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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Thanks to NetGalley, RB Media, and Kensington Publishing for the digital copy of this book and audiobook; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings mentioned by readers on Storygraph: Torture, Gun Violence, Trafficking. Murder, Sexual Content, Abortion, Adult/minor relationship
I have this mystery/thriller groove that I keep returning to. It’s when the novel contains a cold-case or decades-old disappearance. Yet, at the same time, I don’t appreciate fully detailed blood and gore. The reason I really wanted to check this particular thriller is because of the Wisconsin setting.
This Midwest-set whodunit relies on a lot of shock twists that will scratch that mystery-loving itch. While I do admit that this book is a lot more dramatic and graphic than what I normally read, if you can get past the gore, it is also a good mystery.
The audio version is narrated by Vivienne Leheny, who is someone I don’t recall listening to before. She does an admirable job of matching the pacing of Charlie Donlea’s prose, and most importantly, pronounced all the real Wisconsin cities and towns’ names correctly! I would definitely listen to another book narrated by her.
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was fast paced, action packed and totally binge-worthy. There are some moments where you just roll your eyes because of how unrealistic it is - but I was still very entertained. I recommend going into this book without reading much of the synopsis. I went in completely blind and am glad that I did.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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:
Complicated
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Like Donlea’s other thrillers, Guess Again is top notch read. It’s a satisfying blend of small-town secrets, historical and present-day cases, psychological suspense, and a twisty plot.
I really love the creative way Donlea integrates technology (in this case, anonymous online therapy) in the story, adding a fresh layer to the investigation and character dynamics. At times heavy (and bloody!), this story flits between layered character relationships and action-packed twists. It keeps a quick pace and is generous with reveals and narrative depth, making this a compulsive read. The ending had me on the edge of my seat and tied together the complex web of misdeeds in a satisfying way.
The audio narration was excellent, with clear distinction between characters and a strong sense of emotion that elevated the gripping story. I particularly enjoyed the way the audio quality changed with phone calls and recordings, adding an extra level of reality to the experience. I can’t wait for Donlea’s next book, and look forward to diving into more of his backlist.
Thank you to the publisher for an early copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed are my own.
I really love the creative way Donlea integrates technology (in this case, anonymous online therapy) in the story, adding a fresh layer to the investigation and character dynamics. At times heavy (and bloody!), this story flits between layered character relationships and action-packed twists. It keeps a quick pace and is generous with reveals and narrative depth, making this a compulsive read. The ending had me on the edge of my seat and tied together the complex web of misdeeds in a satisfying way.
The audio narration was excellent, with clear distinction between characters and a strong sense of emotion that elevated the gripping story. I particularly enjoyed the way the audio quality changed with phone calls and recordings, adding an extra level of reality to the experience. I can’t wait for Donlea’s next book, and look forward to diving into more of his backlist.
Thank you to the publisher for an early copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed are my own.
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Wow. This was a wild ride. Couldn’t put it down, want to read the rest of his books immediately!
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes