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bookaroundandfindout's review
3.0
I’m a huge Julia Heaberlin fan but this book was just not it. I don’t really understand the suspense and the storyline drags out a lot with a really whack ending. Meh wasn’t a fan I don’t think it’s a good thriller at all and her other books are much better.
alys3sa's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
leynaodell's review against another edition
3.0
Part of me had a hard time believing that the main character would 1 - be able to check someone out of an old folks home and 2 - be able to sit in the car with a suspected serial killer (let alone the suspect in her sister's death). It was too hard for me to get past those two things to really get into the book. It was an interesting read though, and I did enjoy it.
nicolehurst's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
the_sunken_library's review against another edition
3.0
If I could have, I would have awarded this 3.5 stars but I couldn't it and I don't believe it deserved 4.
It's a compelling idea: sister of a vanished girl tracks down her believed murderer but when she finds him he has early onset dementia. There unfolds a series of unbelievable events on a bizarre road trip she is convinced will force him into confession about the dozens of women he has supposedly slaughtered.
I enjoyed it although the writing is a bit lazy at times and the female protagonist a little annoying. My main issue was the novel's payoff. It fell a bit flat and left a lot of unanswered questions and disbelief that the police departments could ever be that lazy or stupid. It was a shame as it felt as if the big reveal was a little rushed and cobbled together. Disappointing really.
It's a compelling idea: sister of a vanished girl tracks down her believed murderer but when she finds him he has early onset dementia. There unfolds a series of unbelievable events on a bizarre road trip she is convinced will force him into confession about the dozens of women he has supposedly slaughtered.
I enjoyed it although the writing is a bit lazy at times and the female protagonist a little annoying. My main issue was the novel's payoff. It fell a bit flat and left a lot of unanswered questions and disbelief that the police departments could ever be that lazy or stupid. It was a shame as it felt as if the big reveal was a little rushed and cobbled together. Disappointing really.
tasha131's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
_serena_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I loved the premise of this book. A serial killer that claims to not remember the crimes? Sounds amazing, right?
Unfortunately, I only enjoyed the beginning. I enjoyed the story when it was still a fresh, new mystery. Once they hit the road I thought the story would continue to grow and pick up speed, but it seemed to continuously stall. For a road trip, it sure took a long time to get to the point.
I get that this tried to be haunting and mysterious, but I wanted real suspense. Suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat, not suspense that could put me to sleep. I think there's a big difference between suspense and slow progression. This was slow progression.
While the ending was unexpected, I didn't feel that I was invested enough in the story to get the full impact of the revelation.
Also, I felt that some parts were oddly sexual? The slight moments of Carl touching her felt very strange and out of place. I suppose they were there to build creepy suspense, but it didn't do it for me.
I enjoyed the writing style in the beginning, but it quickly got old. Mixed with the slow pace of this story, the writing style just added to the drag. I read "We are all the Same in the Dark" by Heaberlin and enjoyed it much more than this. Although I didn't have the best time with this one, I would still consider checking out more works by this author.
Unfortunately, I only enjoyed the beginning. I enjoyed the story when it was still a fresh, new mystery. Once they hit the road I thought the story would continue to grow and pick up speed, but it seemed to continuously stall. For a road trip, it sure took a long time to get to the point.
I get that this tried to be haunting and mysterious, but I wanted real suspense. Suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat, not suspense that could put me to sleep. I think there's a big difference between suspense and slow progression. This was slow progression.
While the ending was unexpected, I didn't feel that I was invested enough in the story to get the full impact of the revelation.
I enjoyed the writing style in the beginning, but it quickly got old. Mixed with the slow pace of this story, the writing style just added to the drag. I read "We are all the Same in the Dark" by Heaberlin and enjoyed it much more than this. Although I didn't have the best time with this one, I would still consider checking out more works by this author.