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coralswank's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I think the author took an extremely thoughtful and tactful approproach to a subject matter that is not easy to digest. I really enjoyed reading this and I look forward to reading more books from this series. [I may add onto this more after I've had some time to think more about it].
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Murder, Pedophilia, Trafficking, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, and Violence
Minor: Infertility
lissy6848's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Trafficking, Panic attacks/disorders, and Rape
Moderate: Stalking, Cancer, Chronic illness, and Death of parent
Minor: Infertility, Alcohol, Grief, and Domestic abuse
jaqknee's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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
baya_111's review against another edition
4.0
I really really liked this book. I would really recommend checking the trigger warnings for it and to pace yourself while reading because it was a tough read at times. It just hit very close to home and the book quite gave me that helpless feeling at times, where you are left wondering how the characters are even going to go forward -where you're left wondering if you can ever feel safe in this world.
The main character is rather interesting and I found myself liking her quite a bit. I'm looking forward to read more about her and her story -and Roman cause I'll be honest I fucking love that guy.
The foreshadowing is well done in my opinion; I think the main character should have realised some things before she does in the book but then it's very understandable that she did not based on her experiences at the time. Also it's always easier to point these things out when you're not actually involved (so for the reader it might be obvious)
So yeah, overall a tough story that ends a bit abruptly, that will chill you down.
The main character is rather interesting and I found myself liking her quite a bit. I'm looking forward to read more about her and her story -and Roman cause I'll be honest I fucking love that guy.
The foreshadowing is well done in my opinion; I think the main character should have realised some things before she does in the book but then it's very understandable that she did not based on her experiences at the time. Also it's always easier to point these things out when you're not actually involved (so for the reader it might be obvious)
So yeah, overall a tough story that ends a bit abruptly, that will chill you down.
rberdan's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.0
I really connected to how the story was told from Kate’s perspective and felt I had a good sense of the world and the characters through her eyes. This story highlighted a difficult topic in sex trafficking, and particularly the role power plays, and really leaned into the link between trusted professions and power in this context. Beyond that, some strong threads around friendship, family, love, and people who have experienced pain figuring things out together. Also a powerful story about the choice to heal others when one’s healing one’s own trauma, which is a beautiful thing.
I woke up in the middle of the night, started reading, and read through the sunrise and my alarm, so safe to say it was a compelling story I didn’t want to put down.
What’s keeping me from 5 stars is that there were a few errors that pulled me out of the story on occasion. In my opinion, they were far outweighed by the compelling story, but I know that can really be off putting for some folks so sharing it upfront.
I woke up in the middle of the night, started reading, and read through the sunrise and my alarm, so safe to say it was a compelling story I didn’t want to put down.
What’s keeping me from 5 stars is that there were a few errors that pulled me out of the story on occasion. In my opinion, they were far outweighed by the compelling story, but I know that can really be off putting for some folks so sharing it upfront.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Panic attacks/disorders, and Child abuse
Moderate: Cancer, Trafficking, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
skeen1934's review
5.0
I loved this book!! Kate & Roman were my favorite characters, this book takes place in a small close knit town.
Kate couldn’t wait to get out of the town that she hated, until 20 years later she is brought back. Her dad became very ill and she needed to care for him. With her sister Tully refusing to come back to the town she hated, Kate has to handle it on her own.
Only problem is, her best friend Roman who she also ran away from is a detective and he needs her help on a missing high school students case.
Since Kate works as the high school as a psychologist she gets to know and see all that is going on inside the school.
When a girl goes missing and her body is found, the change of the investigation is now a homicide. As Kate has her own reasons for also coming back home, she is the perfect fit for helping the investigation. She is now in the middle of a dangerous game- one where no one can be trusted.
Kate couldn’t wait to get out of the town that she hated, until 20 years later she is brought back. Her dad became very ill and she needed to care for him. With her sister Tully refusing to come back to the town she hated, Kate has to handle it on her own.
Only problem is, her best friend Roman who she also ran away from is a detective and he needs her help on a missing high school students case.
Since Kate works as the high school as a psychologist she gets to know and see all that is going on inside the school.
When a girl goes missing and her body is found, the change of the investigation is now a homicide. As Kate has her own reasons for also coming back home, she is the perfect fit for helping the investigation. She is now in the middle of a dangerous game- one where no one can be trusted.
herheadinherbook's review
4.0
Kate Medina is working as a high school psychologist when a female student disappears. It soon emerges that all is not what it seems in the town of Alamogordo. When another teenage girl reveals a shocking secret to Kate, she is determined to get to the bottom of what is happening even if it means confronting her own trauma, her unfinished business with the lead detective and ultimately putting her life in danger.
There’s a lot to like about this book. I enjoyed the author’s writing style with the short snappy chapters that immediately draw you into the action. As a reader you go through a rollercoaster of emotions as Kate investigates what is happening to the teenage girls in the town, Be warned; there are plenty of triggers in the book.
It’s a tense and unnerving read that makes you want to keep reading on to see what Kate will discover next.
My favourite part of the book is the way Kate’s relationship progresses with her sister, her old friend Roman and even her own mental health. I thought Kate’s plans for the future were brilliant and a great symbol of all she and her sister have overcome.
