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henrygravesprince's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Murder, Grief, and Addiction
Moderate: Racism, Suicide, Abandonment, Car accident, and Death of parent
Minor: Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Abortion, Medical content, Alcohol, Body shaming, Classism, and Gun violence
Specific drugs referenced in book: heroin & cocaine, references to weedstevienotnicks'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
The use of misdirection, while maybe a bit overdone, puts you smack in the middle of the story trying to uncover Desiree’s killer right alongside Lena. Just when you think you have it figured out, in comes another twist and you realize you have no idea what is going on. I’ll tell ya this — I didn’t expect that reveal (though in hindsight, there were signs).
It’s not an “edge of your seat” thriller, but the mystery and drama is oh so satisfying. Definitely pick this one up if you’re looking for a suspenseful tale with themes of injustice, racism, and complex family dynamics.
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Moderate: Drug use and Murder
Minor: Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Kidnapping, Infidelity, Car accident, and Gun violence
narbine's review
- 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
3.5
Graphic: Alcohol, Abandonment, Alcoholism, Car accident, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Kidnapping, and Addiction
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
krys_kilz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I didn't like Garrett's writing style. Her overuse of metaphor and simile really did not work for me. Also the ending did not make sense to me. I still don't understand the motive at all.
Graphic: Drug use and Murder
Moderate: Car accident and Death of parent
hazelgirl21's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Car accident, Drug use, and Drug abuse
Minor: Death of parent
owlliecat's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Graphic: Drug abuse and Murder
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Death of parent
swagner718'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? No
3.25
What I didn't like:
The ending felt very rushed and unbelievable. I'm still not entirely sure what the killer's motive was.
Also, the use of the phrase "shit nuts". I didn't mind it on occasion, but by the end, I was just annoyed with it.
Moderate: Abortion, Death of parent, Drug abuse, and Death
joensign's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Death and Murder
Minor: Death of parent
litalia's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I will give Kellye Garrett major props for writing a book with a protagonist who does stupid investigative things without the police, and having it make total sense why.
Graphic: Car accident, Alcohol, Addiction, and Murder
Moderate: Cursing and Death of parent
thebakerbookworm's review
- 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
4.0
I loved Lena and her determination to forge her own path—and the character development she gets was so well done. The focus here is definitely on the plot and the mystery, but Lena's growth was just as vital to the story. From the title, you can guess that this is a family drama, and there are a lot of family themes woven throughout. I love family dramas, so I appreciated all of Lena's familial relationships. But I also really liked all the ups and downs of her friendship with Erin, and how it was mirroring her relationship with Desiree.
Themes of race and justice push this story above your typical thriller. And how social media can fuel a glamorous-lifestyle lie is explored.
The audiobook is definitely the route to go with this book—I think it's one that I might not have liked as much if I didn't listen to the audiobook. But the narration is excellent! Also, if you enjoyed Inventing Anna on Netflix, this one has some similar vibes so you should definitely check it out!
Thanks so much to Libro.fm, Hachette Audio, and the author for my ALC!
Graphic: Death, Drug use, and Violence
Moderate: Infidelity and Car accident
Minor: Death of parent