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shanekate's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book redeems the murder mystery genre for me. It was heart wrenching, beautiful, and utterly engrossing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Child abuse, Suicide, Gun violence, Murder, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Self harm, and Stalking
Moderate: Sexual violence, Blood, Trafficking, Addiction, Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, and Mental illness
Minor: Abortion, Adult/minor relationship, Car accident, Racism, Sexual assault, and Vomit
Not recommended to people who went through trauma related to foster care. Sexual violence is referenced several times but does not occur.sara_phoenix's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- 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? Yes
5.0
Cape Haven is a sleepy costal California town where everyone knows everyone. Tragedy struck 30 years ago with the death of 7 year-old Sissy, and when the felon, Vincent King, is released from prison, old wounds open. Chief of Police Walk knows the pain firsthand as he was the one who sent his best friend to prison all those years ago. But when Sissy’s troubled sister, Star, is murdered and leaves behind her two children, thirteen year-old daughter, Duchess, and her six year-old son, Robin, Walk must face the past head on to catch a killer and protect Star’s children. Part drama and part crime/thriller, Whitaker’s third novel reads as if he’s done this many, many times before. The characters are flawed but so well-developed, especially self-proclaimed outlaw Duchess, and I couldn’t help but root for each of them throughout the book. This hauntingly beautiful story reads like a modern day Shawshank Redemption - where do you go when things keep falling apart? How do you face yet another loss? In this book the characters work through the process of growth and of letting go; of grief and of healing; of beginning at the end. This is a book that will stick with you long after you finish reading. I can’t wait to see what Whitaker comes up with next. Brilliant.
Content Warnings
Minor: Abandonment, Addiction, Alcohol, Bullying, Child death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Grief, and Mental illness
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