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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Holy plot twists, Batman! I'd say this book is a compelling read that seems to increase in speed towards the end, spiraling to the books conclusion that Hannah is actually Nate's daughter, not Robert's, and that Ava never actually did anything with Nate sexually, and that Hannah must have had something to do with the break in that nearly killed June. I will say, I hope the idea that Ava shot June wasn't supposed to be a shocking reveal because that was what I thought happened from and that Ava had blocked it out, which was the case. So June wakes up, Gene fixes things, Robert and Ava are tentatively together, and three men are dead so all seems well until the Hannah reveal, but Ava decides not to reveal the truth and to go on living a lie, essentially. It's...somewhat satisfying? It's in character for Ava, otherwise it would've really put me off.
I enjoyed the characters overall and had sympathy for them in some regards, but could see all their many flaws.Robert got into heavily financial trouble and screwed over his entire family while lying to his wife, Ava nearly cheated and hasn't told her husband that their eldest daughter isn't his biological child, Gene is a drug dealer with a debt that puts a target on his back and puts his entire family in danger, Hannah arranged for the break-in to happen or was involved in some manner to the point where she had prior knowledge (though we aren't ever told why she would do this), and June is still a kid so it's understandable that she's just a moody teenager. Overall, I enjoyed the mystery element and finding out alongside Ava what really happened.
I enjoyed the characters overall and had sympathy for them in some regards, but could see all their many flaws.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Cancer, Drug abuse, Drug use, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Car accident
There is a scene of animal death that constitutes animal cruelty where the family forgets to feed the hamster George and he dies. Hannah says she told Gene to feed it, though Hannah is not exactly trustworthy. The threat of child death hangs heavy over the story though ultimately the child lives. There is drug use, but it isn't graphic and is more so mentioned rather than shown. There is infidelity, but it's emotional cheating and not physical cheating.
wow. I read this book in 24 hours. I could not put it down. The story was written so well with all the right details. When I thought I had the mystery figured out.. I was proven wrong. Every page kept you on your toes and kept you guessing.. all.. the.. way.. to.. the.. LAST PAGE. There was something new to learn in every chapter that had me rethinking and saying UM WHAT. I’m not saying anything about the story because you need to go in BLIND.
4.5 ⭐️
Holy Cow! Talk about starting off a book and a book club with some heart-pumping action. It was a fast-paced read that I couldn’t put down. If you are looking for a thriller to read. This is one I recommend.
Holy Cow! Talk about starting off a book and a book club with some heart-pumping action. It was a fast-paced read that I couldn’t put down. If you are looking for a thriller to read. This is one I recommend.
Loved..loved loved. This was very gripping and Chilling. This is my 3rd novel from sarah alderson I love her books! I love her writing. I read with audiobook. Home invasions scare me to death and my eyes was bulging out under the covers the entire night staring at the dark hallway waiting someone to jump out. Which someone did and I screamed like a bitch but it youngest child wanting to join me in bed.
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book was just what I was looking for. It drew me in quickly and kept me guessing throughout the whole book. Maybe a little bit predictable if you read as much mystery/thriller as I do. A fast paced read.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This is a thriller you need to read! There are so many twists and turns, you'll be dizzy! Very well-crafted and written, as you can follow along, and the plot isn't outlandish just to try and make it work.
The central character and narrator is Ava, who is married to Robert. Their children are Hannah (away at college), June who is 12, and Gene, who is Robert’s 26-year old son from his previous marriage. Ava met Robert in college, soon became pregnant and dropped out at 19 to marry and raise a family. And life has been good to Robert and Ava, or has it? Every day Ava is thankful for June’s health, as she is a cancer survivor. Hannah is a good daughter, but Gene has been involved with drugs in the past and has no direction in life. Robert has made a gazillion dollars with software apps, and Ava seems uncomfortable with the ostentatious mansion they live in. She knows they need to do something about Gene, but Robert seems resistant. And with Robert burying himself in his work, the couple barely see other and have grown apart. Little things, compared to what lies ahead.
https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/
This is a thriller you need to read! There are so many twists and turns, you'll be dizzy! Very well-crafted and written, as you can follow along, and the plot isn't outlandish just to try and make it work.
The central character and narrator is Ava, who is married to Robert. Their children are Hannah (away at college), June who is 12, and Gene, who is Robert’s 26-year old son from his previous marriage. Ava met Robert in college, soon became pregnant and dropped out at 19 to marry and raise a family. And life has been good to Robert and Ava, or has it? Every day Ava is thankful for June’s health, as she is a cancer survivor. Hannah is a good daughter, but Gene has been involved with drugs in the past and has no direction in life. Robert has made a gazillion dollars with software apps, and Ava seems uncomfortable with the ostentatious mansion they live in. She knows they need to do something about Gene, but Robert seems resistant. And with Robert burying himself in his work, the couple barely see other and have grown apart. Little things, compared to what lies ahead.
https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/
Okay! A bit OTT for me.
I am more of characterisation, scene-setting, etc type - this is far too plot-driven with a far too convoluted yet obvious solution to the mystery. 2.5 stars rounded up.
I am more of characterisation, scene-setting, etc type - this is far too plot-driven with a far too convoluted yet obvious solution to the mystery. 2.5 stars rounded up.