava - and the relationship between the two. Something happened in Lisa’s earlier life which made her run away and take her daughter with her - something she wanted to keep secret. I had no idea what the secret was until I progressed through the book. The twists and turns were completely unexpected. Heartbreaking and surprising all in one. Absolutely fantastic read!
cam356's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jessethereader's review against another edition
I read this for a bookish video experiment which will HOPEFULLY be on my channel soon. I honestly don't know what to fully think of this book. I haven't read many mystery thrillers, but this one seemed kind of all over the place. There was also something in this that was SO UNREALISTIC. It's like ????? y'all really didn't question this certain thing that was happening??