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unfortunatelycole's review against another edition
2.0
I hated David, I hated every moment of romance that was in this book, I hated the twist and the reveal and the actual solution to the murder case (parts of it felt so random and unnecessary), this was simply just not fun. Maybe it was my mistake to try and pick this series back up way after reading the original trilogy. 100% not reading the 5th book I just found out existed today I will not set myself up to be disappointed.
phases_of_dawn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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
3.25
ashersjade's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
britters68's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
emmyclute's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
siljen's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
solouncapitulomas's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
3.7
I read the whole series bc I really wanted to read this book, I am a fan of summer thrillers and needed to be entertained while I waited for a new episode of pll: summer school but this book was just...okay
First of all that's a lot of David and I am not a fan of David nor will I ever be apparently. The mystery was interesting enough but the resolution? I kinda didn't like it? but the summer vibes where immaculate I was pleasantly surprised bc the other books had more of a fall/winter vibes (except the beginning of the first one) but such an intriguing crime...I fear my theories where more iconic than the reveal and that's my fault too for having the imagination I have and also for expecting to get a book as good as AGGGTM, that's never happening again I guess.
I love Nate and Janelle tho!
I read the whole series bc I really wanted to read this book, I am a fan of summer thrillers and needed to be entertained while I waited for a new episode of pll: summer school but this book was just...okay
First of all that's a lot of David and I am not a fan of David nor will I ever be apparently. The mystery was interesting enough but the resolution? I kinda didn't like it? but the summer vibes where immaculate I was pleasantly surprised bc the other books had more of a fall/winter vibes (except the beginning of the first one) but such an intriguing crime...I fear my theories where more iconic than the reveal and that's my fault too for having the imagination I have and also for expecting to get a book as good as AGGGTM, that's never happening again I guess.
I love Nate and Janelle tho!
readingwithreagan's review against another edition
3.0
What even. David is still the worst, and while I like the series, this plot ended up so far fetched
ashction's review against another edition
3.0
While I still found this book enjoyable and suspenseful, it wasn't quite all I imagined it to be. 3.5 stars is probably the accurate rating; Maureen does some great writing even if I wasn't totally satisfied.
This is definitely a standalone novel. Though Stevie's work on the Ellingham case is name dropped, you don't need to have read the original trilogy to understand this book. That being said, ironically I'm not sure you can really enjoy this one without having familiarity for the characters from the Truly Devious trilogy. There's a lot of quick one-off explanations for David, Janelle, and Nate, and they feel pretty hollow as characters here. To be honest, Stevie also seemed less than her usual self, and that disappointed me. That, combined with the fact that the mystery occurs really just in the last quarter of the book, I felt underwhelmed by a story that could have been stronger. Especially given the setting! How was a small town, summer camp murder not more interesting!?
And the twist, the big reveal? Oddly unsatisfying, very left field, just kind of bizarre. It works, but... there wasn't enough build up. Maybe it's because the TD books being a trilogy spoiled me into expecting more of a slow build up, and I was partially hoping this series would continue as a series. But this mystery is self contained and quickly solved, even if the ending feels a bit too soon.
I guess I'm vaguely intrigued to see if Maureen writes another. The ending hints to Stevie possibly taking her skills across the Atlantic, but who knows if that'll be? Also, David STILL SUCKS. Stevie doesn't need a romantic interest but she deserves someone more interesting.
Anyway this is a really negative review for a positive rating! The book was fine. I wanted and expected more, but it's still a mostly decent story for fans of Truly Devious, but certainly not the place to start if you want the best experience.
I received a digital copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Edelweiss and HarperCollins for providing me access!
This is definitely a standalone novel. Though Stevie's work on the Ellingham case is name dropped, you don't need to have read the original trilogy to understand this book. That being said, ironically I'm not sure you can really enjoy this one without having familiarity for the characters from the Truly Devious trilogy. There's a lot of quick one-off explanations for David, Janelle, and Nate, and they feel pretty hollow as characters here. To be honest, Stevie also seemed less than her usual self, and that disappointed me. That, combined with the fact that the mystery occurs really just in the last quarter of the book, I felt underwhelmed by a story that could have been stronger. Especially given the setting! How was a small town, summer camp murder not more interesting!?
And the twist, the big reveal? Oddly unsatisfying, very left field, just kind of bizarre. It works, but... there wasn't enough build up. Maybe it's because the TD books being a trilogy spoiled me into expecting more of a slow build up, and I was partially hoping this series would continue as a series. But this mystery is self contained and quickly solved, even if the ending feels a bit too soon.
I guess I'm vaguely intrigued to see if Maureen writes another. The ending hints to Stevie possibly taking her skills across the Atlantic, but who knows if that'll be? Also, David STILL SUCKS. Stevie doesn't need a romantic interest but she deserves someone more interesting.
Anyway this is a really negative review for a positive rating! The book was fine. I wanted and expected more, but it's still a mostly decent story for fans of Truly Devious, but certainly not the place to start if you want the best experience.
I received a digital copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Edelweiss and HarperCollins for providing me access!