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jess_mango's review against another edition
4.0
Kieran returns to his hometown on the coast of Australia with his wife and baby daughter. Going home brings up lots of memories for him including his guilt over the death of his older brother during a bad storm when Kieran as a teen. Several young people were lost that day, including a 14 year old girl who went missing. Kieran feels a gulf of emotion and blame between himself and his parents. Then the body of a waitress washes up on the beach and really causes the towns folks to reflect on those events from years ago. Kieran and his wife start trying to unearth what happened back then and now.
This was a nice escapist read to the coast. Kieran is a relatable character and as a reader we want him to find a way to cope with his guilt and mend the relationship with his parents. The author captured the small town feel and how often in small towns, some feel that secrets and old wounds are best left alone. This was my first book by Jane Harper and I definitely plan on checking out more by her.
Thank you to the publisher for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
This was a nice escapist read to the coast. Kieran is a relatable character and as a reader we want him to find a way to cope with his guilt and mend the relationship with his parents. The author captured the small town feel and how often in small towns, some feel that secrets and old wounds are best left alone. This was my first book by Jane Harper and I definitely plan on checking out more by her.
Thank you to the publisher for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
english_lady03's review against another edition
3.0
One of my two "Australian books". Books set in Australia I want to read. I would not normally read a book like this, but it was bought to my attention by a local book club.
The Survivors is a thriller cum mystery, but its sort of light on the thriller elements until the end. The story is more about the impact of a tragedy on a small community and a family. A storm from 12 years earlier which killed 2 local men still has repurcussions more than a decade later, and secrets come out when a young woman is murdered.
Although I generally liked the characterization, I felt some was rather weak. What I did sort of enjoy was the conclusion: entirely unexpected and unpredictable. It was also interesting to explore the relationship of coastal communities with the sea: as someone who lives very near the coast myself, I can somewhat identify.
Reader's not: This is not my usual Inspirational read and is a GM book. As such there is swearing, sex, and other elements which readers of inspy novels might want to avoid.
The Survivors is a thriller cum mystery, but its sort of light on the thriller elements until the end. The story is more about the impact of a tragedy on a small community and a family. A storm from 12 years earlier which killed 2 local men still has repurcussions more than a decade later, and secrets come out when a young woman is murdered.
Although I generally liked the characterization, I felt some was rather weak. What I did sort of enjoy was the conclusion: entirely unexpected and unpredictable. It was also interesting to explore the relationship of coastal communities with the sea: as someone who lives very near the coast myself, I can somewhat identify.
Reader's not: This is not my usual Inspirational read and is a GM book. As such there is swearing, sex, and other elements which readers of inspy novels might want to avoid.
katyrain1's review against another edition
3.0
Struggled getting into it. The setting was vividy described, but I was left wanting to know the characters thoughts and fellings. Personal preference I suppose.
jansbookcorner's review against another edition
4.0
Another atmospheric, quiet novel by Jane Harper. This is only my 3rd book of hers that I’ve read, but she is becoming one of my must reads. I like the slow developing story that combines plot and character well. She is a master at this. This is an interesting story that doesn’t stray from reality. All the characters stay true to who they are which is important to me in a “who done it?” situation. A satisfying read.
lurker_stalker's review against another edition
3.0
I'm a bit torn on this review. On one hand, the characters had depth, the family drama was interesting, and the crimes were mostly engaging. But on the other hand, I felt like the telling of the story dragged. I didn't feel really into the book until it was more than a third through. I don't think it was helped by the very slow pace of the narrator. I nearly quit a few times.
That said, around the half-way point, I didn't want to stop listening. I mean, it was still very slow going but by then I was too invested in the who-done-it aspect to quit. The focus moves to a cold case instead of the present day murder which kind of made if feel like the young woman had been mostly forgotten about by the author but it all comes together.
The biggest positive thing I can say about The Survivors is that I really wasn't sure who did it until the end. There were a few trails that could have been totally plausible and I felt good about how everything turned out.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen!
That said, around the half-way point, I didn't want to stop listening. I mean, it was still very slow going but by then I was too invested in the who-done-it aspect to quit. The focus moves to a cold case instead of the present day murder which kind of made if feel like the young woman had been mostly forgotten about by the author but it all comes together.
The biggest positive thing I can say about The Survivors is that I really wasn't sure who did it until the end. There were a few trails that could have been totally plausible and I felt good about how everything turned out.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen!
readandteach21's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
salwa15's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.0
niedwns_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-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? No
5.0