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megelizabeth's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
For me, the strengths of this book are its vivid depictions of Texan social, cultural, and natural life, its layered, messy characters, and its necessary commentary. Darren's perspective is certainly an interesting one, and I largely found his personal story and the wider events happening to be compelling in an understated way.
As a mystery, this was for me a bit mediocre, and I wasn't a fan of the way some of the 'relationships' (i.e. grooming of underage or at best barely legal girls) are talked about. I also didn't love the ending, though that's more of a personal gripe; it's very much an ending that's setting up the next book rather than giving closure to this one, and I don't tend to enjoy that in series'.
Attica Locke can certainly write, and I'm glad I picked this up even if overall it ended up being just okay. I'd recommend if you're looking for a thriller that's dark but in a quiet way, with a plot that's decent enough but where there's much more emphasis on atmosphere and commentary.
Graphic: Racism, Alcoholism, Racial slurs, Blood, Violence, Death, Murder, and Animal death
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
readerette'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The n-word appears a number of times and a couple of other slurs come up once or twice--all contextually appropriate for the setting and characters. Just worth calling out to prepare yourself.
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Animal death, Death of parent, Gun violence, Hate crime, Cursing, Infidelity, Murder, Violence, Alcoholism, Addiction, and Blood
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Gun violence, Vomit, Confinement, Drug abuse, Drug use, Forced institutionalization, Infertility, and Rape
emilineopines's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Alcoholism, Racial slurs, Racism, Alcohol, Gun violence, Murder, Animal death, and Death
shaney_swift's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Murder, Addiction, Alcoholism, Alcohol, and Blood
bibliozabs's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, and Murder
linesiunderline'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Attica Locke gives us a host of characters who linger in your mind after the final pages, characters who feel complex and provoke curiosity rather than seeming like cut outs, mostly there to move the plot along.
Also, if your favourite kind of thriller is as much about atmosphere as action, look no further. Locke brings the desolate small town to life so completely, and the slow burn feeling is hard to beat.
This is a tale of simmering secrets, racism, the search for justice, and how through it all, we hang onto love.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Violence, Toxic relationship, Racism, Racial slurs, Murder, Gun violence, and Grief
Moderate: Animal death
sarahaf712's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Torture, Racism, Racial slurs, Physical abuse, Murder, Gun violence, Hate crime, Death, Cursing, and Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Sexual content, Infidelity, and Grief
Minor: Vomit, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry, and Police brutality
Content warning: police interrogation; Aryan Brotherhood; gang violence; murder crime scenes; autopsyquestingnotcoasting'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Blood, Death, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, Racial slurs, and Racism
s_melly's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Cursing and Alcoholism
abbie_'s review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Graphic: Death, Hate crime, Racial slurs, and Racism
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Rape