Reviews

This was a 5 star read for me - it was suspenseful and intriguing, had a great unique plot and I loved the back and forth between the past and present. Josie is such a strong character and I loved seeing how she persevered through her trauma and struggles. As a mother I was absolutely heartbroken for her! Overall this book was very well written and I loved it. There were a few things I thought could’ve been done better but that didn’t affect my rating - I didn't like the ending that the antagonist got (though I’m thinking they might make an appearance in the sequel), and I thought the relationship between Josie and Zach could’ve been deeper. I agree with other reviews I’ve read that said Zach’s character lacked depth, and it would’ve been nice to see him connect with Josie on a deeper level. I’m also not the biggest fan of third person narrations but I thought this one was done well. This is a must read if you like suspense/mystery/thriller with a bit of romance sprinkled in.

dasemmer's review against another edition

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4.0

okay wow didn't see that coming

kateafur's review

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

Well written and haunting. Josie was a beautiful character. I loved Zach but he was a little too perfect. Some of the descriptions and plot points felt moralizing (judgement on life choices such as drug use, sex work, abortion, etc.) In the same vein, Josie was far too critical of her life choices and wish

more emphasis and blame would’ve been placed on the Professor for his behavior in grooming his students.

As for the ending,

I assume Cooper pops up in the next book but him just letting Josie go after not caring if she lived or died was off putting. Why go to all that trouble just to walk away? Also, would’ve made more sense for Cooper to be sexually fluid in some way rather than him faking having a boyfriend. That was odd it was such a big “can’t be him he’s gay” twist.

rcrg's review against another edition

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5.0

Every word this author writes is reading GOLD. It is like she creates these believable worlds and you can really see yourself being there. I haven't read a mystery novel in a long time, but I've been in a reading funk and thought I would give this book a try. Wow, I am so glad I did. This story is sad, hard and some of the events mind bending horrible, but so intriguing and worth the read. What I love most about this writer is she captures the full blown essence of terrible events without the shock value of detailed and excruciating horror. I felt the pain and despair of the victims without having to skip past the gore of the events. That takes beyond talent! I loved the relationship that developed between Josie and Zach. It was all the things without making the other details diluted.

I guess what I'm trying to say is the writer is so talented she can give you emotional angst, mayhem and romance all together and everything finds its appropriate spot. I highly recommend this book!

marasmiums's review against another edition

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emotional reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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