I found the ending a little disappointing, I wasn’t aware it was a series until the the author’s note at the end. Even so, some aspects of the ending felt very rushed and written superficially. Considering it is a series, there is no tension or cliffhanger than immediately makes you reach for the second book. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book until the ending and I am keen to see what happens to the characters so I am likely to read the following books.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and Compathy press for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
There’s a lot to like about this book. I enjoyed the author’s writing style with the short snappy chapters that immediately draw you into the action. As a reader you go through a rollercoaster of emotions as Kate investigates what is happening to the teenage girls in the town, Be warned; there are plenty of triggers in the book.
It’s a tense and unnerving read that makes you want to keep reading on to see what Kate will discover next.
My favourite part of the book is the way Kate’s relationship progresses with her sister, her old friend Roman and even her own mental health. I thought Kate’s plans for the future were brilliant and a great symbol of all she and her sister have overcome.
I found the ending a little disappointing, I wasn’t aware it was a series until the the author’s note at the end. Even so, some aspects of the ending felt very rushed and written superficially. Considering it is a series, there is no tension or cliffhanger than immediately makes you reach for the second book. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book until the ending and I am keen to see what happens to the characters so I am likely to read the following books.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and Compathy press for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
kasfire's review
5.0
5/5 Stars
Trigger Warning: Mentions of rape, murder, abuse, and stalking.
Kate, once a forensic psychologist, is now a high school psychologist. A student has gone missing and once her body is found, Kate is drawn into a plot that involves members of her small town home. Her past and present connect in ways she never imagined.
This is a novel that draws you in from the very first chapter. The suspense is tangible and keeps you guessing with every page turn. There is a heavy divide between the good and evil characters, and yet there are moments when Kate and her entourage are all ambiguous in their motives.
There was a touch of romance, but it was kept to a minimum and was a product of the high emotions that are constant in the novel. Ultimately the ending is open ended and leaves me craving more of Kate's story.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy from Netgalley
Trigger Warning: Mentions of rape, murder, abuse, and stalking.
Kate, once a forensic psychologist, is now a high school psychologist. A student has gone missing and once her body is found, Kate is drawn into a plot that involves members of her small town home. Her past and present connect in ways she never imagined.
This is a novel that draws you in from the very first chapter. The suspense is tangible and keeps you guessing with every page turn. There is a heavy divide between the good and evil characters, and yet there are moments when Kate and her entourage are all ambiguous in their motives.
There was a touch of romance, but it was kept to a minimum and was a product of the high emotions that are constant in the novel. Ultimately the ending is open ended and leaves me craving more of Kate's story.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy from Netgalley
graciffer's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I would like to start by saying, this book is one that necessitates a content warning, but if it is personally safe for the reader, it is absolutely a worthwhile read.
This is one of those books that needs a second read to really absorb it all. Rivers does a wonderful job of approaching complex and sensitive topics and the trauma they cause. Kate's journey through her own trauma while being thrust into a thrilling and traumatizing rollercoaster of a mystery pulls you in and doesn't let you go. The characters are compelling, strong, and incredibly realistic.
There are questions left unanswered, but as this is the first in a series, I do feel hopeful that we will get more answers in the future. This intense and compelling read is difficult to put down. It will certainly be getting a re-read when the next book is released.
Thank you to NetGalley, Amy Rivers, and Compathy Press for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is one of those books that needs a second read to really absorb it all. Rivers does a wonderful job of approaching complex and sensitive topics and the trauma they cause. Kate's journey through her own trauma while being thrust into a thrilling and traumatizing rollercoaster of a mystery pulls you in and doesn't let you go. The characters are compelling, strong, and incredibly realistic.
There are questions left unanswered, but as this is the first in a series, I do feel hopeful that we will get more answers in the future. This intense and compelling read is difficult to put down. It will certainly be getting a re-read when the next book is released.
Thank you to NetGalley, Amy Rivers, and Compathy Press for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Child abuse, and Violence
writeramyshannon's review
5.0
Magnificent read!!!
Rivers pens a magnetic story in Complicit. I have read work from this author before, and I really enjoyed it. Think about what complicit refers to, such as collusion, connivance, conspiracy. Yes, it's also something that people who know about it, just deny or allow something that shouldn't happen, happen. Rivers is a wonderful storyteller, and this book was something that I just couldn't put down. The characters were intense and very realistic. This author brings the story to life. This book deserves a second read! (and maybe more). It is a very well-written story, and I enjoyed it. A definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down. Kate and Tilly are both strong women, and both have endured pain and tragedy. Sometimes they don't just not realize how strong they are themselves, but how strong each other is. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. This author's characters develop and interacts well with the other characters. This author has a great imagination and I'm glad it's being shared with stories. Complicit is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author.
Rivers pens a magnetic story in Complicit. I have read work from this author before, and I really enjoyed it. Think about what complicit refers to, such as collusion, connivance, conspiracy. Yes, it's also something that people who know about it, just deny or allow something that shouldn't happen, happen. Rivers is a wonderful storyteller, and this book was something that I just couldn't put down. The characters were intense and very realistic. This author brings the story to life. This book deserves a second read! (and maybe more). It is a very well-written story, and I enjoyed it. A definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down. Kate and Tilly are both strong women, and both have endured pain and tragedy. Sometimes they don't just not realize how strong they are themselves, but how strong each other is. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. This author's characters develop and interacts well with the other characters. This author has a great imagination and I'm glad it's being shared with stories. Complicit is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author.